PATrobas

I'm glad we have guys like you to keep guys like me honest. You're like a padlock. Not to keep thieves out but to keep honest men honest. (Even though there are none good. No not one.) Blessings.

No outside sources Michael. All came from the H.S. through the Bible. (Although I don't know why it appears that the middle paragraph is double spaced. It wasn't that way in my Word doc. format)

Reminders – A More Sure Word of Prophesy 2 Peter 1:16-18 reminds us of the power and importance of our personal testimony. Our experience adds credibility to the Scripture when we relate to people how God changed our lives through a new birth when we believed Him about the Gospel. Peter testified how he and James and John were eyewitnesses of seeing, hearing, and being in the presence of Jesus when He was transfigured for a short time into His future glorified body and Kingdom. Matthew 16:28-17:8; John 1:14 Peter said that this occurrence wasn’t some deceptive conspiracy theory, but that they were present when the Old Testament prophesy of the Messiah’s coming in power and glory was confirmed. They saw the glory, and heard the voice of God saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” When we give our testimony or “eyewitness account,” we re-enforce the work that the Holy Spirit is doing in their lives. As important as our personal testimony is, a more important aspect of sharing the Gospel is the Word of God itself. All Scripture comes directly from the mouth of God, 2 Timothy 3:16 and after referring to his personal experience on the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter tells us, “We have also a more sure word of prophesy…” 2 Peter 1:19 That is, the Scriptures are surer, or more important than man’s experience or testimony, even though they confirm the Scripture. Our experiences can, and often do confirm the truth of Scripture, but they must not dictate the meaning of the Scriptures. The Scriptures should dictate and confirm the experiences of men. We are told in 1 Corinthians 2:12 “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” In other words, the Bible will interpret itself in context as the Holy Spirit leads our study. In addition, there is no interpretation of Scripture that is being held in secret, then is suddenly exposed as a new revelation to the church. “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:20-21 No Scripture will ever be isolated from the rest in its meaning. Final Thoughts: After saving a man from indwelling demons, Jesus told the healed demoniac to go home and tell his friends and family “…what great things God has done for you. And he went his way and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.” Luke 8:39 The demoniac gave his testimony, and the Holy Spirit gave confirmation that Jesus and the Father are one. Jesus, the Word of God said, “My Father works hitherto, and I work” John 5:17 which is a Scriptural confirmation of the demoniac’s experience.

My understanding is that He usually spoke Aramaic, which are these words, Aramaic. He of course spoke and understood Hebrew. But as Koine Greek was the common language throughout the world, He probably spoke Greek. It is my opinion that He did not use His "pre-human" (i.e. the Word) knowledge for anything, but relied on His Father and the Holy Spirit to live by faith for everything. Luke 2:52 "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." Heb 5:8 "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;" 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." John 5:30 "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me."

Mark 15:34 "And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"

Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit from His conception. Then, at His baptism, we see the Holy Spirit coming upon Him in the form of a dove, anointing and filling Him in preparation for His public ministry. He was never apart from His Father nor the Holy Spirit until His death on the cross when He cried out “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Mark 15:34 Thus, the man Jesus died alone. But as I studied His public ministry, which He performed by the power of the Holy Spirit, I found that Jesus manifested every spiritual gift and ministry ever given to men (as outlined in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, Romans 12:6-8, and Ephesians 4:11,) except one. That one exception is the speaking in, and the interpretation of tongues. There is no Biblical record of Him ever exercising that gift. This seemed odd to me until it occurred to me that perhaps He did exercise a form of the gift of tongues when He spoke to the people in parables. By speaking in parables, He was fulfilling the purpose and ministry of the gift of tongues. A look back at Israel provides some insight to how they are tied together. God sent prophets to rebellious Israel, telling them to repent, and to hear and obey God. When Israel rejected the prophet’s message, God sent a people of another tongue, or foreigners, to take them captive as a corrective discipline. Yet even then, the people of Israel would not listen. They did not have a heart towards God to understand what He was doing. Isaiah 28:11-12; 1 Corinthians 14:21 So just as the prophets spoke, and the foreigners came to discipline Israel, Jesus comes along and speaks in parables. But like someone speaking in a foreign language, Jesus’ words were not understood by those who were following Him. When the disciples asked Jesus to interpret the parables, He told them that only to those who seek Him and desire to understand the kingdom of God, would He reveal the meanings by the Holy Spirit. Mark 4:11-12 Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 14 that tongues are a sign for those who believe not. Literally, ones that will not believe. In other words, tongues are a sign of God’s discipline upon a rebellious people, not a sign of supernatural holiness to the church. Thus, Jesus spoke in parables and interpreted them to those who had a heart to hear, saying, “Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.” Luke 8:10 from Jeremiah 5:21 Final Thoughts: Deuteronomy 29:29 says, “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us…” It is not that God withholds eternal life from some and gives it to others at random, for 2 Peter 3:9 says, “(the Lord is) not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” But because salvation is of God, and not by man’s wisdom, He reveals Himself to those who by faith seek Him and His Word, and not to them who follow their own gods. Jeremiah 29:13; Acts 28:26-27

Amen. We can't know the hearts of men and what they don't know but God does, so we share as led, not according to a pre-planned dialogue. Heb.4:12-13 "The word is LIVING..." Jer.17:9-10 "...I the Lord search the hearts..." Amen and amen. He draws yet "whomsoever will" decides to obey or not obey the Gospel. Good words from you and I can read behind them, the rest of your beliefs without saying them. Blessings. One last thing. As we Romans 12:1-2 each morning we can be ready at any time, prayed up or not so that 2 Cor.4:7 will take place "...power may be of God and not of us." Blessings again.

Some things are clear and swift as with the example you cited - 3 hours, wow. But that is what we saw. Perhaps (and probably) God was working for years in her soul to prepare that ground to receive. I think that as man contemplates the universe and world around him, that God initiates a curiosity of Him and thus the desire begins as shown in Romans 1. I don't think a person wakes up and suddenly desires to be saved without a lot of preparation work having already taken place first. Bottom line is that we don't know how God works all the time in people's lives but He knows people, and draws, convicts, saves in His timing. We just must be ready to be used when He puts us in a situation to plant, water or harvest. The Word will either soften or harden a heart, sometimes both (see Pharaoh in Egypt - Let my people go.) The Holy Spirit is always involved in the drawing process as is the Word and the Father. Blessings. Good questions.

Reminders – Are you a Gardener? Have you ever prayed for someone’s salvation? Have you considered the timing of events and number of people involved for God to answer that prayer? The scripture is clear that we have no power to save anyone and that no one can come to God unless the Father draw them. John 6:44 This drawing, in part, is a spiritual act of God which imparts the desire within a man’s heart to know the only creator God. Once that is responded to, God sees to it that they receive knowledge of the Gospel. That knowledge includes an awareness of their sinful position in Adam and belief in the only solution for their sin and sins. God provided that one and only solution, which is that Jesus died as full payment for their sins, He was buried, then rose from the dead to give eternal life to whomsoever believes it. How does one hear this good news? God has chosen to reveal the Gospel through the witnessing and preaching of ordinary Christians such as you and me, who are walking by faith. Most people don’t get saved through the preaching of a “professional,” such as Billy Graham. Most Christians give a testimony of having heard the Gospel over time from several, if not many people. They heard from friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and sometimes even strangers. Paul laid it out clearly in 1 Corinthians 3:5-6, “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” He is saying that someone plants the seed of the Gospel, then others come along and water that seed, reiterating or enforcing the message, and finally God causes that seed to produce the fruit of salvation when the Gospel is believed. Have you considered that God wants to use you to be a planter, or a waterer, or a harvester? Could you be the person God uses to answer someone else’s prayer of salvation for a friend or relative? He chooses to use us, as imperfect vessels, to reveal the power of His salvation. 2 Corinthians 4:7 Final Thoughts: I’m constantly looking for and anticipating the opportunity to share the Gospel with someone. Two delivery fellows were at my house this week with a new stove, and in the course of our conversation I was asked what my favorite hobby was now that I’m retired. Immediately, I recognized this as a divine opportunity, so I shared with them that my favorite hobby was studying the Bible. This then led to a discussion about Jesus and ended with me sharing the Gospel with them. When their job was finished, they left with a simple Gospel tract and my encouragement to seek the truth. As I watched them drive away, it made me wonder who has been praying for them and who else God has used in their lives to plant and water the seed of the Gospel. Now it’s my turn to pray for Gus and Kevin’s salvation. Please join me as a gardener in God’s Garden.

Yep. Good word. Hadn't thought of that either. Thanks.

Thanks brother and I recognize the spiritual battle rages amongst angels as told us in Eph.6:12 and 2 Cor. 10:3-5, but I know of no scripture alluding to Melchizedek being an angel. Nevertheless, I'll leave these deep things to you guys. I have enough trouble doing what Jesus asks of me today! Thanks for trying. Blessings.

I believe the term is Theophany and is a visible manifestation to humankind of God.

What is the basis of your personal belief? The scriptures say nothing concerning angelic assignments over people groups much less those who would fall then demand worship, as far as I know. Can you give some scripture references so I may ponder what you say? Thanks.

One other reason I don't think Melchizedek was a manifestation of the Word is that he was named. None of the other "angels of the Lord" or manifestations of God in the OT was named.

Given then lack of Biblical information about Melchizedek I can only offer an opinion which is that he was made LIKE unto the son of God. The Word made appearances in the OT but only briefly. Here we see Melchizedek abiding over a city, and held a position of authority as a king and a priest. The references to him not having beginning of days or end of life and no genealogy simply completes the type of Christ having a superior priesthood over the Levitical one. But again, only speculation.

Reminders – Hear, Believe, Obey, Rest We talk about faith a lot and well we should, for faith is the basis of our salvation. But the word “faith” has many definitions and nuances depending on who is using the word. The unsaved believe and have faith in themselves for salvation. Their faith, based on their human nature, is that their works will satisfy God. By contrast, a Christian has the faith of, and in, Jesus, which alone satisfies God. Hebrews 11:6 Biblical faith comes by hearing the voice of our Lord in our spirit. This voice we hear is the living Word of God (Jesus,) speaking of the written Word (the Bible.) But it is not enough to just hear. Paul reminds us that the Israelites heard the Word (i.e., the will of God) but didn’t enter into rest after leaving Egypt because they didn’t believe, thereby, obey what God had told them to do. Hebrews 4:2 Likewise, James tells us to not just be hearers of the Word, but doers of it, admonishing us that, “Faith without works is dead.” James 2:17-20 In other words, saying you have faith but not acting on it is worthless. Biblical faith that is exercised always produces good works. James uses the illustration of a man who looks at himself in a mirror, then walks away without correcting what has been revealed in the mirror. He doesn’t comb his unruly hair, wash the dirt from his forehead, shave the whiskers off his face, brush the food away from his teeth, clean the sleep from his eyes nor the snot from his nose. What good has looking in the mirror done him? He turns and forgets what he really looks like and thinks he’s a perfectly groomed, handsome guy. The problem is that everyone who sees him as he is thinks otherwise. He is like the man who reads the Bible yet ignores the conviction of the Holy Spirit concerning his actions. He thinks he’s already attained human perfection, but everyone who knows him thinks otherwise. Contrary to the mirror man, the wise man looks in the perfect law of liberty, confesses his short-comings, and obeys the Word, which is what his new nature loves to do anyway. Final Thoughts: James 1:21, speaking to those who have already received eternal life says, “receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” The engrafted word is three-fold here. First, it is the living Word, Jesus, who took up residence in us when we became born again. Second, it is the written Word, the Bible, that has been read, meditated on, studied, and memorized. It is the resource by which the living Word speaks from. Third, it is the spoken Word of God which is heard in our spirit. The salvation of our souls is that daily deliverance from sins. Humbly hearing, then obeying what we hear, is living by faith, and will deliver us from our fleshly desires. Jesus said in John 6:63, “…the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” We are then admonished, “Today, if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. There remains therefore a rest to the people of God.” Hebrews 4:7,9 Hear, believe, obey, rest.

Reminders - Standards Some Christians think more highly of themselves than they should. By elevating themselves, they find that most other people don’t measure up to their standards. They think others should pray more, read the Bible more, study more, act more loving, not be so critical, not watch so much TV, not drive so fast, should go to the same church as they do, etc. On the contrary, there are other Christians who think of themselves as being less acceptable than Christ sees them to be. They don’t believe they are living up to the religious standards that others set for them. They think others judge how they evangelize or if they do it enough, or how much they study the scriptures, or how much they pray. They think all other Christians are better than they are, even elevating some to “right there next to God” status. Most of the rest of us fall somewhere in between, still comparing, but considering ourselves as average, therefore probably acceptable Christians. If you see yourself in one of the above categories, there are two things wrong. First, if you are going to judge yourself or others, don’t use any person other than Jesus as the standard. When our eyes are looking to Jesus as an example, we all fall far short of His obedience. None of us can measure up to His perfection, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 Jesus is the righteous standard by which all are judged. Those who are saved recognize their salvation isn’t earned, and they can only stand before God by having His righteousness. Those who are not saved, try to earn favor with God and will fail without Him in their own righteousness. Isaiah 64:6 Second, Paul says that we should not be comparing ourselves to others. “For we dare not make ourselves of the number or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12 We are not to be making any comparisons, neither by elevating ourselves, nor by putting others on a pedestal. Our business is to hear and be obedient to what the Lord Jesus is telling us to do. Peter fell into the trap of comparing himself to another in John 21. After Jesus told Peter how he would die, Peter asked what would happen to John. “Jesus said to him, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me." Final thoughts: We can’t change what is past, so quit crying over what might have been. And only God has control of the future, so quit worrying about what might happen. But we should be living by faith in the present. Listen for His voice today, agree with what He tells YOU to do, and have no concern over what He is doing in other people’s lives. He is our only standard. Live to please Him, not others.