So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
My Interpetation:
Faith comes through Jesus Christ is God .
Hearing is having the keys of life to believe my report to listen to God's voice . Knowing there is a God , you came from God to have a moral knowledge of right and wrong and good from evil.. That will accept you are chosen to become like God to live freely 1 Peter 4:13 KJv
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
Matthew 24
Mark 13
1 Peter 4:17-18 " For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?"
Read the Book of Jeremiah. It is TODAY'S NEWSPAPER.
Mark 4:33-34
"33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.
34 But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples."
The way fellow believers responded to you sounds familiar.
When I approached my pastor at a church (which I did leave after a number of unpleasant encounters on topics) about a divorced and remarried person who in the congregation who was allowed to preach, lead worship, etc. I was told I was being judgmental and pharisaical for speaking up about it to him. I had not said anything to any other person in the fellowship.
In our present church situation (of 25 years) I asked the pastor early on what was the teaching of this church on that. He said that on the whole it agrees with what Jesus said, but in pastoral care, many people come into the fellowship who already are divorced and remarried and so this is where grace and love comes in.
We are to love one another deeply because love "covers a multitude of sins".( 1 Peter 4:8) but we need to balanced that with standing firm about what Jesus has taught. I guess it is a tight-rope kind of thing. We can advise people considering divorce what Scripture teaches about this and remarriage and we can not support remarriages of divorced people.
But if these remarriages have occurred and children are born to these marriages are we to insist that the marriage be dissolved? Many of these remarriages have children from both prior marriages and children from this marriage. the children from the first marriages have already been traumatized from the first divorce and are already enduring shared custody arrangements. Do we traumatize these children again by separating and annulling the marriage?
It seems to me that the church greatly dropped the ball on this topic loosing the battle with worldly view in the past few generations. How do recover this truth in actual practice in our congregations? Do we create yet another sect that does not allow for divorced/remarried persons to be in the fellowship? I can't say that I really have any real solution here.
"Why should ye be stricken any more? Ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint."
This and much of the rest of this chapter discusses the state of Israel and the inevitable judgments to come; not only for them but all the nations of the world. This "domino" effect certainly is soon to come as first in the present time the church is being judged first ( 1 Peter 4:17); then the Jews as Romans 2:9 indicates Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;. This theme; of course is repeated in Revelation and other O.T. prophecies regarding the Apocalypse.
James 4:4 and many other passages indicate our enmity with God or the word enemies which is basically the same concept. This of course is the reason the world is hostile and dangerous; and by and large God's children are eventually directly targeted.
This answers the ultimate issue or causation of today's worldwide geopolitical situation which seems a hair's breath from Armageddon.
Now of course the enemy of our souls is the ultimate chess strategist and has set up kings along with corresponding powers and principalities ( Ephesians 6) to be in position for his endgame plan which God will allow so it is going to happen. God ultimately; of course will draw all nations to the valley of Meddigo to ostensively fight one another but then turn to fight Christ. This is the truth and we have to accept it. It is also the case that every day souls are perishing; some to heaven others not.
This isn't a path we can navigate apart from the Spirit of God. I realize these are general concepts here and perhaps not necessary for many. I would make another general statement here that it is clear from scripture that some are saved and others not but losing one's salvation isn't possible. The caveat here is that we know ( Romans 8:16) if we are saved.
I have listened to some online and my overall conclusion is that now more than ever we need to be clear that judgment is coming; and we need to be ready for His coming. As to the Rapture; one could argue all Christians are raptured. Whatever the truth is in light of the references in my last post I am not taking any chances if I can avoid it. One can surely say many who think they know Christ are fooling themselves and at the very least many will find themselves getting into heaven as through the fire and suffer loss. ( 1 Corinthians 3:15).
Today as I see it and I am sure I have said this several times before if not more often; it is those that profess Christ that often give us the greatest resistance today. There are several reasons for this; first I believe we are well under way with the judgment that begins at the house of God ( 1 Peter 4:17). This causes many to "beat their fellow servants" who are trying to give meat in due season ( Matt. 24:49; and Luke 12:42). Our house truly is divided; and separation among the household of God is most evident today; and that will be followed by the world as a whole. The wheat and the tares will be separated; and soon.
These sobering facts mean that we need to pray that we guard our hearts against such deception ( Proverbs 4:23). Rebuke is in order for those who will listen; and of course we need to pray in particular when to persevere in fellowship and when we need to move on. I am in that process now. We need to discipline ourselves as well as seek Godly counsel and accountability lest we be hearers of the Word and not doers.
Vigilance means being in a constant mindset of prayer. As I probably have said many times by now we can learn a few things from the enemy of our soul; firstly that we need to be as diligent as the accuser to ensure we have confessed all known and unknown sins. If the enemy is constantly on the prowl we can't afford to ever let our guard down.
I've been thinking - perhaps more than usual - about what it means to belong, not to a family or a name, but to a larger, invisible Body, of which Christ is the head. Colossians 1:18
I don't think it's just a poetic metaphor, but a call to a more demanding reality: that my actions should serve others, not just me. 1 Corinthians 12:22
There are members who are more visible and others who are more hidden. Not all stand out, but all are necessary. 1 Peter 4:13
To be part of the Body of Christ is to be used - not in the sense of wear and tear, but of purpose. It's knowing that even in modesty,
we can't all be eyes, nor all hands - and yet, as for His affliction for us to share in
I've been thinking that, if we really are the Body of Christ, then harmony lies not in equality of function, but in unity of heart.
It is precisely when each one faithfully fulfills their part - large or small, visible or not - that there is health and life among the members. 1 Corinthians 12:18
Being moderate doesn't mean being less useful;
Romans 12:4-5 - how beautiful it is to think that we are not alone - that we are part of something living, pulsating, eternal! Ephesians 4:16
To be part of the Body of Christ is to love without demanding a return, to serve even when the world doesn't see, to sing putting Him, our Jesus Christ, at the center. 1 Corinthians 12:25-26
Omnipresent God, You are the God who constantly cares for she, that You help my friend who received a heavy text message yesterday morning. This message carries the pain of a deeply moment -just to name a few. the feeling of being surrounded by uncertainty, and the real weight of questions that have no immediate answers. The mind becomes restless in the face of the unknown - health, finances, the future of one's children, job stability. And when everything seems to slip through our hands, even the simplest path becomes obscure. The heart silently asks, what if? - Perhaps You know that place of waiting. A place where we pray for one, one life, one breath, one good piece of news that might bring relief, even if only for a moment. Maybe our prayers are for one fragile family bond, for one diagnosis that could change everything or for one positive number in a bank statement that guarantees one more month of peace. And even when we pray for many, it is usually for one that our heart aches most deeply. It's curious how the love for one person can stir our entire inner world.It is at this point that many things are revealed - not about the future, but about ourselves And in this space of self-awareness, we are reminded:
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other" ( Ephesians 4:32), "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling" ( 1 Peter 4:9). And even though we don't have all the answers, the silent presence in the midst of waiting can remind us that even when everything seems lost, there is one moment - just one.
You have received good replies. To me, John is addressing those who will believe in the one after him, Jesus. The baptizing with fire in Matthew 3:11 and Luke 3:16 is after we accept and believe in Jesus as our savior and receive the Holy Spirit; we are then baptized with fire to refine us, as silver and gold are refined by fire.
These metals are put in a refining pot and placed over the fire. As the metals are heated, the impurities float to the top and are scooped off by a ladle and discarded, making the gold and silver purer. This fire represents trials and tribulations we go through to strengthen our faith and purify our hearts so that we become more like Christ, our pot is this world we live in.
Here are a few verses you may read: Malachi 3:2-3, Zachariah 13:9, 1 Corinthians 3:13, James 1:2-3, 1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 4:12.
There are more, and your search is part of your walk in faith. We must embrace trials and tribulations as signs that we are not alone and can have peace, as Jesus said in John 16:33.
1 Peter 4:17 - For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
For the time is come that judgment must begin, and notice this: (from) the house of God: The word (at) is literally the word from. This is the heart of Peter's letter. It's time that judgment begins from the house of God. In other words, God's judgment starts with us. And from us (the church), it goes out to the world.
Right now, God is dealing with His people because of the sin issue so we suffer and cease from sin through the suffering and hardship. But the non-believer seems to think that he/she can do whatever they want to do. They suffer some of the consequences of their sin, but they don't seem to be dealing with the direct discipline of God that God's people do.
It kind of makes you wonder. But what Peter is saying here is that God's judgment has begun at His house, and from there will reach out. Right now, it's for us, but later on the non-believers are going to be judged.
We are constantly under the discipline of God because He's our Father. But the non-believer, they get to run around all over the place. But their time's coming. The judgment won't be discipline for them. It will be judgment!
The proper perspective is to understand that because we're God's children, because this flesh always and constantly opposes the things of God, God says that as your Father, I've got to discipline that flesh of yours. We're not going to give it the freedom that the non-believers have. And we're going to bring hardship and trial to your life, fiery trials.
So don't think it strange. God's combating rebellion. And He's shaping us, disciplining us, and preparing us to come be with Him. The non-believers, what are they getting prepared for? The lake of fire doesn't take much preparation!
1 Peter 4:13 - But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
But rejoice, and the term rejoice means continually rejoice. It's a Present Imperative. As I mentioned before, the word rejoice in Greek is reference to satisfaction. It's not rejoice like happiness, but rejoice as far as satisfied. Be continually satisfied, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings;
You see, we're following in His steps, so suffering in the flesh is common normal life for the believer. The purpose: That, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy.
1 Peter 4:14 - If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
Verse 14 is the best example of a word that has a Greek definition and meaning. If you be reproached, that is, be insulted, in the name of Christ, happy are you;
The word happy is MAKARIOS. It means to experience the fullness of something. It was used in the Beatitudes for Jesus when He's making reference to experiencing all the fullness of God comes in the midst of repentance and suffering. But he says for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you:
The definition of the word is to experience the fullness of something. But then the meaning is right there in the text, for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you:
You're being insulted for the things of Christ? God's Spirit and His glory is resting upon you. On their part he is evil spoken of, blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified.
And then you use it, and you find out that you really don't know how to use it, so you have to develop it and exercise it so that you can be "powerful" within the body of Christ. But it has nothing to do with this verse. In fact, just a bit of a generality, there's only one Greek word used for the giving of something to a believer, and that's the giving (the gift) of the Holy Spirit. That's it!
In 1 Corinthians Chapter 12 when it talks about the gifts of the Spirit, it's talking about the Holy Spirit who has all of these ministries. That word "gifts" has nothing to do with giving us a gift. It is a Greek word that has to do with the expressions of God's grace. They are His expressions. And He expresses God's grace in all of His ministries.
And 1 Corinthians Chapter 12 says believers are given these expressions. The Holy Spirit can minister through you one time this way, and another way a different time. Every time God's Spirit uses us, it's called grace because God's Spirit is doing it. He is the one that has all of these abilities. I have been given Him, but the gifts of the Spirit belong to Him. They are never given to me.
But again, because of our culture, we respond well to someone telling us that we're very special, and that we have a gift and we have to go out and use it. You see, I don't have to deny myself. I can go out and use it on you. But that's not what it means. In these hard times, as everybody has received an expression of God's grace in their life, minister to the other believers as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Other believers need God's grace right now. That's what he's saying.
1 Peter 4:9 - Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
The word hospitality (PHILOXENOI) means the love of strangers. It doesn't mean stranger as in you don't know the person. It's talking about believers who would travel through town either because of the work of the Lord, or they are just traveling, and giving them a place to stay so they wouldn't have to stay at the local inns where all the sin was going on.
And so open up your house to other believers. And do it without grudging. No complaining. Again, suffering creates situations where we have to be open. It causes us to take care of one another. And thirdly, suffering creates service.
1 Peter 4:10 - As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
It says as every man has received the gift, but the word "the" is not in the Greek manuscript. It is not "the gift." Even so minister the same one to another, and again, that's believers, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Now the word grace in grace of God, CHARIS is the Greek word. Well, the word gift is Charisma. It has a "ma" on the end of it in the Greek. And CHARISMA is grace in action. So, as everyone has received an expression of grace, then minister to one another. There's a need. So let God's grace minister through you in its various ways, which is manifold grace of God means.
Interesting that there's a play on words there, grace and gift. The word gift comes from grace. It is not talking about a person receiving "a gift" from God. And this is where we get off track. There are some that teach that you have the gift and that's your function in the body of Christ. They say that this gift that God has given you, you take it, and you develop it.
1 Peter 4:8 - And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
Number one, he says and above all things. That means top priority. Have fervent charity among yourselves: And the word charity is the word AGAPE love. The word fervent literally means to stretch out the hand, or to extend out the hand.
So, he's presenting a picture of an active love. In James Chapter 2, James says if somebody comes along and they're hungry and they need clothing, and you say "Well, I'll pray for you," what good is that? Faith without works is a dead faith. So, when its hardships and when there's suffering, have an active extended love, and notice this: among yourselves.
I know some of you in this forum have some knowledge of the Greek, so you will know that the term "among yourselves" is in the Attributive Position. But the focus is supposed to be on fellow believers. Just like Jesus said, people will know you're my disciples by your love for one another.
One of the disturbing things I've seen over the years is church ministries bringing in a few million dollars a year for their projects to reach the uncivilized world. And that's great if that's what the Lord is leading them to do, but I notice that right around the church, there are a lot of people needing help.
But they look beyond that. They look at what looks good on the tote board. And even some people within their church were suffering and going without, and the sensitivity wasn't there. Suffering creates sensitivity. Have an extended love among yourselves, for love shall cover the multitude of sins. That is from Proverbs 12:10.
Why cover a multitude of sins? Because that is what brings division and hardship within the body of Christ. We have to have an active extended love for repentance and restoration of sin. We have to deal with the sin issue in the body of Christ.
Rather than go into a lengthy discourse into the whole progression once again of Revelation which no doubt I have assayed to do in postings in the last couple years; I thought the topic at hand discussing what will be the inevitable rise of Antichrist whoever and whenever it comes to fruition as it intersects the end of the church age; and encompasses the judgment beginning at the house of God as our current danger ( 1 Peter 4:17) would be the primary focus.
Some have mentioned the Rapture itself as being a sort of judgment. The issue of whether the Rapture is for all believers or a reward for faithful ones tends to divide; but we can certainly say that some will be jarred to their senses; whether losing a child or infant in that event; or not knowing what happened to the other person. Certainly some will be aware that they missed out and thought they would be going and that could be the ultimate judgment finalizing the church age and forcing those left behind to be "Tribulation saints". In any event martyrdom will be the destiny for the vast majority of those in the Tribulation so to anyone listening don't be left behind. Up until now God has held everything back; the full economic collapse; and the famine and pestilence that will break out killing 1/4 of the earth at that time; likely the after effects of the war in the 2nd Seal Judgment. We need to keep in mind that appears to be before the Mark of the Beast which occurs at some point near the time 1/3 MORE of the earth is killed in the trumpet judgment #6. God says that man will be rarer than the gold of Ophir ( Isaiah 13:12). He says that the dead bodies will be from one corner of the earth to the other ( Jeremiah 25:33). Truly if He had not cut the days short no flesh would be saved ( Matt. 24:22).
Let us be sober minded and vigilant; and not put our hopes in the riches of this world as we can't take it with us. Let us redeem the time left. ( Eph. 5)
1 Peter 4:4 - Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
Wherein they think it strange that you run not with them in the same excess of riot, and the word riot is the word ruin. "Hey, you're not running with us and ruining yourself anymore. What happened?" And by that, they're speaking evil of you: This is the word blasphemy.
1 Peter 4:5 - Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
The word quick means the living. Dead people are not very quick!
1 Peter 4:7 - But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
But the end of all things is at hand:
That little term "is at hand" is called a Perfect Tense, has drawn near. The end is already in process of ending. That was back in Paul and Peter's day. It's even more so today.
1 Peter 4:3 - For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
For the time past of our life may suffice us to have worked out the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, meaning unrestrained immorality. That's what lasciviousness is. The Greek word ASELGEIA has the Alpha Privative. But SELGEIA was a name of a town, and they kicked all the prostitutes out, and they closed all the bars.
And so, they were very strict in this town. Whenever soldiers had free time, they never went to SELGEIA. They always tried to find a town where they could drink and party. But you couldn't do that at SELGEIA. So, this is ASELGEIA. This is the opposite of the town of SELGEIA. He saying lasciviousness means anything goes. There are no limitations. There are no restrictions.
Lusts, which means to put your desire on something and go after it. Excess of wine, which is translated habitual drunkenness. Revellings, which means to party. Banquetings, and this one is interesting. It means to drink in celebration to Bacchus, who is the god of wine. So, they made a festival out of it.
And abominable idolatries: Literally, illegal idolatries. That is, those things which God has said not to do. He says you were running rampant. This was your lifestyle. You indulged in these things when you lived your life by the way of the Gentiles or nations. But you've had sufficient time. The day the Lord saves you, he says you're ready. Sufficient, you've had enough!
Given one particular individual seeming to fit the end time Antichrist of late who I will not mention by name it seems fitting to review the scriptural descriptions of the final world leader and prepare ourselves for what is the inevitable end game as described in the Bible.
Introduction: God must judge the church first. ( 1 Peter 4:17). This is through the General Apostacy mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. We are headed for the final separation of the wheat from the chaff; and that reflects what is said in Matthew 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn." ' This shows the primary separation before the Rapture of those who formerly professed faith in Christ but who did't LOVE the truth and therefore will believe THE LIE as stated in 2 Thessalonians 11-12 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Consider for a moment those who haven't expressed an interest in Christ or spiritual things. There is no real appeal; at least at this time to such deception therefore there still can be hope. There are; no doubt others of all non Christian backgrounds and faiths that will also follow the deceiver but clearly Christians are targeted in these last days as we read in John 16:2 as to people thinking by killing us they are doing God a favor. That fit into the first century Jewish persecution of Christians by the Jewish establishment; but certainly could also foreshadow those who proclaim Christ and against the false Christ to come who will assist in building the Third Temple as well as bring together many to sign the Daniel 9:27 covenant at the onset of the Tribulation.
We will be viewed as the only ones against world peace.
Romans 12:21 states Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. I'm not sure if that is KJV but close enough...
Obviously the idea of forgiveness as stated with your other response to prayer is needed; there are many scriptures in that subject such as forgiving seven times seventy in the Gospels.
My discernment leads me to stating that there appear to be several things missing in your attempt to find relief for these thoughts. First of all; it is by His love; or Agape that we overcome and that brings healing- Isaiah 53:5; with His stripes we are healed!
Secondly; you are given the tools to serve those who "despitefully use you". ( Luke 6:28). This does not mean that you should continue to surround yourself with people that are physically or mentally abusive if it can be avoided. I pray that He delivers you from that.
Third; you need to guard against whatever vices and demonic influences the other people have that in turn can affect you. Satan comes to kill steal and destroy. You are called to set free those who the Lord places in your path; if they will not accept that then eventually you will be delivered from them.
Of course we need to keep in mind that vengeance is mine; I shall repay. ( Romans 12:19). Obviously if they hated Christ first they will also hate us as Jesus warned. Those who reject Christ are enemies of God. It is wickedness that is done in the house of God that needs to be dealt with directly; as we are supposed to be the standardbearers of truth. This is one way that so much evil has come into this society because so much is tolerated; we know that judgment begins in the house of God ( 1 Peter 4:17-19). We can speak out as the Spirit leads in warning and exhortation of judgment to come.
I will keep you in prayer and ask you for deliverance from these thoughts and the control it seems to have so you can be set free.
now that i "know" christ's love Ephesians 2:19 Corinthians 3:4-7 and the whole book of Colossians
Shall we analyse?
Remember the song
Christ is the portrait of God - Colossians 1:15
Before he was born
He did justice and in himself he died
Supremacy and thrones are
They are yours - Colossians 1: 16-17
And that thread that broke
From my soul to God - Colossians 1:21
The holy blood sewed
Christ and his lines of love - Colossians 1: 20
And now a man made I
Can in man see God
Have peace, live, walk and be
Made me a friend in his pouring out - John 15:15
When we were targets of God's wrath now we have Peace with God - Romans 5:1
I have a doubt that you probably theologians (formal or deep self-taught), show me if there is something I missed.
to go to church or not to go to church?
1 Thessalonians 5:11, 1 Peter 4:9, Psalms 133:1-3, Galatians 5:13. all these chapters do not speak of the church that is of my generation, Hebrews 10:24-25 this verse speaks of the mutual congregation.
continuing Romans 12:10, Ephesians 4:32, Acts 2:41-47, 1 John 1:6-7, 2 Corinthians 13:11, 1 Peter 1:22, Colossians 3:16, Philippians 2:1-2, John 13:34, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Psalm 55:14. I keep reading and re-reading Romans 12 and I wonder if it's in everyday life or gathered with the church.
The Gentiles and a few Jews became Christian first in Antioch. They call Apostle Paul because the Gentiles wanted the gospel of grace and Paul was the man for the Gentiles.
Acts 11:20-26
20And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching theLordJesus.
21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
22Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
25Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
26And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Apostle Paul share the gospel of grace to Agrippa . Agrippa always believed the gospel.
Acts 26:28
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be aChristian.
Peter is writing to his Jewish followers to not be ashamed of being a Christian in believing the gospel of grace.
1 Peter 4:16
Yet if any man suffer as aChristian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Peter writes to his Jewish followers and tells them that Apostle Paul has the gospel of grace.
2 Peter 3:15
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our belovedbrotherPaulalso according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
Today we are being attacked by believing the gospel of grace as a Christian.
The grace age church in the Body of Christ Jesus is Heavenly.
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings inheavenlyplacesin Christ:
Ephesians 2:6
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together inheavenlyplacesin Christ Jesus:
Ephesians 3:10
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers inheavenlyplacesmight be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Amen, glory to God and the Lord Jesus Christ for the Heavenly Places
How important is the Jews ? ? The Jew had the word of God and all the blessings that came with it.
Romans 3:1-2
1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
2Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
Acts 7:38
This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the livelyoraclesto give unto us:
1 Peter 4:11
If any man speak, let him speak as theoraclesof God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
Psalms 138:1 KJV
My Interpetation Quoted REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY " Victory, To see One God, One Lord in worship." Romans 10:4 KJV
Is your heart in God? Jesus Christ encourages you to offer you heart to God. Romans 10:9-10.
God puts breath into you giving you life. Allows you to listen. God voice is there to help you, realize and accept God's care for you to help you most Quoted as defined 'humble"."
Psalm 119:105 KJV
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Psalm 119:105 KJV
My Interpetation Quoted by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
" Disciclpe-showing the Holy bible (Jesus Christ) is life. I have in my life a report of praise speaking the word of God, read holy bible, prayer, writing, ministering- 1 Peter 4:8 KJV
A guaranteed result false gods, evil coming to an end Revelation 13:7 KJV Luke 1:33 KJV
Me a member at West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California
1 Peter 4:10 KJV
My Interpetation: REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
" To have life in Jesus Christ. A mouth to speak to become like God. I have used these methods reading holy bible, praying, writing, ministering- 1 Peter 4:8 KJV. A guaranteed result is report of praise.A language that we can understand. To be holy-set apart of God. Faith, repentance, hope, love.
When we couple these two things together, namely the inference that there is some kind of end-time salvation activity that is to take place, together with the fact that the great tribulation is a time when judgment has begun in the house of God ( 1 Peter 4:17) and shall remain so until the very end, we realize that both of these activities are happening simultaneously, and that the mechanism by which God is separating the wheat from the tares in our day is the command to depart out of the local congregations.
That brings us back to the timeline. Faithful Bible students have shown (I am not permited to give the reference here) that the Great Tribulation began in May of the year 1988, which was also the 13,000th anniversary of the history of the world, and that the church age officially ended in September 1994, at which time God began the period called the Latter Rain during which a great harvest of souls is being gathered from every corner of the world using sources outside the local congregations. The year 1994 is an auspicious year in that it is a jubilee year that occurs every 50th year beginning back in 1407 B.C. when the children of Israel entered the land of Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey, a land typifying the kingdom of God. The jubilee is characterized by the blowing of the ram's horn proclaiming liberty (from sin) throughout the land, and every man returning unto his possession, who is God himself ( Leviticus 25:8-10). The evidence of the Bible is that Jesus was born in 7 B.C. which was also a jubilee year. The year 1994 A.D. happens to be the first jubilee year after the fig tree (national Israel) put forth leaves in 1948, and thus, fits very well with the prophecy of Matthew 24:32 that when the fig tree puts forth leaves, ye know that summer, that is, harvest, is nigh.
We are in an unprecedented drought in terms of length where I live in Eastern PA and in fact much of the country. This is another year when tropical systems inundated some areas but were the only source of substantial rainfall in most areas.
Truly this is one of many last days signs whether we ascribe to current events as being the "birth pangs" of scripture or they are precursors. What is different now as I see it eschatologically is the fact that prayer can alter things in regard to drought as well as war; famine and other plagues which are so often in conjunction with each other during judgment.
Judgment begins with the house of God ( 1 Peter 4:17). Once again the subject of prayer as part of worship as seen from the example of Acts 2 as to the early church (foundations of the Word of God; Fellowship; Communion and Prayer were discussed).
It seems from what I have observed lately that there is little effort or even awareness of these type issues in prayers of many believers today. We can't simply hold to doctrinal truths without having compassion as Jesus does. To preach against injustice and to grieve for the effects of sins of a fallen world shouldn't have to mean we are compromising the truth to promote an agenda either.
It was once again brought up before we left the service that we are entering a hostile world. We should not only try to avoid places that attempt to make church more appealing to the world but also see too positive a reception as a warning sign. I heard something on K-Love the other day about someone who was witnessed to and wasn't interested but was a few years later.
Although seeing people enthusiastic about the Lord isn't something we should attempt to throw cold water on; we need to heed to verses such as ( Matt. 13:21). Discipleship is a necessary part of the Great Commission; notice "winning souls to Christ" isn't mentioned. God does the conversion; we deliver the message.
As we look at what is going on in the world and in the churches and congregations today, what do we see?
We see a world where sin, i.e. disobedience to God's law, is and has been multiplying as never before.
We see churches and congregations exhibiting a love for the world as the worship service has become a place for entertainment. And an abandonment of the Bible, the Word of God, as being the ultimate authority; where the church itself is the authority and not the Bible. We see a gospel being proclaimed where man is in control of their salvation and not God alonea do-it-yourself gospel where Christ has done His part and now it's up to us.
So where are we in God's time table of His plan for the churches and the world?
We are, I believe, living in the period describe in Matthew 24 and Mark 13, the Great Tribulation. A period where God's judgment has fallen upon the churches as we read in 1 Peter 4:17 and 2Thessalonians 2:1-12. And where God is preparing the world for His return on the clouds of glory at the Last Day.
It is also a time where God is reveling truth from His Word, the Bible, that has been hidden in times past as we read in Daniel 9 and Daniel 12.
Daniel 12:9 9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
But God, in this time, is saving a "great multitude" as we read in Revelation 7:9. Ezekiel 36:24-38, Jeremiah 29, Jeremiah 30 and many other passages which are pictures of God's salvation during this time.
If there were ever a time where we should be searching the scriptures and praying that God in His mercy might lead us into truth, this is that time.
But we must search the scriptures using the principles that God lays down in His Word. A key principle is that Christ is the author of the entire Bible and that He "spoke in parables, and without a parable spake He not" Matthew 13:34 and Mark 4:34.
May God in His mercy open our spiritual ears as we search the scriptures.
1 Peter 4:17 reads "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:..
( In this chapter Peter is exhorting the church "the house of God" which was facing persecution, to persevere.
They were also struggling to separate from the former worldly sins that had once enslaved them (verses 1-4).
Peter reminds them that the wicked will face God's judgment (verse 5) but that believers in Christ must hold themselves to a higher standard than they once did.
In 1 Corinthians 3:9-11 we see Paul mentions a foundation being layed. "Jesus is the precious cornerstone of this foundation
This is the first and most important part of a house or any building being built. "The walls, floors and roof, all depends on the perfect placed cornerstone!
That's important!
Also see Isaiah 28:16.
1 Peter 2:6-9 speaks much on this as well.
Paul mentions this in Ephesians 2:19-22. "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God THROUGH THE SPIRIT.
Matthew 16:18 Jesus states, upon this rock I will build MY CHURCH;
Everything we do as members of the house of God must be done by the Spirit of God!
That's all important!! Are we living our life and ministering in the spirit.
That what is being Judged in 1 Corinthians 3:6-15. NOT OUR PLACE IN CHRIST BUT OUR WORK "BY CHRIST"
So, Look at verses (14-15)
"If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
If any man's work shall be burned, HE SHALL SUFFER LOSS: BUT HE HIMSELF SHALL BE SAVED; yet so as by fire.
But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
How can you come along side with those with fear and help them out of their fears?
My Respond:
In my days of living among the Christian Church community those who were Christian passed out gospel tracks with writings and scriptures which led people how to receive Jesus Christ as God as Saviour in repentance of sins and inviting them to learn about how to be saved and live in receiving Jesus Christ .I believe these too can be signs and in places , institutions that can change fear into confidence.
1 Peter 4:11 KJV
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:17 reads "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:..
( In this chapter Peter is exhorting the church "the house of God" which was facing persecution, to persevere.
They were also struggling to separate from the former worldly sins that had once enslaved them (verses 1-4).
Peter reminds them that the wicked will face God's judgment (verse 5) but that believers in Christ must hold themselves to a higher standard than they once did.
In 1 Corinthians 3:9-11 we see Paul mentions a foundation being layed. "Jesus is the precious cornerstone of this foundation"
This is the first and most important part of a house or any building being built. "The walls, floors and roof, all depends on the perfect placed cornerstone!
That's important!
Also see Isaiah 28:16.
1 Peter 2:6-9 speaks much on this as well.
Paul mentions this in Ephesians 2:19-22. "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God THROUGH THE SPIRIT.
Matthew 16:18 Jesus states, upon this rock I will build MY CHURCH;
Everything we do as members of the house of God must be done by the Spirit of God!
That's all important!! Are we living our life and ministering in the spirit.
That what is being Judged in 1 Corinthians 3:6-15. NOT OUR PLACE IN CHRIST BUT OUR WORK "BY CHRIST"
So, Look at verses (14-15)
"If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
If any man's work shall be burned, HE SHALL SUFFER LOSS: BUT HE HIMSELF SHALL BE SAVED; yet so as by fire.
As judgment begins with the church ( 1 Peter 4:17) we need to be cognizant of this fact in order to prevent any further error to spread where the truth still resides. I am convinced that in recent times it is professing Christians who have caused those who are on fire for the Lord to have the most discouragement ( Matt. 24:29). Jesus warns about this immediately prior to His coming.
We need as with anything else to be balanced; He will come and suddenly; but in His timing. We dare not lose our vigilance or get into the date setting camp. We all must watch as Jesus commanded. ( Mark 13:37).
When we look into what is just around the corner we must realize that God has certain set plans that will come to pass in their time; that is specifically one world government; the Antichrist and the Mark of the Beast which must end in the armies of the world fighting Christ to their demise as He returns and kills them with the fire coming from his mouth ( 2 Thess. 2:8 for this progression). In the end time Tribulation period there will be a countless multitude saved who appear in heaven after the 144,000 ( Rev. 7:9). We remember that we will be part of the assembly in heaven who comes down with Christ in the armies from there when He returns.
As we go forward; of course the main focus should always be on the Great Commission. This doesn't absolve us when we have a chance to stand for righteousness in society; but we should pray and seek Him before entangling in any issues that could hamper what our primary labor should be. Like it or not WE are the counterculture now; we are the fringe society (won't use the r right term fully spelled out to avoid getting flagged).
Perhaps our best bet is what seems to have stood the test of time in recent decades; that is having a small group of people who fellowship together; and a small block or two which can be a sort of sanctuary in rough neighborhoods.
Romans 10:17 KJV
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
My Interpetation:
Faith comes through Jesus Christ is God .
Hearing is having the keys of life to believe my report to listen to God's voice . Knowing there is a God , you came from God to have a moral knowledge of right and wrong and good from evil.. That will accept you are chosen to become like God to live freely 1 Peter 4:13 KJv
Word Written and Spoken by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
Matthew 24
Mark 13
1 Peter 4:17-18 " For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?"
Read the Book of Jeremiah. It is TODAY'S NEWSPAPER.
Mark 4:33-34
"33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.
34 But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples."
The way fellow believers responded to you sounds familiar.
When I approached my pastor at a church (which I did leave after a number of unpleasant encounters on topics) about a divorced and remarried person who in the congregation who was allowed to preach, lead worship, etc. I was told I was being judgmental and pharisaical for speaking up about it to him. I had not said anything to any other person in the fellowship.
In our present church situation (of 25 years) I asked the pastor early on what was the teaching of this church on that. He said that on the whole it agrees with what Jesus said, but in pastoral care, many people come into the fellowship who already are divorced and remarried and so this is where grace and love comes in.
We are to love one another deeply because love "covers a multitude of sins".( 1 Peter 4:8) but we need to balanced that with standing firm about what Jesus has taught. I guess it is a tight-rope kind of thing. We can advise people considering divorce what Scripture teaches about this and remarriage and we can not support remarriages of divorced people.
But if these remarriages have occurred and children are born to these marriages are we to insist that the marriage be dissolved? Many of these remarriages have children from both prior marriages and children from this marriage. the children from the first marriages have already been traumatized from the first divorce and are already enduring shared custody arrangements. Do we traumatize these children again by separating and annulling the marriage?
It seems to me that the church greatly dropped the ball on this topic loosing the battle with worldly view in the past few generations. How do recover this truth in actual practice in our congregations? Do we create yet another sect that does not allow for divorced/remarried persons to be in the fellowship? I can't say that I really have any real solution here.
see Pt. 2
Isaiah 1:5 says
"Why should ye be stricken any more? Ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint."
This and much of the rest of this chapter discusses the state of Israel and the inevitable judgments to come; not only for them but all the nations of the world. This "domino" effect certainly is soon to come as first in the present time the church is being judged first ( 1 Peter 4:17); then the Jews as Romans 2:9 indicates Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;. This theme; of course is repeated in Revelation and other O.T. prophecies regarding the Apocalypse.
James 4:4 and many other passages indicate our enmity with God or the word enemies which is basically the same concept. This of course is the reason the world is hostile and dangerous; and by and large God's children are eventually directly targeted.
This answers the ultimate issue or causation of today's worldwide geopolitical situation which seems a hair's breath from Armageddon.
Now of course the enemy of our souls is the ultimate chess strategist and has set up kings along with corresponding powers and principalities ( Ephesians 6) to be in position for his endgame plan which God will allow so it is going to happen. God ultimately; of course will draw all nations to the valley of Meddigo to ostensively fight one another but then turn to fight Christ. This is the truth and we have to accept it. It is also the case that every day souls are perishing; some to heaven others not.
This isn't a path we can navigate apart from the Spirit of God. I realize these are general concepts here and perhaps not necessary for many. I would make another general statement here that it is clear from scripture that some are saved and others not but losing one's salvation isn't possible. The caveat here is that we know ( Romans 8:16) if we are saved.
I have listened to some online and my overall conclusion is that now more than ever we need to be clear that judgment is coming; and we need to be ready for His coming. As to the Rapture; one could argue all Christians are raptured. Whatever the truth is in light of the references in my last post I am not taking any chances if I can avoid it. One can surely say many who think they know Christ are fooling themselves and at the very least many will find themselves getting into heaven as through the fire and suffer loss. ( 1 Corinthians 3:15).
Today as I see it and I am sure I have said this several times before if not more often; it is those that profess Christ that often give us the greatest resistance today. There are several reasons for this; first I believe we are well under way with the judgment that begins at the house of God ( 1 Peter 4:17). This causes many to "beat their fellow servants" who are trying to give meat in due season ( Matt. 24:49; and Luke 12:42). Our house truly is divided; and separation among the household of God is most evident today; and that will be followed by the world as a whole. The wheat and the tares will be separated; and soon.
These sobering facts mean that we need to pray that we guard our hearts against such deception ( Proverbs 4:23). Rebuke is in order for those who will listen; and of course we need to pray in particular when to persevere in fellowship and when we need to move on. I am in that process now. We need to discipline ourselves as well as seek Godly counsel and accountability lest we be hearers of the Word and not doers.
Vigilance means being in a constant mindset of prayer. As I probably have said many times by now we can learn a few things from the enemy of our soul; firstly that we need to be as diligent as the accuser to ensure we have confessed all known and unknown sins. If the enemy is constantly on the prowl we can't afford to ever let our guard down.
I don't think it's just a poetic metaphor, but a call to a more demanding reality: that my actions should serve others, not just me. 1 Corinthians 12:22
There are members who are more visible and others who are more hidden. Not all stand out, but all are necessary. 1 Peter 4:13
To be part of the Body of Christ is to be used - not in the sense of wear and tear, but of purpose. It's knowing that even in modesty,
we can't all be eyes, nor all hands - and yet, as for His affliction for us to share in
I've been thinking that, if we really are the Body of Christ, then harmony lies not in equality of function, but in unity of heart.
It is precisely when each one faithfully fulfills their part - large or small, visible or not - that there is health and life among the members. 1 Corinthians 12:18
Being moderate doesn't mean being less useful;
Romans 12:4-5 - how beautiful it is to think that we are not alone - that we are part of something living, pulsating, eternal! Ephesians 4:16
To be part of the Body of Christ is to love without demanding a return, to serve even when the world doesn't see, to sing putting Him, our Jesus Christ, at the center. 1 Corinthians 12:25-26
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other" ( Ephesians 4:32), "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling" ( 1 Peter 4:9). And even though we don't have all the answers, the silent presence in the midst of waiting can remind us that even when everything seems lost, there is one moment - just one.
You have received good replies. To me, John is addressing those who will believe in the one after him, Jesus. The baptizing with fire in Matthew 3:11 and Luke 3:16 is after we accept and believe in Jesus as our savior and receive the Holy Spirit; we are then baptized with fire to refine us, as silver and gold are refined by fire.
These metals are put in a refining pot and placed over the fire. As the metals are heated, the impurities float to the top and are scooped off by a ladle and discarded, making the gold and silver purer. This fire represents trials and tribulations we go through to strengthen our faith and purify our hearts so that we become more like Christ, our pot is this world we live in.
Here are a few verses you may read: Malachi 3:2-3, Zachariah 13:9, 1 Corinthians 3:13, James 1:2-3, 1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 4:12.
There are more, and your search is part of your walk in faith. We must embrace trials and tribulations as signs that we are not alone and can have peace, as Jesus said in John 16:33.
God bless,
RLW
1 Peter 4:17 - For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
For the time is come that judgment must begin, and notice this: (from) the house of God: The word (at) is literally the word from. This is the heart of Peter's letter. It's time that judgment begins from the house of God. In other words, God's judgment starts with us. And from us (the church), it goes out to the world.
Right now, God is dealing with His people because of the sin issue so we suffer and cease from sin through the suffering and hardship. But the non-believer seems to think that he/she can do whatever they want to do. They suffer some of the consequences of their sin, but they don't seem to be dealing with the direct discipline of God that God's people do.
It kind of makes you wonder. But what Peter is saying here is that God's judgment has begun at His house, and from there will reach out. Right now, it's for us, but later on the non-believers are going to be judged.
We are constantly under the discipline of God because He's our Father. But the non-believer, they get to run around all over the place. But their time's coming. The judgment won't be discipline for them. It will be judgment!
The proper perspective is to understand that because we're God's children, because this flesh always and constantly opposes the things of God, God says that as your Father, I've got to discipline that flesh of yours. We're not going to give it the freedom that the non-believers have. And we're going to bring hardship and trial to your life, fiery trials.
So don't think it strange. God's combating rebellion. And He's shaping us, disciplining us, and preparing us to come be with Him. The non-believers, what are they getting prepared for? The lake of fire doesn't take much preparation!
1 Peter 4:13 - But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
But rejoice, and the term rejoice means continually rejoice. It's a Present Imperative. As I mentioned before, the word rejoice in Greek is reference to satisfaction. It's not rejoice like happiness, but rejoice as far as satisfied. Be continually satisfied, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings;
You see, we're following in His steps, so suffering in the flesh is common normal life for the believer. The purpose: That, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy.
1 Peter 4:14 - If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
Verse 14 is the best example of a word that has a Greek definition and meaning. If you be reproached, that is, be insulted, in the name of Christ, happy are you;
The word happy is MAKARIOS. It means to experience the fullness of something. It was used in the Beatitudes for Jesus when He's making reference to experiencing all the fullness of God comes in the midst of repentance and suffering. But he says for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you:
The definition of the word is to experience the fullness of something. But then the meaning is right there in the text, for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you:
You're being insulted for the things of Christ? God's Spirit and His glory is resting upon you. On their part he is evil spoken of, blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified.
1 Peter 4:10 Continued
And then you use it, and you find out that you really don't know how to use it, so you have to develop it and exercise it so that you can be "powerful" within the body of Christ. But it has nothing to do with this verse. In fact, just a bit of a generality, there's only one Greek word used for the giving of something to a believer, and that's the giving (the gift) of the Holy Spirit. That's it!
In 1 Corinthians Chapter 12 when it talks about the gifts of the Spirit, it's talking about the Holy Spirit who has all of these ministries. That word "gifts" has nothing to do with giving us a gift. It is a Greek word that has to do with the expressions of God's grace. They are His expressions. And He expresses God's grace in all of His ministries.
And 1 Corinthians Chapter 12 says believers are given these expressions. The Holy Spirit can minister through you one time this way, and another way a different time. Every time God's Spirit uses us, it's called grace because God's Spirit is doing it. He is the one that has all of these abilities. I have been given Him, but the gifts of the Spirit belong to Him. They are never given to me.
But again, because of our culture, we respond well to someone telling us that we're very special, and that we have a gift and we have to go out and use it. You see, I don't have to deny myself. I can go out and use it on you. But that's not what it means. In these hard times, as everybody has received an expression of God's grace in their life, minister to the other believers as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Other believers need God's grace right now. That's what he's saying.
1 Peter 4:9 - Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
The word hospitality (PHILOXENOI) means the love of strangers. It doesn't mean stranger as in you don't know the person. It's talking about believers who would travel through town either because of the work of the Lord, or they are just traveling, and giving them a place to stay so they wouldn't have to stay at the local inns where all the sin was going on.
And so open up your house to other believers. And do it without grudging. No complaining. Again, suffering creates situations where we have to be open. It causes us to take care of one another. And thirdly, suffering creates service.
1 Peter 4:10 - As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
It says as every man has received the gift, but the word "the" is not in the Greek manuscript. It is not "the gift." Even so minister the same one to another, and again, that's believers, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Now the word grace in grace of God, CHARIS is the Greek word. Well, the word gift is Charisma. It has a "ma" on the end of it in the Greek. And CHARISMA is grace in action. So, as everyone has received an expression of grace, then minister to one another. There's a need. So let God's grace minister through you in its various ways, which is manifold grace of God means.
Interesting that there's a play on words there, grace and gift. The word gift comes from grace. It is not talking about a person receiving "a gift" from God. And this is where we get off track. There are some that teach that you have the gift and that's your function in the body of Christ. They say that this gift that God has given you, you take it, and you develop it.
1 Peter 4:8 - And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
Number one, he says and above all things. That means top priority. Have fervent charity among yourselves: And the word charity is the word AGAPE love. The word fervent literally means to stretch out the hand, or to extend out the hand.
So, he's presenting a picture of an active love. In James Chapter 2, James says if somebody comes along and they're hungry and they need clothing, and you say "Well, I'll pray for you," what good is that? Faith without works is a dead faith. So, when its hardships and when there's suffering, have an active extended love, and notice this: among yourselves.
I know some of you in this forum have some knowledge of the Greek, so you will know that the term "among yourselves" is in the Attributive Position. But the focus is supposed to be on fellow believers. Just like Jesus said, people will know you're my disciples by your love for one another.
One of the disturbing things I've seen over the years is church ministries bringing in a few million dollars a year for their projects to reach the uncivilized world. And that's great if that's what the Lord is leading them to do, but I notice that right around the church, there are a lot of people needing help.
But they look beyond that. They look at what looks good on the tote board. And even some people within their church were suffering and going without, and the sensitivity wasn't there. Suffering creates sensitivity. Have an extended love among yourselves, for love shall cover the multitude of sins. That is from Proverbs 12:10.
Why cover a multitude of sins? Because that is what brings division and hardship within the body of Christ. We have to have an active extended love for repentance and restoration of sin. We have to deal with the sin issue in the body of Christ.
Rather than go into a lengthy discourse into the whole progression once again of Revelation which no doubt I have assayed to do in postings in the last couple years; I thought the topic at hand discussing what will be the inevitable rise of Antichrist whoever and whenever it comes to fruition as it intersects the end of the church age; and encompasses the judgment beginning at the house of God as our current danger ( 1 Peter 4:17) would be the primary focus.
Some have mentioned the Rapture itself as being a sort of judgment. The issue of whether the Rapture is for all believers or a reward for faithful ones tends to divide; but we can certainly say that some will be jarred to their senses; whether losing a child or infant in that event; or not knowing what happened to the other person. Certainly some will be aware that they missed out and thought they would be going and that could be the ultimate judgment finalizing the church age and forcing those left behind to be "Tribulation saints". In any event martyrdom will be the destiny for the vast majority of those in the Tribulation so to anyone listening don't be left behind. Up until now God has held everything back; the full economic collapse; and the famine and pestilence that will break out killing 1/4 of the earth at that time; likely the after effects of the war in the 2nd Seal Judgment. We need to keep in mind that appears to be before the Mark of the Beast which occurs at some point near the time 1/3 MORE of the earth is killed in the trumpet judgment #6. God says that man will be rarer than the gold of Ophir ( Isaiah 13:12). He says that the dead bodies will be from one corner of the earth to the other ( Jeremiah 25:33). Truly if He had not cut the days short no flesh would be saved ( Matt. 24:22).
Let us be sober minded and vigilant; and not put our hopes in the riches of this world as we can't take it with us. Let us redeem the time left. ( Eph. 5)
1 Peter 4:4 - Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
Wherein they think it strange that you run not with them in the same excess of riot, and the word riot is the word ruin. "Hey, you're not running with us and ruining yourself anymore. What happened?" And by that, they're speaking evil of you: This is the word blasphemy.
1 Peter 4:5 - Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
The word quick means the living. Dead people are not very quick!
1 Peter 4:7 - But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
But the end of all things is at hand:
That little term "is at hand" is called a Perfect Tense, has drawn near. The end is already in process of ending. That was back in Paul and Peter's day. It's even more so today.
1 Peter 4:3 - For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
For the time past of our life may suffice us to have worked out the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, meaning unrestrained immorality. That's what lasciviousness is. The Greek word ASELGEIA has the Alpha Privative. But SELGEIA was a name of a town, and they kicked all the prostitutes out, and they closed all the bars.
And so, they were very strict in this town. Whenever soldiers had free time, they never went to SELGEIA. They always tried to find a town where they could drink and party. But you couldn't do that at SELGEIA. So, this is ASELGEIA. This is the opposite of the town of SELGEIA. He saying lasciviousness means anything goes. There are no limitations. There are no restrictions.
Lusts, which means to put your desire on something and go after it. Excess of wine, which is translated habitual drunkenness. Revellings, which means to party. Banquetings, and this one is interesting. It means to drink in celebration to Bacchus, who is the god of wine. So, they made a festival out of it.
And abominable idolatries: Literally, illegal idolatries. That is, those things which God has said not to do. He says you were running rampant. This was your lifestyle. You indulged in these things when you lived your life by the way of the Gentiles or nations. But you've had sufficient time. The day the Lord saves you, he says you're ready. Sufficient, you've had enough!
Given one particular individual seeming to fit the end time Antichrist of late who I will not mention by name it seems fitting to review the scriptural descriptions of the final world leader and prepare ourselves for what is the inevitable end game as described in the Bible.
Introduction: God must judge the church first. ( 1 Peter 4:17). This is through the General Apostacy mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. We are headed for the final separation of the wheat from the chaff; and that reflects what is said in Matthew 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn." ' This shows the primary separation before the Rapture of those who formerly professed faith in Christ but who did't LOVE the truth and therefore will believe THE LIE as stated in 2 Thessalonians 11-12 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Consider for a moment those who haven't expressed an interest in Christ or spiritual things. There is no real appeal; at least at this time to such deception therefore there still can be hope. There are; no doubt others of all non Christian backgrounds and faiths that will also follow the deceiver but clearly Christians are targeted in these last days as we read in John 16:2 as to people thinking by killing us they are doing God a favor. That fit into the first century Jewish persecution of Christians by the Jewish establishment; but certainly could also foreshadow those who proclaim Christ and against the false Christ to come who will assist in building the Third Temple as well as bring together many to sign the Daniel 9:27 covenant at the onset of the Tribulation.
We will be viewed as the only ones against world peace.
Obviously the idea of forgiveness as stated with your other response to prayer is needed; there are many scriptures in that subject such as forgiving seven times seventy in the Gospels.
My discernment leads me to stating that there appear to be several things missing in your attempt to find relief for these thoughts. First of all; it is by His love; or Agape that we overcome and that brings healing- Isaiah 53:5; with His stripes we are healed!
Secondly; you are given the tools to serve those who "despitefully use you". ( Luke 6:28). This does not mean that you should continue to surround yourself with people that are physically or mentally abusive if it can be avoided. I pray that He delivers you from that.
Third; you need to guard against whatever vices and demonic influences the other people have that in turn can affect you. Satan comes to kill steal and destroy. You are called to set free those who the Lord places in your path; if they will not accept that then eventually you will be delivered from them.
Of course we need to keep in mind that vengeance is mine; I shall repay. ( Romans 12:19). Obviously if they hated Christ first they will also hate us as Jesus warned. Those who reject Christ are enemies of God. It is wickedness that is done in the house of God that needs to be dealt with directly; as we are supposed to be the standardbearers of truth. This is one way that so much evil has come into this society because so much is tolerated; we know that judgment begins in the house of God ( 1 Peter 4:17-19). We can speak out as the Spirit leads in warning and exhortation of judgment to come.
I will keep you in prayer and ask you for deliverance from these thoughts and the control it seems to have so you can be set free.
Agape. Rich P
Shall we analyse?
Remember the song
Christ is the portrait of God - Colossians 1:15
Before he was born
He did justice and in himself he died
Supremacy and thrones are
They are yours - Colossians 1: 16-17
And that thread that broke
From my soul to God - Colossians 1:21
The holy blood sewed
Christ and his lines of love - Colossians 1: 20
And now a man made I
Can in man see God
Have peace, live, walk and be
Made me a friend in his pouring out - John 15:15
When we were targets of God's wrath now we have Peace with God - Romans 5:1
I have a doubt that you probably theologians (formal or deep self-taught), show me if there is something I missed.
to go to church or not to go to church?
1 Thessalonians 5:11, 1 Peter 4:9, Psalms 133:1-3, Galatians 5:13. all these chapters do not speak of the church that is of my generation, Hebrews 10:24-25 this verse speaks of the mutual congregation.
continuing Romans 12:10, Ephesians 4:32, Acts 2:41-47, 1 John 1:6-7, 2 Corinthians 13:11, 1 Peter 1:22, Colossians 3:16, Philippians 2:1-2, John 13:34, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Psalm 55:14. I keep reading and re-reading Romans 12 and I wonder if it's in everyday life or gathered with the church.
Thank you very much!
Acts 11:20-26
20And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching theLordJesus.
21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
22Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
25Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
26And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Apostle Paul share the gospel of grace to Agrippa . Agrippa always believed the gospel.
Acts 26:28
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be aChristian.
Peter is writing to his Jewish followers to not be ashamed of being a Christian in believing the gospel of grace.
1 Peter 4:16
Yet if any man suffer as aChristian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Peter writes to his Jewish followers and tells them that Apostle Paul has the gospel of grace.
2 Peter 3:15
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our belovedbrotherPaulalso according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
Today we are being attacked by believing the gospel of grace as a Christian.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Christian believe the gospel of grace
The grace age church in the Body of Christ Jesus is Heavenly.
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings inheavenlyplacesin Christ:
Ephesians 2:6
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together inheavenlyplacesin Christ Jesus:
Ephesians 3:10
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers inheavenlyplacesmight be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Amen, glory to God and the Lord Jesus Christ for the Heavenly Places
How important is the Jews ? ? The Jew had the word of God and all the blessings that came with it.
Romans 3:1-2
1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
2Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
Acts 7:38
This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the livelyoraclesto give unto us:
1 Peter 4:11
If any man speak, let him speak as theoraclesof God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
May we all love the Jew and pray for them.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
Psalms 138:1 KJV
My Interpetation Quoted REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY " Victory, To see One God, One Lord in worship." Romans 10:4 KJV
Is your heart in God? Jesus Christ encourages you to offer you heart to God. Romans 10:9-10.
God puts breath into you giving you life. Allows you to listen. God voice is there to help you, realize and accept God's care for you to help you most Quoted as defined 'humble"."
Psalm 119:105 KJV
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Psalm 119:105 KJV
My Interpetation Quoted by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
" Disciclpe-showing the Holy bible (Jesus Christ) is life. I have in my life a report of praise speaking the word of God, read holy bible, prayer, writing, ministering- 1 Peter 4:8 KJV
A guaranteed result false gods, evil coming to an end Revelation 13:7 KJV Luke 1:33 KJV
Word Written and Spoken by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
West Angeles Church Consecration Calendar
Me a member at West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California
1 Peter 4:10 KJV
My Interpetation: REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
" To have life in Jesus Christ. A mouth to speak to become like God. I have used these methods reading holy bible, praying, writing, ministering- 1 Peter 4:8 KJV. A guaranteed result is report of praise.A language that we can understand. To be holy-set apart of God. Faith, repentance, hope, love.
I Pray for action of my spiritual gifts.
Word Spoken and Written by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
When we couple these two things together, namely the inference that there is some kind of end-time salvation activity that is to take place, together with the fact that the great tribulation is a time when judgment has begun in the house of God ( 1 Peter 4:17) and shall remain so until the very end, we realize that both of these activities are happening simultaneously, and that the mechanism by which God is separating the wheat from the tares in our day is the command to depart out of the local congregations.
That brings us back to the timeline. Faithful Bible students have shown (I am not permited to give the reference here) that the Great Tribulation began in May of the year 1988, which was also the 13,000th anniversary of the history of the world, and that the church age officially ended in September 1994, at which time God began the period called the Latter Rain during which a great harvest of souls is being gathered from every corner of the world using sources outside the local congregations. The year 1994 is an auspicious year in that it is a jubilee year that occurs every 50th year beginning back in 1407 B.C. when the children of Israel entered the land of Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey, a land typifying the kingdom of God. The jubilee is characterized by the blowing of the ram's horn proclaiming liberty (from sin) throughout the land, and every man returning unto his possession, who is God himself ( Leviticus 25:8-10). The evidence of the Bible is that Jesus was born in 7 B.C. which was also a jubilee year. The year 1994 A.D. happens to be the first jubilee year after the fig tree (national Israel) put forth leaves in 1948, and thus, fits very well with the prophecy of Matthew 24:32 that when the fig tree puts forth leaves, ye know that summer, that is, harvest, is nigh.
More in part 5
We are in an unprecedented drought in terms of length where I live in Eastern PA and in fact much of the country. This is another year when tropical systems inundated some areas but were the only source of substantial rainfall in most areas.
Truly this is one of many last days signs whether we ascribe to current events as being the "birth pangs" of scripture or they are precursors. What is different now as I see it eschatologically is the fact that prayer can alter things in regard to drought as well as war; famine and other plagues which are so often in conjunction with each other during judgment.
Judgment begins with the house of God ( 1 Peter 4:17). Once again the subject of prayer as part of worship as seen from the example of Acts 2 as to the early church (foundations of the Word of God; Fellowship; Communion and Prayer were discussed).
It seems from what I have observed lately that there is little effort or even awareness of these type issues in prayers of many believers today. We can't simply hold to doctrinal truths without having compassion as Jesus does. To preach against injustice and to grieve for the effects of sins of a fallen world shouldn't have to mean we are compromising the truth to promote an agenda either.
It was once again brought up before we left the service that we are entering a hostile world. We should not only try to avoid places that attempt to make church more appealing to the world but also see too positive a reception as a warning sign. I heard something on K-Love the other day about someone who was witnessed to and wasn't interested but was a few years later.
Although seeing people enthusiastic about the Lord isn't something we should attempt to throw cold water on; we need to heed to verses such as ( Matt. 13:21). Discipleship is a necessary part of the Great Commission; notice "winning souls to Christ" isn't mentioned. God does the conversion; we deliver the message.
As we look at what is going on in the world and in the churches and congregations today, what do we see?
We see a world where sin, i.e. disobedience to God's law, is and has been multiplying as never before.
We see churches and congregations exhibiting a love for the world as the worship service has become a place for entertainment. And an abandonment of the Bible, the Word of God, as being the ultimate authority; where the church itself is the authority and not the Bible. We see a gospel being proclaimed where man is in control of their salvation and not God alonea do-it-yourself gospel where Christ has done His part and now it's up to us.
So where are we in God's time table of His plan for the churches and the world?
We are, I believe, living in the period describe in Matthew 24 and Mark 13, the Great Tribulation. A period where God's judgment has fallen upon the churches as we read in 1 Peter 4:17 and 2Thessalonians 2:1-12. And where God is preparing the world for His return on the clouds of glory at the Last Day.
It is also a time where God is reveling truth from His Word, the Bible, that has been hidden in times past as we read in Daniel 9 and Daniel 12.
Daniel 12:9 9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
But God, in this time, is saving a "great multitude" as we read in Revelation 7:9. Ezekiel 36:24-38, Jeremiah 29, Jeremiah 30 and many other passages which are pictures of God's salvation during this time.
If there were ever a time where we should be searching the scriptures and praying that God in His mercy might lead us into truth, this is that time.
But we must search the scriptures using the principles that God lays down in His Word. A key principle is that Christ is the author of the entire Bible and that He "spoke in parables, and without a parable spake He not" Matthew 13:34 and Mark 4:34.
May God in His mercy open our spiritual ears as we search the scriptures.
A response to you previously.
If you look at 1 Peter 4:1-19.
1 Peter 4:17 reads "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:..
( In this chapter Peter is exhorting the church "the house of God" which was facing persecution, to persevere.
They were also struggling to separate from the former worldly sins that had once enslaved them (verses 1-4).
Peter reminds them that the wicked will face God's judgment (verse 5) but that believers in Christ must hold themselves to a higher standard than they once did.
In 1 Corinthians 3:9-11 we see Paul mentions a foundation being layed. "Jesus is the precious cornerstone of this foundation
This is the first and most important part of a house or any building being built. "The walls, floors and roof, all depends on the perfect placed cornerstone!
That's important!
Also see Isaiah 28:16.
1 Peter 2:6-9 speaks much on this as well.
Paul mentions this in Ephesians 2:19-22. "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God THROUGH THE SPIRIT.
Matthew 16:18 Jesus states, upon this rock I will build MY CHURCH;
Everything we do as members of the house of God must be done by the Spirit of God!
That's all important!! Are we living our life and ministering in the spirit.
That what is being Judged in 1 Corinthians 3:6-15. NOT OUR PLACE IN CHRIST BUT OUR WORK "BY CHRIST"
So, Look at verses (14-15)
"If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
If any man's work shall be burned, HE SHALL SUFFER LOSS: BUT HE HIMSELF SHALL BE SAVED; yet so as by fire.
Perhaps someone would like to expand on this.
God bless.
But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
How can you come along side with those with fear and help them out of their fears?
My Respond:
In my days of living among the Christian Church community those who were Christian passed out gospel tracks with writings and scriptures which led people how to receive Jesus Christ as God as Saviour in repentance of sins and inviting them to learn about how to be saved and live in receiving Jesus Christ .I believe these too can be signs and in places , institutions that can change fear into confidence.
1 Peter 4:11 KJV
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Published by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
If ylook at
1 Peter 4:1-19.
1 Peter 4:17 reads "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:..
( In this chapter Peter is exhorting the church "the house of God" which was facing persecution, to persevere.
They were also struggling to separate from the former worldly sins that had once enslaved them (verses 1-4).
Peter reminds them that the wicked will face God's judgment (verse 5) but that believers in Christ must hold themselves to a higher standard than they once did.
In 1 Corinthians 3:9-11 we see Paul mentions a foundation being layed. "Jesus is the precious cornerstone of this foundation"
This is the first and most important part of a house or any building being built. "The walls, floors and roof, all depends on the perfect placed cornerstone!
That's important!
Also see Isaiah 28:16.
1 Peter 2:6-9 speaks much on this as well.
Paul mentions this in Ephesians 2:19-22. "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God THROUGH THE SPIRIT.
Matthew 16:18 Jesus states, upon this rock I will build MY CHURCH;
Everything we do as members of the house of God must be done by the Spirit of God!
That's all important!! Are we living our life and ministering in the spirit.
That what is being Judged in 1 Corinthians 3:6-15. NOT OUR PLACE IN CHRIST BUT OUR WORK "BY CHRIST"
So, Look at verses (14-15)
"If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
If any man's work shall be burned, HE SHALL SUFFER LOSS: BUT HE HIMSELF SHALL BE SAVED; yet so as by fire.
I hope this helps.
God bless.
As judgment begins with the church ( 1 Peter 4:17) we need to be cognizant of this fact in order to prevent any further error to spread where the truth still resides. I am convinced that in recent times it is professing Christians who have caused those who are on fire for the Lord to have the most discouragement ( Matt. 24:29). Jesus warns about this immediately prior to His coming.
We need as with anything else to be balanced; He will come and suddenly; but in His timing. We dare not lose our vigilance or get into the date setting camp. We all must watch as Jesus commanded. ( Mark 13:37).
When we look into what is just around the corner we must realize that God has certain set plans that will come to pass in their time; that is specifically one world government; the Antichrist and the Mark of the Beast which must end in the armies of the world fighting Christ to their demise as He returns and kills them with the fire coming from his mouth ( 2 Thess. 2:8 for this progression). In the end time Tribulation period there will be a countless multitude saved who appear in heaven after the 144,000 ( Rev. 7:9). We remember that we will be part of the assembly in heaven who comes down with Christ in the armies from there when He returns.
As we go forward; of course the main focus should always be on the Great Commission. This doesn't absolve us when we have a chance to stand for righteousness in society; but we should pray and seek Him before entangling in any issues that could hamper what our primary labor should be. Like it or not WE are the counterculture now; we are the fringe society (won't use the r right term fully spelled out to avoid getting flagged).
Perhaps our best bet is what seems to have stood the test of time in recent decades; that is having a small group of people who fellowship together; and a small block or two which can be a sort of sanctuary in rough neighborhoods.