Hello Pastortim2017. I know, some 'sins' are difficult to throw off, and certainly 'vaping' can be included in there, whether one actually considers it sinful or not; yet being addicted to an unhealthy slew of substances that destroys the body which is no longer his own, is indeed sinful. This person seems quite serious about throwing off this habit and has even earnestly sought the Lord's Help - very commendable. But when 'push comes to shove', we have to admit that when we sin, there is a strong element of fondness for that sin and this has to be removed. No doubt, vaping still gives him pleasure, which makes it all the harder for him, in spite of his earnest resolutions to quit, and yet, the Lord sometimes allows us to continue in such spiritual turmoil for a season, until the release from it becomes truly liberating with great joy.
There would be many suggestions (both from medical fraternities and govt authorities) to help such folk getting on the path of abstinence. And these could well be useful, but unless the Lord is in it to guide & encourage his child to get into the place of freedom and victory, there can sometimes be regressing into the old habits (which is happening with this person). 1 Corinthians 10:13 is a powerful verse to assure us that God is still with us, in spite of our sense of His absence; that if we are earnest and true to Him, he will make a way of escape as we continue to hold faith in Him under such trial. And I understand this, as the way of escape is available, but to get to it & into freedom might well take time & preparation (and this probably means in his case, really coming to terms with the comfort he gets in the habit & finding it repulsive).
To me, it seems he knows it's wrong and keeping him from knowing God's Presence & Assurance, but the pull of the habit is more compelling. With the Lord's Help, he would need to seek His Face for ways or people that would turn his focus away from vapes onto truly satisfying pursuits.
"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
1 Corinthians 10:13
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
Psalms 55:22
"Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."
Always remember 1 Corinthians 10:13! Things happen to all of us but God is faithful and will only allow us to go through what we can handle and the beautiful thing is, He will always show us a way out! Confide and stay in Him and The Word!
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
Matthew 26:41
"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
26 And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.
27 Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:
28 Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.
29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
Verse 26 shows a repeated theme from Proverbs on the adulterous woman and it shows that those in the Lord will escape from such situations which reminds us of 1 Corinthians 10:13. Obviously his experience with insane numbers of wives and concubines which God warned him would lead him astray lends to the attitude in the verses 27 and 28.
The last verse shows that original sin still cannot excuse man's deliberate attempts to sow discord and find ways to disobey God.
We could surmise this is a reference to the original creation of man; but since the word "they" is used it seems to extend to mankind afterwards in all history.
Ecclesiastes 8
The first 5 verses focus on the merits of foilowing the king properly.
Verse 8 states the first important theme in this chapter: There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.
This passage shows how the spirit leaves the body at death and we can't hold it back. For the wicked they are forever weak in hell as Isaiah 14:10 states of the inhabitants there when the Antichrist is thrown down there.
Verse 11 says: Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Verse 12 shows how 2 millennia would be nothing compared to eternity without God.
Should we baptize a baby ? ? I got baptized as a baby and don't remember it and didn't understand it . As a grown man, I got baptized twice, but I was still confused why we had to do it. The church told me it wasn't for Salvation, it's a membership and an example of Jesus Christ resurrection.
1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ sent me not tobaptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made ofnoneeffect.
Jesus Christ only baptized his disciples only.
John 4:2
(ThoughJesushimselfbaptizednot, but his disciples,)
The baptism of Moses was not water, the Jews walk the sea on dry land.
1 Corinthians 10:2
And were allbaptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
Apollos only knew the Baptist of John. John baptized in water .
Acts 18:25
Thismanwas instructed in thewayofthe Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the thingsofthe Lord, knowing only the baptismofJohn
My question is, why are we baptizing a baby when they don't understand. I don't believe that Jesus Christ was baptize as a baby ?
Romans 6:3
Know ye not, that so many of us as werebaptizedintoJesusChrist werebaptizedinto his death?
Today, we are baptized by the Holy Spirit, the minute we believe the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 .
1 Corinthians 12:13
For by one Spirit are we allbaptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
May we all believe that baptism is in the Holy Spirit by believing the gospel of grace.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The Holy Spirit baptized me into Christ Jesus by believing the gospel.
For mythoughtsare not yourthoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith theLord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and mythoughtsthan yourthoughts.
The believer should use scriptures to back up scriptures and try not to use our thoughts as much as possible.
2 Corinthians 10:5
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity everythoughtto the obedience of Christ;
We are getting closer to Noah's days with evil thoughts continually.
Genesis 6:5
And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of thethoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Not everyone is going to know the Bible and also know the Hebrew and Greek to translate the words.
1 Corinthians 8:2
And if any manthinkthat he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
If we think we know it all, it could make us fall .
1 Corinthians 10:12
Wherefore let him thatthinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
If we think we are something when we are nothing , we deceive ourselves.
Galatians 6:3
For if a manthinkhimself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Apostle Paul tells us what we should be thinking .
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,thinkon these things.
May we all think about the gospel of grace for Salvation.
Should a Christian man touch his girlfriend ? ? I know we all live in a world that touching runs very rapidly in our society.
My dad always told us, no girls in the house. I was scared to death to even think of a girl around my dad.
Apostle Paul warns us about touching a woman. It also means the opposite as well. If we have problems with lust, touching will be more of a problem.
1 Corinthians 7:1
Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good foramannottotouchawoman.
How should a man date a woman ? ? A man and woman should both be in there Bibles studying and thanking God for Salvation. They should never be alone for temptation will come. It's best to have godly people around at all times.
1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath notemptationtaken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with thetemptationalso make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
It's very interesting that most people will not follow Apostle Paul's epistle for doctrine but will use his verse to align there belief .
They will use bride of Christ, Adoption of the Abraham, they will use speaking in tongue and the Lord's table. Now, I wonder if Peter, John, James and Jude speaks of all these subjects like Apostle Paul's epistle does.
My point is, Apostle Paul has all the answers to live a Christian life today for the Gentiles.
1. Bride of Christ
God is love and is marriage. Paul explains marriage by using the Church the body of Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:2
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chastevirginto Christ
2. Speaking in tongue
Apostle Paul gives the rule for speaking in tongue.
1 Corinthians 14:27
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be bytwo,orat the most bythree, and that by course; and let one interpret.
3. Adoption of Abraham
We that are saved have the blessings from Abraham through Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:14
That theblessingofAbrahammight come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
4. Lord's table
Apostle Paul gives the rules to the Gentiles for the Lord Table, because they were doing it all wrong.
1 Corinthians 10:16
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
May we fully understand why Jesus Christ chosen Apostle Paul and put the Twelve on the shelf for a season for the Kingdom of Heaven on earth to come. This is the Grace age of Church the body of Christ Jesus.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the body of Christ Jesus is the Church today and we must believe the gospel .
1 Corinthians 10:25 - Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
The King James says "shambles," but it is actually the Greek word for marketplace. The command is eat it, asking no question for conscience sake:
If it's sold down in the marketplace and there's no tag on it saying that it's offered to an idol, it's just a piece of meat. Go ahead and eat it!
1 Corinthians 10:31 - Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
It doesn't make a difference what you do. Everything that you do, do it for the glory of God. The word glory is the word DOXA and it means substance. The glory of God is the substance of God. Do everything that people will see the very nature and substance of God. That should be the motivation. And if it involves the "touchy" area of what kind of food you're eating verses offending other people, just don't eat it. It's no big deal. It's just food!
1 Corinthians 11:19 - For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
The word must is the word necessary and the Greek word means binding. It must happen! The word heresy comes from the root word that means choice. That's what a heresy is. When I choose to believe that the bible is teaching something that's not in the bible, that's a heresy. I'm choosing to believe it.
Heresy is what divides one church from another church. We can go over the same scriptures, and one side says, "We believe that it says this," and another side will say, "Well, we believe it means this!" They go by what they believe rather than what the scripture says. The scriptures unite us.
It says for it is necessary for there to be heresies. Interesting that Paul didn't say, "There shouldn't be any heresies." No, there has to be heresies in the church. Why? So that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
1 Corinthians 7:33 - But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.
But he that is married cares, and again that's MERIMNA. He's occupied for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.
1 Corinthians 7:34 - There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.
He says there is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord, again the word cares is the word MERIMNA. In order that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married cares (MERIMNA), for the things of the world, and how she may please her husband.
1 Corinthians 10:4 - And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
The rock is PETRA. It's the same word that Jesus used back in Matthew 16:18 when he called Peter a PETROS, a pebble, but he says upon this PETRA, meaning Himself, I will build the church. PETROS and PETRA are two different words in Greek. PETROS is the pebble, and PETRA is the slab or the foundation stone.
But it is interesting that five times it is mentioned that everybody received the provision of God, and everybody ate the same spiritual meat and the same spiritual drink from the rock, and the rock that followed them was Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:5 - But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
But with many of them God was not well pleased:
It didn't say all. In the Greek text, it expresses the majority. Everybody but two. That's a lot of people! God was not well pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. That is, their bodies were scattered in the desert. They were killed!
SCHOOL BOOK JULY 21,2024 1 Corinthians 10:9 -22KJV
My Respond: COGIC WORSHIP-
I worship the True one God Jesus Christ that rules over all , A God who overcomes sin, God of subjection, God of peace to all. A God that is the cup of blessing, God of communion, God of Bread, God that is blood of significance. A God that is the kingdom. A God that is always making a way of escape from temptations of sins.
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
This is one of the great verses in the bible, and probably the most debated verse in the bible, so we'll skip it. No, just kidding!
First of all, Jesus says "thou art Peter." The Greek word for Peter is PETROS, which means a small rock or stone. The word for rock that was used for Jesus is PETRA. It looks like they are from the same word. One is masculine and one is feminine. PETRA is a massive rock, a foundation stone.
So, we are talking about a little pebble. That is what PETROS is. And a PETRA is like a cement slab, a foundation. The two words are not even close in identification. And so, people argue and debate and say, thou art Peter, PETROS, and upon this rock PETRA, I will build my church. They say that since it is not the same word as Peter, then maybe PETRA refers to his confession, that everybody that makes the confession that Peter made they will be the ones that will make up the church.
Others say that it makes reference to Peter and that the church is based or built on Peter, and that he's the foundation of the church. Religious groups held up this view for many, many years. At least one group still does.
Well, what is interesting here is that PETRA, and we are just going to follow the word PETRA, because PETROS is for Peter. That is it. In 1 Corinthians 10:4, concerning the children of Israel going through the wilderness, Paul says, and they did all drink the same spiritual drink, for they drank of that spiritual rock, PETRA, that followed them and that rock, PETRA, was Christ. So, PETRA was Christ 1 Corinthians 10:4.
Conclusion of primary applications and themes of scripture
1 Corinthians 10:11 says: Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
This verse helps to tie in the examples; both good and bad from various characters and narratives in the Bible so that we can understand the temporal and eternal consequences of our actions; and hopefully learn the fear of the Lord as a result. The moral principles of the Lord never change; even if we study the lives of those under the authority of the Old Covenant vs. the New Covenant. The souls of all men are mine ( Ezekiel 18:4) states God. Therefore; it is just as true that not one "jot or tittle" of His word will fail ( Matthew 5:18); the spiritual laws in scripture of conduct are as certain as the natural laws that every man lives subject to.
One more point I want to cover before wading into the waters of the subject of secondary themes and applications is that although it usually involves large swaths of scripture and repeated concepts throughout with many cross references most of the time; there are a few key concepts that are rather limited. One which jumps to mind is Christ actually stating that He is the "I am". John 8:58 from what I know is the only place it is explicit; there are other places clearly where it is either implied or meant with the original language; certainly the Pharisees knew this or they wouldn't have tried to kill Jesus 10 times or so before they finally succeeded. More often seen is the unique claims of Christ as being the only way to the Father (I am the way the truth and the life may perhaps means the same thing as my last reference). He also showed this with offering forgiveness of sins which is only something God can do. We see in this what is implied if CORRECTLY interpreted shows much of the primary themes; we could cite the Parables as a good example of this.
Evangelism pleases the Lord. The Christian life must never be lived according to "shoulds." Yet we hear that word often in relation to Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, and other Christian practices. "I should do that, but . . ." The but is a bigger problem than we want to admit. God's children will naturally want to please their Heavenly Father; it is their greatest delight. So our compass is set with God at true north. In everything we do, we feel the magnetic pull toward pleasing God. Even mundane tasks can be completed with joy because we are doing what God has given us to do ( 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 5:9). Teaching other people how to have a relationship with Jesus is one way to please Him. And in pleasing Him we are most fulfilled ( Galatians 2:20).
END ARTICLE.
When we are unequally yoked, they cannot perform the task set before us. Instead of working together, we are at odds with one another.
Paul's admonition in 2 Corinthians 6:14 is part of a larger discourse to the church at Corinth on the Christian life. He discouraged them from being in an unequal partnership with unbelievers because believers and unbelievers are opposites, just as light and darkness are opposites. They simply have nothing in common,
just as Christ has nothing in common with "Belial,
The "unequal yoke" is often applied to business relationships, Marriage ect..
We are to love everyone as Christ do and share the Gospel but we must understand that unbelievers have opposite worldviews and morals, and decisions made daily will reflect the worldview of one partner or the other.
In this world we are to be as Daniel in Babylon. He inspired Nebuchadnezzar. See Daniel 4
Hi Mike. I was touched by you sharing experiences in your life & all you have had to put up with through these many years. In some ways, I can identify with you, though I have been spared depression & poverty; nonetheless, when failures, broken dreams or unanswered prayers are our lot, then this can become a breeding ground for a state of hopelessness, doubt, lethargy, and even entertaining questions of our faith & of a loving caring God.
I'm assuming that you truly know the Lord Jesus & that salvation is your very real experience & possession, yet because of circumstances, you've become despondent, doubting, & fearful. Not knowing your 'full story', it seems that you have allowed these unfortunate experiences to have had sway over your heart & mind, being overcome by them, & not dealt with them by continuing to hold onto the Lord & His Word. Yet you might say to this, 'But I have held on - as long as I could, before doubt crept in & over-ruled'. But the Word of God states in 1 Corinthians 10:13, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it".
Maybe you feel that God has allowed you to suffer or be tempted above your ability to bear them, but have you been able to see a way (His way) as your escape route from them? A lot of our problems stem from an idle mind & lifestyle. And Satan loves to work in such environments. Can you be involved in a Bible-believing Church Fellowship, in voluntary/charitable work, even with groups that meet for occasional get-togethers & outings? And if these are Christian groups/ministries, there will surely be folk that can help/guide you in friendship & counsel. Onto Page 2.
The world socially bullies others to publicly affirm and validate another's' sin, or face consequences such as cancelling and public shaming. Since when are rights contingent on someone else's opinion of you?
Is it more important to appease men, or more important to please God? To the church, it should be obvious what the priority is, but I think some cave to public pressure and fear they may lose funding or social status by not siding with the bullies. Some try to appease the world instead of God.
What's this bullying really about and why the huge push in recent years? They claim its their identity, they're born that way, and don't have a choice. But has anyone challenged this assumption?
What are other examples of someone born with such a high proclivity to sin that they absolutely "have no choice"? I'm not aware of any, in fact, the Bible says we always have a choice- a way out of sin. 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV
We all have different obstacles in life; some, like Paul, had a thorn in the flesh. 2 Corinthians 12:7
I reject the assumption that some people are more "equal" than others. Equal means equal, not special protected classes and treatment. I've learned that the woke movement is now racially separating people just like they did 100 years ago, whether for hiring, or DEI classes, and who knows what else. Amazing full circle. They totally ignored everything MLK stood for.
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28 KJV
The culture is ignoring this verse that we're equal.
There's no evidence anyone's identity is tied to sin so much they can't help but do that. No baby desires such things. It's learned and when opportunities present themselves. Now pedos use same arguments to excuse their horrific abuse of kids. The culture will use clever words to defend it. There's no end to the evil progression. It's a choice.
Part 9. J Vernon Mcgee. God's Test - Genesis 22 continuing.
We should pause here to consider a deep truth for God's children today. Do you know, friends, that for the Christian the greatest testings do not necessarily come at the beginning of our life as a believer? Sometimes God waits until we have had many years along the path, and then He brings a testing into our life so that He might develop us - a testing that we would never have been given at the beginning of our walk with Him. Often these testings cause Christians to say, "Well, I do not see why God has allowed this to happen to me!" My friend, it is evidence of the fact that you are in favor with God. You have come to the place where He can test you. And remember that He will not test you beyond what you are able to bear (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).
Notice that this test did not come at the first part of Abraham's life. I am very frank to say that I do not believe that Abraham could have stood this test when God first called him out. At the beginning of his life of faith, he never would have gone this far with God. It was only after several times of lesser testings, then backsliding, but always returning to his relationship with God that he was put to this ultimate test.
FATHER, help us to draw close to YOU that the devil flee from us. May we seek YOUR kingdom first, and pray faithfully with enlightened eyes and mind to glorify YOU. Bless Jerusalem with the peace of GOD through CHRIST JESUS' gospel.
In everything that we say or do, may we exalt and extol YOU. 1 Corinthians 10: 31-33.
The LORD to shine HIS face on all the brethren and gloriously bless you.
Dear Father God, please bless and release Bafana from this addiction. Provide a clear way to follow as it says in 1 Corinthians 10:13 until a successful deliverance is achieved. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
The joy of the LORD is my strength! Many times I have to remind myself of the persecutions I will go through and have gone through because of my faith in CHRIST JESUS.
I thank the brethren on this forum for their faithfulness and love for the word and the fellow saints. Stand and be encouraged for as GOD reminds us, this too will pass. These verses have helped me... Hebrews 10:25; 1 Corinthians 10:13; probably one of the hardest for me - Romans 8:28. And many more- I'm sure veteran saints on this forum can add others too.
It is difficult, but we are called to be a blessing to as many as possible without expecting any type of return - horizontally. Our blessing will come vertically, from above,
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Sorry Brethren! didn't mean to be preachy.
GOD to shine HIS blessed face on you and your family during this wonderful time of praising of our SAVIOR.
I disagree that there are no instructions in the scripture warning against this idolatry because that's exactly what it is and people need to understand that. This isn't some minor, little thing that doesn't matter. Do you trust God alone or do you believe He needs their help? They may not have graven images of their departed loved one but acknowledging them in any way that belongs to God is idolatry. Catholics say they don't worship statues and that is true, they worship the dead person the statue represents. The devil has lulled those who don't accept the doctrine of the Catholic Church of worshiping idols to do it in a more subtle way. They may not have graven images of their departed loved one but acknowledging them in any way that belongs to God is idolatry. Exodus 20: 1-4 and Dueteronomy 5:6-9, clearly command us to not worship anyone or anything but God. When a person is trusting their departed loved ones to help them or comfort them or protect them in some way, isnt that idolatry? Isn't that looking to a false God? Isn't that loving (worshiping) them more by wanting their help rather then God's help? It is diminishing their faith in God by asking a dead person for whatever instead of God. This is a serious mistake and, I believe, should be taught against. We need to witness to them with a gentle spirit to help them see how this is damaging their soul. If you dont agree this is idolatry, or is a serious soul matter, then please explain what it is and why it doesn't matter. Also see 1 Corinthians 10:14, Exodus 23:13, Isaiah 42:8a, Exodus 34:14. God Bless :)
1 Corinthians 10:4 talks about everyone drinking from the same spiritual rock and the Rock was Christ. God made a covenant with His chosen people and delivered them after 400 years of bondage in Egypt; passing them through the Red Sea. Not all Israel is Israel however. ( Romans 9:6-7). Some argue this represents Baptism; holding those under the covenant parents make on behalf of their children at infancy. Whatever the case; when we become church members; we make a vow or covenant as to our service toward other believers. In fact when we first come to Christ; it should be looked at as a Covenant. Christ has fulfilled everything in the finished work on the cross on our behalf; but is only EFFECTIVE if we are truly saved. God makes us willing ( Psalm 110:3) and He gives the gift of repentance. ( 2 Timothy 2:25 and several other references). If we truly are saved we will love God and of course keep His commandments ( John 14:15). This involves obedience toward Christ and Him being Lord Savior AND Master of our lives.
When we make a church vow as members we affirm our faith in Christ; and our commitment to the body of Christ (prayer and fellowship). In Pittsburgh one of the things my pastor did annually was print out our vow as a reminder which I think is a good thing. This naturally encompasses the discipline of rebuking a brother and going through necessary disciplinary measures if personal resolution cannot be accomplished. If leadership is guilty and the congregation doesn't corroborate clearly evident apostasy or sin then we must disfellowship. I went through a specific issue that I won't elaborate on now with an elder after discussion with the Pastor in a previous church; eventually I left; so I've been there. This as with a marriage involves the same principal; we always seek reconciliation but separation may be needed at times. We are all part of covenant fellowship with all true Christians.
The soul can make one Love or Live right before men, while before God the Living God who made the heavens we are sinning thinking we are right with Him.
Remember even the thief who steals and murder says he is a good person who is able to love and live well, moreover during burial no one stands and says this dead person was a sinner but you will hear he is a good person.
-For all are in the soulish and not in the spirit
Bear this in mind as it is written in John 4:23-24
23.But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24.God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
And if one has repented of his sins at the cross in Jesus Christ the Son of the living God, Instead of doing everything to please himself. he lives to glorify God whether he eat or drink all he does is in the glory of God.
as it is written in 1 Corinthians 10:31
31.Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Therefore Worship God in Spirit and Let God lead you He knows how, He will teach you if you ask by prayer God is faithful.
Remember
it is written in romans 8:14
14.For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
- Let us hear the conclusion of this matter
Yes we see people love in the soulish in fact people marry for long years but the marriages are either very shaky and majority end up in divorce
we see father loving their kids and mothers loving their kids and the kids likewise love their parents and at the end there is not true compassion and the love is a love of gain.
There are eight Simons in the New Testament. This Simon is designated in the New Testament as Simon Peter.
Peter's father was named Jonas. In Matthew 16:17, Jesus called Peter "Simon Bar-Jona, or Jonas. Bar means "son" in Aramaic and Jonas is Aramaic for John. So, Peter's original name is "Simon son of John."
Peter had a brother named Andrew. Andrew was the first to meet Jesus and come to know Him as Messiah as recorded in John 1:35-40.
Andrew introduces his brother Simon Peter to Jesus in John 1:41-42
At this time, that is, when Peter came to Jesus, Jesus tells Simon Peter that in the future he will be called Cephas, which is Peter in Aramaic. Both Cephas, and PETROS for Peter mean the same thing.
During the Lord's ministry when He was traveling in the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus applies the name Peter to Simon as recorded in Matthew 16:18. Jesus said, "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
The name for Peter, when He says thou art Peter, the Greek word is PETROS. The Greek word for "rock," upon this rock, is PETRA. These are two different Greek words.
PETROS means "rock" or pebble. And PETRA means "foundation stone." They are two different things. One is a large foundation stone, and PETROS for Peter is a small stone or a pebble.
The word PETRA also is used for Jesus Christ in the New Testament. 1 Corinthians 10:4 is an example about the rock that followed the Jews in the wilderness, and this rock was Christ. And the word rock is PETRA.
You state: "Do you really think that you will reach that perfection in this life? " Chris, I have faith in God that He would not tell us to do something that we can't do. John 5:14John 8:11 Nothing is impossible for God! He can change us in the twinkling of an eye! If this is our goal he can help us accomplish it, but it requires Faith and never giving up!
You state: "And what happens in the meantime, when what he believes is possible, actually is impossible - sin ever revealing itself without abating? " I would answer by saying that if you think that it's impossible, and you CAN'T do it, then it will probably never happen for you, until you exchange Can't do - for Can do. Also speaking for myself, for me to say it can't happen is to call God a liar, because he tells us we can James 4:7-10 So, it must be something we are doing, or not doing.
You state: "You may have a different take on this, but I see that as with Paul, so also with us, the struggle with sin will never cease." I agree that Paul struggled against sin during his life, as all of us do, and Paul also states Romans 6:6-7 God tells us he will give us no temptation/sin that we can't overcome 1 Corinthians 10:13
A ever increasing thought: One major obstacle in our lives that may be keeping us from achieving the perfect relationship with God is our death grip hold to this worldly life we enjoy.
Hello John. I respond to your question here bearing in mind the details of your other request. I can think of a couple of Scriptures that could speak a little on this. The first one is in Mark 9:17-27 (the account of the man who had a son with an evil spirit & the man's helplessness before Jesus). In verses 23 & 24 ("Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief"). Here we see a father who seems to have tried everything to help his son & was desperate for Jesus' Help. And Jesus said, 'just have faith - just trust Me'. In great anguish, the father said he believed but that Jesus help him if he fell short of sufficient faith. Jesus doesn't give him extra faith - why? The father displayed faith in Jesus to do the healing - not in a doctor or another helper/disciple who might have previously failed him, but in this One called the Son of God Who had the Power to bring deliverance to his son. Jesus was not only this man's last hope, but his only hope & he trusted Him fully for complete healing.
The other passage is in 1 Corinthians 10:13: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." There were many temptations, trials, & sufferings that the Corinthian Christians faced, not only because they were Christians, but that they lived in a very pagan corrupt society. The apostle here is assuring them that their trials & temptations in life were not uncommon, but to His children, God will give them 'a way of escape'. It's true that God can remove the temptation or point us in a different direction to escape, but God's Spirit also gives us power to endure & bear up. Here too, we must exercise implicit faith for God to do as He Wills.
Eschatology is shaped around this topic. Also Dispensationalism and covenant theology is tested by this in a sense.
This is something I've been wanting to get to for some time now but I've been to busy.
Thanks for bringing this up.
Some say God is done with Israel and the unfulfilled old testament promises was fulfilled in the Church.
And there's others weren't comfortable with that and say those promises was made to the church not " The Nation Israel."
I would direct both of these groups to Isaiah 41:8-9.
"But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. ( Seed in this verse is not used in the way it's used in Genesis 22:18.) The seed in Genesis 22:18 relates to a promise of Christ.
Seed in Isaiah 41:8 relates to a nation whom that promised seed would come.
You will see the interpretation of these verses moved around to shape or hold on to a certain espoused eschatology.
When it comes to identifying a people there's three groups as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:32. ( Jews, Gentiles and the Church. )
The rolls and promises to these groups are distinct. Understanding that is important. .
Many times we miss the fact that Achan and his family weren't the only ones killed because of his sin of taking the "accursed things."
36 men also lost their lives because of Achan's sin. People believe their actions do not affect others.
1 Corinthians 10: 11, 12
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
The leadership was also at fault for not praying and asking for directions before going to the city of AI. Instead, they were puffed up with their victory over a bigger and larger city of Jericho. Joshua sent spies to the city of AI. They returned and reported v3 "...but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few." Our mind set should be as David when he told Goliath that battle is the LORD'S.
There are many things we don't have to pray for, such as should I read the Bible and pray every day. Or must I give an offering and confess and repent daily. There are also many things we should always be in prayer for. Lost souls, evil and wicked leadership, ungodly character, lies and untruths in all sectors and levels of society.
FATHER Help us to draw nigh to the LORD at all times, that we may be right with YOU at all times. GOD'S word tells how to be able to know the difference between good and evil in order to glorify and praise HIM.
GOD bless us all gloriously and shine HIS face upon all on this forum.
1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
Praise the LORD for HIS grace and mercies. GOD to shine HIS face on all who believe and trust in HIS name, and bless all on this forum. 2 Chronicles 7: 14, 15;
There would be many suggestions (both from medical fraternities and govt authorities) to help such folk getting on the path of abstinence. And these could well be useful, but unless the Lord is in it to guide & encourage his child to get into the place of freedom and victory, there can sometimes be regressing into the old habits (which is happening with this person). 1 Corinthians 10:13 is a powerful verse to assure us that God is still with us, in spite of our sense of His absence; that if we are earnest and true to Him, he will make a way of escape as we continue to hold faith in Him under such trial. And I understand this, as the way of escape is available, but to get to it & into freedom might well take time & preparation (and this probably means in his case, really coming to terms with the comfort he gets in the habit & finding it repulsive).
To me, it seems he knows it's wrong and keeping him from knowing God's Presence & Assurance, but the pull of the habit is more compelling. With the Lord's Help, he would need to seek His Face for ways or people that would turn his focus away from vapes onto truly satisfying pursuits.
"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
1 Corinthians 10:13
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
Psalms 55:22
"Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."
Blessings
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
Matthew 26:41
"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
1 Thessalonians 5:17
"Pray without ceasing."
Blessings
26 And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.
27 Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:
28 Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.
29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
Verse 26 shows a repeated theme from Proverbs on the adulterous woman and it shows that those in the Lord will escape from such situations which reminds us of 1 Corinthians 10:13. Obviously his experience with insane numbers of wives and concubines which God warned him would lead him astray lends to the attitude in the verses 27 and 28.
The last verse shows that original sin still cannot excuse man's deliberate attempts to sow discord and find ways to disobey God.
We could surmise this is a reference to the original creation of man; but since the word "they" is used it seems to extend to mankind afterwards in all history.
Ecclesiastes 8
The first 5 verses focus on the merits of foilowing the king properly.
Verse 8 states the first important theme in this chapter: There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.
This passage shows how the spirit leaves the body at death and we can't hold it back. For the wicked they are forever weak in hell as Isaiah 14:10 states of the inhabitants there when the Antichrist is thrown down there.
Verse 11 says: Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Verse 12 shows how 2 millennia would be nothing compared to eternity without God.
1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ sent me not tobaptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made ofnoneeffect.
Jesus Christ only baptized his disciples only.
John 4:2
(ThoughJesushimselfbaptizednot, but his disciples,)
The baptism of Moses was not water, the Jews walk the sea on dry land.
1 Corinthians 10:2
And were allbaptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
Apollos only knew the Baptist of John. John baptized in water .
Acts 18:25
Thismanwas instructed in thewayofthe Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the thingsofthe Lord, knowing only the baptismofJohn
My question is, why are we baptizing a baby when they don't understand. I don't believe that Jesus Christ was baptize as a baby ?
Romans 6:3
Know ye not, that so many of us as werebaptizedintoJesusChrist werebaptizedinto his death?
Today, we are baptized by the Holy Spirit, the minute we believe the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 .
1 Corinthians 12:13
For by one Spirit are we allbaptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
May we all believe that baptism is in the Holy Spirit by believing the gospel of grace.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The Holy Spirit baptized me into Christ Jesus by believing the gospel.
Isaiah 55:8-9
For mythoughtsare not yourthoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith theLord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and mythoughtsthan yourthoughts.
The believer should use scriptures to back up scriptures and try not to use our thoughts as much as possible.
2 Corinthians 10:5
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity everythoughtto the obedience of Christ;
We are getting closer to Noah's days with evil thoughts continually.
Genesis 6:5
And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of thethoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Not everyone is going to know the Bible and also know the Hebrew and Greek to translate the words.
1 Corinthians 8:2
And if any manthinkthat he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
If we think we know it all, it could make us fall .
1 Corinthians 10:12
Wherefore let him thatthinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
If we think we are something when we are nothing , we deceive ourselves.
Galatians 6:3
For if a manthinkhimself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Apostle Paul tells us what we should be thinking .
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,thinkon these things.
May we all think about the gospel of grace for Salvation.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Please think about the gospel.
Should a Christian man touch his girlfriend ? ? I know we all live in a world that touching runs very rapidly in our society.
My dad always told us, no girls in the house. I was scared to death to even think of a girl around my dad.
Apostle Paul warns us about touching a woman. It also means the opposite as well. If we have problems with lust, touching will be more of a problem.
1 Corinthians 7:1
Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good foramannottotouchawoman.
How should a man date a woman ? ? A man and woman should both be in there Bibles studying and thanking God for Salvation. They should never be alone for temptation will come. It's best to have godly people around at all times.
1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath notemptationtaken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with thetemptationalso make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
They will use bride of Christ, Adoption of the Abraham, they will use speaking in tongue and the Lord's table. Now, I wonder if Peter, John, James and Jude speaks of all these subjects like Apostle Paul's epistle does.
My point is, Apostle Paul has all the answers to live a Christian life today for the Gentiles.
1. Bride of Christ
God is love and is marriage. Paul explains marriage by using the Church the body of Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:2
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chastevirginto Christ
2. Speaking in tongue
Apostle Paul gives the rule for speaking in tongue.
1 Corinthians 14:27
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be bytwo,orat the most bythree, and that by course; and let one interpret.
3. Adoption of Abraham
We that are saved have the blessings from Abraham through Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:14
That theblessingofAbrahammight come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
4. Lord's table
Apostle Paul gives the rules to the Gentiles for the Lord Table, because they were doing it all wrong.
1 Corinthians 10:16
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
May we fully understand why Jesus Christ chosen Apostle Paul and put the Twelve on the shelf for a season for the Kingdom of Heaven on earth to come. This is the Grace age of Church the body of Christ Jesus.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the body of Christ Jesus is the Church today and we must believe the gospel .
1 Corinthians 10:25 - Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
The King James says "shambles," but it is actually the Greek word for marketplace. The command is eat it, asking no question for conscience sake:
If it's sold down in the marketplace and there's no tag on it saying that it's offered to an idol, it's just a piece of meat. Go ahead and eat it!
1 Corinthians 10:31 - Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
It doesn't make a difference what you do. Everything that you do, do it for the glory of God. The word glory is the word DOXA and it means substance. The glory of God is the substance of God. Do everything that people will see the very nature and substance of God. That should be the motivation. And if it involves the "touchy" area of what kind of food you're eating verses offending other people, just don't eat it. It's no big deal. It's just food!
1 Corinthians 11:19 - For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
The word must is the word necessary and the Greek word means binding. It must happen! The word heresy comes from the root word that means choice. That's what a heresy is. When I choose to believe that the bible is teaching something that's not in the bible, that's a heresy. I'm choosing to believe it.
Heresy is what divides one church from another church. We can go over the same scriptures, and one side says, "We believe that it says this," and another side will say, "Well, we believe it means this!" They go by what they believe rather than what the scripture says. The scriptures unite us.
It says for it is necessary for there to be heresies. Interesting that Paul didn't say, "There shouldn't be any heresies." No, there has to be heresies in the church. Why? So that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
1 Corinthians 7:33 - But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.
But he that is married cares, and again that's MERIMNA. He's occupied for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.
1 Corinthians 7:34 - There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.
He says there is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord, again the word cares is the word MERIMNA. In order that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married cares (MERIMNA), for the things of the world, and how she may please her husband.
1 Corinthians 10:4 - And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
The rock is PETRA. It's the same word that Jesus used back in Matthew 16:18 when he called Peter a PETROS, a pebble, but he says upon this PETRA, meaning Himself, I will build the church. PETROS and PETRA are two different words in Greek. PETROS is the pebble, and PETRA is the slab or the foundation stone.
But it is interesting that five times it is mentioned that everybody received the provision of God, and everybody ate the same spiritual meat and the same spiritual drink from the rock, and the rock that followed them was Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:5 - But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
But with many of them God was not well pleased:
It didn't say all. In the Greek text, it expresses the majority. Everybody but two. That's a lot of people! God was not well pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. That is, their bodies were scattered in the desert. They were killed!
SCHOOL BOOK JULY 21,2024 1 Corinthians 10:9 -22KJV
My Respond: COGIC WORSHIP-
I worship the True one God Jesus Christ that rules over all , A God who overcomes sin, God of subjection, God of peace to all. A God that is the cup of blessing, God of communion, God of Bread, God that is blood of significance. A God that is the kingdom. A God that is always making a way of escape from temptations of sins.
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
This is one of the great verses in the bible, and probably the most debated verse in the bible, so we'll skip it. No, just kidding!
First of all, Jesus says "thou art Peter." The Greek word for Peter is PETROS, which means a small rock or stone. The word for rock that was used for Jesus is PETRA. It looks like they are from the same word. One is masculine and one is feminine. PETRA is a massive rock, a foundation stone.
So, we are talking about a little pebble. That is what PETROS is. And a PETRA is like a cement slab, a foundation. The two words are not even close in identification. And so, people argue and debate and say, thou art Peter, PETROS, and upon this rock PETRA, I will build my church. They say that since it is not the same word as Peter, then maybe PETRA refers to his confession, that everybody that makes the confession that Peter made they will be the ones that will make up the church.
Others say that it makes reference to Peter and that the church is based or built on Peter, and that he's the foundation of the church. Religious groups held up this view for many, many years. At least one group still does.
Well, what is interesting here is that PETRA, and we are just going to follow the word PETRA, because PETROS is for Peter. That is it. In 1 Corinthians 10:4, concerning the children of Israel going through the wilderness, Paul says, and they did all drink the same spiritual drink, for they drank of that spiritual rock, PETRA, that followed them and that rock, PETRA, was Christ. So, PETRA was Christ 1 Corinthians 10:4.
1 Corinthians 10:11 says: Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
This verse helps to tie in the examples; both good and bad from various characters and narratives in the Bible so that we can understand the temporal and eternal consequences of our actions; and hopefully learn the fear of the Lord as a result. The moral principles of the Lord never change; even if we study the lives of those under the authority of the Old Covenant vs. the New Covenant. The souls of all men are mine ( Ezekiel 18:4) states God. Therefore; it is just as true that not one "jot or tittle" of His word will fail ( Matthew 5:18); the spiritual laws in scripture of conduct are as certain as the natural laws that every man lives subject to.
One more point I want to cover before wading into the waters of the subject of secondary themes and applications is that although it usually involves large swaths of scripture and repeated concepts throughout with many cross references most of the time; there are a few key concepts that are rather limited. One which jumps to mind is Christ actually stating that He is the "I am". John 8:58 from what I know is the only place it is explicit; there are other places clearly where it is either implied or meant with the original language; certainly the Pharisees knew this or they wouldn't have tried to kill Jesus 10 times or so before they finally succeeded. More often seen is the unique claims of Christ as being the only way to the Father (I am the way the truth and the life may perhaps means the same thing as my last reference). He also showed this with offering forgiveness of sins which is only something God can do. We see in this what is implied if CORRECTLY interpreted shows much of the primary themes; we could cite the Parables as a good example of this.
Part 3.
Evangelism pleases the Lord. The Christian life must never be lived according to "shoulds." Yet we hear that word often in relation to Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, and other Christian practices. "I should do that, but . . ." The but is a bigger problem than we want to admit. God's children will naturally want to please their Heavenly Father; it is their greatest delight. So our compass is set with God at true north. In everything we do, we feel the magnetic pull toward pleasing God. Even mundane tasks can be completed with joy because we are doing what God has given us to do ( 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 5:9). Teaching other people how to have a relationship with Jesus is one way to please Him. And in pleasing Him we are most fulfilled ( Galatians 2:20).
END ARTICLE.
When we are unequally yoked, they cannot perform the task set before us. Instead of working together, we are at odds with one another.
Paul's admonition in 2 Corinthians 6:14 is part of a larger discourse to the church at Corinth on the Christian life. He discouraged them from being in an unequal partnership with unbelievers because believers and unbelievers are opposites, just as light and darkness are opposites. They simply have nothing in common,
just as Christ has nothing in common with "Belial,
The "unequal yoke" is often applied to business relationships, Marriage ect..
We are to love everyone as Christ do and share the Gospel but we must understand that unbelievers have opposite worldviews and morals, and decisions made daily will reflect the worldview of one partner or the other.
In this world we are to be as Daniel in Babylon. He inspired Nebuchadnezzar. See Daniel 4
God bless.
Hi Mike. I was touched by you sharing experiences in your life & all you have had to put up with through these many years. In some ways, I can identify with you, though I have been spared depression & poverty; nonetheless, when failures, broken dreams or unanswered prayers are our lot, then this can become a breeding ground for a state of hopelessness, doubt, lethargy, and even entertaining questions of our faith & of a loving caring God.
I'm assuming that you truly know the Lord Jesus & that salvation is your very real experience & possession, yet because of circumstances, you've become despondent, doubting, & fearful. Not knowing your 'full story', it seems that you have allowed these unfortunate experiences to have had sway over your heart & mind, being overcome by them, & not dealt with them by continuing to hold onto the Lord & His Word. Yet you might say to this, 'But I have held on - as long as I could, before doubt crept in & over-ruled'. But the Word of God states in 1 Corinthians 10:13, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it".
Maybe you feel that God has allowed you to suffer or be tempted above your ability to bear them, but have you been able to see a way (His way) as your escape route from them? A lot of our problems stem from an idle mind & lifestyle. And Satan loves to work in such environments. Can you be involved in a Bible-believing Church Fellowship, in voluntary/charitable work, even with groups that meet for occasional get-togethers & outings? And if these are Christian groups/ministries, there will surely be folk that can help/guide you in friendship & counsel. Onto Page 2.
Is it more important to appease men, or more important to please God? To the church, it should be obvious what the priority is, but I think some cave to public pressure and fear they may lose funding or social status by not siding with the bullies. Some try to appease the world instead of God.
What's this bullying really about and why the huge push in recent years? They claim its their identity, they're born that way, and don't have a choice. But has anyone challenged this assumption?
What are other examples of someone born with such a high proclivity to sin that they absolutely "have no choice"? I'm not aware of any, in fact, the Bible says we always have a choice- a way out of sin. 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV
We all have different obstacles in life; some, like Paul, had a thorn in the flesh. 2 Corinthians 12:7
I reject the assumption that some people are more "equal" than others. Equal means equal, not special protected classes and treatment. I've learned that the woke movement is now racially separating people just like they did 100 years ago, whether for hiring, or DEI classes, and who knows what else. Amazing full circle. They totally ignored everything MLK stood for.
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28 KJV
The culture is ignoring this verse that we're equal.
There's no evidence anyone's identity is tied to sin so much they can't help but do that. No baby desires such things. It's learned and when opportunities present themselves. Now pedos use same arguments to excuse their horrific abuse of kids. The culture will use clever words to defend it. There's no end to the evil progression. It's a choice.
Part 9. J Vernon Mcgee. God's Test - Genesis 22 continuing.
We should pause here to consider a deep truth for God's children today. Do you know, friends, that for the Christian the greatest testings do not necessarily come at the beginning of our life as a believer? Sometimes God waits until we have had many years along the path, and then He brings a testing into our life so that He might develop us - a testing that we would never have been given at the beginning of our walk with Him. Often these testings cause Christians to say, "Well, I do not see why God has allowed this to happen to me!" My friend, it is evidence of the fact that you are in favor with God. You have come to the place where He can test you. And remember that He will not test you beyond what you are able to bear (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).
Notice that this test did not come at the first part of Abraham's life. I am very frank to say that I do not believe that Abraham could have stood this test when God first called him out. At the beginning of his life of faith, he never would have gone this far with God. It was only after several times of lesser testings, then backsliding, but always returning to his relationship with God that he was put to this ultimate test.
Part 10
The Supreme Sacrifice next.
God bless for now.
In everything that we say or do, may we exalt and extol YOU. 1 Corinthians 10: 31-33.
The LORD to shine HIS face on all the brethren and gloriously bless you.
January 7, 2024
I thank the brethren on this forum for their faithfulness and love for the word and the fellow saints. Stand and be encouraged for as GOD reminds us, this too will pass. These verses have helped me... Hebrews 10:25; 1 Corinthians 10:13; probably one of the hardest for me - Romans 8:28. And many more- I'm sure veteran saints on this forum can add others too.
It is difficult, but we are called to be a blessing to as many as possible without expecting any type of return - horizontally. Our blessing will come vertically, from above,
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Sorry Brethren! didn't mean to be preachy.
GOD to shine HIS blessed face on you and your family during this wonderful time of praising of our SAVIOR.
Merry Christmas and have a prosperous New Year!
December 20, 2023
1 Corinthians 10:4 talks about everyone drinking from the same spiritual rock and the Rock was Christ. God made a covenant with His chosen people and delivered them after 400 years of bondage in Egypt; passing them through the Red Sea. Not all Israel is Israel however. ( Romans 9:6-7). Some argue this represents Baptism; holding those under the covenant parents make on behalf of their children at infancy. Whatever the case; when we become church members; we make a vow or covenant as to our service toward other believers. In fact when we first come to Christ; it should be looked at as a Covenant. Christ has fulfilled everything in the finished work on the cross on our behalf; but is only EFFECTIVE if we are truly saved. God makes us willing ( Psalm 110:3) and He gives the gift of repentance. ( 2 Timothy 2:25 and several other references). If we truly are saved we will love God and of course keep His commandments ( John 14:15). This involves obedience toward Christ and Him being Lord Savior AND Master of our lives.
When we make a church vow as members we affirm our faith in Christ; and our commitment to the body of Christ (prayer and fellowship). In Pittsburgh one of the things my pastor did annually was print out our vow as a reminder which I think is a good thing. This naturally encompasses the discipline of rebuking a brother and going through necessary disciplinary measures if personal resolution cannot be accomplished. If leadership is guilty and the congregation doesn't corroborate clearly evident apostasy or sin then we must disfellowship. I went through a specific issue that I won't elaborate on now with an elder after discussion with the Pastor in a previous church; eventually I left; so I've been there. This as with a marriage involves the same principal; we always seek reconciliation but separation may be needed at times. We are all part of covenant fellowship with all true Christians.
it is written in Proverbs 20:28
28.Mercy and truth preserve the king:
And his throne is upholden by mercy.
-What I am pointing out to you is this
The soul can make one Love or Live right before men, while before God the Living God who made the heavens we are sinning thinking we are right with Him.
Remember even the thief who steals and murder says he is a good person who is able to love and live well, moreover during burial no one stands and says this dead person was a sinner but you will hear he is a good person.
-For all are in the soulish and not in the spirit
Bear this in mind as it is written in John 4:23-24
23.But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24.God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
And if one has repented of his sins at the cross in Jesus Christ the Son of the living God, Instead of doing everything to please himself. he lives to glorify God whether he eat or drink all he does is in the glory of God.
as it is written in 1 Corinthians 10:31
31.Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Therefore Worship God in Spirit and Let God lead you He knows how, He will teach you if you ask by prayer God is faithful.
Remember
it is written in romans 8:14
14.For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
- Let us hear the conclusion of this matter
Yes we see people love in the soulish in fact people marry for long years but the marriages are either very shaky and majority end up in divorce
we see father loving their kids and mothers loving their kids and the kids likewise love their parents and at the end there is not true compassion and the love is a love of gain.
read part 3
There are eight Simons in the New Testament. This Simon is designated in the New Testament as Simon Peter.
Peter's father was named Jonas. In Matthew 16:17, Jesus called Peter "Simon Bar-Jona, or Jonas. Bar means "son" in Aramaic and Jonas is Aramaic for John. So, Peter's original name is "Simon son of John."
Peter had a brother named Andrew. Andrew was the first to meet Jesus and come to know Him as Messiah as recorded in John 1:35-40.
Andrew introduces his brother Simon Peter to Jesus in John 1:41-42
At this time, that is, when Peter came to Jesus, Jesus tells Simon Peter that in the future he will be called Cephas, which is Peter in Aramaic. Both Cephas, and PETROS for Peter mean the same thing.
During the Lord's ministry when He was traveling in the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus applies the name Peter to Simon as recorded in Matthew 16:18. Jesus said, "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
The name for Peter, when He says thou art Peter, the Greek word is PETROS. The Greek word for "rock," upon this rock, is PETRA. These are two different Greek words.
PETROS means "rock" or pebble. And PETRA means "foundation stone." They are two different things. One is a large foundation stone, and PETROS for Peter is a small stone or a pebble.
The word PETRA also is used for Jesus Christ in the New Testament. 1 Corinthians 10:4 is an example about the rock that followed the Jews in the wilderness, and this rock was Christ. And the word rock is PETRA.
Peter calls the Messiah PETRA in I Peter 2:7.
Regarding the subject: "Our Addiction to Sin"
You state: "Do you really think that you will reach that perfection in this life? " Chris, I have faith in God that He would not tell us to do something that we can't do. John 5:14 John 8:11 Nothing is impossible for God! He can change us in the twinkling of an eye! If this is our goal he can help us accomplish it, but it requires Faith and never giving up!
You state: "And what happens in the meantime, when what he believes is possible, actually is impossible - sin ever revealing itself without abating? " I would answer by saying that if you think that it's impossible, and you CAN'T do it, then it will probably never happen for you, until you exchange Can't do - for Can do. Also speaking for myself, for me to say it can't happen is to call God a liar, because he tells us we can James 4:7-10 So, it must be something we are doing, or not doing.
You state: "You may have a different take on this, but I see that as with Paul, so also with us, the struggle with sin will never cease." I agree that Paul struggled against sin during his life, as all of us do, and Paul also states Romans 6:6-7 God tells us he will give us no temptation/sin that we can't overcome 1 Corinthians 10:13
A ever increasing thought: One major obstacle in our lives that may be keeping us from achieving the perfect relationship with God is our death grip hold to this worldly life we enjoy.
See page 2
The other passage is in 1 Corinthians 10:13: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." There were many temptations, trials, & sufferings that the Corinthian Christians faced, not only because they were Christians, but that they lived in a very pagan corrupt society. The apostle here is assuring them that their trials & temptations in life were not uncommon, but to His children, God will give them 'a way of escape'. It's true that God can remove the temptation or point us in a different direction to escape, but God's Spirit also gives us power to endure & bear up. Here too, we must exercise implicit faith for God to do as He Wills.
That's a great question.
Eschatology is shaped around this topic. Also Dispensationalism and covenant theology is tested by this in a sense.
This is something I've been wanting to get to for some time now but I've been to busy.
Thanks for bringing this up.
Some say God is done with Israel and the unfulfilled old testament promises was fulfilled in the Church.
And there's others weren't comfortable with that and say those promises was made to the church not " The Nation Israel."
I would direct both of these groups to Isaiah 41:8-9.
"But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. ( Seed in this verse is not used in the way it's used in Genesis 22:18.) The seed in Genesis 22:18 relates to a promise of Christ.
Seed in Isaiah 41:8 relates to a nation whom that promised seed would come.
You will see the interpretation of these verses moved around to shape or hold on to a certain espoused eschatology.
When it comes to identifying a people there's three groups as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:32. ( Jews, Gentiles and the Church. )
The rolls and promises to these groups are distinct. Understanding that is important. .
Taking Gods promises literally is also important.
More on this later.
God bless.
36 men also lost their lives because of Achan's sin. People believe their actions do not affect others.
1 Corinthians 10: 11, 12
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
The leadership was also at fault for not praying and asking for directions before going to the city of AI. Instead, they were puffed up with their victory over a bigger and larger city of Jericho. Joshua sent spies to the city of AI. They returned and reported v3 "...but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few." Our mind set should be as David when he told Goliath that battle is the LORD'S.
There are many things we don't have to pray for, such as should I read the Bible and pray every day. Or must I give an offering and confess and repent daily. There are also many things we should always be in prayer for. Lost souls, evil and wicked leadership, ungodly character, lies and untruths in all sectors and levels of society.
FATHER Help us to draw nigh to the LORD at all times, that we may be right with YOU at all times. GOD'S word tells how to be able to know the difference between good and evil in order to glorify and praise HIM.
GOD bless us all gloriously and shine HIS face upon all on this forum.
April 17, 2023
Praise the LORD for HIS grace and mercies. GOD to shine HIS face on all who believe and trust in HIS name, and bless all on this forum. 2 Chronicles 7: 14, 15;
1 Timothy 2:1-3; 2 Peter 3:9.
April 14, 2023