Discuss Ephesians 4 Page 15

Here is God in us all,

Ephesians 4:4-6 . There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

One GOD AND FATHER OF ALL, WHO IS ABOVE ALL, AND THROUGH ALL, AND IN YOU ALL.,

"Now here is the Holyspirit and Christ in you and the Holyspirit is called the spirit of Christ"

Romans 8:9-10. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the

(((Spirit of God dwell in you)))

(((Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.)))

"Here is Christ in us"

(((And if Christ be in you))) the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

"Again God in you"

1 Corinthians 3:16. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

There is Lord and one Spirit, God is a spirit. What kind of spirit is God? "Holy"!!

Jesus was in the bosom of the Father and manifested in the flesh, How do a spirit have a bosom as we know a bosom? Revelation 1:8. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, (((the Almighty)))

Here is that in the Greek Greek:

Transliteration: pantokratr

Pronunciation: pan-tok-rat'-ore

Definition: From G3956 and G2904; the all ruling that is God (as absolute and universal sovereign): - Almighty Omnipotent.

KJV Usage: Almighty(9x), omnipotent(1x).

Occurs: 10

In verses: 10

I can heartily agree with your first paragraph that the Triune God is very Truth. But then you say that the Holy Spirit is not a person. And it's at this point that we have to dwell.

Before I give you some Scriptures, let me ask, "what if God chose to embody His "Truth" (the Holy Spirit), with flesh, as He did to His "Word"? Would that alter your belief that the Spirit is more than the Truth (a Word) of God, but very God Himself by His Spirit?

Some Scriptures for you to consider that the Holy Spirit is not only the 'Truth of God' but sent from God as God: 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 (He is Intelligent, He searches, He knows, He has a Will); Ephesians 4:30 (He has feelings - can be grieved & He seals the believer); John 14:26 (He teaches; notice the pronoun); John 16:13, Romans 8:14; Acts 8:29 (He guides, leads, speaks, hears, glorifies God); Acts 13:4 (He commissions or despatches); Romans 8:26,27 (He intercedes); Matthew 12:31 (He can be blasphemed); Acts 5:3 (He can be lied to); Acts 7:51 (He can be resisted); Hebrews 10:29 (He can be outraged). And these are just a few to consider.

Then if we leave off the word 'Spirit' & replace it with 'Truth' in those Scriptures (as you asked me to try out), in some cases, it could work as the Spirit is Truth, as God & the Son are Truth. But in other cases, that just wouldn't work (e.g. how does the Truth (as a spoken Word) grieve, search, has a Will, feelings, hears, glorifies, commissions, intercedes, blasphemed against, etc.?). And then again, why did God not just use the word 'Truth' (as in 'the Truth shall set you free') but rather shows us that His Spirit (of Truth) was sent to accomplish these tasks? I can see if someone has difficulty with the Doctrine of the Trinity, then understanding the Spirit's part in the Godhead would be a problem.

First of all in Ephesians 4:8-12 GOD descends First to into Paradise, a great Water separates Hades=Hell with Paradise in the lower Parts of the Earth. GOD=Jesus 3 full Nights and 3 full Days in belly of the Earth, then arises with the Saint's to 3rd Heaven. Abraham and the Beggar are with them all. That is why Hades has more than doubled in size as GOD said it did. Paradise is no more. GOD took it all away at his Resurrection. Resurrected Saints where seen by Many, Matthew 27: 50-55. Proving the Resurrection of GOD and his Saints into Glory=3rd Heaven. Where we are hoping and Praying to get to. As they Ascended to Glory so will we. GOD= Lord Jesus Christ proves this in Bodily form, to show us all what wait's us all. Glory!!! I hope this helps all of you as it did me.

Ephesians 4:30 30And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Most of us grieves the Holy Spirit = when we disobey our Lord, the Holy Spirit is burden with sorrow, so it cannot blend or unite with our human spirit. When we: lie, even white lies but don't repent, gossip, spread false doctrine, judge others, unkind or ungodly thoughts, finding faults with others, blaming others for our mistakes, anger and being deceitful, manipulating others to get your ways, self-justification, adultery, fornication, stubbornness, prideful, refuse to speak to family members, homosexuality, others.



1 John 2:15 - 16 15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Here are four specific examples of situations in which the disciples didn't "get it," Holy Spirit not in them.

In John 4:31-34, the disciples encouraged Jesus to eat, and He replied, "I have food to eat of which you do not know." Jesus' closest followers thought their Master was referring to physical food, so He explained to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work."

Matthew and Mark report that Jesus taught His hearers that certain things coming out of an individual defile him or her, not specific, forbidden foods that enter into a person or failing to perform a ritual such as hand washing. The disciples asked for an explanation. Jesus gently rebuked them and explained real problems arose from "evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness." Every one of "these evil things," He said, "come from within and defile a man" ( Mark 7:21-23).

This can happen to us today, if and when we grieve the Holy Spirit.

Rebecca, may the Spirit grace you with his understanding.

Most things in God's word have to be discerned by applying multiple scriptures and all applied against:

1 John 2:27 But the anointing (Holy Ghost in you) which ye have received (by grace) of him (Holy Ghost) abideth in you, and you NEED NOT THAT ANY MAN TEACH YOU; but as the same anointing (the Holy Ghost) teacheth you ALL things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it (the Holy Ghost) hath taught you, ye shall abide (become one) in him (the Holy Ghost).

Ephesians 4:21 If so be that ye have HEARD him (the Holy Ghost), and have been taught by him (the Holy Ghost), as the truth is in Jesus (THE WORD OF GOD).

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by HEARING, and HEARING by the WORD OF GOD (studying, meditating).

The scriptures were written by men under the influence of the Holy Ghost.

Revelation 19:10 .... for the testimony (words) of Jesus (THE WORD) is the spirit of prophecy.

2 Peter 1:21 For prophecy came.....as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Now to your question, what does it mean to blaspheme the Holy Ghost. Since the WORD (truth) was written by the Holy Ghost, you blaspheme when you call his WORD a lie. Example:

1 Timothy 2:3-4 For this is GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE in the sight of God our Saviour; who WILL HAVE all men to be saved, and come to the KNOWLEDGE of the truth.

Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come, thy WILL BE DONE in earth, as it (HIS WILL) is in heaven.

1 Timothy 4:10-11 .....who is the SAVIOUR OF ALL MEN, specially those that BELIEVE.

(vs) 11 These things COMMAND AND TEACH.

Psalm 22:27 ALL the ends of the world shall REMEMBER and TURN unto the LORD: and ALL KINDREDS OF THE NATIONS SHALL WORSHIP BEFORE THEE.

1 Corinthians 15:28 And when ALL THINGS shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him (Father) that put ALL THINGS under him (Son) that GOD MAY BE ALL IN ALL.

WE all blaspheme on our journey to TRUTH just REPENT and TURN to the new found TRUTH.

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I think Rob, a dictionary wouldn't be very useful in this matter. So your answer is: "The Holy Spirit is of God". Well, that's correct but to expand on that a little, if I may amplify your thoughts. In great care, I would suggest that you also believe that the Holy Spirit is a Person, i.e. He comes from within the Godhead, sent into the World of sinners to convict & to indwell those who have been born again that they might lead new lives with a new Power within.

That He must be a Person, as shown in many examples: Intelligence ( 1 Corinthians 2:10,11); has feelings ( Ephesians 4:30); has a Will ( 1 Corinthians 12:11); has a Mind ( Romans 8:27); teaches ( John 14:26); guides ( Romans 8:14, John 16:13); commissions ( Acts 13:4); commands ( Acts 8:29); restrains ( Genesis 6:3, 2 Thessalonians 2:7); intercedes ( Romans 8:26); speaks ( John 15:26). Though He may be a spirit as from God, out of God's Being, He is the very Expression & Person of God Himself. I hope you agree to that, or am I putting words in your mind or mouth?

Then we come to God's Word. As seen with the Spirit, the Word of God is unseen, the very Articulation of God in creating, giving commands & direction whether to heavenly hosts, to His people on Earth or through His prophets & in other utterances that we're unaware of. Now there may be other aspects of God's Being that we're not told of, but of the Word & the Spirit, there's no dispute. The difficulty now for some remains with the 'Word'.

If then, God sends out His Spirit to accomplish His Purposes, why is it so hard to comprehend that He sends out His Word to do likewise? Or is that because the Spirit has no flesh, therefore it must hold true that God's Word can only be spirit without flesh? What if God chose to give His Spirit flesh maybe that would make it easier to understand the 'Word' easier.

Hi bro its Rick The word of God states in Ephesians ! : 4 that God new before the foundations of the world we would be born and believe in the same sense God all knowing new He would have to save us from the adversary by Giving the perfect human sacrifice His only begotten son. No where in scripture does it literally say that physically or in any other form Jesus Christ was in the beginning with God, that is a matter of how someones interpreting what is being read . Like I myself have lost count on how many interpretations I've heard or read on one verse of scripture. Just keep one thing in mind either the whole word is perfect and fits with life or something is lost in interpretations. The great reason for denominations is that men have decided what they believe it says, the apostle paul one of the greatest men of God that ever lived made this statement 2 Timothy 1:15 all of Asia turned away from what God told him to teach that was about 80 years after pentecost, and this Guy was given to write the seven church epistles and in Ephesians 4:4 There is one body one spirit and one hope and one lord and one Father, I did'nt write the book, since thats supposed to be the case you explain to me what happened other then one man saying this is what I think and another man saying the same. I'll stick paul in Galatians one six -twelve I'll stick with paul and The Gospel that God Gave Him, also he was so important thatJesus Christ appeared to Him.

Some believe that while Jesus' body was in the tomb, His spirit was in hell.Scripture doesn't support that position when it is taken in context and we look at the meaning of the word "hell." In the Old Testament, the place of the dead or the place of departed souls was called "SHEOL." It was to this place that all souls of the dead went to await resurrection.

In the New Testament, we find the story of Lazarus and the rich man who both died and went to Hades ( Luke 16:19-31). The KJV translates the Greek word "hades" as hell but most other translations use the Greek word. HADES had two separated parts: Those who died in faith believing in God's promise waited for the resurrection in Abraham's Bosom. Those who died spiritually separated from God wait in torment for the resurrection unto death, eternal separation from God. The rich man was on the torment side and Lazarus was in ABRAHAMS BOSOM which was called "PARADISE" by the LORD Jesus Christ himself when He addressed the thief who found faith the day Jesus was crucified ( Luke 23:42-43)

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment" ( 2 Peter 2:4). The word translated "HELL" here is not the Greek word "HADES" but is the Greek word "TARTARUS"meaning ABYSS or the lowest regions. This could very well be the "gulf" that was fixed between the PLACE OF TORMENT and Abraham's Bosom ( Luke 16:26)

Wherefore He saith, When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fulfill all things" ( Ephesians 4:8-10). Leading captivity captive seems to refer to Jesus taking all those that waited in Paradise to heaven to be with Him. The descending into the "lower parts"refers to Jesus declaring victory over death.

Alex, the Holy Ghost has GRACED (his works) you an understanding that most can't discern because they look through physical eyes instead of spiritual eyes. ALL IS OF GOD. In God's appointed time each man will come to the knowledge of the Son of God ( Ephesians 4:13).

Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

Ecclesiastes 9:1 For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, AND THEIR WORKS, are in the hand of God;.......

Psalm 65:4 Blessed is the man whom thou chooseth, and causeth to approach unto thee; we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even thy holy temple.

Psalm 92:4-6 For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through THY WORK: I will triumph in THE WORKS OF THY HANDS.

(vs 5) O Lord, how great are THY WORKS! and thy thoughts are very deep.

(vs 6) A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.

GBU

Simple answer is Yes, and I believe these passages confirm that he needed to do this to conquer death for our salvation, and also Jesus talked of his resurrection in the gospels. I pray this helps.

Ephesians 4:10

"He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)"

1 Peter 3:19

"By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;"

1 Peter 3:20

"Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water."

Acts 2:31

"He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption."

Growing up is a process. No one is born fully grown. Everyone comes into the world as an infant and progresses through different developmental stages until he reaches adulthood. The same is true when you become born again. It doesn't matter how old you are physically. When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are a spiritual babe in Christ, and you must learn to grow in the things of God.

In the Book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul talks about the spiritual growth of Christians.

EPHESIANS 4:11-15

11 And he[Jesus]gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.

Did you notice in verse 15, Paul tells the Christians in Ephesus to ". . grow up into him in all things . . ."? Evidently, Paul didn't think that the Church at Ephesus had grown up yet. He also said in verse 13, "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, UNTO A PERFECT MAN . . . ."

In The Amplified Bible, this phrase is translated, "that we might arrive at really mature manhood." In these verses, Paul is encouraging us to reach spiritual maturity. He is encouraging us to grow up spiritually.

Throughout the New Testament, we see a striking similarity between spiritual and physical development. In fact, there are three stages of spiritual development that correspond to physical development. They are: babyhood, childhood, and manhood.

Let's discuss sin. The main reason God sent his only begotten (special) Son Jesus into this world, was to save us from sin. St. John 3: 16-17, For God so loved the world, that He sent his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. What are we saved from? We can be saved from sin. Jesus is the light of the world. Verse 18: Every one that doeth evil hateth the light..." Verse 36. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

God is perfect, holy, loving, longsuffereing and excellent. Sin cannot and will not be in his presence. Jesus is perfect and he tells us in St. Matthew 5:48: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. When Jesus tells us to be perfect, he furnishes the Holy Ghost power for us to be perfect. Believe in Jesus, practice His doctrine of righteousness each and every day. We must exercise faith in God. Without faith it is impossible to please God. The Bible also tells us, "without faith we sin". We must sincerely love and trust God with all our mind, body, soul and strength.

Jesus told the adulterous woman, "Go in peace and sin no more." We are saved when we remove sin from our lives. St. Luke 14:33: ...There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Repentance is the key. We must stop sinning and live righteously. Every eye shall see Jesus, but none but the pure in heart shall see God. St. Luke 19:10: For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. We are lost without Christ in our lives.

St. John 8:24: ...Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. What is sin? It is trangressing the law of God. The ten commandments tells us what we cannot do. Ephesians 4:24...Put on the new man,

Ephesians 4:2 - With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Colossians 3:12 - Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

1 Thessalonians 4:11 - And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

Titus 3:2 - To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

Psalms 25:9 - The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

Isaiah 57:15 - For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

1 Timothy 6:11 - But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

2 Timothy 2:25 - In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves;

James 1:21 - Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Ephesians 5:4 - Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

Let us pray for this nation often. We don't always think of how blessed we are compared to Christians suffering in Countries that hate them; and kill them, for believing in Jesus.

God help us to protect what we have, with strong prayer. To not turn blind eyes away from those who are not free; who suffer peril and hunger every day. Amen.

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You wrote of the anger that builds up inside you when you are lied to, maybe continually. To be angry against the sin of others is not wrong, but to harbour it, thus allowing it to slowly eat into us is wrong; Ephesians 4:26, "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath". There is an anger that isn't sin, even as Jesus showed anger when He went to the Temple & saw people treating the House of God with contempt ( John 2:13-16). So there is a righteous anger, as we call it, but there is an unrighteous anger that has its roots in self-pity & not receiving that which we deserve. We can get upset & angry, but we need to repent, fix up the matter with those concerned & go to bed without storing up that anger. It is hard to do, but the Lord will help when there is true Love.

It's not clear as to why your friend felt that your help to her was your attempt to "buy her friendship". Maybe it was something you did or said that she misconstrued, or even her own thoughts getting away with her & she came to a wrong judgement. In all such cases, if she will allow it, the matter should be aired in all seriousness & humility, so as to restore the bond of friendship you once enjoyed. You may even want to approach her with that desire: to rectify & make amends for whatever has caused this rift.

If the Lord has put it upon your heart to help people wherever you can, then this is a most worthy pursuit as your sole motivation is from the Lord & for the people in need, just as maybe you once were in need in your earlier days. So Christine, just a few thoughts to guide you. May the Lord guide you in this & bless your life. And by the way, you expressed yourself very well though not having had much education - just goes to show that there is an ability we are blessed with beyond the bounds of man deems is necessary.

Alex, may the Spirit (Holy Ghost) continue birthing His wisdom and knowledge in you.

John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

John 17:21-22 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe thou has sent me.

(22) And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that we may be one, even as we are one.

Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith (of the Holy Ghost), and the knowledge of the Son of God (Holy Ghost), unto a perfect (mature) man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ (Holy Ghost)

1 Corinthians 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not, for some have not the knowledge of God (Holy Ghost): I speak this to your shame.

Some believe that while Jesus' body was in the tomb, His spirit was in hell. Scripture does not support that position when it is taken in context and we look at the meaning of the word "hell." In the Old Testament, the place of the dead or the place of departed souls was called "Sheol." It was to this place that all souls of the dead went to await resurrection.

In the New Testament, we find the story of Lazarus and the rich man who both died and went to Hades ( Luke 16:19-31). The King James translates the Greek word "hades" as hell but most other translations use the Greek word. Hades had two separated parts. Those who died in faith believing in God's promise waited for the resurrection in Abraham's Bosom. Those who died spiritually separated from God wait in torment for the resurrection unto death, or eternal separation from God. The rich man was on the torment side and Lazarus was in Abraham's Bosom, which was called "paradise" by the LORD Jesus Christ when He addressed the thief who found faith the day Jesus was crucified ( Luke 23:42-43)

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment" ( 2 Peter 2:4). The word translated "hell" here is not the Greek word "hades" but is the Greek word "tartarus" meaning abyss or the lowest regions. This could very well be the "gulf" that was fixed between the place of torment and Abraham's Bosom ( Luke 16:26).

Wherefore He saith, When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fulfill all things" ( Ephesians 4:8-10). Leading captivity captive refers to Jesus taking all those that waited in Paradise to heaven to be with Him. The descending into the "lower parts" then refers to Jesus mission of declaring victor

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Your question about going into the ministry. There is no timeline for this nor is it everyone's calling to be a Pastor. I'm unsure what you are thinking when you say, "If I succeed". If you're thinking of some steps, e.g. baptism, Bible College, etc. that you need to do to become a minister, then it doesn't work that way. Not everyone is gifted by the Spirit to do that work. You can read of some of the work within the Church in Ephesians 4:7-13. What you must do is to get to know God, His Son & Spirit more; & that comes from spending time in reading the Word, in prayer & study. As you do this, it may well be that the Spirit will speak to your heart or lead you in directions that make you useful for the Gospel. It could be pastoring, or evangelizing, or teaching, or even in prayer for others or serving in the Church. We can't presume on God for a calling - He will do it when He knows that you are ready. I can see how zealous you are for the things of God, which is wonderful, but don't let your "zeal eat you up", which means, one can get so zealous that you over-step the guiding Hand of God upon your life & start to do things your way & not God's Way. I know you are at University, indicating that you have the mental capacity & desire for excelling in some specific field of study or employment. God could well use your abilities or your future career to further His Kingdom by your witness & those gifts He develops for His use.

Matthew 6:14-15

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

But if ye forgive NOT men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 18:21-22

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until SEVENTY times SEVEN.

Luke 6:37

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and you shall be forgiven:

Ephesians 4:32

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians Chapter 4:26-27

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Neither give place to the DEVIL.

Colossians 3:13 - Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, you also do.

Comment by Mishael: when we don't forgive others, Satan accuses us before the Throne of God, until we do forgive.

Taking Communion in unforgiveness, causes us to be unworthy to receive the blessing. We even must forgive ourselves. Every day till it takes root in our heart. How many years are you willing to live with this self-condemnation?

Wipe your heart, and in time your mind will follow.

2 Timothy Chapter 2

23 But foolish and unlearned questions AVOID, knowing that they do gender strifes.

24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

My Comment: We try patiently to show in scripture; commentaries by scholars; and our own testimonies: to answer questions that are brought to us.

We are answering the call in John 21:15-17.

Feed my Sheep. Feed my Lambs.

Ephesians 4:11

That's what we do, despite the accusations and opposition. Jesus did not say, go ye and persecute the Body of Christ.

Mishael

Hi Rob,

I'm wondering what your motive is for coming to a Bible website and accusing Christians who believe the trinity of being under a "curse"- something that most Christians believe in. Is that how you lovingly are looking to exchange information about the Bible to edify each other or are just looking to start a quarrel and do the opposite? Romans 14:19, Ephesians 4:32, Ephesians 4:29.

The reason people believe that God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Ghost) are one is that it literally says that in the Bible in 1 John 5:7 and elsewhere: Link

Do you think this is a salvation issue where someone may go to hell for believing the Bible verses such as 1 John 5:7 or why else are you so strong to condemn Bible believing Christians? What if someone accused you of what you're accusing others- that you yourself are spreading a "heinous doctrine" and are under a "curse," how would that make you feel and would it be true?

Barbara, the only clear reference we have on this issue, is found in Leviticus 19:28: "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD." And this was one of the many commands the Lord gave to Israel for living a proper, God-fearing life.

Some would use that verse against those today who have taken up the 'fashion' of tattooing & piercings, though it wasn't the intention of that command from God as in those days it would have been done for recognition of "the dead" & other occultic purposes (verses 26 & 31). So, whether God looks at the present day markings as sin, only God can declare that.

However, other issues come into play here for the Christian: as you said, we are no longer our own but now the purchased of God & Temples of the Holy Spirit. As well, whenever we do things, such as these, the clothes we wear, the places we visit, the people we associate with, what we fill our minds with & many more, are matters that every child of God has to seriously consider as we live on this Earth & bear witness to His Name. If the believer is walking in the Spirit, he/she would soon know in his/her spirit, how he/she should live before God & others. Personally, I find it difficult to believe that a Christian could honestly justify tattoos & piercings as of little godly consequence & consider it a thing of beauty before the Lord. It smacks of vanity & desiring to be identified with the crowd. We are to identify ourselves with our Saviour & to walk carefully & humbly before our God ( Ephesians 4:17).

Is Ephesians 4:11 what you're thinking of?

Listen to the Scriptures: Ephesians 4:4-6 ( v.5 ) one baptism. 1st Corinthians 12: 12-27. Ephesians 5:30 Trust the Holy Spirit for direction not man, man has opinion The Word ( Bible ) has facts 1st Corinthians 2:9-14. Also our Lord talks about the Holy Spirit John 14: 16-26 and John 16:7-15. You have to do your part 2nd Timothy 2:15. Hope it helps.

Ephesians 4:31-32

v31 speaks of many feelings associated with unforgiveness; when a person harbors such feelings and ways and does not forgive, he sets himself up for judgment.

v32 speaks that we must forgive all who have hurt or offended us - just as Christ has forgiven all our sins past, who've accepted Him as our Savior. Be loving and tenderhearted as Christ has been with us. God wants us to forgive others as soon as possible with His help. Do not let any root of bitterness take a stronghold on your heart.

Hope this helps. Keep studying His Word and be richly blessed!!!

I am a new covert and i am doing a topical study on forgiveness, could you explain Epesians 4:31-32

God bless you brother Chris

You speak devoutly but we must not throw out the baby with the bathwater. Ephesians 4:11 clearly tells us that there are still prophets in the Church age. There may be 1,000 false prophets, but there will also be 1 who truly has received the office of being a prophet from Almighty God.

Let us get the Holy Spirit and then we can not be deceived.

Peace & Love in Christ

Matthew 4:4

"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

Ephesians 4:27

"Neither give place to the devil."

When you prayed the prayer of faith, to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior: you were sealed with the Holy Spirit THEN.

1 Corinthians 3:16

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

1 Corinthians 6:19

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

Ephesians 4:30

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Ephesians 1:13

(Jesus) In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

1 Corinthians 12:3

Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:5 - For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Read all of 1 Corinthians 12, to understand the gift of speaking in tongues. If it's a gift you desire, then ask the Holy Spirit for that gift. Always covet discerning of spirits. A very useful gift.

1 Corinthians 14: 1, 2, 4

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh Not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

GOOGLE the gifts so you'll know what each one of them is for.

The Holy Spirit is your Teacher. Always ask Him to help you understand what you are reading. You now have the Mind of Christ. He will instruct you through the Holy Spirits ministry to believers. Be still & quiet till he replies. You're going to fall deeply in love with the Spirit of Jesus.

Mishael

These scriptures define the system that Jesus set forth in Scripture. People call it the Five Fold Ministry. If you spread your fingers: the apostle is the thumb because it can touch on the other four fingers;

the Pastor is the ring finger, because they daily care for Jesus's sheep.

The prophet is the forefinger calling people to repent (points).

Teacher is the center finger.

Pastor, Keeper of the sheep.

Last but not the least: Evangelist. The Gospel with shoes on.

Jesus demonstrated the entire 5 fold ministry.

Some people call themselves Apostles today. So as to not judge, you should spiritually discern the fruit of the Tree which is Jesus. Some people say the disciples were set apart as Apostles by having seen the risen Jesus; and that the modern Church does not have the office of Apostle in it.

Ephesians 4:11

And he (Jesus) gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

1 Corinthians 12:28

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

I'm sure other comments will be added to this post. Just enter those as a new comment so my mailbox doesn't overflow.

Mishael

Hi David,

If you believe you're perfect and sinless like Jesus, that would be contrary to: Romans 3:10 and Romans 3:23.

Ephesians 4:32 - says be kind and tenderhearted and forgive others like Christ has forgiven you, but if you have to be 100% perfect as a Christian why would it say that? Are you suggesting that you've been 100% perfect and sinless since becoming a Christian? For example, you have never lied or quarreled or raised your voice at anyone and have always forgiven others for their sins?

If you believe you've been 100% perfect and sinless, which even Paul wasn't able to do, then aside from Jesus you're the first and only human to be perfectly sinless after becoming a Christian? Just as a warning this could be the sin of pride Proverbs 16:5 and 2 Timothy 3:2.

Matthew 5:48 - Jesus said to strive to be perfect and obey his commands John 14:15, but that doesn't mean you must be perfect to be saved. Ephesians 2:8. That also doesn't mean you have an excuse to sin intentionally.

Matthew 12:31 - Jesus clearly said only blasphemy of the holy spirit is the only sin that won't be forgiven. So, if your point is the NO sins are forgiven after you become a Christian then why would Jesus say this to everyone (including his Christian followers) that all sins ARE forgiven but this one?

Paul admits in Romans 7:15 that he deeply struggles with the flesh and sin. Does that mean you think the man who write the most books of the Bible and was the top evangelist for Christianity went to hell?

My belief is that you don't earn heaven by being perfect. You are saved by believing Jesus, confessing and repenting of your sin and actively following Jesus. You try to avoid sin to the absolute best of your ability, but it doesn't mean you'll be perfect. It in fact says we are all imperfect, but if we're genuinely following Jesus then we're covered by grace as we progress in our life as a Christian. It doesn't mean the grace erases sin, but we will be forgiven if we're a Christian following Jesus. Jesus shares a great parable about sin and forgiveness in Matthew 18.

Matthew 12:36-37 - Jesus sets the bar very, very high with every word you speak to others, your thoughts, and if you even look at a woman. Matthew 5:28. Am I supposed to believe your the first person since Jesus to ever do this perfectly and that you're 'earning' heaven? Congratulations, but I think you're in for a surprise, because that's not what the Bible says and above are just a few of the Bible verses that prove that. I'm offering this in kindness to offer a different perspective to a Christian brother. God bless.