PATrobas

Hey Dennis, as your post-script says, these are just my opinions. The application for us who are born again is to REST in the declarations of God. Heb 3:18 "And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief." These are not 'unbelievers/unsaved' but believers not resting in the promise of God. The application for us is Heb 4:1 "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it." Yep, this is their practice and doctrine, but the difference in them is that they aren't coming from a born again experience to begin with so are as un-saved Jews offering in-effective and worthless sacrifices. Their inability to correctly explain John 6 (eat my body and drink my blood) is where they come up with transubstantiation. Remember, they call their daily ceremony "The sacrifice of the Mass." There is much mixture of Judaism ceremony in the RCC tradition. (Miniature Holy of Holies on the alter where the "body of Christ" eucharists are hidden, etc.) Blasphemy of the HS as the unpardonable sin is a tricky subject that I'm not sure about totally. I think that because it is the HS's job to present the Gospel to our spirits, that when someone rejects His prompting, they are saying the Gospel isn't true, it's a lie, and this would be blasphemy against Him. Attributing God's work as a work of Satan. As Jesus paid for ALL sins, then to categorize some as being worse than others not covered under His blood is not correct. Blasphemy against the HS is simply rejection of the Gospel. It is called a "sin" and thereby unpardonable until the person either repents and believes or they die and remain unsaved. There are many who reject the Gospel at first then come to faith, therefore the "unpardonable sin" is pardoned. These are grey areas for me though. It is like not calling faith "work". I know it is not a work yet we are making a decision to believe. Grey stuff to me.

Brother Dennis, I will offer then my thoughts as I see it, as follows: The theme of the book of Hebrews is REST. That is what comes when trusting and believing the promises of God. The people the author was speaking to were Born again Jews. Some of them, due to peer pressure or weakness because of lack of solid fundamental teaching, began to take part in the OT sacrifices again as if they had never been saved by the once for all sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. In the old law, when they fell away and sinned (after having their sins covered by the animal sacrifice) they were to bring a new sacrifice and kill it to atone for their sins AGAIN, and AGAIN and AGAIN, etc. Heb. 6:6 is saying it is not that way with the New Covenant. It is impossible to be Born Again, AGAIN (renew them AGAIN to repentance). Later in Hebrews it talks of the sufficiency of the ONCE FOR ALL death of Christ for all sins forever. By rejecting this truth they were trying to repeat their confession of salvation by being Born again, again, which is impossible to do. If you are truly born again, it only takes place once, forever. You can’t be Born Again, again. Should these babes in Christ continue in their not acknowledging the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice once for all, they only produce dead works and are NEAR unto cursing. They are of those branches in John 15 that quit producing fruit, are pruned and all those little sticks are good for is to be put in a pile and burn them so they don’t clutter the ground. The admonishment is not that they could lose their salvation and never have the chance to come back, nor that they were never born again in the first place, otherwise the text would be saying that it would be impossible for God to intervene in their life and save them once they reject the Gospel. But to quit fooling around and stand on the assurance of the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice once for all to save. Thanks Dennis for the chance to discuss.

Having been raised in the RC church, then becoming born again when believing the Gospel, I am rather prejudiced against the system that held me in bondage and pretended to provide salvation through penance and good works. I cannot see anyone's heart and would never condemn nor affirm someone's status before God. Was he saved? I don't know either, but I do know that his status as a monsignor nor his good works could play any part in salvation. The RCC does not teach salvation by grace through faith alone in the death burial and resurrection of Jesus. They teach another gospel as Galatians 1 warns us about. Individuals within that system can be saved but not because they have followed RCC doctrine. I refrained from naming the denominations that teach false gospels lest I be misunderstood by individuals in them and lessen my witness to them of the true Gospel at a future date, but yes you are correct about the movie and I saw it as propaganda for them while telling the true account of this man. Being the Pope, Billy Graham, or Mohammed with a million good works won't save you. God judges man's heart as to whether he has believed the Gospel. Faith releases God's power to save. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." Romans 1:16

Reminders – Neither Rank nor Works can Save I watched an old movie this week about a high-ranking religious official who risked his life during WWII to help allied soldiers evade capture by the Nazis. This true story featured a very likeable actor portraying a very likeable hero, who helped save thousands of lives. (He reminded me of the factory owner Oskar Schindler, in the movie “Schindler’s List” that many of us are familiar with.) What affected me most about the movie was the ending that infered that this man was a virtuous Christian because of his rank within his denomination and the good works he performed to help others. Though perhaps admirable, neither of these things are requirements nor guarantees of salvation and Christianity. The elevation of ‘special people’ within a denomination or sect, as a sign of God’s favor is a false assumption. There have been many who have gained high esteem, who have then been proved to be charlatans. They usually have charismatic personalities and assume intellectual or spiritual power over unsuspecting and gullible sheep. Mary Baker Eddy, E.G. White, Joseph Smith, and Charles Russell, were all 19th century creators of today’s major non-Christian cults. Jim Jones, Sun Myong Moon, and Acharya Rajneesh come to mind as more recent cult leaders. Of course, the mastermind of them all is Satan, who started out as the highest, smartest, and most beautiful of all God’s angels. Another false assumption is that good works are a conclusive sign of God’s salvation. When Adam fell, his sin nature was passed on to all mankind so that all are born spiritually dead. Being spiritually dead makes one incapable of doing ‘good,’ or ‘God originated’ works. Why then do many non-Christians seem to have good works? Adam ate from the tree of the ‘knowledge of good and evil.’ In the place of his living spirit that died when he ate from that tree, he, and all his descendants received a conscience, that thing within us that discerns right from wrong. Some people have a very high or strong conscience that produces morally good deeds. Others have their consciences so seared that they are moral reprobates only producing evil deeds. A subtle lie of Satan is that our consciences decide our destiny, telling us that more good works than bad earns us heaven. The problem is that it is not our conscience, but faith in what God says that decides our fate. Proverbs tells us, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12 The people going in by the wide gate think they are going to heaven. Final Thoughts: There are two prominent truths in the Bible that must be believed to become a Christian. 1) “There is none righteous, no, not one. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. For there is no respect of persons with God.” Romans 3:10, 23; 2:11 Our celebrity in government, society, or church does no one any good in the sight of God. From top to bottom, we are all equally guilty. 2) “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 It is only by faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus for eternal life that any man can be saved. No membership, prominence, lineage, inheritance, or desire can earn God’s salvation. John 1:13 It only comes by faith and experiencing the new birth of God. It is His ‘good work,’ not ours. His is finished. Ours is to believe it. John6:29 ph

Steve; In reading your posts, I'm not sure if you are agreeing with my OP or being critical. I can see it both ways. I appreciate the scripture you quote and in light of my OP I can say amen to all, but if you are disagreeing, then I think you may have failed to see my point. Please clarify your stance, thank you.

Reminders – Be not deceived. We are in the last days. The super-sign that revealed the start of God’s last days’ timeline began on May 14, 1948. That was when after 2,000 years, Israel became a re-gathered nation of Jews, as a fulfillment of God’s prophesies and promises to them. Ezekiel 11:17 (and many others) The chaos and insanity being seen in our world today, was also prophesied in the scriptures, and is being fulfilled as promised before our very eyes. “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, without self-control, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, head-strong, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, but denying the power of it: from such turn away!” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 But what are we to “turn away” to? When His disciples asked Jesus what signs there would be before His second coming, the first thing He told them was “Take heed that you be not deceived.” Luke 21:8 The whole world system, including the government, the medical and science institutions, the media conglomerates, and even the religious establishments are unwittingly colluding with the god of this world, Satan. This is the one who comes “…with all power and signs and lying wonders,” 2 Thessalonians 2:9 to deceive the masses for his own purposes. The establishment thinks that they are the ones making the decisions and pulling the strings. But it is Satan himself behind the scenes, wielding the power to deceive and distract, to prevent mankind from believing the Gospel. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 With AI (Artificial Intelligence) taking over all of what we see and hear, there is only one source of truth left that is entirely reliable and able to deliver us from everlasting destruction; Jesus, as supernaturally revealed to us in the Bible. I emphasize ‘Jesus of the Bible,’ because there are AI-Jesus apps out now, that will answer your questions, joke with you, and even pray with you, while pretending to be the real Word of God. These AI-antichrists are fake Jesus’ and should never be believed, be a substitute for, or even be used, as the living Word of God. Stay away from them. Final Thoughts: We are in the middle of a spiritual war and our enemy hates us and will do anything to deceive us. The apostle John told us, “Little children, it is the last time: and as you have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” 1 John 2:18 Now, more than ever, we need to be aware of the world’s deceptive lies and be relying on the scriptures as our only source of truth. Paul gave Timothy these marching orders, “…endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that wages war entangles himself with the affairs of this life that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:3-4, 15 Then, let the following words be our battle cry, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Ephesians 6:12,18 Finally, let our anthem be, “Onward Christian Soldiers” and our banner, the cross of Christ. ph

Reminders – If you love me, keep my commandments. There is some confusion in the body of Christ concerning the keeping of the law of commandments. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15 As Christians, we certainly love the Lord, don’t we? And if so, He says we should obey Him. Don’t Jesus’ commandments include the Old Testament law? So, what should a Christian’s relationship to that law be? As we’ve heard so many times before, we must always interpret scripture in context and in its relationship with the rest of the Bible, never isolating verses to fit our doctrine. As we do that concerning the law, we learn from the New Testament that keeping the law for salvation is impossible. “For by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Galatians 2:16; Romans 3:20a The law was not given to save anybody, it was given to reveal man’s sinfulness in not keeping it. “…for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:20b Paul explains what the relationship of the law to man is, “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid…the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good…But sin, that it might appear sin, works death in me by that which is good; that sin, by the commandment might become exceedingly sinful.” Romans 7:7-13 To punctuate the impossibility of being righteous by the law, James tells us, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10 But there is hope. Jesus lived a perfect life according to the law and thus fulfilled the requirements of the law for mankind forever. “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” Matthew 5:17 And Jesus’ fulfillment of the law, removed the requirements of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Romans 10:4 When we believed the Gospel, He forgave all our failures to keep the law, “having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.” Colossians 2:13-14 “For [God] hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 Final Thoughts: When asked what the New Testament commandments of Jesus are, most savvy Christians will quote Mark 12:29-31 which is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and your neighbor as yourself. Even the holiest among us will have to confess that they fall woefully short of loving God with ALL. Though we may want to love that much or try to love that much, that little word ALL humbles us into admission of not living up to that standard. So, what are Jesus’ commandments? Whatever He says to you. John 10:27 He is the living Word of God and He tells us what He wants us to do. Not as a list of commands with punishments attached for disobeying, but rather the revealing of His will and what is best for our walk with Him in fellowship. Because we love Him, we want to keep and do those things He asks. The ‘I have to’ of the O.T. law, has now become ‘I want to’ as new creations in Christ. ph

Death, Burial, Resurrection, Belief = Eternal Life For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Rom. 1:16

I think I relate most with brother Thomas in John 20:28 "And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God." Jesus is the name of my Lord and God. and Acts 4:12 puts it nicely for salvation is of God alone. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." I am also partial to Jeremiah 23:5-6 "Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. :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.

It encompasses both deeds and words. I especially agree that to do something 'in the name of the Lord' or 'in Jesus' name' is speaking of doing, or saying something, in or by His authority. For instance, when we pray 'in Jesus' name' it is not a magic phrase we tack on at the end of our prayers like 'abracadabra' then BOOM, God answers our prayers because we followed the formula. But rather we "come boldly to the throne of grace" Heb.4:16 because our High Priest Jesus, has already gone before us there, to sprinkle His own blood on the real mercy seat, and has given us the right and authority to approach our Holy God. Not on our merits, but by His. We pray in Jesus' name (authority), reminding ourselves of why we can come boldly. I am reminded of those who argued with Jesus in Matt. 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven :22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works :23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. They were claiming to speak or do in Jesus' name but were found as false prophets. This then is one form of breaking the third commandment.

Reminders – How to break the third commandment. As a child I was made to memorize the 10 commandments and was given religious instruction on how to perform those commands. At that early age I wasn’t too worried about most of them, as killing and coveting weren’t very high on my want-to-do list. However, my parents thought #3, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain” and #5, “Honor thy father and thy mother” should be high priorities for a 10-year-old. Of course, #5 is every parent’s go-to commandment for their kids. I broke #5 all the time according to my mother. I could break it by the look on my face, the tone of my voice, or any other perceived disobedience. If I wasn’t a good boy in everything, I wasn’t honoring my parents. But as bad as breaking #5 was, breaking #3 was worse, SWEARING! I was careful not to slip very often as I hated the taste of Ivory soap scraped across my teeth. And I knew swearing wasn’t just invoking God’s name irreverently like my dad did when he was mad. It was any sort of cussing, which included all the bad words grown-ups said. When I was 14, I got in trouble for noticing and then telling my dad that his bent key ring was, ‘in a hell of a shape.’ He disappointedly told my mom that if I used that kind of language at home, what must my language be like around my friends? He was right, it wasn’t very good. I’m grown up now and cussing is still not acceptable in Christian circles, but is that what the third commandment is all about, not cussing? Taking the Lord’s name in vain is the definition of blasphemy, to speak wrongly or evil of God. It may involve disrespectful or profane language, but its meaning goes beyond bad language. In real-world behavior, it can be when someone claims to be a Christian, or His spokesperson, and then speaks or acts dishonestly as that representative. This happens when someone makes a commitment or a vow to do something and then does not do it, or they lie about what was or was not done. Both acts are usually accompanied with the defensive words, ‘I swear to God’. The most destructive application, and the heart of the meaning of the third commandment, is to be a false teacher of the things of God. A false teacher claims to have received divine revelation or sacred knowledge and then imposes it on others, when no such word has come from the Lord. They look good on the outside and claim to be righteous preachers but are really the servants of their flesh. They are the Pharisees of today. Because of them, Christianity is evil spoken of, and by reason of their covetousness, they tickle the ears of their victims to rake in millions. 2 Peter 2:1-3; 2 Timothy 4:3-4 Final Thoughts: Jesus said this, “For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce if it were possible, even the elect.” Mark 13:22 Jude warned, “[I exhort you to] earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 1:3 And Peter said, “You therefore beloved, knowing these things beforehand beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked [one], you fall from your own steadfastness.” 2 Peter 3:17 Let’s be as the Bereans, searching the scriptures daily to see if what we are being fed is truly of God, or if it is just someone breaking the third commandment. ph

This tree of life is the one spoken of in Rev. 22;2,14 that will reside in God's paradise. After the fall in Gen 3, man was forbidden to eat of it lest he live forever in a fallen state. Those who are born again having eternal life will be able to eat of this tree of life again in eternity. Metaphorically, we eat of the tree of life now as we partake of the Word/Bread of Life. Listen to Jesus' words in John 6:50 "This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. :51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."

Yes, it is described there as having flesh and bones and I mentioned Him eating, but I was referring to how His body could do things we cannot at the present do (appear in a room with the doors being closed etc.) Not much (scientific?) explanation of how those things can be done in ANY body. It must be super-natural.

To maintain it? Never! "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." 1 Jn. 5:11-12 Plus numerous (which you know) others. But to maintain fellowship, yes. "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." Jn. 15:4-5 Plus others (I am the bread of life, etc.) Lucifer never had eternal life. We do.

Reminders – What kind of body will we have? There is little information about the form and composition of the body of Jesus after He was raised from the dead. There is, however, abundant evidence that He did indeed rise from the dead. After His resurrection, He was seen alive by all the apostles, by over 500 brethren at one time, and then by the apostle Paul. 1 Corinthians 15:4-8 Sometimes, He was readily recognized, as we’re told by Peter that “God raised Him up the third day and showed Him openly.” Acts 10:40 Other times, He was not recognized right away, as with Mary at the tomb, John 20:14 and with the two disciples walking with Him on the road to Emmaus. Luke 24:16 His resurrected body even bore the marks of His crucifixion as proved by Jesus to the doubter Thomas, “Reach here your finger, and behold my hands; and reach here your hand and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless but believing.” John 20:27 He ate food, “And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of a honeycomb. And he took it and did eat before them.” Luke 24:42-43 Yet He was not bodily bound by the physical laws of this world, “…when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled…Jesus came and stood in the midst.” John 20:19,26 apparently passing through the wall. Then, at His ascension, after He talked with His disciples, “He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight.” Acts 1:9 The law of gravity could not hold Him. But what about us? What kind of body will we have? Again, we don’t have much scriptural information. If we die before the rapture, our physical bodies will go into the grave and turn into dust. Yet Paul tells us that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 At that time, we will have a conscious awareness of being with Him, but in a body that is somehow different from the new bodies we will receive at our resurrection. John tells us, “Beloved, now are we the sons 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; 1 Corinthians 15:21-23 This tells us that at the rapture, when He meets us in the air, we will have the same kind of body that He has now. Until then, the Bible says to “…look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like His glorious body.” Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 Final Thoughts: The bodies we have now were not made for His kingdom, as we’re told, “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God” 1 Corinthians 15:50 and “My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36 God will see to it that our resurrected bodies will be fit for use in His Kingdom, and these new bodies will be sickness free, sweat free, stink free, stupid free, and sin free. You can count on it, like Jesus said, “If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed!” John 8:36 I can live with that, how about you? ph

What do you expect to see my friend? We are indeed in the last days. Look up for your redemption draweth nigh. 2Tim 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. :2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, :3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, :4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; :5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Go anyway. because He said... Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. It's a promise. Believe Him.

Philippians 2:13 and 2 Corinthians 4:7 Blessings.

Reminders – Are you risen from the dead? What would an Easter/Resurrection Sunday message be without an emphasis on the resurrection? Jesus’ death on the cross as the Savior came at a great cost, paying for the sins of the world. But His resurrection as Lord showcased God’s great power and brings forgiveness and life to all who come to Him believing the Gospel. That salvation, or being ‘Born Again,’ (literally being ‘born from above’) John 3:1-21 is also a work of God and showcases His power to do what no man can do. When asked, “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said, This is the work of God; That you believe on him whom He has sent.” John 6:28-29 There is an irreversible law of God, “…the wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23a God is a just, as well as a loving God, and justice was served when “He made Him, [Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 When the payment for the sin and sins of the world was complete, God raised Jesus from the dead, not as a reward for living a perfect life, but so that Jesus’ righteous life could be given to all who believe the Gospel. Yes, “the wages of sin is death,” but, “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23b Jesus paid the wages so that we could have the gift. Final Thoughts: The dead Lazarus came forth alive, obeying the word of the Lord. All who are saved were also once dead but are now risen alive at the obeying the Gospel. “If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4 Because He lives, we live also. 2 Timothy 2:11 ph

Ah, yes, but wait...Romans 8:1! There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

I feel and agree with you, yet Jesus commanded us to. So this love we are to love Him with is not an emotion, nor even anything we do FOR Him as in good works, but rather dying to self; laying down our lives as He did for us; presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice. And still we fall short...Grace, grace, marvelous grace.

Reminders – Love means giving yourself to others. Webster’s dictionary defines a verb as ‘a part of speech that expresses action.’ Our modern use of the word ‘love’ has devolved from a verb of self-less action, into one of selfish desire. What do I mean? Today, the word love is almost always used to express a feeling or emotion such as, ‘I love ice cream’ or ‘I love you.’ Unfortunately, the meaning of love has changed from something good and wholesome, into a flesh satisfying desire, by which the enemy entices us with his worldly “…lusts of the flesh, lusts of the eyes and the pride of life.” 1 John 2:15-16 Relationships that are founded on these carnal desires have little chance of survival. It becomes easy to walk away from situations that no longer feed the flesh. Divorce becomes common and the words ‘I just don’t love you anymore’ become the hallmark of the breakup. Commitment, based on what were supposed to be honorable vows mean nothing, because the partners no longer ‘feel’ in love. But a marriage based on a commitment to serve one another, and a purpose to actively love no matter what, will survive when rough times of ill-health, financial problems, or younger, better-looking alternatives appear. The Scripture sometimes uses the word love to describe selfish desire. “Woe unto you Pharisees! For you love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.” Luke 11:43 Most often though, Scripture uses the word love to encourage actions that are self-less and impossible to do without divine involvement. “Love your enemies.” Luke 6:27 and, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Mark 12:30-31 and, “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son...” John 3:16 Jesus made His will for us clear when he said, “This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you.” Next, He describes how that love is manifested. “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Then, He tells us how we are to love Him. “You are my friends if you do whatever I command you.” John 15:12-14 Jesus showed his love by giving His life for others, both in His walk and on the cross, always obeying what His Father told Him to do. Likewise, we show our love to Him, by giving ourselves as a living sacrifice, then obeying whatever He tells us to do. Romans 12:1-2 We could make an application of this truth from James 2:17 by saying, “Even so faith, [and love,] if it has not works is dead, being alone.” Faith, love, and works, all go hand in hand. Final Thoughts: 1 Corinthians 13 is referred to in Christian circles as the ‘love’ chapter and is often quoted in marriage ceremonies. The word ‘love’ in that chapter of the old English, King James Bible, is translated as ‘charity.’ I like the use of that word there because it evokes thoughts of action rather than emotion, esteeming the needs of others more important than our own. Philippians 2:3-5 Take a minute to go back and re-read 1 Corinthians 13, focusing on the definition and characteristics of God’s love, and see how your understanding is enlightened. I think you’ll love it. ph

Act 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. :30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 2Peter 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Reminders - Contextual Interpretation The Scriptures are the basis and standard by which we can know about and then personally relate to God. Being familiar with them is very good, but it is not enough. Sometimes, a little knowledge can be dangerous, especially when combined with religious instruction from human authority. Thus, we are encouraged to individually “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 But when we study, (which means to exert much effort and be diligent in our pursuit,) we must do it by “rightly dividing the word of truth” as opposed to wrongly dividing it. Ascertaining the context of what and where we are studying is crucial to correctly understand and obey God’s communication to us. For example, let’s look at three familiar verses that speak about faith. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17 “But without faith it is impossible to please God…” Hebrews 11:6a and “For whatever is not of faith is sin.” Romans 14:23b If we take these verses out of context, we might believe the words of this false prophet. “Hear me and listen to all my anointed words which reveal to you all the faith secrets found only in our ‘New Woke, Brother Bob Study Bible.’ But don’t doubt, or you will surely displease the Almighty and will be on the wide path to hell. To avoid that, brothers and sisters, send your tax deductible gift of $99 or more to: ‘Brother Bob c/o Beth-Hell Ministries’ PO Box 666 Faith City, Oklahoma.” This might sound silly to you, but there are plenty like this, who elevate themselves, wrongly interpreting, then perverting the word of truth for their own gain. These deceiving wolves appear as angels of light to lead vulnerable, unsuspecting sheep to their destruction. 2 Peter 2:1; 3:16 Beware of their tactics and avoid them. Final Thoughts: We take seriously the things we teach here, understanding that we are held to account by God when speaking in His name. James 3:1 But whatever you are taught, and by whomever is teaching you, be sure you study the scriptures in context as the Holy Spirit leads. 1 Corinthians 2:10-13 Do not isolate any one verse from the others or hang any belief on any singular teaching. Those of the city of Berea were said to be more noble than others because they “…received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether [the things Paul and Silas taught] were so.” Acts 17:11 We should do likewise. As to the three verses I quoted, when examining them in context, we learn this. All of scripture affirms that faith comes not of ourselves, but from the living Word of God, Jesus. Romans 10:17 God is pleased with us when we trust Him and believe what He says. Hebrews 11:6 And don’t doubt the things God has taught you in your spirit concerning His grace and truth. Romans 14:23 Finally, as is often quoted, remember that, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16 ph

Besides the 2 verses I quoted above I'll add this: Mrk 2:22 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles. Speaking of mixing old with new. Blessings.