wordsower

Apok, There was no Holy Spirit dwelling in them in the OT because of sin. At the time Adam and Eve sinned, they became spirtually dead. God said "My spirit will not continue forever with man" The law was to point out sin, because without a conscience you wouldn't know sin. So it was a list of do's and don'ts to keep people in line. The punishment for disobeying the law was death. If the Old Covenant were perfect, there would be no need for a new one, right? Man could not keep the law, so they gave blood sacrifices for their sins, problem is, that didn't work either because they were doing it out of obligation, not love. So, God sent the perfect sacrifice-Jesus to cover the sins of man and make them able to enter into that relationship with God that was intended from the beginning. Sin is still there, but Jesus' blood covers it for the believer so that God sees us as the righteousness of God, through the blood sacrifice that paid for our sin. The Holy Spirit is now here on earth in the true believers restraining much of the evil in people. If He were not, the world would be continually evil and sinful like it was in the OT. Hope that makes sense. :thumb: Keep studying and learning, it's a wonderfully exciting process. Galatians may help you understand this some better. Blessings!

Good One! Apok, The GOOD NEWS is that we are no longer under the law of condemnation and death. Some may disagree with me, but in the days of Noah giants roamed the earth, these were fallen angels that were mixed with humans and God destroyed them and ultimately (though not at the time of the flood) prevented them from doing this any longer. With Sodom and Gomorrah, men were continually evil and sinning, God gave the chance for them to repent by sending them warning, they didn't so He wiped them out. Our world is much bigger now, I don't know if there is any place on earth were there are no saved people, I hope not anyways, God wouldn't destroy the saved with the lost. Hey, in numbers a man was stoned to death for picking up fire wood on the Sabbath. God has NEVER changed, He is and was and will be good, and love and fair. The Old Covenant was punishable by death because there was no Holy Spirit dwelling in men then and now we have the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us and we have a conscience. Grace HAS to be extended to all because it is God's perfect gift to save mankind. Those that don't accept it will face judgement and death, it WILL come. You have a very valid question and I hope I helped answer it some, though it is much more extensive than just this.

God's rebel child- Can you picture Jesus doing Yoga? Can you picture Him in a movie theater with profanity, violence and sex on the big screen before Him? Whe I first got saved, all sorts of things started bugging me, like TV shows, music, etc.. I asked God, well, then WHAT do You want me to DO? Plain as day I heard "In all you do, do it to the glory of God" That eliminates a lot doesn't it? We are called out of this world to impact it, not let it impact us.

Yoga has really had me worried for some reason but I could not put my finger on why. Seems anytime people openly except the integration of religions at any level it can't be all good-not that we don't love everybody-don't turn this into a debate, please. I did some research and found the following. Most everything comes from something and when we find the origination of a lot of things it can get pretty scary: In truth, yoga exercises are NOT just of a physical nature. They cannot be separated from their mystical, Hinduistic purposes. Yoga teaches that there are some 72,000 invisible psychic channels, which constitute another-dimensional body. This "subtle" body is claimed to connect to the real body in seven predominant places, ranging from the base of the spine to the top of the head. The teachings of Hatha (physical) yoga teach that at the base of the spines lies coiled a great serpent power called Kundalini. A former yoga teacher for ten years, and former vice-principal of a large yoga school, now a Christian, comments "Every posture is designed to stimulate this power to uncoil itself and rise up through the nerve centers in the spine, which are closely related to the endocrine glands, until it finally reaches the pituitary gland--the thousand petal lotus--and when this occurs after long and disciplined practice, perfect enlightenment is achieved." A Christian need not be instructed on the significance of the original serpent, Satan the Devil! (See Revelation 12:9) THE PURPOSE OF YOGA The purpose of the yoga exercise is to align the "subtle" body with the real one, and thereby alter the consciousness of the practitioner in a specified way. The positioning of the body in the yoga postures opens up the practitioner to "vibrations" which teach him the "wisdom" of yoga. As a person proceeds with the physical yoga exercises, it will not be too long before he is asked to practice the "meditation" along with the postures. Often, this begins with just an urging to "empty the mind of all thought", and then progresses into real Hindu meditation. Christian meditation as taught throughout the Bible is a FILLING of the mind with the words and precepts of God, and is the exact opposite of yoga meditation. PHYSICAL BUT NOT SPIRITUAL? Skeptical Christians should go to their public library and read ANY authoritative book on Hatha Yoga (physical yoga). These various books will make it clear that physical yoga is just the first step to spiritual yoga, and its roots are solidly in Hinduism. One Christian authority on Yoga, Mother Basilea Schlink of the Darmstat Sisters warns in a pamphlet, "...every Yoga posture was originally designed to worship the Hindu god Krishna". YOGA'S VIEW OF JESUS CHRIST Jesus Christ is presented by yoga as just one of many great masters like Buddha, Krishna, and Mohammed. Yoga teaches that there are many ways of reaching God, all equally good. If Christians are seeking peace and relaxation in yoga, then they are seeking the world's way, not the Way of Jesus Christ. John 14:27 puts it well, quoting Jesus Christ, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." The true peace from Jesus Christ sustains the Christian through all circumstances, not just while exercising or meditating.

No, I think He meant that John the Baptist came to preach the Messiah's 1st coming. (the "spirit" of Elijah) Rev 11 tells us he's coming again before the dreadful day of the Lord-a prophet to warn those still here and to preach the gospel before Christ's second coming. Just wondering if it is literally Elijah? I think it is. Says they are clothed in sackcloth (?)

Matt 17:10-13: And His disciple asked Him, saying, "Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first? Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Elijah truly is coming, first and will restore all things. But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but to him whatever they wished....Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist. So, is it Elijah or the spirit of Elijah? I'm confused about this myself. I would be very cautious about SDA literature though.

Thank you racer. Guess we won't encounter any thief in the night since we can discern the times :thumb:

Hallelujia!! Preach it Karen!! :thumb: Jipsah, Don't you see people are growing cold just as Jesus promised? We've had how many kidnappings in the last 3 months? How many homicide bombers? Did you see Newsweek's article on the massive rise in bi-polar disease? This is non-other than demon possesion. This isn't a game, this is a devil with a short amount of time left seeking whom he may devour. He is the prince of the air. Have you noticed an increase in unexplainable plane crashes? El nino? Hurricanes, tornados? Hellllloooooooo. Wake up and smell the cake--we goin' to a WEDDING!! When I go bet they'll think an alien took me

Don't ya'll watch the news? There are too many people seeing the same thing for it to be made up- We were warned we would see signs in the stars. Signs and wonders in the last days. Karen, most people think what they know and see is all there is, I, like you, know better. Folks, there is a serious spiritual world out there. The devil is REAL! For those who don't know what the heck it is, it could be terrifying. The devil has a short time and he is working furiously to lead who he can out of truth. Don't doubt these things, just get educated and know what they are. It's not aliens--it's the prince of darkness.

FHA, Your mom and step-dad's situation is an exception to the rule. It is still biblical advice to not marry outside of the church-that being the body of Christ, not some man-made religion-I'm glad your mom got lucky-or better yet, blessed- but it's not something to encourage.

The Holy Bible says not to be unequally yoked. We have nothing in common with those of the world. If you have presented the gospel to him and he refuses to accept it, you have to make a choice to remain with him or to do the will of your Father. You can not ride the fence, you can not serve two masters. There are only 2 choices: God or your boyfriend. One will last a few years, the other for eternity. Decide this day who you will serve!

Amen!! Hallelujia! Preach it brother, glory! I really needed that word tonight. May the Lord Bless you in a mighty way :thumb:

Of course the modern state of Israel is the same Israel. (though it may not have all of it's land) We are NOT Israel. The 'church' is the body of believers, Israel doesn't believe that Jesus already came-yet. They are still the chosen ones. Read the story of Rebekkah and Leah and you'll see a parallel of us and Israel. We're just grafted in and we better be glad we are! I was raised in a cult that taught they were 'spiritual Israel' the only thing they have in common with Israel is the veil not being lifted!

You misunderstood me, which is easy to do on the internet, my meaning was not to preach propsperity. I know there are many christians that aren't rich and it's not because they aren't holy enough. Genesis says those that bless Israel will be blessed and those that curse her will be cursed. I see that as being the case with nations, not individuals. Note, the countries that hate Israel are always at war. Se Genesis 16 esp. 11&12. Hope that explains what I meant a little more.

I do not believe that there are true christians dying of starvation unless it is by persecution of non-christians. God promises to supply all our needs according to His riches and glory and I have never heard of or known of any christian who did not have their needs met. I know I'm blessed! :inlove:

Oh, forgot to put the scripture It's Romans 1:18-20. the whole chapter explains my thoughts more clearly.

I think the fact that His wrath is revealed in those that reject Him is evident in the fact that they all live in destitution, in the desert, starving to death in a forsaken land while we got the land of milk and honey cuz we stand for God!! Our land isn't the best in the world because we are so smart, we ARE BLESSED and they are cursed.

For the wrath of God IS REVEALED from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who supress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for GOD HAS SHOWN IT TO THEM. For since the creation of the world His invisible atributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. I think this shows that God does reveal truth to everyone and they either reject it or accept it. I'm not talking doctrinal truths, I'm meaning the fact that God is there and He makes Himself known. I've read tons of testimonies from Muslims who were never taught anything about Jesus and came to Him by dreams and visions and all sorts of signs. I think the same happens to all of them, some just never accept it. I also wonder about all the near-death experiences we hear about, if that is God's "last chance" call. I know He is a fair God and He gives everyone the opportunity to accept truth.

The verse you keep hearing in your head is clear. Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened unto you. Seek the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. This is something the Lord is allowing you to go through so that you will depend on Him more. He has His hand on your life and His perfect will is going to be revealed to you. Just remember that we don't know God's plan always, but trust in Him to work ALL things out for good. You will look back and see Him working even through this. Blessings and peace to you!

Thanks Blindseeker, Wish I could get a little more of my mind renewed! Guess it's a work in progress.

Gen 5:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. 9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. But, did Noah never sin? Of course not, we know that Jesus is the only one who never sinned, so how can he be perfect? The way I understand it, in grace we are the righteousness of God, our sin is forgotten, washed, cast into the sea. So, was Noah sinlessly perfect or was he perfected in God's eyes by His grace? Do I think the soul and spirit are seperate, yes. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now many the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I understand the soul to be something you're born with and your spirit something that is brought to life when you are saved. I think our spirit is much different than our soul. I will say that while I search the scriptures daily, I have only been saved for one year and there is plenty I don't understand. I do understand that grace is the only way I have out of this world and the only thing to free me from my flesh. Of course, I had to accept it first. My purpose here is to learn what I don't know and teach what I do know. Having said that, if you have something you want to contribute, please do so!

I think the oil represents the Holy Spirit. To have the Holy Spirit one must have Jesus. Rev 19:10 ...I am your fellow servant, and of your brethrenwho have the testimony of Jesus Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. 1 John 5:11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Eph 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption Seems the unwise virgins do not have the seal of God, the Holy Spirit. What do you think about the Prodigal son? . I was studying this parable last Spring and it really hit me that the parable represents Israel. The prodigal Son was able to attend the feast because he confessed, received the robe (which in the Bible represents Jesus in many passages), was given the signet ring-showing his inheritance. He was thrown a big party while his brother, who was also an heir, did not attend the feast even though he was invited because he was jealous. The Bible says we Gentiles will provoke the Jews to jealousy. We will attend the marriage supper of the Lamb because we have Jesus, while the Jews will not because they will not have received Him yet, though the father in the story tells his older son that he has been an heir from the beginning.

Yes, the law converted the soul but the GRACE perfects the spirit. The law could never do that.

I'm sorry that I am so over-sensative, Frankly, taxing as is may be I have read many of the early church writings. Was Noah perfect? Well, maybe you can explain his drunkedness in Gen (6 I believe). So you want scriptural definition of grace? Better start at Genesis and finish with Revelation. Flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, Caanan, Mary Magdelene, Peter, Paul, .....since after 4 pages no one is able to give you the definition you are looking for, how's about you go on and enlighten us poor casual christians.

You can look at my previous post and see that I am not one who believes grace is a license to sin. Those with the undertanding of grace know that it is a way to conquer sin and not a reason to stay in sin. You have no right to judge my studies. I spend a considerable amount of time in the Word daily and I am always studying! You are trying to combine the law and grace into one and this can not be done or we would need no grace. If the law were able to save us Christ would not have needed to die and be our sacrifice for sin. The law deals with head knowledge and flesh ability while grace deals with our spirit and our death to sin. The law produces death while the grace produces life. Grace gives us an ability to be cruxified with Christ and become the righteousness of God while our flesh can not keep the law. It's all about REST, letting Christ's work do the work for us. I see where you are going with this and I do not have the time right now to give my full conviction on this subject as I have 3 screaming kids that need baths and bed-hallelujia-oops, sorry, I got a little distracted. Blindseeker, you may not mean to come across as being abrasive, but you are typing like the perfect pharisee. Peace brother!!