PATrobas

Reminders Definitions - Water When you join 2 atoms of hydrogen with 1 atom of oxygen, (H2O) you get 1 molecule of water. Like oxygen, it is essential to sustaining life and valuable for a wide variety of other purposes. It is used for: recreation, such as swimming, skiing and sailing. Commerce, in shipping, fishing, and electrical generation. Irrigation, (of both crops and landscaping,) cooking, cleaning, waste removal, and firefighting. Used for heating in the form of steam, cooling in the form of ice, and of course, for drinking. Scripture also speaks of water used in different ways. In addition to some of the uses above, water is used metaphorically as in, being washed “by the water of the Word” Ephesians 5:26 and drinking of the fountain of the “water of life.” John 4:10-14, 7:37-38; Revelation 21:6, 22:1, :17 Cisterns were receptacles of water that was conveyed from springs or filled by rain. However, they could not be relied on to remain full, as they often leaked. A dry cistern is what Joseph was cast into by his brothers, Genesis 37:24 and a leaking one is what David spoke of in Psalm 40, “He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock.” :2 On the other hand, ‘living water’ was free-flowing water, fresh and cool, arising from a fountain or spring. There is an interesting way Jesus spoke of water when He used it to explain two different births to Nicodemus in John 3, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus said unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto you, You must be born again.” :3-5 When a woman’s water breaks forth, a child is born. When God pours forth His Spirit upon a person, they are born a second time, only spiritually. This occurs when they believe that the death and burial of Jesus paid for their sin and sins, and that Jesus rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. Thus, they are born twice, first by water, then by the Holy Spirit. Final Thoughts: It would not have been enough to save us if Jesus had come to earth as a baby, lived a perfect life and then said, ‘There, I did it. Now believe in me and we can all go to heaven together.’ Why not? Because we would still be dead in our trespasses and sin. Everyone has need of a savior, “For all have sinned,” “the wages of sin is death,” Romans 3:23, 6:23 and “without [the] shedding of blood [there] is no remission [of sins.]” Hebrews 9:26 The Word of God had to come to earth by water, which was His natural human birth as Jesus. He had to live a perfect life by the power of the Holy Spirit to become the spotless sacrifice. Then He had to die, shedding His blood as payment for the sins of the whole human race. At the last supper, Jesus told the apostles, “This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” Luke 22:20 Years later, the Apostle John taught, “This is He that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ. Not by water only, but by water and blood.” 1 John 5:6 There are three parts to the Good News. His death and burial paid the penalty for our sin and sins as the Savior. His resurrection offers eternal life as the living Lord. Like H2O, all three parts joined together produce the water of eternal life. Drink deeply. ph

2Co 2:15 For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 2Co 2:16 To the one we are the savor of death unto death; and to the other the savor of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

Rev 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. Rev 8:3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. Rev 8:4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.

2 Corinthians 3:15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. :16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. :17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. :18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. And now, the veil that was upon our hearts has been done away and we have instant access to the throne of grace by the shed blood of Jesus and are encouraged to come boldly into His presence. We now being the temple of God. Let us hold fast this profession of our faith and encourage one another as we do here and so much the more as we see the day approaching.

Reminders Definitions - Veil Moses was instructed by God to build a tabernacle, or mobile home, where God would make His presence known among His people. This earthly, holy place of God was used until about 1000 BC when Solomon built a tabernacle of stone on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem. This temple was a center of worship for approximately 400 years until it was destroyed by the Babylonians, then rebuilt by Zerubbabel 70 years later. Called the ‘Second Temple’ it was expanded and upgraded by Herod the Great in the first century BC and stood until it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. Now the Temple Mount awaits the throne of a third temple, from which Jesus will rule as King of kings during the millennium. A most interesting feature of these earthly dwellings of God was the veil, a massive curtain that separated man from God’s holy place. The temple veil was 30 feet tall, 30 feet wide, and 4 inches thick. Only the Levitical High Priest was allowed to pass through this veil into God’s presence once a year on the Day of Atonement. He brought the blood of an animal sacrifice as proof that the payment of death for the sins of the people had been made. A remarkable incident occurred in the temple when Jesus died on the cross. “The veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom.” Mark 15:38 That veil symbolized three things: 1) Sin. The barrier between sinful man and a Holy God was the sin of Adam. Jesus was made to be sin for all men, and sin died on the cross. By that death, “God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 The barrier was torn in two, now giving man direct access to God. 2) The veil was a type of the body of Jesus. Jesus’ body was ‘torn’ and His blood shed. He became the “once for all” sacrifice, making full payment for all sin and sins. Hebrews 10:10 3) There were not multiple ways into God’s presence. The veil was the only way, just as the resurrected Lord Jesus is the only way. False teachers and religions claim there are many ways that lead to God. Jesus says otherwise, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes unto the Father but by me.” John 14:6 God ordained Jesus as the only way and showed that salvation was from above by tearing the veil in half from top to bottom. Man’s attempt to obtain salvation through any other means would leave the veil intact, God hidden, and man forever lost. Final Thoughts: There is no better time than now to believe the Gospel. “Behold, now is the accepted time, behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2 But what does all this mean for Christians who have already put their faith and trust in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus for eternal life? We are to believe it, trust it, and obey it. “Having therefore brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. By a new and living way which he has consecrated for us through the veil, which is to say his flesh; And having a high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:19-25 ph

Rom 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. If truly saved, then truly justified by His faith. Satan can do miraculous things. That doesn't make him justified.

It is the sin of Adam that condemned humanity. Rom 5:18 Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; We were conceived in Adam and before we were born, condemned. Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. It is the sin nature that makes us sinners, which we received at conception. Ephesians 2:3 and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. A baby is just as condemned as a 100 year old. Committing sins does not make us a sinner, having Adam's nature does. Thus, all are condemned, even those who have not committed sins in the womb, "there is NONE righteous, no NOT ONE." Rom. 3:10 We don't like to hear these things because it doesn't seem fair or just, but it is so according to Scripture and we know that God IS just. But, as we also see from Scripture, God does not save anyone according to what they do, but He saves according to what and on whom they believe. This takes place in the human spirit, not the mind, not the soul, not the body, but in the spirit of man. It is God who saves according to His purpose. He is fully capable of enlightening the spirit of a baby in the womb with the Gospel and saving that baby before it is ever born. Thus we see John the baptist leaping in his mother's womb being full of the Holy Spirit at the announcement of Mary's arrival. Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. It was God who filled him with the Holy Spirit before he ever did right or wrong. The idea of a child not being responsible and being saved to go to heaven until they reach the 'age of accountability' makes no sense and is not a scriptural idea. If it were true, then every parent, in wanting and raising children to go to heaven should kill them before the age of accountability to be sure they would be saved. A stupid and gross idea. We must remember that it is God who saves according to His good pleasure. We who have lived long enough, have believed through the faculties of our minds, our souls, our bodies and eventually in our spirits after hearing the Gospel preached and believing it. It is an act of God worked out through our lifetimes until we believe it or not. God can see a baby in the womb (that perhaps will be aborted) and speak the Gospel to that baby's spirit and save him/her if He so chooses. In my puny little mind, this makes sense and fits my understanding of a righteous and just God, but according to Scripture that baby was condemned already when conceived and deserves hell just as all men do, save for the grace of God. Jesus is the antidote to Adam's sin. He died making payment for the sin that condemns all mankind. Mankind can be saved by believing that good news, whether in the womb or at 100 years old.

Rom 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. :4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. Rom 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. \ Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Jer 23:6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Amen and amen. 2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Reminders Definitions - Unity Last week we focused on the uncompromising and immutable truth that is found in the person of Christ and as revealed to us in the Word of God. Things such as the character of Christ, His deity, and the only way of salvation through faith Ephesians 2:8-9 in His death, burial and resurrection. Romans 1:16 This week we will focus on ‘unity’ and what it does and doesn’t mean. It comes from the base word ‘one’ and signifies ‘oneness’ or ‘being in agreement.’ The word is only used three times in the Bible, but its meaning is expressed throughout, foremost in the Godhead, where we see three different roles and manifestations together in the unity of one God. Deuteronomy 6:4; John 10:30 Psalm 133:1 then reminds us “how good and pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together in unity” but what does that mean exactly? Are we to embrace ecumenicalism, joining hands with any group who uses the name of Jesus? No. Ephesians 4:1-3 says, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Paul then lists 7 super-natural things that unify true Christians. They are: 1) There is only one body of Christ. It is universal throughout the world consisting of all who have been born again by God. We are called believers, Christians, the church, and the Body of Christ. 2) There is one [Holy] Spirit which indwells, teaches, leads, and convicts every member of that one body. 1 Corinthians 6:19 3) There is but one hope, which is the anticipated expectation of being raised from the dead. Just as Jesus was raised, we shall be also. 2 Corinthians 4:14 4) There is only one Lord. There are many false gods, such as Mohammed and Buddha, but only one Lord Jesus who is above them all. Philippians 2:9-11 5) There is just one faith. There are many man-made religions and denominations but only one God-ordained faith by which we are called via the Gospel. It is this faith that we are to contend for. Jude 1:3 6) There is one baptism. This is a work done by the Holy Spirit, immersing us into one body, 1 Corinthians 12:13 uniting us in Christ with all other believers at the moment we believe the Gospel. Galatians 3:27-28 There are also other important baptisms spoken of in the Bible that we shouldn’t overlook, such as water baptism and being anointed and baptized with the Holy Spirit for service. 7) There is only “one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Final Thoughts: There should be no argument among believers about these 7 unities. But what about other things in Scripture that aren’t so clear and are “hard to be understood?” 2 Peter 3:16 In those things we must humbly admit that “we know nothing yet as we ought to know,” 1 Corinthians 8:2 “for now we see through a glass darkly.” 1 Corinthians 13:12 Because of that, we both give and receive grace among them that see things differently than we do. We are to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and teach over time, as we study and grow in His grace until “we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God.” Ephesians 4:13 This will only happen when we are completely perfected in heaven “and we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” 1 John 3:2 ph

Reminders Definitions - Truth There is only one truth but innumerable counterfeits. If I were to hold up an orange and ask you what it was, there would be only one correct answer. You might be able to give me many true descriptions of it, such as, it’s a sweet and juicy fruit, or it’s a tropical tree product, but the truth is, it would still just be an orange. On the other hand, there are millions of untrue answers. Some answers might appear to be the truth, such as, it’s an orange colored softball, or it’s a peach, yet other answers would be impossibly ridiculous, such as, it’s a banana or it’s the sun. The only truth is that it is an orange. Jesus had just finished telling Pilate that He was the King of a heavenly kingdom and the proclaimer of all truth when Pilate asked, “What is truth?” John 18:33-37 Pilate had heard the truth and perhaps even considered that Jesus might be who He said He was. But because of personal inconvenience, or embarrassment, or loss of social and political stature, he ignored what Jesus said and dismissed it as religious fanaticism. Instead of believing Jesus and asking to be saved, Pilate delivered Him to be crucified. Unfortunately, this is the same way most of the world reacts when presented with the truth. Not sure of what the truth is, people would rather ignore or delegate spiritual matters to religious men and their religious organizations, not realizing they are choosing for themselves eternal damnation. Why do people trust where they will spend eternity, to someone or something manmade and unreliable? It would be much wiser to go to Almighty God who cannot lie Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2 and ask Him to reveal the truth. He will, and if they believe what He says, they will become born again. John3:16; Hebrews 11:6 Final Thoughts: Painting an orange yellow and calling it a lemon doesn’t make it true. So it is with men, who have tried to paint Jesus as just a religious icon, or a prophet or a great teacher. Then they try to say He is just an angel, or He is the same as Mohammed or Buddha or some other false god. They are wrong. How can we know? Because the Word of God says so. “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father but by me.” John 14:6 There is only one way to God and He is Jesus. There is only one truth of God and He is Jesus. There is only one eternal life of God and He is Jesus. Some say that there are many roads that lead to God. There are not. There is only one road, and it is the truth. There is only one map, which is the Bible. There is only one vehicle, and He is the Lord Jesus. Get on the only road, following the only map, while riding in the only vehicle of truth. Then, believe Him when He says, “You must be born again.” John 3:3, 7 ph

1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Eph 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

I can be summed up in just two verses: Romans 12:1-2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. :2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Presenting your bodies as a sacrifice to be used by God however He pleases. Separating yourself from the affairs of this life. (2 Tim. 2:4) Renew your mind by immersion in the Word, study, prayer, fellowship, communion (Acts 2:42) He will show you His Good, Acceptable and Perfect will.

Reminders Definitions - Said, Scripture, Sin, Separation, Save, Salvation, Substitute, Sacrifice, Son, Savior The Hebrew word ‘amar’ is translated into English as ‘said,’ and appears over 5300 times in Scripture. Specifically, ‘God said’ appears 587 times and ‘Jesus said’ appears 538 times. This indicates that much of Scripture is made up of quotes, either of God Himself, or by His prophets. The opening verses of Hebrews, and Paul’s words to Timothy, support God’s authorship of the Bible, “God who…spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken unto us by His Son.” Hebrews 1:1-2 and “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” 2 Timothy 3:16 Therefore, a person would be wise to pay attention to all of Scripture. The words ’save,’ ‘salvation,’ and ‘Savior,’ are related Greek words. They mean deliverer, preserver, or one who can save. A Savior is one who will keep, protect, and defend from evil, destruction, and death. The prophet Isaiah tells us that God is the only Savior, “Before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD [Jehovah] and beside me there is no Savior.” Isaiah 43:10-11 When God took on human flesh, He was still the only Savior. John 1:14; Acts 4:12 The name ‘Jesus’ literally means ‘Jehovah is the Savior.’ And now, we are to await His second coming, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13 In the Garden of Eden, the representative head of all mankind was Adam. But because of his disobedience to believe what God said, mankind was condemned to death. Romans 5:18, 6:23 Not willing to leave mankind in a state of spiritual death and separation from Him, God provided a substitute animal sacrifice to temporarily satisfy His required payment of death for Adam’s sin. That animal sacrifice was a shadow of the permanent human sacrifice God provided when He sent Jesus to die in our place. Jesus became the substitute sacrifice and final representative head of all mankind. The Savior. The fulfillment of all Scripture. On the cross, He “became sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 Final Thoughts: Because of what God Said in Scripture, Adam’s Sin, caused a Separation between mankind and God. To Save mankind, God provided Salvation, through the Substitute of a perfect Sacrifice, His only begotten Son, Jesus, the Savior of the world. John 3:16; 1 Timothy 4:10; 1 John 4:14 All anyone must do to receive this gift of salvation is to believe what God has said. Jesus died to pay for our sin and sins. He was buried, to prove that death. He rose again from the dead, alive forevermore. Ask Him to save you. He will. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13 ph

Reminders Definitions - Rock The LORD liveth and blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted. Psalm 18:46 The term ‘rock’ or ’stone’ plays a significant role in Scripture. The Old Testament Hebrew word ‘Tsur,’ means a massive rock wall or cliff. It was what Moses was commanded to strike with his staff to provide Israel with water in the desert. Exodus 17:6 Later, God placed Moses in the cleft of a rock while God’s glory passed before him. Exodus 33:22 Tsur also signifies a rock mountain or protuberance of rock. We see both meanings speaking of Mount Moriah in Jerusalem on which Abram offered Isaac and was the site of the Holiest of Holies in Solomon’s Temple. Genesis 22:2 The Muslim shrine called the ‘Dome of the Rock’ now occupies this spot but will soon be replaced by Jesus’ throne, from which He will reign throughout the Millenium. The New Testament term for ‘rock’ also depicts a massive foundation stone. We read in Matthew 7:25, “Therefore whosoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.” The Greek word for this rock is ‘Petra,’ meaning ‘massive foundation rock.’ This use of the word is important when compared to a similar Greek word, ‘Petros,’ meaning little stone or pebble. Our understanding of these two words enables us to see on whom the NT church is founded. Matthew 16:13-18 reads, “When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?’ They said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, [Petros] and on this rock [Petra] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Jesus was telling Peter (Petros, or little stone) that the church wouldn’t be built upon men or what they say or think, but rather it would be built on the foundation stone, or ‘Petra,’ who is Jesus himself. Jesus is the head of the church, Colossians 1:18 the chief cornerstone, 1 Peter 2:7 and the only foundation from which all truth comes. 1 Corinthians 3:11; John 14:6 Final Thoughts: Paul identified the source of water that flowed from the stricken rock in the desert when he said, “and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.” 1 Corinthians 10:4 Yet, both Paul and Peter describe Jesus as a “stone of stumbling” and a “rock of offense.” Isaiah 8:14; Romans 9:33 Why? Because to them who refuse to believe the Word of God, Jesus is “a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the Word, being disobedient.” 1 Peter 2:4-8 But to us who believe and are saved, Jesus is the “precious cornerstone,” the rock of our salvation. Let us continue to believe Him and drink deeply of the lifesaving water that Israel drank of in the wilderness. The rock it came from is the once smitten, now risen Lord Jesus, the source of all living water. Psalm 18:3, 46; John 4:10; Ephesians 5:26 ph

Colossians 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. :10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works :25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

I am perfect/righteous because He declared me to be so when became born from above. 1John 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. The new man (which I am) cannot sin. 1John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. However, until this flesh dies and I receive a new body, I battle the flesh every day. Romans 7; Galatians 5:16-17

Reminders Definitions - Quench There aren’t many Q’ words found in Scripture, but this one stood out to me in several ways. Quench means, 1) To put out or extinguish, as, to quench a flame. 2) to calm or satisfy a desire, as, to quench a thirst. And 3) to hinder or repress, as, to quench the Spirit. The two Greek words for ‘quench’ are, ‘sbennumi,’ (pronounced sben-new-me,) meaning to extinguish a flame or fire, and the other is a derivative of it, ‘asbestos,’ meaning, that which can’t be quenched, or, unquenchable. The use of ‘sbennumi’ is seen in Daniel 3 when God saw Shadrach’s, Meshach’s, and Abednego’s faith and quenched the effects of the burning fiery furnace. Hebrews 11:34 This was a supernatural act of God. The word ‘asbestos’ speaks of something that can never be extinguished. Asbestos is a natural, fibrous mineral that is extremely strong and fire resistant. Until banned in building materials for its harmful side effects, it is still used today in candles and oil lamp wicks because of its longevity to carry fuel to the flame. We see it in Scripture speaking of the fire of Hades that cannot be quenched. “And if your hand offends you, cut it off: it is better for you to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into Hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched.” Mark 9:43,45 The metaphorical use of quench in Scripture speaks of two things. The first is an encouragement to believers, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Ephesians 6:16 In other words, whatever darts our enemy or his minions shoot at us, such as temptations, adverse circumstances, or doubts, we are to quench them by standing behind our shield of faith. The shield of faith is believing and trusting what the Word has spoken to us. When we do, those darts will fall harmlessly to the ground. The second is an admonition to not quench that which the Holy Spirit is leading us to say or do. “Quench not the Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19 When the Holy Spirit prompts, leads, alerts, or convicts us, we are to respond affirmatively saying “Yes Lord” and then obey what He says to do. It might be by praying for a certain person that comes to mind, or by giving of yourself to supply a need, or to answer the call to minister your gift to others, or to confess a wrongdoing. Whatever it is, don’t quench the Holy Spirit. Final Thoughts: Thanks be to God who keeps the flames of Hell from touching us by our faith in the Gospel, who quenches the darts of adversity by our shield of faith, and who reveals His will to us by the prompting of the Holy Spirit to obey Him by faith. ph

I don't think He wants for us to try hard. We who have the H.S. already WANT to be holy, perfect, etc. I think He wants us to realize we can't unless He does it in us. I have enough trouble even getting along with my neighbor, much less loving my enemy. So it's not trying hard but admitting our failure and relying on Him. When Jesus callled Peter to come to Him on the water, He didn't want him to figure out a way to do it (Make Foot floaties, look for close to the surface rocks, etc.) He wanted him to hear His voice and believe it...Come. God is the one who empowered Jesus and Peter both to walk on the water. John 6:28 "Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? :29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

God tells us to do and be the impossible in the flesh. "love your enemies. bless them that curse you. be perfect." Thus 2 Cor. 4:7 "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. " He wants to do the work of God IN US. Not us trying to live up to a standard that is impossible without Him. He wants us to REST as in Heb. 4:10 " For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his." Hear His voice. Believe what He says. Obey what He says. He works in us both to will and do of His good pleasure.

Reminders Definitions - Perfect ‘Nobody is perfect,’ right? Of course. Nobody in his right mind would claim to have God’s standard of perfection. Even the Pharisees, whose deeds were as close to fulfilling the letter of the law as possible, received the rebuke of Jesus because of their hypocrisy. “Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but are within full of dead men's bones and of all uncleanness.” Matthew 23:27 As hard as mankind tries, he cannot be perfect. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 Why then does Jesus make the following command if we’ve already fallen short of perfection? “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48 That is a very good question. How can the condemned and fallen be perfect? There is only one way. One of the reasons Jesus came, was to show that mankind could not please God by doing good works. Jesus lived a perfect life, but His works did not make Him righteous, His faith did. We’re told in Galatians 2:16 “…a man is not justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ…for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Jesus’ perfect life was not lived by the self-will of His flesh, (i.e. trying hard,) but by complete dependence on, and faith in, His Father. He was justified by faith. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him;” then Jesus affirmed “for I do always those things that please Him.” John 8:29 Jesus lived by faith. Romans 1:17 So how does this apply to us? For a person to be born again, he must first heed the conviction of the Holy Spirit and confess that his actions have not been perfect before God. He is a sinner. Next, he must believe that a perfect sacrifice has been killed on his behalf which made full and complete payment to God for all sin and sins and that this dead, perfect sacrifice, came back to life from the grave. This same risen Lord Jesus is now calling all men to believe Him. This is the Gospel. When we believe and trust this good news personally, God forgives our sins, declares us to be perfect, and gives us the righteousness of His Son, Jesus. God is pleased and satisfied by our faith, not our self-effort. John 5:24; Romans 4:3 Final Thoughts: Jesus said these words, “The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one.” Luke 6:40; John 17:23 Once we are born again by God, we are baptized into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit and are declared to be perfect. That doesn’t mean that everything we do is perfect. We still have these bodies that bear both the old nature of Adam and the new nature of God. Until we die or are raptured, our new spirit will do battle with the flesh. Galatians 5:17 The only way to overcome the flesh is by the hearing of faith. Galatians 3:5 Our new desire is to be perfect in our bodies, Ephesians 2:10 but that won’t happen until we see Him face to face. “Beloved, now are we the children of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is;” 1 John 3:2 Perfect. ph

Reminders Definitions – Olive Oil Olive oil plays a distinctive role in both the Old and New Testaments and was used in a variety of ways. 1) It was used to anoint people for service. Kings, priests, and prophets were ceremoniously anointed with oil as a symbol of God’s approval, power, and calling. 1 Samuel 16:13; Psalm 89:20-23 2) Oil was used as a healing ointment and symbol of God’s blessing. Isaiah 1:6 3) Objects of the OT temple were anointed with oil, sanctifying them for God’s use. Leviticus 8:10 4) Oil was used as a food like we use butter, both for eating and meal offerings. 1 Kings 17:12 5) Oil was and still is quite valuable and was used in commerce as money. 2 Kings 4:1-7 Finally, 6) Oil was used as a fuel in lamps, to give light in dark places. Leviticus 24:2 Physical objects and deeds are often used as types or symbols of a spiritual truth. So it is with the manifold use of olive oil, which is a type and symbol of the Holy Spirit. 1) As oil was used to anoint people for service, Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit at His baptism, the beginning of His public ministry. Mark 1:10, Luke 4:18 2) As a healing ointment, oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, the true healer of both body and soul. Mark 6:13 says, “[the apostles] anointed many that were sick with oil, and healed them.” James 5:14 3) Objects of the OT temple were anointed with oil. Today, we are the objects, tools, and temples of God, anointed with the Holy Spirit for His use. “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God; who has also sealed us and given us the earnest [or promise] of the [Holy] Spirit in our hearts.” 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 4) As oil was used as a food to fuel the body, so is the Holy Spirit the energy and fuel to sustain our spiritual life. 2 Corinthians 3:6 5) Oil was quite valuable, and so is the Holy Spirit. But unlike oil, the Holy Spirit can’t be bought with money, He is a gift. Acts 8:18-20, 10:45 6) Oil was used to burn in lamps to give light. Likewise, the Holy Spirit is the one who gives spiritual light to understand the Word of God. Jesus said, “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak, and He will show you things to come.” John 16:13 Final Thoughts: Many today are taking advantage of the medicinal use of ‘essential oils’ that are applied to the body for the healing of various ailments. As Christians, we should likewise be taking advantage of God’s ‘essential oil,’ who is the Holy Spirit. We are born again by an act of God the Father when we hear and believe the Word of God. It is the Holy Spirit who enlightens and gives understanding of the truth of that Gospel. “But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him. But God has revealed them unto us by His Spirit, for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 We should be listening and heeding what Scripture admonishes us, “Today, if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Hebrews 4:7 ph

I see no correlation between the two. Especially considering the time span between the two is a minimum of 1,000 years. I don't think you've missed anything other than now we only see through a glass darkly....

Jesus is the Judge appointed by the Father as you have pointed out, but He is the Judge at both the GWT and the JSOC. At both judgements a man's deeds or works are judged. Them that are at the JSOC are saved born again believers and will receive reward (gold, silver, precious stones) for acting by faith to those things asked of him, i.e. good works. Those things done in his body after the flesh will be burned (wood, hay, stubble). 1 Corinthians 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? :6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. :7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase :8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour :9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. :10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon :11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. :12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; :13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. :14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. :15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Them at the GWT judgement have already been judged regarding salvation. They are not saved. Nevertheless, because their SINS have been paid for at the cross, they will still be judged according to works. Since only faith produces good works, there will be no good works put to anyone's account. There will be no one there whose names are written in the book of life. They will have no excuse before the Lord Jesus to claim unfairness or un righteousness on God's part. Revelation 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. :12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. :13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. :14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. :15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.