Pilgrim7

Amen Brother dcampsart, Only those who love God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength eagerly await Jesus coming. They have the New Covenant experience, they have been 'born again' from above by the 'Spirit of the Living God' and are indwelt by the Godhead. They are Pilgrims and strangers in this land and long to reach their heavenly home. They love God and His will and will do anything to please Him in all things. 2co 6:16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? for you are the temple of the living God; as God has said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 2co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 5:18 And all things are of God..... Thus we see the fulfillment of the 'Everlasting Covenant' made in the Garden with all of mankind through Adam and Eve, that of a 'seed' who would 'crush the Serpent's head'. God Bless, Dennis

Brother Eric, I appreciate your response. As to the covenant referenced in Gen. 15, it was a promise only to inherit the land. As far as I understand, the Lord passing through, did not necessarily ratify the Covenant of Genesis 17, when Abram's name was changed and he was made the father of many nations, but only that of chapt. 15, although it was inhherent in the promise to him and his seed in Gen 15. As with most covenants, more was revealed through time. I am not sure that God ratifies Covenants, He only makes them and fulfills them. His word is all that is needed and then it is up to man as to whether he accepts the covenant or not. A covenant is a contractural agreement between parties. It is a binding contract between God and man. God proises to supply certain things and stipulates the requirements of the covenant, and man either agrees or rejects the terms offered. I see the promise of forgiveness and a Savior demonstrated in Genesis 22, when God provided a lamb as a substitute sacrifice for Isaac. This is where, as Jesus said, 'Abraham saw My day and was glad'. God bless, Dennis

Brother Kross, The covenant with Abraham was not one sided, but required much of Abraham, as do all the Covenants made by God. They are all just renewals of the 'everlasting covenant' God made with Adam and Eve to save from sin. All pointed to the New Covenant and Jesus, that was what the sacrifices were all about. All required obedience to the God who does not change. The covenant with Abraham was twofold, the first part was that he would be the father of many nations, as he walked before the Lord in tighteousness. Gen 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be perfect. (so we see that God required obedience and righteousness) 17:2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. 17:3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, 17:4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. The Second part of the Covenant was that he and his descendants would in herit the Cannan, the Promised land, which was also promised to Israel in the Old Covenant. Ge 17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your seed after you in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God to you, and to your seed after you. (An everlasting Covenant is just that, a covenant that lasts forever) 17:8 And I will give to you, and to your seed after you, the land wherein you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. (Now Abraham never possessed Cannan, as an everlasting possession, and neither did Israel, so this was speaking of the future inheritace of all the Children of God, the heavenly Canaan) 17:9 And God said to Abraham, you shalt keep my covenant therefore, you, and your seed after you in their generations. 17:10 This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your seed after you; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. 17:11 And you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant between me and you. So we see that circumcision was to be a token or sign, ceremonial obedience, of the first mentioned Covenant to make him a father of many nations conditioned on him walking before the Lord and being perfect, or complete in doing the will of God. Here we have more of God's testimony concerning Abraham and His obedience which the Lord required above in renewing the covenant with Isaac, Ge 26:3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you, and will bless you; for to you, and to your seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath (covenant) which I sware to Abraham your father; Ge 26:4 And I will make your seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give to your seed all these countries; and in your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; Ge 26:5 Because Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws. The Covenant with Israel was just another renewal of the 'everlasting Covenant' with the Law written in stone and a more detailed sacrificial system with its attendant feast days. The New Covenant was another renewal of the 'everlasting covenant' with Israel in which God would write His laws in the believer's heart, 'to love God with all the heart, mind, soul and strength' and to 'love your neighbor as yourself, which includes also ones enemies. This would of course include the Ten Commandments, which identify the main sins commited by the unsaved man. Here again it is not unconditional, but requires one be crucified with Christ and Born from above By the Spirit of God. It is an all inclusive covenant. Here again is the testimony of God on the subbject, 2co 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Here Paul makes it quite inclusive. These do not save, but are the requirements of the 'saved man'. All of the covenants were to save, and all were freely offered, but all had requirements to follow God's will. I realize this is not popular today, but it is Scriptural. God bless, Dennis

It sure does. I guess I'll look at the dates a little closer from now on. God bless, Dennis

Suzanne, I just dropped by to check on an email address and came across your post. Good to see your still hanging in there. The 'abomination of desolation' is getting clearer and clearer. Anti-christ is a 'false christ', an 'Idol', preached by a 'false christian church' led by the 'spirit of anti-christ'. This is why Jesus stated: Lu 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night to him, though he bear long with them? 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man comes, shall he find faith on the earth? (real living faith is the 'real Jesus' of the Scriptures, these are the ones who cry to Him day and night about the abominations done) 18:9 And he spoke this parable to certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: God bless and keep you and yours, Your brother in Christ, Dennis

Steven, Christians act like Christians. A good tree produces good fruit, and bad tree bad fruit. You will know them by their fruit. This is the word of God. It would seem to me that though this person was 'homeless', he was not a bum, because he worked and spread the gospel. He had access to many people because of his work. If we were to view Jesus and His apostles, they were homeless, but not bums, yet that is how they were viewed by many of the Church leaders of their time. They travled from place to place serving and sharing the Gospel. Jesus had no place to lay His head. Mat 8:19 And a certain scribe came, and said to him, Master, I will follow you where ever you go. 8:20 And Jesus said to him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has no where to lay his head. It would seem to me that this man did not need ministering to so much, as for others to join him in spreading the word. He was trusting His Father and doing His will as best he knew it. Jesus didn't spread the Gospel from a church building, with air conditioning and entertainment, but from the streets, where the sinners were. Sounds like a good plan, one that worked well for Jesus and His Apostolic Church. God bless and keep, Dennis

Brothers and Sisters, I have found that trusting is answer to every problem. Trusting the indwelling Christ through the Holy Spirit. It is His strength that we need, and it is His strength that we have through Christ, but sometimes we tend to forget that for we don't feel strong. All we need is in Christ, and Christ dwells in us through faith, and thus we are complete in Christ Jesus. As I train my self to always remember this, my strength is always renewed. 2Cor 12:9 And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in (my) weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2Cor 13:4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God, for we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether you re in the faith; prove your own selves. Don

Amen ezekiel33, It is all one event and Jesus will put an end to these religious games which masquerade as christianity. God Bless, Dennis

Of course no one endures in their own power. This has not even been intimated. Anyone knows that the Christian endures with the Power of God. It is just that some are denying the power of God and thus see no need to endure. It is an armchair, cruise control religion. It is alway God's power working in and through the 'believer'. Since he/she has the power, he/she uses the power to overcome and endure. 2co 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. Now let see, is Paul taking credit for all these works that he did, or that we do? 2co 6:4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience (endurance), in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 6:5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; 6:6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the Armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, Eph 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Only a fool would take credit for his/her own works, all those who endure in the power of God, know that it is not their own power, but His that strengthens them. Eph 3:20 Now to him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Believe it or not, God supplies the power and we do the works. When it is God's power working through the believer, then it is not has/her works, but God working through the believer. Here is Paul speaking to this point: 2co 7:1 Having therefore these promises (the power of the indwelling Christ), dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Yet He also speaks of those who deny the power of God working through man: 2ti 3:4 (they are) Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. It is disingenuous at best to infer that the poster here is taking credit for what she is doing through the power of God. God Bless, Dennis

Letter versus Spirit #10 The 10th Commandment deals with the 'root of all sin', the carnal, selfish, self absorbed, sinful heart. Out of the heart proceed all the 'issues of life'. This is what needs to be changed in conversion. Only those with a 'new heart', a 'Spirit filled' heart will be able to escape the outward sins as defined in the 'Ten Commandments' as well as the myriad requirements of the 'New Testament'. The Letter of the Law- - The 10th Commandment Exo 20:16 Exo 20:17 Thou shalt not covet (#2530- desire for oneself) thy neighbor

Scriptures warns us of 'another gospel', 'another spirit' and 'another christ'. 2co 11:4 For if he that comes preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, which you have not received (through our preaching), or another gospel, which you have not accepted (from us), you might well bear with him Paul was afraid that they would receive them and believe them) . Why did he fear this? 2co 11:19 For you suffer (allow, receive, put up with, believe) fools gladly, seeing you yourselves are wise (in your own eyes). A young believer may not know much about Christ, but if led by the Holy Spirit will grow in knowledge of the truth and thus the true Christ and is saved by Christ. It is a different thing for one to teach and preach another christ, one not in harmony with the totallity of Scripture, to ignore His plain teaching as though it doesn't matter what He said. This would then be a 'false Christ', a 'substitute christ', an 'imposter christ', an 'anti-christ', prompted by another spirit, the 'spirit of anti-christ'. The answer is no, belief in this type of christ does not save. This belief in an 'anti-christ cannot save, but just the oposite will damn those who follow. I believe that we have been warned of this throughout the Bible.

Letter versus Spirit #9 The 9th Commandment is deals with false witness against others, here again, a foundational principle of righteousness, the forbidding of basic unrighteousness. The Letter of the Law- - The 9th Commandment Exo 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against your neighbor. The 9th Commandment forbids all false communication, but especially that which would injure injure the reputation of another. Here again, there is no mention, or delineation of any positive communication. Thus only the sin is identified, not the positive aspect of righteousness in communication. The Spirit of the Law Now Jesus, in the 'Spirit of the law', as part of the 'New Covenant' experience of writing Gods laws in our hearts, expands this Commandment, as we have previously seen, to cover all our communication. Always speak the truth in love and don

So much for 'Christian courtesy' for I see that some have ignored my request to stay on topic. But thats OK, Shiloh, for when your ride in to rescue 'truth' as you see it, it brings so much more attention to the topic and brings so many more who are able to see the contrast between truth and error, between 'christian courtesy' and discourtesy. I guess that you enjoy 'train wrecks'. Always in Love, Dennis

Letter versus Spirit #8 The 8th Commandment is very basic, a foundational principle, forbidding the stealing of that which belongs to others. The Letter of the Law- - The 8th Commandment Exo 20:14 Thou shalt not steal. The 8th Commandment deals only with the physical acts stealing. Jesus, who gave the 'Commandments' and was the 'living example' of them, now expanded them to include the very thoughts and desires that motivate men. The Spirit of the Law Now Jesus, in the 'Spirit of the law', expands this Commandment, as He did all the others, showing the true meaning of godliness, the love of giving rather that receiving, the essence of the 'New heart' in which the Lord, who gave His life, dwells. Giving what one has received: Mat 10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 10:7 And as you go, preach, saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely you have received, freely give. Going on to Perfection: Mat 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If you will be perfect (#5046-finished, complete in virtue and integrity), go and sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. Giving Forgiveness: Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and you shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind to the unthankful and to the evil. 6:36 Be therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 6:37 Judge not, and you shall not be judged: condemn not, and you shall not be condemned: forgive, and you shall be forgiven (Hmm, here we have those who have been justified, being warned if they don't forgive, they won't be forgiven. So much for the false concept of justification): 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete withal(use on others) it shall be measured to you again (used on you). Giving what you have: Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. Giving of oneself: Acts 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Christian would rather give that receive: Acts 20:35 I have showed you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Christian give to their enemies: Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place to wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 12:20 Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing you shal heap coals of fire on his head. 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Giving instead of Stealing: Eph 4:28 Let him that stoled steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needs

Wow, there is sure an effort to bury that 7th Commandment, I wonder why? Here again is Paul's teaching on Justification, in His own words: Only Past sins: Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 3:25 Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are PAST (I would hope that we can all understand that past means past, there is no present or future mentioned here), through the forbearance of God; Now Paul deals with any sin thereafter which would be future: Ga 2:17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. (Now why would Paul ask such a question? Because the converted, justified one is indwelt by Christ who is to live through Him and Christ would not lead him to sin, so Paul tells what happened) 2:18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed (when I was crucified with Christ),I make myself a transgressor. (again, after he was justified, forgiven of all past sin, but now has made himself a transgressor again and must be forgiven for that new sin and thus justified for it) Now John tells us how this happens: 1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Now this is certainly not initial forgiveness or justification, which takes place at conversion, for that has already taken place. So we see that any future sin is forgiven at a future time, following the confession of it to God. Now this is a very easy point to grasp. If it was already forgiven at conversion, then why would any need to confess it at a later time in order to be forgiven at that time? At least be logical, if you are not going to believe the Scriptures. This is why there is a separation of the wheat and tares in the churches, to determine who have continued to confess their sins and be forgiven, and who have presumptuously assumed that they did not need to do so. God Bless, Dennis