Amen, brother, thank you. Obedience is the evidence of our faith; we cannot ignore all of the Scripture on enduring and overcoming. Matthew 10:22, Matthew 24:13, Mark 13:13, 1 Corinthians 13:7, Hebrews 12:7, James 1:12, 1 John 2:13-14, Revelation 2:7,11,17,22, Revelation 21:7. I could list more, but just these cannot be ignored, and if we do, we are deceived.
Concluding thoughts on us being kings and priests in heaven
Maybe it's the extra caffeine I imbibed this evening but I am excited about the future and don't want to end this conversation too fast. Just imagine (and I'm not trying to demean anyone on this site) but not debating theology will be a welcome respite in heaven. We all want to be ready to endure however long it takes but if anyone here is wrong about the Rapture and we go up sooner than expected I won't listen to any complaints.
This was written by Psalty and Ernie Pattino-a kids song; you may have heard it. First two stanzas
Heaven is a wondeful place,
filled with glory and grace,
I want to see my sarviours face.
Heaven is a wonderful place.
I want to go there.
The song continues on the same verses over and over as a trance to kids minds as it was a children's song (never heard of their names but no matter).
(Looks like they spelled savior wrong oh well)
At any rate; we will understand how truly dark it is here once faith becomes our sight; so to speak. (loosely interpreted from 2 Cor. 5:7). According to 1 Corinthians 13:12
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
There is stuff all of us would like to keep hidden for now; and other things we would like others to understand. HE gets us anyway but it will be great for us to be able to fellowship up there without all the baggage we have holding us back today.
No more will there be the need for restraint to avoid sin; we won't ever be able to hurt others or ourselves again.
Before I end this; I want to again emphasize that beyond assurance of salvation which we need to test ourselves for after verbally confessing our faith that as saints whether we receive rewards and authority for more of a ruling position in heaven is dependent on our service NOW. Nehemiah 13:14 repeats a theme of "remember me" as to his deeds for Israel. Let's serve also.
For the believer; worst case scenario as I discussed in several posts already if we suddenly pass away because of God's dealing with sin there is no doubt we would say once all was said and done that "yes; He took me out because I was disobedient" and go on with our heavenly existence not missing this world one iota. Maybe God puts some who were lazy now on heavy prayer duty for others. Anyway I try to not deviate from scripture in my interpretations here. Someone gaining reward; great or small of course casts it at Jesus' feet (not sure the exact timing when crowns come but by the Rapture they are handed out and then cast at His feet). As I said before there will ba a knowing; others will recognize and NOT jealously follow suit in their designated roles as God is fair in all things. We shall know Him as we are known; a rough interpretation of 1 Corinthians 13:12.
What we fear other than the accusations regarding sin and Satan giving us a general feeling of dread is losing control; whatever keeps us in our comfort zones; so to speak. I for one am particularly prone to addiction to certain routines; or how I design my day with a sort of attention deficit behavior that I was diagnosed with many decades ago in the stone ages when I was in High School. The enemy has many tricks; if one tactic doesn't work he'll switch to another; whether it is having people try to take advantage of us; seduction; persecution; doubts; failures where we are tempted to be angry; fleshly passions; etc. Need I go on? That is definitely an advantage of those who have the persuasion as I do of the "total depravity" concept; but I will simply use Jeremiah 17:9. Many people sadly don't get it when they say how nice I am and in fact probably are insulted when I say that I have no good in me. Too bad; although I should gratefully accept compliments as it helps to bolster friendships in all honesty most of what I do involves a half hearted effort. I'm very bad.
Appreciate your response! I am open to all answers and perspectives, as I am eager to understand & explore the difficult parts of the Bible.Thanks for your valuable insight & for helping me in this journey.
EXODUS:
From what I've understood, In Exodus 30:11-16, there is one ransom mentioned, but it serves two different purposes in different contexts:
Purpose 1: Ransom for the souls(lives) as Atonement(as mentioned in verse 15)
Purpose 2: Ransom for the Tabernacle.
Why would God use money as a means of atonement? It's hard to understand why the people would only be spared from a plague if they give money. The first purpose seems a bit odd to me as isn't specifically tied to any particular sin.
KJV:
I was confronted that KJV had problems in terms of it's usability today, by people who wanted to know what biblical authors actually said.
For instance, the use of the word "unicorn" to translate the Hebrew "re'em" is a mistranslated, as "re'em" likely refers to a wild ox rather than a mythical unicorn.
Additionally, some outdated English terms are used in ways that could be confusing for modern readers. For example, the word "let" in the KJV once meant "to hinder," but today it means "to allow," and "suffer" meant "to allow," whereas it now means "to endure pain."
Some words were also chosen based on tradition rather than the literal meaning of the original texts, such as "charity" for "love" in 1 Corinthians 13:13, where "love" (Greek ) is a more accurate translation.
Moreover, It seems that factually the translators had limited access to ancient manuscripts, which may have led to less precise translations compared to modern scholarship, including the use of terms like "unicorn" that don't align with current understanding.
JEWS & CHRISTIANS:
Yes, I understand that. But my concern is, Did God intentionally leave the full revelation of Himself unclear to the Jews, and only later manifest it to the Christians, causing confusion between the two?
As beautiful as a worship song may be, if there is no truth in the heart, it means nothing. As C.S. Lewis once said: "God doesn't want something from us. He wants us." It's not the well-crafted words that touch heaven, but the broken and sincere heart. The poet Dietrich Bonhoeffer once wrote: "He who loves God sincerely does not need to raise his voice, for heaven recognizes the silence of a surrendered heart."
Romans 12:9 - "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good."
1 Corinthians 13:1-2 - "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong..."
Matthew 15:8 - "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."
Many posts on social media say things like: "It's not enough to lift your hands - lift your soul too." Or: "God doesn't hear performance, He hears surrender." And that's the truth. The worship that pleases the Father doesn't come from musical technique or aesthetics, but from a real love that burns deep within. As Joan Osborne once sang: "Worship is not a sound - it's a life on fire." May our lives sing louder than our lips.
As for today's generation, it's important to understand that they were "configured" in a completely different world than the one that shaped our parents. Children today grow up connected - exposed to information, a variety of ideas, freedom of speech, and endless cultural references. This builds a more critical awareness, but it also leads to emotional overload, constant comparison, and early existential confusion. It's not simply rebellion or spiritual disinterest - it's a heart searching for rhythm in a noisy world.
While many parents were raised with quiet obedience and inherited faith, today's youth are looking for faith that is lived with meaning, not imposed. This isn't rejection - it's a thirst for authenticity. That's why parents who wish to pass on their faith need more than tradition - they need to be living testimonies. Sorry a long cont.
May our hearts be clean, so that we may live in holiness and truth before God. Every detail of life reveals His care. We pray, as in Ephesians 1:17, that the Spirit of wisdom and revelation may lead us into a deeper relationship with Him-for apart from His presence, everything loses its true meaning.
Teach us to love as Christ loved-whether in marriage, in friendship, or in service. May our words, thoughts, and actions reflect a heart that walks closely with Him. As 1 Corinthians 13:11 reminds us, maturity in faith transforms how we speak, think, and live. And may we be faithful stewards of our time, resources, and words-so that all things may bring glory to God.
Many people interpret Luke 16:19-31, the story of the rich man and Lazarus, as a literal account rather than a parable. However, in Mark 4:11 and Luke 8:10, Jesus explicitly states that He spoke to others in parables. We must consider the entirety of Scripture when evaluating this story, as I have referenced only a few relevant passages.
If this story were literal, it would imply that individuals receive their rewards immediately after death. This notion contradicts the rewards are given after the resurrection, as indicated in Revelation 22:12, Luke 14:13-14, 2 Timothy 4:8, and 1 Corinthians 15:51-54, along with what we see in Revelation 20:4.
What was the purpose of this story? Is it our choices, what we have faith in, God, or do we crave wealth, or do we have faith, and charity, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. This story shows the rich man rich in worldly things, but poor in morality, and Lazarus the opposite. This story also points to Jesus' death and resurrection, Luke 16:31. We see that is what happened, they still rejected Jesus after He was hung on a cross and died, put in a tomb, rose from the grave, and spoke to them for 40 days, and it did not convince them.
Genesis 3:15 - And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Genesis 12:3 - And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
Genesis 22:18 - And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
Jeremiah 31:33 - But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Mark 12:29-31 - And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30, And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31, And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Acts 17:11 - These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
1 Corinthians 13:13 - And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 - Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2, By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3, For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4, And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
At one time we all spoke in one language on earth.
Genesis 11:1
And the whole earth was of onelanguage, and of one speech.
The Tower of Babel is when God made every man speak different languages and they all scattered because of confusion.
Genesis 11:9
Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because theLorddid there confound thelanguageof all the earth: and from thence did theLordscatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.
The Jews were scattered all over the world and came together in the book of Acts to witness a miracle. The Jews spoke in different languages because of what country they all came from.
Acts 2:6
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his ownlanguage.
The gift of tongues was to be use to communicate to Jews with different languages in the word of God.
1 Corinthians 14:27
If any man speak in an unknowntongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
Because we have the complete written word of God and the Holy Spirit, we don't need the gift of speaking in tongues.
1 Corinthians 13:8
Charity neverfaileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shallfail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
With all the technology of cellular, we all can translates languages very easily.
God will take away some of our gifts and replace it with the word of truth.
1 Corinthians 13:8
Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shallcease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
We now have the word of truth .
1 Corinthians 13:10
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall bedoneaway.
Apostle Paul wants us to pray in the Holy Spirit.
Praying always with allprayerand supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
We should always gift thanks to the Father in Heaven before we ask .
Philippians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing byprayerand supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
We should pray to do no evil.
2 Corinthians 13:7
Now Iprayto God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
We should pray for knowledge.
Philippians 1:9
And this Ipray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
We should pray always everyday.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Praywithout ceasing.
God want us to pray for everything in life.
1 Timothy 2:8
I will therefore that menprayevery where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Apostle Paul explains why we are not laying hands to heal sickness. We can pray to the Father in Heaven, but it's through prayer only and then waiting. Remember covid-19.
Now we are using wine to feel better.
1 Timothy 5:23
Drink no longer water, but use a littlewinefor thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
note: things were changing, no more hands on healing.
Only God can heal the sick in prayer.
Philippians 2:27
For indeed he wassicknigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
Apostle Paul just couldn't lay hands for healing anymore, God has changed it all for the Bible.
2 Timothy 4:20
Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletumsick.
Now that we have the completed Bible written, we don't need signs and wonders. All we do is rely on the Holy Spirit to teach us the Word of Truth.
1 Corinthians 13: 8-10
8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
May we all understand that the book of Acts was a transitional book and God made Apostle Paul the leader of the gospel of grace.
1 Corinthians 15:10
But by thegraceofGodI am what I am: and hisgracewhich was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but thegraceofGodwhich was with me
There is no prophecy in Apostle Paul's epistle for Israel promises or any happening during that dispensation of time. Prophecy is speaking the word for there was not the complete written Bible.
1 Corinthians 14:5
I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that yeprophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
Romans 12:6
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whetherprophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
1 Corinthians 13:2
And though I have the gift ofprophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
1 Timothy 4:14
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee byprophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
The Holy Spirit is a person and the Holy Spirit is Love. Charity is Love .
Galatians 5:22-23
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
We talk about Charity in churches and people think it's giving of something. Charity is more then tithing and giving, it the Holy Spirit that is Love.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
There's is no one on earth that can love and not sin like Jesus Christ . God's love is so powerful that the resurrection of the Lord Jesus was more than the creation of heaven and earth. Jesus Christ paid all our sins on that cross and finished the law for all of us. All we do is believe the gospel of grace in Apostle Paul's epistle 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 please read Paul's gospel inwhich your saved if you believe ...
Day 19 January 19, 2025 Philippians 2:3-4 KJV West Angeles Church Consecration Calendar
Me being a member at West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California
Philippians 2:3 KJV
My interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
" Having faith and prayer to get what you want.Render and reverence things that are sincere. Sincere- pure, real. Philippians 1:10 KJV. I am a example of cordial and sincere.(oral tradition) Romans 12:10 KJV
My life as Christian helps others in being services To become like God
Always performaning righteousness, holiness in actions "to do it"
Jesus Christ is God John 14:6 KJV, Romans 10:9-10 KJV Reason and Truth.
The Spirit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way to divine healing.
Being" clothed in Christ " through baptism means that a person is covered by Christ (covering). "
These are Reverence amd render scriptures you can apply to be on your own Romans 13:1 KJV, 1 Peter 2:13, 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 KJV.
Philippians 2:4 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
"Believing in God showing yourself as Christian how to help. To have faith Ephesians 2:8,10 KJV.
Showing yourself mind of Christ-like-minded to one another Example of a Quote define Unity. One example of a guaranteed result is abolish of selfish.
Honor of Christ
Prayer
Obedience
Peace of Christian Church
Embaracing teaching of Jesus, Seeking stillness before God, relying on the power of prayer, trusting in his constant presence.
1 Corinthians 13:7 - Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Love bears all things. The word beareth means to cover. In essence, God's love is more interested in covering someone's sin and weaknesses rather than exploit them. Love hopes all things. The word hope in Greek doesn't mean I "wish" it would. It's actually a word of expectancy. I expect everything's going to turn out okay. It's not a matter of positive thinking. It's a matter of God's Spirit saying, "God's love has got you covered!" And lastly: Love endures all things. All things! It remains under. It doesn't have to run away. It remains and endures all things.
1 Corinthians 14:1 - Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
Follow after charity, or AGAPE. The word follow means to chase. In other words, pursue AGAPE. And also, desire spiritual gifts. Again, notice the word "gifts" is in italics. It is literally spiritual things, those things of God's Spirit. Pursue AGAPE and desire spiritual things. That's the literal translation from the Greek. But rather that you may prophesy. Remember prophecy is giving the word of God. It is taking the revelation of God and ministering God's word to people.
1 Corinthians 13:4 - Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
First of all, in Verse 4, AGAPE suffers long. The Greek word for suffers has to do with being slow in reaction toward people.
The second thing: And is kind. It's literally the word useful, spiritually useful. I'm sure it helps to be kind, but God's Spirit makes it spiritually useful. The third thing: AGAPE envies not. There is no jealousy with AGAPE love.
Fourthly: Charity, or AGAPE vaunteth not itself. The word vaunteth is the translation of parade. AGAPE doesn't parade itself around for everybody to see. Fifthly, and this is associated with the fourth one: Is not puffed up. That's the word for arrogance. And it is literally the word for like blowing up a balloon. This is a person who is arrogant.
1 Corinthians 13:5 - Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Sixthly: Does not behave itself unseemly. The word unseemly means shamefully. Number 7 is one we should all remember: Love does not seek its own. If I am under the influence of God's love, I will not be seeking anything for myself. Nothing!
Number 8: Love is not easily provoked. It's interesting that the word easily is not in the original language but they figured there's got to be some point of breaking here. The word provoked means to jab somebody with a spear. I guess we would call it irritated!
Number 9: Love thinketh no evil. Two words, the word thinketh is an accounting term that means to write things down. And the word evil is the word wrong. So, love does not keep account of wrong. I don't know if you have ever been around somebody that you have not seen for 10 years, but they already have it packed away in their brain "Yea, I know 10 things that you did to me!" They are keeping a list. It's all filed. But love doesn't do that!
1 Corinthians 12:30 - Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
The answer to all these is no! There are groups today that teach that speaking in tongues is confirmation that you're saved. And when you relate to them that it says here that not everybody speaks in tongues, we must ask how does that work?
They have no idea that the answer is included right in the actual question itself! Their answer is yes. But no, they are wrong because the text says no! Do all interpret, that is, explain languages? Nope! Not everybody has everything. We are all various parts.
1 Corinthians 13:1 - Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
He starts out by saying "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity," The word charity in the King James text is the word AGAPE in Greek. And there are different words in Greek for different kinds of love. Over the years, the church has relegated Agape to be something special. But not that special, because we think we can produce it!
Agape is the fruit of God's Spirit according to Galatians 5:22, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love." And that word love is Agape. God's Spirit produces Agape. 1 John 4:8 tells us that God is Agape. It's His nature. Agape love includes sacrifice. Agape is the concern for someone's spiritual welfare. God exhibited that toward us in that "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son."
The importance of "reflecting Christ's image" and not our own.
Part 5.
This description is easy. Take a look at Galatians 5:22 for the characteristics that God sets down for these Christians. Paul says that one walking by the Spirit is filled with all "the fruit of the Spirit"-Love (Agape), joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance."
This description is then amplified in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 where Paul says, "Agape suffereth long, and is kind; [His Love] envieth not; [His Love] vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not [its] own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. [God's Love] never fails."
When I think of a spiritual Christian, there is one person in our ministry who always comes to mind. She is one who is willing to be a total servant to others. Nothing is too hard for her or beneath her. As I look around the Christian body, it's amazing to me how very few of these "servant heart" people there really are; Christians who are willing to scrub the toilet if necessary, work in the kitchen if needed or bebehind the scenes.
Humility, again, is the word that best describes a spiritual Christian. Most Christians, unfortunately, want to be up in front where they can be seen as "spiritual." They want the visible jobs! A Christian with a servant's heart is one who is only interested in what God thinks. And thus, they are willing to do whatever job is required. The Bible tells us that God's eyes are toward the humble, the unpretentious and the one who is free from pride.
We do have the Holy Spirit with us when we get saved but having the Holy Ghost IN us gives us greater strength, knowledge, discernment, understanding and much more power to stay righteous as a child of God. We are fighting the DEVIL; we must desire all the power we can have against him.
Disregarding this blessing is disregarding a gift from God and why would you do that? Because grandma or mom or dad or your pastor TELLS you it isn't of God? Did you study, after serious prayer and maybe even fasting, to learn for yourselves about this doctrine? Why wouldn't any child of God want to be blessed this way? Perhaps fear that it is of the devil, would God give a gift to His church that is from the devil? Or it seems too evil and crazy because that is the way people on social media act and God's people don't act that way. This is wrong thinking, the poor souls on social media that behave badly are being deceived by the devil. You need to study to know the truth. Find out for yourself, study and don't listen to anyone but God - including me. Forget or at least compare sermons you've heard denouncing this doctrine with what the bible teaches with an open mind toward God.
Christians use 1 Corinthians 13:8: to claim that tongues HAVE ceased but the expression "whether there be" makes the question hypothetical or could be or could be not, so what verse 8 in this passage is saying is that whether tongues cease or not the love of God never will, or even if knowledge shall vanish away or not the love of God won't and as for the "putting away childish things" The CHURCH OF GOD was filled with the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues, that was not a childish experience.
Salvation comes first and then if you also ask God to take the desire for sin, the want to live a sinful life out of you, that you want it gone forever you are asking for your sin nature to be gone and you are fully sanctified. God has destroyed, killed, crucified your sin nature. Then your soul is pure and holy and if you simply ask to have the Holy Ghost to fill you He will, but keep praying until you pray in the heavenly language God has for you. It's beautiful and you will experience only joy and peace and power. The devil will have nothing to do with it. He can't interfere with you when you are praying with Jesus.
I've been filled with the Holy Ghost for over 40 years and I, nor the church I was a part of then, ever acted the way that is seen on social media. This is the way the devil confuses christians and makes the things of God appalling to them. There are scriptures that tell how a Holy Ghost filled christian should act whether alone or in a gathering of other christians. Search for it in, hopefully, your KJB. Christians use 1 Corinthians 13:8: to claim that tongues HAVE ceased but the expression "whether there be" is a subjunctive form of speech meaning hypothetical or an uncertain situation." (Merriam Webster Thesaurus), so what verse 8 in this passage is saying is that whether tongues cease or not the love of God never will, or even if knowledge shall vanish away the love of God won't. I hope you will find this blessing for yourself.
Primary themes and primary applications of scripture (continued).
Psalm 119:97 is just one of many verses in this Psalm talking about loving God's law and commandments. We have looked in the last posting about 2 Timothy 3:16 as to the practical truths of the Bible in instruction; but of course without love as Paul stated we are nothing but a clanging cymbal as part off 1 Corinthians 13:1 mentions; and this idea continues throughout what many call the "love" chapter which is often given as a gift to married couples with a door hanging type motif so that hopefully they can realize what they are called to in the Lord. The sentiment of John 14:15 marries the concept of love and obedience together. We can't have God's love (agape) without the truth; and if we attempt to follow the truth without love; we run the risk of what happened to the Ephesian church as described in Revelation in the beginning of chapter 2.
I won't make this study a detailed description of basic codes of conduct for a new believer which are of course needed for a young Christian to study in regard especially to the Epistles of Paul. Maturity in the faith is certainly bolstered by these necessary means; but is not by any means exclusively determined by these instructional verses. We can; for instance find meaning in the book of Esther and Ruth where God isn't even mentioned or just with a passing glance. The faith of both of these women is clearly seen through example. The Song of Solomon; probably the least read book in scripture seems to be an oddity in many ways and of course should be read by mature audiences. Nonetheless the theme of loyalty to the one someone is espoused to is something we can learn from; along with some possible hidden prophetic meanings in, for instance chapter 5; verse 7. In many ways; however it is best not to overspiritualize this one particular book; in attempting to make any direct correlation between eros and agape love for Christ in the sentiment
Some seems to prefer to minister to only other believers and have very little to say to unbelievers.
They are quick to judge and tell them where they are going but don't offer them the only way of escape. The Gospel.
In John 17:20 we see Jesus praying for our ministering to them.
"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
I once copied an article on Evangelism. Here's how it reads.
Part 1.
To evangelize means to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with someone else. Personal evangelism should be the lifestyle of every true Christian. We've been given a great gift, and our Master left us with clear instructions: "Go into all the world and make disciples of every nation" Matthew 28:19. Before we can "make disciples," we must evangelize. There are other reasons, besides Jesus' command, that should also motivate us to share the greatest news in the world with people who haven't heard it:
Evangelism is an act of love. Love must be the defining characteristic of every follower of Jesus Christ John 13:35; 1 Corinthians 13:1-7. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, so anyone who walks in the Spirit will demonstrate love in dealing with people Galatians 5:16, 22-23. We possess the best news in the world, and love propels us to share it with those who haven't heard. Love wants everyone to have a chance to respond to God's offer of salvation. Withholding news that could save someone's life is the utmost cruelty; therefore, those who truly love God will love the people whom Jesus came to save John 3:16-18; 1 John 4:20.
Evangelism builds our own faith. Nothing helps us learn a subject like teaching it to someone else. When we make a practice of sharing our faith with those in our lives, we strengthen our own beliefs. Regular evangelism forces us to wrestle through the hard questions, find answers for ourselves, and prepare to respond to the questions of others.
QUESTION: Is salvation "one sided" or interactive? On this site; I would expect a unanimous affirmation of the first idea that God and God alone is able to save. I am pretty much in line with "Calvinist" (or I would say BIBLICAL) reasoning; namely that repentance itself is a gift from God and that Christ saves each and every one God has given Him; and no one else.
What I would NOT agree to is that understanding a FORMULA how to be saved; such as memorizing verses such as Romans 10:9-13 or "accepting" Christ as Lord when of course He is Lord whether we ascribe to it or not is sufficient; at least without TRULY believing in our heart as that verse states. What I WOULD say (sorry for the caps for emphasis) is that a relationship is part of KNOWING Christ. This enables us to sense His love as well as His chastisement and discipline so that we not only are aware of the law but sense in our spirit when we are displeasing to Him. In our society today; it is clear to anyone studying our society that family discipline is at an all time low. It is certain that a certain number of homes are ruled through discipline; but many or most invole tyrannical and hypocritical domination and quite often blatent hypocrisy so that we cannot respect that sort of authority. We hear a lot of talk on God's goodness; but His severity isn't very popular today. Of course when kids aren't properly disciplined and trained how to be independent; mature and responsible in this world they end up as they are now.
The Lord does not allow His children to continue in this manner (see 1 Corinthians 13:11). Our character and trustworthiness affects others who may base their faith in God on our actions.
For a true child of God; often we are STRIPPED OF OUR FRIENDS; FAMILY AND SUPPORT SYSTEM. In spite of this we are to follow Hebrews 10:25; even if the Lord calls us elsewhere from our current fellowship we trust Him to provide a new one in His timing.
I suppose today's scripture from Joshua 24:18 is as good a place as any to tackle that subject. As for the entire Bible as we have it today; there is no verse in scripture mentioning all the written texts as a whole; probably because they weren't complete yet.
1 Corinthians 13:10 mentions things passing away when the partial is complete; or something to that affect. Revelation also has verses warning about not adding or subtracting which could mean adding to that book or all scripture. Since the written texts originally came from oratory (with the exception of the 10 Commandments originally penned by God Himself); God planned it out so that the scribes would count every LETTER of a scroll; and get rid of a copy to start again if it was even slightly off. 2 Timothy 3:16 explains that all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching; reproof; etc.
I have discussed in older posts a summation of the Apocrypha as to truths of historic or moral truths that are borrowed from true scripture; which always states "thus saith the Lord" except for places like Ruth and Esther; or Song of Solomon. God's truths are absolute; as we see from the claims of Christ's divinity; and the laws in the 10 Commandments. The repetitive themes such as scriptures being repeated again in the New Testament to enhance their true meanings bring a cohesiveness to the Bible. We also have such admonitions as 1 John 4:2 stating what any "spirit" testifies about Christ having come in the flesh.
That would correlate with verses like Matthew 16:17 where it is clear that Christ's DIVINITY (as the "I am") can only be understood or revealed through the Spirit. I noticed that myself pre conversion it didn't enter my mind that Christ was God or part of the "Godhead". As our spirit testifies with "his Spirit"( Romans 8:16) that we are His children and His Word is truth the Lord will build our discernment of truth as we grow and mature in Him to know what is true (see also John 10:27).
Romans 2:9 states: There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile..
(NIV); but says tribulation and anguish in the KJV. There is another verse stating that judgment begins at the house of God. ( 1 Peter 4:17).
Just as not all Israel is Israel ( Romans 9:6); not all the "professing" church is the possessing church; that is possessing the Holy Spirit and true salvation. Jesus made that perfectly clear to those who thought because they were the physical descendants of Abraham that gave them some sort of benefit were sadly mistaken ( John 8:39-44). Those who had seen Christ; knew the prophecies about the Messiah and yet rejected Him would in fact be worse off than Sodom and Gomorrah in their punishment. ( Matt. 11:21-24). We see similar warnings for those who have knowledge of the truth and become reprobate; in that it would be better not to have known it in the first place ( 2 Peter 2:21).
Testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith is sadly lacking today among professing believers; or we would see a reality check in the fruits of many lives. ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). We can glibly see this example as a carnal bunch of people and think that being steeped in our own religious training or theology that we are automatically exempt from this test. I have said before that there are dangers in any extreme that is lacking the balancing attribute; such as with loving people and warning them of judgment to come ( John 16:8). We see in the Ephesian church everything being done properly but their first love somehow becoming distant in their hearts. Look at 1 Corinthians 13:6; love rejoices in the truth. The basic fact that man's heart is desperately wicked ( Jeremiah 17:9) and that our sin makes us enemies of God ( James 4:4) means that there is a wall between opposing parties and yes God is angry with the wicked (i.e. us) every day. ( Psalm 7:11). Having our heads in the sand doesn't help anyone.
Love is patient; love is kind. ( 1 Corinthians 13:4-8). This section of scripture gets into all of the attributes of true love which characterizes "agape" which is the deepest kind of love which we can experience coming from heaven itself. Every other type of human affection is stereotyped by a particular relationship; but cannot stand the test of time truly without the Lord's love being in the mix. "Storge" for instance is defined as a type of familiar bond; which I would think describes a kinship with family members.
This is often flipped as to the responsibility and frustrations of a parent for a child then later on for a caretaker as myself the burden of assisting family members losing their physical stamina; mental acuity; as well as the emotional volatility that can result from such deterioration. fThere is another term for "self love" which up until now I am unfamiliar with called "philautia" which I suspect is retlated to "philia" which is a sort of plutonic affection (without eros) for others. As a Christian; of course we are instructed to die to self and live out the new life of Christ; nonetheless the law itself says to love your neighbor as yourself ( Leviticus 19:18 as well as quoted in the Gospels. There are other passages that state we should care for our wives as our own body ( Ephesians 5:29).
What is necessary; of course is to honor what God has given us stewardship over; whether it is our own bodies; our finances; marriages; or anything else the Lord has given us. Trusting God to provide; as well as guide us through self deprivation; fasting; and suffering even leading to death needs to be done trusting that God has the best ultimately even if it means martyrdom in terms of our eternity. This allows us to have the proper commitment to others entrusted to our care as well as having a love for the brothers and sisters both in our midst and abroad preaching the Good News. We need to trust God in maintaining what He has provided for us
For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
This was brought up recently in a video about the end times; and since I never noticed this verse before, and its importance to what is going on at present I thought I should expound on it a bit. I have trouble finding the history on YouTube but the concept was separation that God is using which will come to fruition starting at the Rapture and during the Tribulation as well.
This is all part of the bigger concept that God uses all things; including the Devil for His own purposes. A strong God fearing church will be able to withstand heresies when they come. Now in this verse those being approved could refer to those who will be elevated to church leadership roles; but of course it also could mean that it shows those who are true saints (wheat) as compared to the tares.
In considering this topic; I also have been contemplating the misuse of the term "love" as compared with the AGAPE which should supercede any affections we have personally and toward others. Matthew 22:42 asks what do ye think of Christ (speaking to the Pharisees). Whether a legalistic approach of pride toward being one of Abraham's natural descendants or a lax liberal mentality toward anything that was regarded as moral standards a couple generations ago Christ is reduced to the level of whatever best suits our imagination rather than held as God in the flesh; high and lifted up our Creator and the sustainer of our natural and eternal existence. 1 Corinthians 13:6 gives further emphasis to this concept; we are not to rejoice in evil but in the good. We also see in the surrounding verses in chapter 13 further details on God's type of love which is helpful for restoration in marriages in particular.
The big picture here shows how the final one world religion is coming; the first part of the Tribulation with Mystery Babylon.
1 Corinthians 13:12 states: For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. This relates to our perception of Christ; but also of course in glory we will see other saints in their eternal bodies as well for the first time. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says: But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
For now we do get glimpses; should we take the time to discern them of the Holy Spirit uniquely working in each true saint of God.
In physical appearance we still may look the same at least to the world to our early life when we were still in the world. Our identity is in Christ if indeed we are saved; and we are being transformed by the renewing of our minds ( Romans 12:2). Glorification will give us bodies it would seem like Christ when He could go through walls or doors ( John 20:19); we will be able to eat and drink ( Rev. 19:9; compare with Luke 24:42-43; and Mark 14:25). We will also rule and reign with Christ after returning with Him at Armageddon ( Rev. 19:14; Rev. 2:26-27).
Having no more suffering as promised in Revelation 21:4 and no more death certainly is an encouraging throught. I would submit that understanding the reasons for all of our earthly struggles may be even more poignant than understanding the suffering itself. We can take heart that Christ has His church as a reward; and we also can rejoice (or should) in one another and the time on earth invested in the Body of Christ as well as helping to fulfill the Great Commission. Again; it is rewards that are the variable that we are to strive for as seen in 1 Cor. 9:24-27. I am convinved many who receieve great rewards are relatively unknown at present praying in their closet; giving secretly to missions and serving under the radar. God sees the heart (see Heb. 4:12).
In 1 corinthians 13: 3 says "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing"
what does Charity mean in this context because if one bestow his or her goods to feed the poor, its considered as charity
Amen, brother, thank you. Obedience is the evidence of our faith; we cannot ignore all of the Scripture on enduring and overcoming. Matthew 10:22, Matthew 24:13, Mark 13:13, 1 Corinthians 13:7, Hebrews 12:7, James 1:12, 1 John 2:13-14, Revelation 2:7,11,17,22, Revelation 21:7. I could list more, but just these cannot be ignored, and if we do, we are deceived.
God bless,
RLW
Maybe it's the extra caffeine I imbibed this evening but I am excited about the future and don't want to end this conversation too fast. Just imagine (and I'm not trying to demean anyone on this site) but not debating theology will be a welcome respite in heaven. We all want to be ready to endure however long it takes but if anyone here is wrong about the Rapture and we go up sooner than expected I won't listen to any complaints.
This was written by Psalty and Ernie Pattino-a kids song; you may have heard it. First two stanzas
Heaven is a wondeful place,
filled with glory and grace,
I want to see my sarviours face.
Heaven is a wonderful place.
I want to go there.
The song continues on the same verses over and over as a trance to kids minds as it was a children's song (never heard of their names but no matter).
(Looks like they spelled savior wrong oh well)
At any rate; we will understand how truly dark it is here once faith becomes our sight; so to speak. (loosely interpreted from 2 Cor. 5:7). According to 1 Corinthians 13:12
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
There is stuff all of us would like to keep hidden for now; and other things we would like others to understand. HE gets us anyway but it will be great for us to be able to fellowship up there without all the baggage we have holding us back today.
No more will there be the need for restraint to avoid sin; we won't ever be able to hurt others or ourselves again.
Before I end this; I want to again emphasize that beyond assurance of salvation which we need to test ourselves for after verbally confessing our faith that as saints whether we receive rewards and authority for more of a ruling position in heaven is dependent on our service NOW. Nehemiah 13:14 repeats a theme of "remember me" as to his deeds for Israel. Let's serve also.
For the believer; worst case scenario as I discussed in several posts already if we suddenly pass away because of God's dealing with sin there is no doubt we would say once all was said and done that "yes; He took me out because I was disobedient" and go on with our heavenly existence not missing this world one iota. Maybe God puts some who were lazy now on heavy prayer duty for others. Anyway I try to not deviate from scripture in my interpretations here. Someone gaining reward; great or small of course casts it at Jesus' feet (not sure the exact timing when crowns come but by the Rapture they are handed out and then cast at His feet). As I said before there will ba a knowing; others will recognize and NOT jealously follow suit in their designated roles as God is fair in all things. We shall know Him as we are known; a rough interpretation of 1 Corinthians 13:12.
What we fear other than the accusations regarding sin and Satan giving us a general feeling of dread is losing control; whatever keeps us in our comfort zones; so to speak. I for one am particularly prone to addiction to certain routines; or how I design my day with a sort of attention deficit behavior that I was diagnosed with many decades ago in the stone ages when I was in High School. The enemy has many tricks; if one tactic doesn't work he'll switch to another; whether it is having people try to take advantage of us; seduction; persecution; doubts; failures where we are tempted to be angry; fleshly passions; etc. Need I go on? That is definitely an advantage of those who have the persuasion as I do of the "total depravity" concept; but I will simply use Jeremiah 17:9. Many people sadly don't get it when they say how nice I am and in fact probably are insulted when I say that I have no good in me. Too bad; although I should gratefully accept compliments as it helps to bolster friendships in all honesty most of what I do involves a half hearted effort. I'm very bad.
Appreciate your response! I am open to all answers and perspectives, as I am eager to understand & explore the difficult parts of the Bible.Thanks for your valuable insight & for helping me in this journey.
EXODUS:
From what I've understood, In Exodus 30:11-16, there is one ransom mentioned, but it serves two different purposes in different contexts:
Purpose 1: Ransom for the souls(lives) as Atonement(as mentioned in verse 15)
Purpose 2: Ransom for the Tabernacle.
Why would God use money as a means of atonement? It's hard to understand why the people would only be spared from a plague if they give money. The first purpose seems a bit odd to me as isn't specifically tied to any particular sin.
KJV:
I was confronted that KJV had problems in terms of it's usability today, by people who wanted to know what biblical authors actually said.
For instance, the use of the word "unicorn" to translate the Hebrew "re'em" is a mistranslated, as "re'em" likely refers to a wild ox rather than a mythical unicorn.
Additionally, some outdated English terms are used in ways that could be confusing for modern readers. For example, the word "let" in the KJV once meant "to hinder," but today it means "to allow," and "suffer" meant "to allow," whereas it now means "to endure pain."
Some words were also chosen based on tradition rather than the literal meaning of the original texts, such as "charity" for "love" in 1 Corinthians 13:13, where "love" (Greek ) is a more accurate translation.
Moreover, It seems that factually the translators had limited access to ancient manuscripts, which may have led to less precise translations compared to modern scholarship, including the use of terms like "unicorn" that don't align with current understanding.
JEWS & CHRISTIANS:
Yes, I understand that. But my concern is, Did God intentionally leave the full revelation of Himself unclear to the Jews, and only later manifest it to the Christians, causing confusion between the two?
Romans 12:9 - "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good."
1 Corinthians 13:1-2 - "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong..."
Matthew 15:8 - "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."
Many posts on social media say things like: "It's not enough to lift your hands - lift your soul too." Or: "God doesn't hear performance, He hears surrender." And that's the truth. The worship that pleases the Father doesn't come from musical technique or aesthetics, but from a real love that burns deep within. As Joan Osborne once sang: "Worship is not a sound - it's a life on fire." May our lives sing louder than our lips.
As for today's generation, it's important to understand that they were "configured" in a completely different world than the one that shaped our parents. Children today grow up connected - exposed to information, a variety of ideas, freedom of speech, and endless cultural references. This builds a more critical awareness, but it also leads to emotional overload, constant comparison, and early existential confusion. It's not simply rebellion or spiritual disinterest - it's a heart searching for rhythm in a noisy world.
While many parents were raised with quiet obedience and inherited faith, today's youth are looking for faith that is lived with meaning, not imposed. This isn't rejection - it's a thirst for authenticity. That's why parents who wish to pass on their faith need more than tradition - they need to be living testimonies. Sorry a long cont.
May our hearts be clean, so that we may live in holiness and truth before God. Every detail of life reveals His care. We pray, as in Ephesians 1:17, that the Spirit of wisdom and revelation may lead us into a deeper relationship with Him-for apart from His presence, everything loses its true meaning.
Teach us to love as Christ loved-whether in marriage, in friendship, or in service. May our words, thoughts, and actions reflect a heart that walks closely with Him. As 1 Corinthians 13:11 reminds us, maturity in faith transforms how we speak, think, and live. And may we be faithful stewards of our time, resources, and words-so that all things may bring glory to God.
Part 4
Many people interpret Luke 16:19-31, the story of the rich man and Lazarus, as a literal account rather than a parable. However, in Mark 4:11 and Luke 8:10, Jesus explicitly states that He spoke to others in parables. We must consider the entirety of Scripture when evaluating this story, as I have referenced only a few relevant passages.
If this story were literal, it would imply that individuals receive their rewards immediately after death. This notion contradicts the rewards are given after the resurrection, as indicated in Revelation 22:12, Luke 14:13-14, 2 Timothy 4:8, and 1 Corinthians 15:51-54, along with what we see in Revelation 20:4.
What was the purpose of this story? Is it our choices, what we have faith in, God, or do we crave wealth, or do we have faith, and charity, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. This story shows the rich man rich in worldly things, but poor in morality, and Lazarus the opposite. This story also points to Jesus' death and resurrection, Luke 16:31. We see that is what happened, they still rejected Jesus after He was hung on a cross and died, put in a tomb, rose from the grave, and spoke to them for 40 days, and it did not convince them.
See part 5
Genesis 3:15 - And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Genesis 12:3 - And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
Genesis 22:18 - And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
Jeremiah 31:33 - But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Mark 12:29-31 - And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30, And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31, And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Acts 17:11 - These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
1 Corinthians 13:13 - And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 - Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2, By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3, For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4, And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Genesis 11:1
And the whole earth was of onelanguage, and of one speech.
The Tower of Babel is when God made every man speak different languages and they all scattered because of confusion.
Genesis 11:9
Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because theLorddid there confound thelanguageof all the earth: and from thence did theLordscatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.
The Jews were scattered all over the world and came together in the book of Acts to witness a miracle. The Jews spoke in different languages because of what country they all came from.
Acts 2:6
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his ownlanguage.
The gift of tongues was to be use to communicate to Jews with different languages in the word of God.
1 Corinthians 14:27
If any man speak in an unknowntongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
Because we have the complete written word of God and the Holy Spirit, we don't need the gift of speaking in tongues.
1 Corinthians 13:8
Charity neverfaileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shallfail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
With all the technology of cellular, we all can translates languages very easily.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Does God heal today ? ?
God will take away some of our gifts and replace it with the word of truth.
1 Corinthians 13:8
Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shallcease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
We now have the word of truth .
1 Corinthians 13:10
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall bedoneaway.
Apostle Paul wants us to pray in the Holy Spirit.
Praying always with allprayerand supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
We should always gift thanks to the Father in Heaven before we ask .
Philippians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing byprayerand supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
We should pray to do no evil.
2 Corinthians 13:7
Now Iprayto God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
We should pray for knowledge.
Philippians 1:9
And this Ipray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
We should pray always everyday.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Praywithout ceasing.
God want us to pray for everything in life.
1 Timothy 2:8
I will therefore that menprayevery where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Now we are using wine to feel better.
1 Timothy 5:23
Drink no longer water, but use a littlewinefor thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
note: things were changing, no more hands on healing.
Only God can heal the sick in prayer.
Philippians 2:27
For indeed he wassicknigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
Apostle Paul just couldn't lay hands for healing anymore, God has changed it all for the Bible.
2 Timothy 4:20
Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletumsick.
Now that we have the completed Bible written, we don't need signs and wonders. All we do is rely on the Holy Spirit to teach us the Word of Truth.
1 Corinthians 13: 8-10
8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
May we all understand that the book of Acts was a transitional book and God made Apostle Paul the leader of the gospel of grace.
1 Corinthians 15:10
But by thegraceofGodI am what I am: and hisgracewhich was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but thegraceofGodwhich was with me
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The gospel of grace for to day.
1 Corinthians 14:5
I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that yeprophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
Romans 12:6
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whetherprophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
1 Corinthians 13:2
And though I have the gift ofprophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
1 Timothy 4:14
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee byprophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Galatians 5:22-23
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
We talk about Charity in churches and people think it's giving of something. Charity is more then tithing and giving, it the Holy Spirit that is Love.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
There's is no one on earth that can love and not sin like Jesus Christ . God's love is so powerful that the resurrection of the Lord Jesus was more than the creation of heaven and earth. Jesus Christ paid all our sins on that cross and finished the law for all of us. All we do is believe the gospel of grace in Apostle Paul's epistle 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 please read Paul's gospel inwhich your saved if you believe ...
Me being a member at West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California
Philippians 2:3 KJV
My interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
" Having faith and prayer to get what you want.Render and reverence things that are sincere. Sincere- pure, real. Philippians 1:10 KJV. I am a example of cordial and sincere.(oral tradition) Romans 12:10 KJV
My life as Christian helps others in being services To become like God
Always performaning righteousness, holiness in actions "to do it"
Jesus Christ is God John 14:6 KJV, Romans 10:9-10 KJV Reason and Truth.
The Spirit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way to divine healing.
Being" clothed in Christ " through baptism means that a person is covered by Christ (covering). "
These are Reverence amd render scriptures you can apply to be on your own Romans 13:1 KJV, 1 Peter 2:13, 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 KJV.
Philippians 2:4 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
"Believing in God showing yourself as Christian how to help. To have faith Ephesians 2:8,10 KJV.
Showing yourself mind of Christ-like-minded to one another Example of a Quote define Unity. One example of a guaranteed result is abolish of selfish.
Honor of Christ
Prayer
Obedience
Peace of Christian Church
Embaracing teaching of Jesus, Seeking stillness before God, relying on the power of prayer, trusting in his constant presence.
Word Written and Spoken by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
I believe the verse you are referring to is 1 Corinthians 13:12.
God bless.
1 Corinthians 13:7 - Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Love bears all things. The word beareth means to cover. In essence, God's love is more interested in covering someone's sin and weaknesses rather than exploit them. Love hopes all things. The word hope in Greek doesn't mean I "wish" it would. It's actually a word of expectancy. I expect everything's going to turn out okay. It's not a matter of positive thinking. It's a matter of God's Spirit saying, "God's love has got you covered!" And lastly: Love endures all things. All things! It remains under. It doesn't have to run away. It remains and endures all things.
1 Corinthians 14:1 - Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
Follow after charity, or AGAPE. The word follow means to chase. In other words, pursue AGAPE. And also, desire spiritual gifts. Again, notice the word "gifts" is in italics. It is literally spiritual things, those things of God's Spirit. Pursue AGAPE and desire spiritual things. That's the literal translation from the Greek. But rather that you may prophesy. Remember prophecy is giving the word of God. It is taking the revelation of God and ministering God's word to people.
1 Corinthians 13:4 - Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
First of all, in Verse 4, AGAPE suffers long. The Greek word for suffers has to do with being slow in reaction toward people.
The second thing: And is kind. It's literally the word useful, spiritually useful. I'm sure it helps to be kind, but God's Spirit makes it spiritually useful. The third thing: AGAPE envies not. There is no jealousy with AGAPE love.
Fourthly: Charity, or AGAPE vaunteth not itself. The word vaunteth is the translation of parade. AGAPE doesn't parade itself around for everybody to see. Fifthly, and this is associated with the fourth one: Is not puffed up. That's the word for arrogance. And it is literally the word for like blowing up a balloon. This is a person who is arrogant.
1 Corinthians 13:5 - Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Sixthly: Does not behave itself unseemly. The word unseemly means shamefully. Number 7 is one we should all remember: Love does not seek its own. If I am under the influence of God's love, I will not be seeking anything for myself. Nothing!
Number 8: Love is not easily provoked. It's interesting that the word easily is not in the original language but they figured there's got to be some point of breaking here. The word provoked means to jab somebody with a spear. I guess we would call it irritated!
Number 9: Love thinketh no evil. Two words, the word thinketh is an accounting term that means to write things down. And the word evil is the word wrong. So, love does not keep account of wrong. I don't know if you have ever been around somebody that you have not seen for 10 years, but they already have it packed away in their brain "Yea, I know 10 things that you did to me!" They are keeping a list. It's all filed. But love doesn't do that!
1 Corinthians 12:30 - Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
The answer to all these is no! There are groups today that teach that speaking in tongues is confirmation that you're saved. And when you relate to them that it says here that not everybody speaks in tongues, we must ask how does that work?
They have no idea that the answer is included right in the actual question itself! Their answer is yes. But no, they are wrong because the text says no! Do all interpret, that is, explain languages? Nope! Not everybody has everything. We are all various parts.
1 Corinthians 13:1 - Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
He starts out by saying "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity," The word charity in the King James text is the word AGAPE in Greek. And there are different words in Greek for different kinds of love. Over the years, the church has relegated Agape to be something special. But not that special, because we think we can produce it!
Agape is the fruit of God's Spirit according to Galatians 5:22, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love." And that word love is Agape. God's Spirit produces Agape. 1 John 4:8 tells us that God is Agape. It's His nature. Agape love includes sacrifice. Agape is the concern for someone's spiritual welfare. God exhibited that toward us in that "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son."
Part 5.
This description is easy. Take a look at Galatians 5:22 for the characteristics that God sets down for these Christians. Paul says that one walking by the Spirit is filled with all "the fruit of the Spirit"-Love (Agape), joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance."
This description is then amplified in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 where Paul says, "Agape suffereth long, and is kind; [His Love] envieth not; [His Love] vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not [its] own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. [God's Love] never fails."
When I think of a spiritual Christian, there is one person in our ministry who always comes to mind. She is one who is willing to be a total servant to others. Nothing is too hard for her or beneath her. As I look around the Christian body, it's amazing to me how very few of these "servant heart" people there really are; Christians who are willing to scrub the toilet if necessary, work in the kitchen if needed or bebehind the scenes.
Humility, again, is the word that best describes a spiritual Christian. Most Christians, unfortunately, want to be up in front where they can be seen as "spiritual." They want the visible jobs! A Christian with a servant's heart is one who is only interested in what God thinks. And thus, they are willing to do whatever job is required. The Bible tells us that God's eyes are toward the humble, the unpretentious and the one who is free from pride.
By Nancy Missler.
Rip.
We do have the Holy Spirit with us when we get saved but having the Holy Ghost IN us gives us greater strength, knowledge, discernment, understanding and much more power to stay righteous as a child of God. We are fighting the DEVIL; we must desire all the power we can have against him.
Disregarding this blessing is disregarding a gift from God and why would you do that? Because grandma or mom or dad or your pastor TELLS you it isn't of God? Did you study, after serious prayer and maybe even fasting, to learn for yourselves about this doctrine? Why wouldn't any child of God want to be blessed this way? Perhaps fear that it is of the devil, would God give a gift to His church that is from the devil? Or it seems too evil and crazy because that is the way people on social media act and God's people don't act that way. This is wrong thinking, the poor souls on social media that behave badly are being deceived by the devil. You need to study to know the truth. Find out for yourself, study and don't listen to anyone but God - including me. Forget or at least compare sermons you've heard denouncing this doctrine with what the bible teaches with an open mind toward God.
Christians use 1 Corinthians 13:8: to claim that tongues HAVE ceased but the expression "whether there be" makes the question hypothetical or could be or could be not, so what verse 8 in this passage is saying is that whether tongues cease or not the love of God never will, or even if knowledge shall vanish away or not the love of God won't and as for the "putting away childish things" The CHURCH OF GOD was filled with the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues, that was not a childish experience.
THE EXPERIENCE:
Salvation comes first and then if you also ask God to take the desire for sin, the want to live a sinful life out of you, that you want it gone forever you are asking for your sin nature to be gone and you are fully sanctified. God has destroyed, killed, crucified your sin nature. Then your soul is pure and holy and if you simply ask to have the Holy Ghost to fill you He will, but keep praying until you pray in the heavenly language God has for you. It's beautiful and you will experience only joy and peace and power. The devil will have nothing to do with it. He can't interfere with you when you are praying with Jesus.
I've been filled with the Holy Ghost for over 40 years and I, nor the church I was a part of then, ever acted the way that is seen on social media. This is the way the devil confuses christians and makes the things of God appalling to them. There are scriptures that tell how a Holy Ghost filled christian should act whether alone or in a gathering of other christians. Search for it in, hopefully, your KJB. Christians use 1 Corinthians 13:8: to claim that tongues HAVE ceased but the expression "whether there be" is a subjunctive form of speech meaning hypothetical or an uncertain situation." (Merriam Webster Thesaurus), so what verse 8 in this passage is saying is that whether tongues cease or not the love of God never will, or even if knowledge shall vanish away the love of God won't. I hope you will find this blessing for yourself.
Psalm 119:97 is just one of many verses in this Psalm talking about loving God's law and commandments. We have looked in the last posting about 2 Timothy 3:16 as to the practical truths of the Bible in instruction; but of course without love as Paul stated we are nothing but a clanging cymbal as part off 1 Corinthians 13:1 mentions; and this idea continues throughout what many call the "love" chapter which is often given as a gift to married couples with a door hanging type motif so that hopefully they can realize what they are called to in the Lord. The sentiment of John 14:15 marries the concept of love and obedience together. We can't have God's love (agape) without the truth; and if we attempt to follow the truth without love; we run the risk of what happened to the Ephesian church as described in Revelation in the beginning of chapter 2.
I won't make this study a detailed description of basic codes of conduct for a new believer which are of course needed for a young Christian to study in regard especially to the Epistles of Paul. Maturity in the faith is certainly bolstered by these necessary means; but is not by any means exclusively determined by these instructional verses. We can; for instance find meaning in the book of Esther and Ruth where God isn't even mentioned or just with a passing glance. The faith of both of these women is clearly seen through example. The Song of Solomon; probably the least read book in scripture seems to be an oddity in many ways and of course should be read by mature audiences. Nonetheless the theme of loyalty to the one someone is espoused to is something we can learn from; along with some possible hidden prophetic meanings in, for instance chapter 5; verse 7. In many ways; however it is best not to overspiritualize this one particular book; in attempting to make any direct correlation between eros and agape love for Christ in the sentiment
Evangelizing.
Some seems to prefer to minister to only other believers and have very little to say to unbelievers.
They are quick to judge and tell them where they are going but don't offer them the only way of escape. The Gospel.
In John 17:20 we see Jesus praying for our ministering to them.
"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
I once copied an article on Evangelism. Here's how it reads.
Part 1.
To evangelize means to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with someone else. Personal evangelism should be the lifestyle of every true Christian. We've been given a great gift, and our Master left us with clear instructions: "Go into all the world and make disciples of every nation" Matthew 28:19. Before we can "make disciples," we must evangelize. There are other reasons, besides Jesus' command, that should also motivate us to share the greatest news in the world with people who haven't heard it:
Evangelism is an act of love. Love must be the defining characteristic of every follower of Jesus Christ John 13:35; 1 Corinthians 13:1-7. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, so anyone who walks in the Spirit will demonstrate love in dealing with people Galatians 5:16, 22-23. We possess the best news in the world, and love propels us to share it with those who haven't heard. Love wants everyone to have a chance to respond to God's offer of salvation. Withholding news that could save someone's life is the utmost cruelty; therefore, those who truly love God will love the people whom Jesus came to save John 3:16-18; 1 John 4:20.
Evangelism builds our own faith. Nothing helps us learn a subject like teaching it to someone else. When we make a practice of sharing our faith with those in our lives, we strengthen our own beliefs. Regular evangelism forces us to wrestle through the hard questions, find answers for ourselves, and prepare to respond to the questions of others.
See part 2.
QUESTION: Is salvation "one sided" or interactive? On this site; I would expect a unanimous affirmation of the first idea that God and God alone is able to save. I am pretty much in line with "Calvinist" (or I would say BIBLICAL) reasoning; namely that repentance itself is a gift from God and that Christ saves each and every one God has given Him; and no one else.
What I would NOT agree to is that understanding a FORMULA how to be saved; such as memorizing verses such as Romans 10:9-13 or "accepting" Christ as Lord when of course He is Lord whether we ascribe to it or not is sufficient; at least without TRULY believing in our heart as that verse states. What I WOULD say (sorry for the caps for emphasis) is that a relationship is part of KNOWING Christ. This enables us to sense His love as well as His chastisement and discipline so that we not only are aware of the law but sense in our spirit when we are displeasing to Him. In our society today; it is clear to anyone studying our society that family discipline is at an all time low. It is certain that a certain number of homes are ruled through discipline; but many or most invole tyrannical and hypocritical domination and quite often blatent hypocrisy so that we cannot respect that sort of authority. We hear a lot of talk on God's goodness; but His severity isn't very popular today. Of course when kids aren't properly disciplined and trained how to be independent; mature and responsible in this world they end up as they are now.
The Lord does not allow His children to continue in this manner (see 1 Corinthians 13:11). Our character and trustworthiness affects others who may base their faith in God on our actions.
For a true child of God; often we are STRIPPED OF OUR FRIENDS; FAMILY AND SUPPORT SYSTEM. In spite of this we are to follow Hebrews 10:25; even if the Lord calls us elsewhere from our current fellowship we trust Him to provide a new one in His timing.
1 Corinthians 13:10 mentions things passing away when the partial is complete; or something to that affect. Revelation also has verses warning about not adding or subtracting which could mean adding to that book or all scripture. Since the written texts originally came from oratory (with the exception of the 10 Commandments originally penned by God Himself); God planned it out so that the scribes would count every LETTER of a scroll; and get rid of a copy to start again if it was even slightly off. 2 Timothy 3:16 explains that all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching; reproof; etc.
I have discussed in older posts a summation of the Apocrypha as to truths of historic or moral truths that are borrowed from true scripture; which always states "thus saith the Lord" except for places like Ruth and Esther; or Song of Solomon. God's truths are absolute; as we see from the claims of Christ's divinity; and the laws in the 10 Commandments. The repetitive themes such as scriptures being repeated again in the New Testament to enhance their true meanings bring a cohesiveness to the Bible. We also have such admonitions as 1 John 4:2 stating what any "spirit" testifies about Christ having come in the flesh.
That would correlate with verses like Matthew 16:17 where it is clear that Christ's DIVINITY (as the "I am") can only be understood or revealed through the Spirit. I noticed that myself pre conversion it didn't enter my mind that Christ was God or part of the "Godhead". As our spirit testifies with "his Spirit"( Romans 8:16) that we are His children and His Word is truth the Lord will build our discernment of truth as we grow and mature in Him to know what is true (see also John 10:27).
(NIV); but says tribulation and anguish in the KJV. There is another verse stating that judgment begins at the house of God. ( 1 Peter 4:17).
Just as not all Israel is Israel ( Romans 9:6); not all the "professing" church is the possessing church; that is possessing the Holy Spirit and true salvation. Jesus made that perfectly clear to those who thought because they were the physical descendants of Abraham that gave them some sort of benefit were sadly mistaken ( John 8:39-44). Those who had seen Christ; knew the prophecies about the Messiah and yet rejected Him would in fact be worse off than Sodom and Gomorrah in their punishment. ( Matt. 11:21-24). We see similar warnings for those who have knowledge of the truth and become reprobate; in that it would be better not to have known it in the first place ( 2 Peter 2:21).
Testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith is sadly lacking today among professing believers; or we would see a reality check in the fruits of many lives. ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). We can glibly see this example as a carnal bunch of people and think that being steeped in our own religious training or theology that we are automatically exempt from this test. I have said before that there are dangers in any extreme that is lacking the balancing attribute; such as with loving people and warning them of judgment to come ( John 16:8). We see in the Ephesian church everything being done properly but their first love somehow becoming distant in their hearts. Look at 1 Corinthians 13:6; love rejoices in the truth. The basic fact that man's heart is desperately wicked ( Jeremiah 17:9) and that our sin makes us enemies of God ( James 4:4) means that there is a wall between opposing parties and yes God is angry with the wicked (i.e. us) every day. ( Psalm 7:11). Having our heads in the sand doesn't help anyone.
This is often flipped as to the responsibility and frustrations of a parent for a child then later on for a caretaker as myself the burden of assisting family members losing their physical stamina; mental acuity; as well as the emotional volatility that can result from such deterioration. fThere is another term for "self love" which up until now I am unfamiliar with called "philautia" which I suspect is retlated to "philia" which is a sort of plutonic affection (without eros) for others. As a Christian; of course we are instructed to die to self and live out the new life of Christ; nonetheless the law itself says to love your neighbor as yourself ( Leviticus 19:18 as well as quoted in the Gospels. There are other passages that state we should care for our wives as our own body ( Ephesians 5:29).
What is necessary; of course is to honor what God has given us stewardship over; whether it is our own bodies; our finances; marriages; or anything else the Lord has given us. Trusting God to provide; as well as guide us through self deprivation; fasting; and suffering even leading to death needs to be done trusting that God has the best ultimately even if it means martyrdom in terms of our eternity. This allows us to have the proper commitment to others entrusted to our care as well as having a love for the brothers and sisters both in our midst and abroad preaching the Good News. We need to trust God in maintaining what He has provided for us
For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
This was brought up recently in a video about the end times; and since I never noticed this verse before, and its importance to what is going on at present I thought I should expound on it a bit. I have trouble finding the history on YouTube but the concept was separation that God is using which will come to fruition starting at the Rapture and during the Tribulation as well.
This is all part of the bigger concept that God uses all things; including the Devil for His own purposes. A strong God fearing church will be able to withstand heresies when they come. Now in this verse those being approved could refer to those who will be elevated to church leadership roles; but of course it also could mean that it shows those who are true saints (wheat) as compared to the tares.
In considering this topic; I also have been contemplating the misuse of the term "love" as compared with the AGAPE which should supercede any affections we have personally and toward others. Matthew 22:42 asks what do ye think of Christ (speaking to the Pharisees). Whether a legalistic approach of pride toward being one of Abraham's natural descendants or a lax liberal mentality toward anything that was regarded as moral standards a couple generations ago Christ is reduced to the level of whatever best suits our imagination rather than held as God in the flesh; high and lifted up our Creator and the sustainer of our natural and eternal existence. 1 Corinthians 13:6 gives further emphasis to this concept; we are not to rejoice in evil but in the good. We also see in the surrounding verses in chapter 13 further details on God's type of love which is helpful for restoration in marriages in particular.
The big picture here shows how the final one world religion is coming; the first part of the Tribulation with Mystery Babylon.
1 Corinthians 13:12 states: For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. This relates to our perception of Christ; but also of course in glory we will see other saints in their eternal bodies as well for the first time. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says: But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
For now we do get glimpses; should we take the time to discern them of the Holy Spirit uniquely working in each true saint of God.
In physical appearance we still may look the same at least to the world to our early life when we were still in the world. Our identity is in Christ if indeed we are saved; and we are being transformed by the renewing of our minds ( Romans 12:2). Glorification will give us bodies it would seem like Christ when He could go through walls or doors ( John 20:19); we will be able to eat and drink ( Rev. 19:9; compare with Luke 24:42-43; and Mark 14:25). We will also rule and reign with Christ after returning with Him at Armageddon ( Rev. 19:14; Rev. 2:26-27).
Having no more suffering as promised in Revelation 21:4 and no more death certainly is an encouraging throught. I would submit that understanding the reasons for all of our earthly struggles may be even more poignant than understanding the suffering itself. We can take heart that Christ has His church as a reward; and we also can rejoice (or should) in one another and the time on earth invested in the Body of Christ as well as helping to fulfill the Great Commission. Again; it is rewards that are the variable that we are to strive for as seen in 1 Cor. 9:24-27. I am convinved many who receieve great rewards are relatively unknown at present praying in their closet; giving secretly to missions and serving under the radar. God sees the heart (see Heb. 4:12).
what does Charity mean in this context because if one bestow his or her goods to feed the poor, its considered as charity