14And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
I have done commentaries on this before; much is self explanatory reading these scriptures which have exemplified it sees-much of the condition of the church especially in America today.
Godliness with contentment is great gain ( 1 Tim. 6:6); but we have more than is needed when we are not comfortable at a certain level and fighting to maintain what we have beyond our needs. We certainly should prioritize the needs of others; particularly in the body of Christ and a generous spirit ideally in theory should be rejoicing in the ability to further assist others.
It is easy to forget the suffering of the church in third world counties unless we realize all good gifts are from above ( James 1:17) and we heed to the warnings of what will soon come to the rich ( James 5:3).
The closest I can see to healing as a spiritual gift is in relation to the power that certain objects had such as Acts 19:12 with Peter's handkerchief or apron other than 1 Corinthians 12:9. If this occurs than what is the need for elders to pray for healing and anoint the sick with oil in James 5:14? It either supplements God's procurement of healing; or it indicates that elders had a particular unction of healing; or both. Certainly prayer is crucial in either case for the Spirit to work effectively.
Many want to disparage this gift of healing who don't regularly perform this action as prescribed; as it were in the Bible.
There are no doubt several reasons for illness. We can't dogmatically say with Paul's thorn in the flesh and the case of Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:27 who nearly died from sickness that the natural effects of living in a sinful and fallen world aren't a factor that affect both believer and unbeliever in some capacity. In the second case we see how overwork can lead to this situation which could have caused an early demise if Paul hadn't cautioned for his care in that church. We need to take a sober look at those who bear the heaviest burdens particularly fulfilling the Great Commission around us and keep them in prayer. I know of one Messianic Jewish couple who are elderly yet spreading the Gospel who just got back from Israel after enduring the war there shortly after arrival. They mentioned others too who are hard pressed serving in various capacities of the ministry. Let us not forget material support financially as well as prayer for these individuals whenever possible.
There are times when demonic influences can also cause ailments; both physical and mental. This is why those discerning the spirits are vital to differentiate when this is a direct (possession) or indirect (oppression) situation as well as discerning when it is emotional trauma apart from such influence happens.
My friend, life is full of tribulation. But the Lord has promised us peace if we cast our cares on him.
James 5:10-11 KJV
[10] Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. [11] Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
I will make a broad generalization here; that some planning certainly is wise for supplies as we head toward ever more perilous times; but fear shouldn't be driving us. Nonetheless, with so many situations that could easily shut down society each of us should pray about what we can do not just for ourselves but to be a blessing to others at that time. While we are wisely storing things if able it is just as important to warn everyone about the wrath of God to come. Since it will be a time worse than any before or after ( Matt. 24:21) perhaps if He comes soon someone can benefit from food and supplies and of course Bibles. It is pretty clear that once the 2nd seal starts there are supernatural events going on that cannot be avoided by natural means where a quarter of the earth perishes. No doubt much contamination occurs; perhaps as I have alluded to before with precious metals hoarded as James 5:3 states; we also see gold and silver will be cast into the streets eventually.
Ezekiel 7:19 says They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.
As for now I have actually been able to do some quick transactions and purchase silver at below spot and resell; the Lord has blessed these endeavors with a limited budget. It is certainly possible for a time it will be used for transactions if money isn't available; but at the same time people have been in situations with power outages in particular where cash only is accepted. As long as we are here I don't see cash totally eliminated; although other currencies or electronic options could be another way to invest.
I praise God that He allowed me to pass out a tract entitled "Remember Lot's wife" today. I seem to have a lot of them
James 5:16 - Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Confess your transgressions one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. This has to do with our interactions with one another, the heavy hand of God being upon us until we say "I'm too weak. Call for the brethren to come over. I give up. I need their prayers. I need restoration!"
So, he says confess your transgressions. That's the word faults in the King James. Confess your faults one to another and pray for one another. That is, when I sin against you, I come, and I confess my sin against you.
It's the same as in Matthew Chapter 18. If someone sins against you, you go to that brother and you tell them their sin against you, and if he refuses to repent, you go and you take two or three elders with you and you establish the matter. And if he still refuses to repent, you take him before the church. And if he still doesn't repent, you treat him as a tax collector and a sinner. In other words, just treat him as if he wasn't saved because if he refuses to repent of the sin that he committed against you, then he's to be dis-fellowshipped.
Here's the main clause for this whole thing: The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Effectual fervent is one word in the Greek text. It is a Present Passive Participle, and it's the word for energy, ENERGOUMENE, continually energizing. The prayer that is being continually energized of a righteous man availeth much. That is, it is very effective.
Next, Lord willing, I will begin 1 Peter. 1 Peter is Peter's ministry to these same groups of people, the Diaspora, the Jews. 1 Peter is written to the believing Jews about the threat from the world on the outside, the outside world. 2 Peter was written to warn the believers about the threat from within the church, false teachers, false teaching.
James 5:13 - Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
Is any among you afflicted? And this is the word KAKOPATHIA, and it has to do with suffering adversity in your circumstances. Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Straight up answer! Is any merry, or cheerful? That is, you're not going through the afflictions right now. You got some relief.
Is any among you cheerful? Let him sing psalms. It's kind of interesting that the term "sing psalms" means to pluck a stringed instrument. So, sing the psalms with a stringed instrument. It's kind of interesting that singing wasn't prescribed or suggested to people who were in affliction.
It's like "start singing to get out of affliction and in a better mood." No, pray! And when you find relief, sing psalms, sing praises to God.
James 5:10 - Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
First of all, he says take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, KAKOPATHEIS is the Greek word, and it means to suffer under the adversities in this life.
They are examples of suffering affliction, and of patience, MAKROTHUMIA, slow in reaction. The prophets didn't get mad at people. In fact, they killed the prophets. What did the prophets do back? They didn't resist them. they suffered for it.
James 5:11 - Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
Behold, we count them happy which endure. And again, the word happy means to experience the fullness of something. A person who is blessed is somebody who is not distracted and caught up with the material things of the world, and can experience the fullness of Christ.
We count them blessed who endure. Here's our other word HUPOMENO which means remaining under circumstances. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and again it's HUPOMENO, remain under, and you have seen the end of the Lord; how God wound up blessing him with double what he had before, whatever he lost, that the Lord is very pitiful, in the sense of compassionate, and of tender mercy.
James 5:8 - Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
He says be ye also patient, MAKROTHUMIA, slow in human reaction; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws near. We know what patience means. It means slow in human reaction. He's repeating it. But also establish, or stablish your hearts. Be slow in human reaction in your impulses toward the world, but you should be busy continuously establishing your hearts. This word for stablish, or establish, means determined. It means to be resolved, to be fixed in the heart.
James 5:9 - Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
Grudge not against one another, and that literally means stop complaining. So, it's a Present Imperative, and it means stop complaining against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned:
Now when he uses the word condemned, that's a legal term to be judged. We are going to be judged, not at the Great White Throne Judgement, but at the Bema Seat Judgment. We will not be judged between heaven and hell. We're already guaranteed heaven. But we will be judged as to how we lived and walked with Christ. It's found in Romans 14:12, and 1 Corinthians 3:15.
So, he's saying the Lord is going to judge us by how we treat one another. And the only reason that we complain is because we don't get our way. And the only reason we don't get our way is because we're lusting for something that somebody else has. But he says behold, the judge stands before the door. Well, He's not on His way. He's on the other side of the door!
The early rain is October/November, planting season, so that after they plant, the rains come and push the seed into the ground, and waters the ground. The latter rain is March/April. And that's the last rain before harvest. That's the rain farmers look for there at the end for their crops to survive. So, to be patient and wait for the coming of the Lord is like the early and latter rain.
And for a Jewish person, it is interesting how they would take this as God telling them literally the beginning and ending rain for harvest seasons. But the Messianic Jews take the early and latter rain to be symbols of the first coming and the second coming of Christ.
Christ came the first time. He planted the seed. The seed fell into the ground and died just like He said in John Chapter 12. But the harvest is now being produced, and at His second coming there will be the harvesting of the fruit. But waiting for the Lord to come means to be slow in our human reaction toward the world and keeping our human impulses in check. Don't get caught in the trap of going after the things of the world.
James 5:7 - Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Obviously using the word brethren, used 21 times in this letter, is indication for us that he's talking to believers.
Now the word patience:
There are two words for patience in scripture. One is literally longsuffering, and that's the word used most of the time. That's also the word used here, but it's used patience instead of longsuffering. This is MAKROTHUMIA, which means slow in human reaction. Slow in human reaction is called longsuffering, and it's usually used in application to our response to people.
Patience, HUPOMENO, means to remain under. And that word is used for circumstances. So literally, patience is to remain under, and longsuffering is to be slow in human reaction. But it's interesting that James in a command form says be patient, or literally longsuffering therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord.
Be slow in your human reaction to the world, opposite of being impulsive, opposite of the things in the world, the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life that the world beckons to. Be slow in your human reaction towards the world until the coming of the Lord. Be patient.
And he gives an example here:
Behold, the husbandman, that's the farmer, he waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience, MAKROTHUMIA for it, until he receives the early and latter rain. Now God promised the Jews, His people, in Deuteronomy 11:14, He says I will give you the rain of your land in its due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in thy corn, and your wine and your oil.
James 5:4 - Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
Behold, the hire of the labourers (that's their paycheck), who have reaped, or mowed down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, cries out:
Each one of these words are very pointed. The laborers have already reaped down according to the text, past tense, it is Aorist Tense. They have reaped or cut down your fields. And by the use of this word for "keeping back by fraud," with the APO in front of it, designates that it was deliberate.
It was done by fraud. He knew what he was doing. He hired these people to come out and to harvest his field so he could take the harvest and get some money for it. But he planned the whole time not to pay them. He said the hire of the laborers cries, and the cries of them which have reaped, notice Past Tense, are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
Sabaoth is a transliteration of the Hebrew word that means armies, or hosts. Hosts would be legions of angels, where armies would be the fighting angels. So, the ears of the Lord who's in charge, He's commander in chief of the armies in heaven, their cries have entered into His ears. And God's forces are going to come against you.
James 5:1 - Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
"Go to now," is the same expression we see in James 4:13. It means pay attention. Pay attention, you rich men, weep and howl, and the Greek text literally says weep while howling, over your miseries that are coming upon you.
How many times have you seen a rich person say, "I am so rich, if I start giving my money away, I still wouldn't run out of money?" Or a millionaire on television, and instead of having his TV program, he decides to weep and howl because of the miseries that are about to come upon him?
Rich people don't do that. But that's what James is calling rich people to do because of the realization of those miseries that are coming upon them. The word for miseries is the same word used by Paul in Romans 7:24 when he said O wretched man that I am!
When Paul says O wretched man that I am, he says O man that I am that's in adverse circumstances. A wretched man is a man that's in adversity all the time. Paul presented himself as one of those people. There is a wretchedness, a misery that is coming upon the rich because they have trusted in their wealth.
He says you favor the rich over the poor, but don't you know that God has appointed the poor to be rich in faith? And now he's directing it at the rich people. In Chapter 2, he says the rich people have all this money, and they oppress you and take you to court. And they use the Lord's name in vain. And you're showing favor towards them just because of their money.
Instead, whoever is leading the synagogue service should say "You rich people, weep, howling over your miseries which are coming upon you. The last line in Verse 1 is a Present Participle, the miseries that are coming upon you are coming upon you right now, and they're going to keep coming until the end, and your end will be to stand before God and answer to Him.
Ecclesiastes 4 starts discussing oppression in the first 3 verses and the concept of it being better not to be born than in that state.
Verses 4 to 6 discuss someone working with their hands; again repeated as a theme and the neighbor folding his hands in envy.
(see Proverbs 24:33). This was most likely written by Solomon (some sections were said to be anonomous).
Verses 7 through 8 discuss someone toiling who is all alone; and then in verses 9-11 we see the advantage of a cord of 3 not easily broken. Verse 12 concludes the chapter:
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
I am guessing the 3 fold cord could be the Lord incorporated into the mix; as we might expect in a Godly marriage in particular.
Ecclesiastes 5
This chapter starts discussing not making a foolish vow. The focus of the first 6 verses seems to be on the Temple sacrifice and vows foolishly made which could be of money or food offerings beyond someone's means to offer at the time. God takes all vows seriously and we incur His just correction if we don't keep it; hence Jesus said let your "yea" be "yea" and "nay" be "nay" ( Matthew 5:37; also James 5:12 has the same theme).
Moving on to verse 15 it reads
Everyone comes naked from their mother's womb,
and as everyone comes, so they depart.
They take nothing from their toil
that they can carry in their hands.
This summarizes all the vanity of earlier verses which are summarized from verse 12 in regard to rich people awake worried about their possessions and the laborer resting.
The chapter concludes:
Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil-this is a gift of God. 20 They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.
This verse has the great insight that only God can give contentment in possessions ( 1 Tim. 6:6).
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. (verse 14).
True religion according to scripture involves supporting orphans and widows; there are many DOZENS of scriptures on the subject including Psalms in the O.T. and the book of James in the N.T. Not making long prayers to be showy is also mentioned in Matthew 6:7 as to how the "heathen" pray; but of course it can be used of those who seek to appear righteous as the Pharisees did things to get approval of men as to their "piety" (see Matthew 6:5). Greed was apparently a major problem with these elites; and we can't help but see today how many "ministries" usually named after their leader manipulate people to give what they can't afford and promise their wealth will multiply (name and claim scheme). It seems doubtful the Pharisees told people they would get rich giving them a lot of their money; I would suspect.
Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!
17 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?
18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.
19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
This third woe describes the debtor owing the value of the gold in the Temple to God (essentially for the Pharisee's ownership) if they didn't fulfill what was vowed. Verses 20-22 explain that what is important is the altar itself and God in heaven; although Jesus warned about not swearing and making foolish vows ( Matt. 5:36-37; also repeated in James 5:12). Vows to God must be fulfilled as we see in Judges 11:36-37. As a footnote pressuring people to make vows isn't right
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (further thoughts on James 1:17)
We are reminded here of another verse in James 5:3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. (see also Matthew 6:19-20). There are other verses about silver and gold not saving us in the future wrath of God ( Zephaniah 1:18; etc). Once the mark of the Beast is established it won't be a viable option.
It is interesting to look at how a toy truck as an example is received with great joy for about a week or two maybe a couple months by a bratty kid. Five years later if he hasn't destroyed it or traded it it will likely go into storage; just for some collector 50 years hence to lovingly display it and if sold expect top dollar. Which of these is the most logical approach? Maybe the kid; because in the end it is all going to burn up with the rest of this old world. The Lord giveth and He taketh away ( Job 1:21). It is like that bad joke an elder quotes in our church about someone who got their wife to agree to take all the money with him to his grave. She said yes; I wrote a check and placed it there. In any case heaven is lined with gold streets and decorated with precious jewels. We won't be missing out there but of course it all reflects HIS glory; front and center stage.
As to the last post; in our relationships in the end we should seek to bring forth the jewels fitting for entry into heaven...And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. ( Malachi 3:17). None of us who know the Lord will miss any sinful aspects of our brothers in the Lord; and its effects of physical death and mental decline.
In your patience possess ye your souls. ( Luke 21:19).
"Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain." ( James 5:7).
There are many verses on the subject of patience or longsuffering both related to God and His approved servants who eventually enter into their reward. There is no doubt that God honors those who persevere but we also need to recall the situation of Lot who as 2 Peter 2:7 states ...And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked". We don't want to be too comfortable with evil around us and in particular become compromised to maintain a lifestyle of ease. As we see with Lot his choice to enter the well watered lowlands looked good when he split up from Abraham but in the end he escaped literally from the flames with the collateral damage of what happened to his wife.
Patience therefore with our own sin can't be tolerated. We also are to sound our voice as a trumpet as Jeremiah did and the other Prophets. God patiently endures vessels fitted for destruction ( Romans 9:22; read on to verse 23). Wickedness will not be tolerated in God's Kingdom when He reigns on earth after He comes again. We need to see that God is refining us through the wickedness of sinners opposed to us and generally in rebellion that we see all around us. We don't know who is going to come to Christ and also we should keep in mind John 15:2 and 2 Timothy 2:21 where the branches we possess as believers can be purged or other useless appendages cut out from sinful connections to our dead past that we hang on to.
God will complete the work He has started ( Philippians 1:6). He will see all His sheep who hear His voice eventually enter heaven and safe pasture; and all the goats will be judged.
These earthly trials will soon be over; let us encourage one another until He comes.
In this segment I am going to attempt to discuss many facets of sin; from the corruptible flesh we currently possess to the contamination of the soul resulting in eternal death. In comparison to the saved soul of course eternal fates are polar opposites.
I plan on discussing some of what man was meant to be before the fall; which in some context may play out in the Millennial period which is the day of rest for God played out in the last 1000 years of earth's existence which is a sort of Sabbath rest bringing peace to the whole world.
I am going to pray here and send this message; Lord pity us for you know we are but dust ( Psalm 103:14). We all mourn as doves for our sins ( Isaiah 59:11). I pray that as painful as it is the readers will understand the levels and depth of our state and this will lead someone to repentance. May we heed as Proverbs states flee from wickedness ( Proverbs 4:15) as it relates to others; and to ourselves ( 1 Cor. 6:18; 2 Tim. 2:22). Help us realize that all of our value comes from His life in us; and all the associations we have are only importance in what remains eternally. This world is going down; let us approach it with patience as we are told to in the last days ( James 5:7). Let us be filled with the Spirit to understand the indignation to come and proclaim it as a trumpet; and have the boldness to extricate ourselves especially from those who claim to be Christians but are living in lifestyles of sin as it corrupts the camp and grieves the Spirit. May we love the praise of God more than that of men ( John 12:43 stands as a warning not to do the opposite). Lord help us all to weep because of our sin; yet especially because of His mercy which is new every morning ( Lamentations 3:22-23).
to the destruction of the outer shell made from the dust of the earth that is the fate of all of us due to what is known as the 2nd law of thermodynamics where all things in the universe at present are in a state of decay
"If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it."
In studying the entire chapter in relation to today's scripture verse we see the contrast between statements related to those of God not sinning and other verses which indicate anyone who says they are without sin are a liar and the truth not in them (actually 1 John 1:8 so I should have said in studying the entire book). I am not studying that but this verse specifically in regard to the "sin unto death" and its implications.
Paul mentions letting a man be given to Satan in 1 Corinthians 5:5:
"To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."
That could be one application. Another would be related perhaps to the law and justifiable punishment of a death penalty for homocide. It also applied to adultery although it would appear this punishment was not as common in the time of Christ and especially once the church stated to flourish towards the end of the 1st Century AD. Since the church was being addressed here the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit shouldn't be the cause; although it certainly would apply to unbelievers as the "unforgiveable sin" as mentioned in the Gospels ( Mark 3:28-29; also verses in Matthew).
The context of the rest of the verse shows how we can pray that God will heal and restore a brother caught in sin and once again emphasizes the idea of confessing our sins to one another ( James 5:16). This is also mentioned in the Gospels at initial salvation ( Matt. 3:6) and most often to God Himself in a plethora of other scriptures. Matthew 5:23-24 speaks of leaving a "gift before the altar" and restoring relationship with a brother which alludes to the Old Testament sacrifice but certainly is applicable now. Sin hurts us and others.
As to your question you have received several answers, my understanding in the Bible baptism is done only by immersion as the word means. As Jesse said sprinkling did not start until the 1300s and it was for the reason it was so inconvenient. So, this was done just because of convenience's sake, nothing Biblical about it. I agree with Giannis, and we must believe as Jesus said in Mark 16:16.
All we do is to be done in our Lord Jesus's name, Colossians 3:16-17. Many use Matthew 28:19 but we also see in the rest of Scripture that a person who is baptized in Jesus' name is someone who believes in Jesus as Savior, the Messiah, the Son of God who for us died, was buried, and was resurrected we acknowledge this by being baptized in His name, Acts 2:38Acts 8:12Acts 8:16Acts 10:48Acts 19:5Acts 22:16Romans 6:3Galatians 3:27Colossians 2:12Ephesians 4:5.
Paul shows the importance of being baptized in the name of Jesus, Acts 19:1-6. God has placed Jesus and His name above all that is in heaven and earth, Matthew 28:18Philippians 2:9-11. Salvation only comes in His name Acts 4:12Romans 10:13. The name of Jesus is the source of power and authority for healing, miracles, and deliverance, Mark 16:17Luke 10:17Acts 4:7Acts 4:30Acts 16:18.
We are to give thanks in Jesus's name, Ephesians 5:20. Our faith is through Him and in His name, Acts 3:16. We must believe in Jesus, John 3:16John 6:47Acts 16:311 John 3:231 John 5:13. Whatever we ask for we are to ask in His name, John 14:13-14. We are to pray to the Father in His name, James 5:14. Jesus is our priest and the only mediator between God and men, 1 Timothy 2:5.
In fact,there are two types of famine occurring in the world at this time,material famine is figure of spiritual famine,both are signs of JESUS's coming.
Your post suggests two interestings scenaries for us to meditate.The description below gives us two different aspects of the famine's scenaries.
So,speaking of famine,we can compare how our GOD provides a solution for this terrible event,and how Satan and his partners suggest a solution being them demonic governments,devilish religious guides,idolaters,spiritist/esoterics,among others.
How does our GOD provide the solution for this problem of hunger of bread? Mark 8:11-21:
11The Pharisees came forth and question with JESUS, seeking of him a sign from heaven,tempting Him.
12He sighed deeply in His spirit,and saith,Why doth this generation seek after a sign?verily I say unto you,There shall no sign be given unto this generation.
13And he left them,...
14The disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.
15JESUS said:Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees,and of the leaven of Herod.
16And they reasoned among themselves,saying,It is because we have no bread.
17JESUS knew it and saith unto them,Why reason ye,because ye have no bread?perceive ye not yet,neither understand?have ye your heart yet hardened?
18Having eyes,see ye not?and having ears,hear ye not?and do ye not remember?
19I brake five loaves among five thousand,how many baskets full of fragments took ye up?They say unto Him,Twelve.
20And the seven among four thousand,how many baskets full of fragments took ye up?they said,Seven.
21JESUS said,How is it that ye do not understand?
ITOH, how does Satan and his partners provide solution for this problem of hunger of bread?
They simply say:Command that stones be made bread.The heart of demonic men are like stone,the world of Devil is full of stones,they suggest for asking for alms,they create beggars. James 5:1-6 combined with Matthew 19:23.
Kindly my fellow christians,i'm really suffering financially
i therefore request for your prayers.( james 5:16)
pray that god may finance my studies at tertiary level.through your effective fervent prayers the almighty will create a way from the 'sea of lack'.may god bless you all in jesus name...
Reading your post of one day ago,saying if we are to look at the Seventh Day Adventists and their teachings of Ellen White it is clear that there are spurious elements there.As was prophesied by Daniel, the Judgment shall sit,the Judgment will be given to the saints of the most High;the time came that the saints possess the kingdom.By the way,I must say that I have come across and fought for decades with strong battles and terrible combats against atheists and materialists, anf for my surprise the most of them were/are people who abandoned or stopped attending the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Why is it that after the preachers/guides/pastors of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to compass sea and land to make proselytes, and after these proselytes attend their services for years,they leave the Adventist Church transformed into atheists,materialists? Unfortunately they made them twofold more the child of hell than themselves.
The earth is infested with betrayers who deny the existence of GOD,there are legions of them spread across the earth with which I have come across and fought for decades with strong battles and terrible combats,mainly through websites.I could quote the website links,I don't do due the rules.
See,the objective is not to condemn any brother or sister here.What does the Word of GOD say? James 5:
19Brethren,if any of you do err from the truth,and one convert him;
20Let him know,that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death,and shall hide a multitude of sins.
1Corinthians 6:
1Dare any of you,having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust,and not before the saints?
2Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the WORLD?and if the WORLD shall be Judged by you(by us),are ye(we)unworthy to Judge the smallest matters?
3Know ye not that we shall Judge angels?(fallen angels of the Churches) how much more things that pertain to this life?
"I hope the Lord waits until my kids grow up; get married; etc."
"I hope the Lord lets me stay until (so and so) becomes a Christian"
"I'll show 'em; let me be one of the 144,000; or hang out afterwards it can't be that bad at the start..."
The facetious dialogues suggested above are more are less a compilation of several arguments BELIEVERS have given in my presence in the past when this subject came up. Let us examine them in light of the scriptures...
First point; in heaven there will be no regret as far as "missing out" on anything this earth had to offer. That is; unless we have squandered the opportunity NOW to witness and do those things which forfeited rewards in light of the admonitions of Revelation 3:11. Our children will be where their angels are already "beholding the Father in heaven continually." ( Matt. 18:10).
The second argument assumes that God is somehow derelict in His duty to bring the "fullness of the Gentiles in" ( Romans 11:25) which in truth may not occur completely at the Rapture but before the Second Coming. Nonetheless; the multitudes that come to Christ that can't be counted may never have come at least as quickly without the fiery trials the Lord designed to purge out the dross during the Tribulation. ( Revelation 7:9). We should also appreciate the fact in verses such as Psalm 40 which states "many will see and fear" (verse 3). This seems to indicate with the surrounding verses we will be raptured/resurrected from the ground; SURELY the Resurrection of the saints cannot be explained away and will be common knowledge (even if they say the UFO's abducted those raptured it's harder to explain those already deceased).
The third point is that even in the seal judgments there is a direct opening of these seals by Christ Himself with a fourth of the earth dying (at least) at that time. No one can outplan or outwit God in saving provisions for that time (see James 5:3).
We use Brothern to loosely today. Everyone amongst us is not a Brother or a Sister!
Look at the example Jesus gives in Matthew 12:47-50.
"Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.
But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren.
For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Romans 12:3 says not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
We all have flaws and we're all of one body ministering by the same Spirit, having gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us by "THE GIFT" (Christ Spirit.) We are to exercise those gifts by the power of Christ Spirit.
We are to Love one another; I've declared that on this site since I've been on it using John 13:34-35 as a springboard.
Also, 1 John 4:20-21 and Matthew 7:15-16.
We shall be known by our fruit, not our gifts!
CAN YOU GENERATE THIS ON YOUR OWN?
Love amongst the brothern is not partial.
It's not determined by race, wealth, political parties, Gender, status in the church, or one's eschatology.
Love at its highest level is Agape. It's caused by the Holyspirit that knits us as one. It's to be totally given over to.
I've seen where one says he have the gift of discernment but yet he shuns other Brothern.
If you have an issue with a brother, you restore him. Galatians 6:1-4.
We must look out for each other. James 5:20 says, "Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins." Confrontation may be difficult, but it is not loving to allow a professing Christian to continue in a sin that will bring God's consequences upon him.
Luke 21:34 and 35 warn us not to be caught up in drunkenness and other sins for the day of the Lord will come as a snare upon the whole earth. There are further warnings in the book of Isaiah as well as James about putting our hope in the security of gold and silver (see Ezekiel 7:19; James 5:3). Wisdom and prudence are good virtues for preparing for economic turmoil; wars and other disasters that we can foresee but we also can't be obsessed on a plan to make us secure from all fears at the expense of prayer and trust in the Lord.
The Lord has given us many benefits through the fellowship of saints and this should in a large part give us a resource in time of need for food and raiment ( 1 Tim. 6:8; see also Matt. 6:25). This is what the collection for the saints should apply to in part; along with money for missionaries; the Pastor himself and other church expenses. Our church apparently has some sort of asset division written into the contract with the building ownership should it be sold or liquidated the assets in theory would go to members. In any event; it seems strange that giving and sermons on the subject hardly ever seem to touch on meeting needs of the congregation; but occasionally on giving to the needy and other causes. Obviously, we are not to go to church with a mindset of having others provide for us as an incentive to give; but we should make our giving an investment we are personally connected to whatever the cause. The gifts and talents and time we share with one another should come naturally with mature Christians in fellowship. If our life is invested in the Kingdom of God and His people we are not going to be so concerned about things of the world; that's my main idea.
Evangelism and prayer among the saints on a regular basis as a lifestyle makes it a lot easier fulfilling the Great Commission. It is a rare thing though to find in churches today; at least regular street witnessing or going to nursing homes ( 1 Cor. 12:27).
I've had it with these End time prophecy teachers, who teach nothing, but are fear mongers. Jesus did not explain the events of the end until he was asked, and even then he only gave us a glimpse. Not ALL THAT important. Is your house in order, are you guilty of presumptuous sin? Is Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection the center focus of your outlook on life. The Apostle Paul asked the question "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound"? Rom 6:1 God forbid! I believe we are tasked with getting the LOG out of our eye, which requires much practice of the fervency prayer talked about in James 5:16 and it says
"The effectual FERVENT prayer of a righteous man avails much." The indoctrination of the clueless who have flooded our weak pulpits with their doctrine of "self gratification" blowing up their own minds by speaking great swelling words, and leaving us with nothing but gravel to chew on. I believe we have some self examining to do. "For in an hour that ye think not the SON of man cometh" Matthew 24:44 Being ready as our LORD commanded us. Watch and pray! Drawing ever so closer to the MASTER of our souls, and redeeming the time for the time is at hand. We have been commissioned to "Go ye therefore" to preach, and to teach, what JESUS taught. All that He taught his disciples when he walked on this earth, and how he lived his life; We are to live. A replication of the manifestation of the LOVE that dwelt in the HOLY child Jesus. May it be imparted unto us. May our minds be renewed day by day. "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." 2 Corinthians 4:16 If our focus is NOT JESUS CHRIST, and HIM only then our lives lay waste, and the abominable awaits, the passions of our wicked evil heart. Only to be consumed by our lustful desires, the enemy of our soul, the carnal mind. O how it plays on our vulnerability. We have some examining to do for the hour is late, and the time is at hand.
-Wherefore When He died at the cross and purge our sins By Himself and rose on the Third day, He gave gifts unto men to be apostles, prophets, evangelist pastors and some to be teachers. ( Ephesians 4:7, KJV) This is clearly seen across different churches and in many Christians who have repented of their sins at the cross and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ the son of the Living God.
- It is also important to note that God put his power in Moses' rode, but it was upon Moses to pick it and use it. but according to Gods will ( exodus 4:1-3, KJV)
And Remember Elijah a man like us tempted like we are but prayed earnestly and the rain ceased and yet Elijah was a man like us ( James 5:17, KJV)
-The writer of the Book James clearly point this out to all Christians (those who have repented at the cross and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God) they that take head according to the word of God ( Psalms 119:9, KJV)
-That if there is anyone sick, let him call the elders of the church to pray for him anointing him with oil in the name of The Lord and the prayer of FAITH will save the sick and if he has committed sin the Lord will forgive Him.
-Moreover, in James 5:16, KJV) God clearly points this to us that we are to confess our trespasses to one other and to pray for one other that we may be Healed.
-For if we confess our sins to each other, we will remain humble in the Lord and when we pray with earnestly before God without doubting ( 1 timothy 2:8, KJV) the Lord is faithful who will also do it
Remember prayer is not a shopping list but worshiping the Lord God with Your heart mind and soul.
The conclusion of the matter.
-The Lord still heals the blind, heals the sick and raises the dead according to the Scriptures.
And He does not change but we me and you we change and if we pray in mockery and be covetous in ministry.
-Prophesying for attention picking and choosing the portions of the Scriptures that we want to believe
Lev 26:15-21 God is speaking to His people, the history of the children of Israel full of this. 2 Chronicles 7:14Jeremiah 3:22Hosea 6:1,2
Christ brings this into the NT John 12:40Acts 28:27
Hebrews 12:5-11 speaking of His children
He does this in His merciful lovingkindness to us, we being so blinded by the deceitfulness of sin, it must be scourge out, define as "to flog" lit or fig, God as a father chastising and training men as children by affliction,
Chastisement; Education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction, chastening, instruction, nurture.
There's two kinds of fear, & many manifestations of each, all grounded in one of the two, godly fear which foundation is grounded in obedient reverential love for God.
The other, Satan counter part, grounded in disobedience which brings torment, where condemnation & guilt in one's own heart follows them wherever they go, for they have offended the Holy God; they having continue in disobedience to the Grace of God which appears in their hearts.
God's love in chastising correction, cast this fear & torment out
& why? John 14:21, which defines love, which makes way for John 14:23 one's habitation becomes a dwelling place for Perfect Love in the work of Sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience & sprinkling of the Blood/Life of Jesus.
thus "for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.
Hebrews 12:11 exercising the Grace of God, the Word of Righteousness in discerning between Good & evil,, there's suffering in the Cross to learn righteousness. 1Pet 4:1
Then we have Job, who God said is perfect, Job 2:3; which trials, suffering & afflictions is of a much higher concept than punishment for disobedience, James 5:11
Hebrews 11:33 for this purpose "obtain a better resurrection"
one eighty, you would do well to live out your call name.
your in darkness, deceived; dwelling, speaking & judging falsely against God
The Grace of God that appears to all mankind, begotten Paul & he declares in 1Cor 15:10 made what he now is.
What the Apostles received by the Revelation of Jesus Christ from His Grace appearance, they wrote down in the Epistle's that bares their name, & they believed & attain unto this knowledge by the diligent exercising thereof Hebrews 5:14Hebrews 12:11Philippians 3:16
Here's a small unfolding of His Grace / Light
They let Patience James 1:4,25James 5:111Pet 5:9,10
Make you Perfect Hebrews 13:21
Be ye Perfect Matt 5:48 indicating this perfection is the same as the Father, there's not a different standard of holiness for mankind describe here.
The angel declared to Mary, Matt 1:21 not in their sin!
Folks,
Everything that God does is perfect, do you really believe that He would sent His only begotten Son to suffer all that He did for our sakes, & it not be a perfect restoration for His beloved creations.
I tell you by the Scriptures, sound reasoning & the Holy Ghost it's goes beyond the state of Adam innocents before he fell
Rom 6:3-5 the newness of life spoken of here is the likeness of His resurrection life & that is attain by working of His Divine Power 2Pet 1:2-4
I'm talking Grace, here now in this life. Don't be deceived, it's accompanies all that Christ experience, 1Pet 2:21 this too is apart of being make in His image & likeness, walking as He walk, the Apostles final got it after Pentecost, being baptized unto His death. This is when 1John 1:1-5 truly came into spiritual experiential experience. John 7:17
John 4:23,24 True worship is doing His will
& that will is reveal by His Grace / Light appearance in your heart. 2Cor 4:6,7
14And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
I have done commentaries on this before; much is self explanatory reading these scriptures which have exemplified it sees-much of the condition of the church especially in America today.
Godliness with contentment is great gain ( 1 Tim. 6:6); but we have more than is needed when we are not comfortable at a certain level and fighting to maintain what we have beyond our needs. We certainly should prioritize the needs of others; particularly in the body of Christ and a generous spirit ideally in theory should be rejoicing in the ability to further assist others.
It is easy to forget the suffering of the church in third world counties unless we realize all good gifts are from above ( James 1:17) and we heed to the warnings of what will soon come to the rich ( James 5:3).
The closest I can see to healing as a spiritual gift is in relation to the power that certain objects had such as Acts 19:12 with Peter's handkerchief or apron other than 1 Corinthians 12:9. If this occurs than what is the need for elders to pray for healing and anoint the sick with oil in James 5:14? It either supplements God's procurement of healing; or it indicates that elders had a particular unction of healing; or both. Certainly prayer is crucial in either case for the Spirit to work effectively.
Many want to disparage this gift of healing who don't regularly perform this action as prescribed; as it were in the Bible.
There are no doubt several reasons for illness. We can't dogmatically say with Paul's thorn in the flesh and the case of Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:27 who nearly died from sickness that the natural effects of living in a sinful and fallen world aren't a factor that affect both believer and unbeliever in some capacity. In the second case we see how overwork can lead to this situation which could have caused an early demise if Paul hadn't cautioned for his care in that church. We need to take a sober look at those who bear the heaviest burdens particularly fulfilling the Great Commission around us and keep them in prayer. I know of one Messianic Jewish couple who are elderly yet spreading the Gospel who just got back from Israel after enduring the war there shortly after arrival. They mentioned others too who are hard pressed serving in various capacities of the ministry. Let us not forget material support financially as well as prayer for these individuals whenever possible.
There are times when demonic influences can also cause ailments; both physical and mental. This is why those discerning the spirits are vital to differentiate when this is a direct (possession) or indirect (oppression) situation as well as discerning when it is emotional trauma apart from such influence happens.
James 5:10-11 KJV
[10] Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. [11] Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
beauundergrace (at) gmail (dot) com
I will make a broad generalization here; that some planning certainly is wise for supplies as we head toward ever more perilous times; but fear shouldn't be driving us. Nonetheless, with so many situations that could easily shut down society each of us should pray about what we can do not just for ourselves but to be a blessing to others at that time. While we are wisely storing things if able it is just as important to warn everyone about the wrath of God to come. Since it will be a time worse than any before or after ( Matt. 24:21) perhaps if He comes soon someone can benefit from food and supplies and of course Bibles. It is pretty clear that once the 2nd seal starts there are supernatural events going on that cannot be avoided by natural means where a quarter of the earth perishes. No doubt much contamination occurs; perhaps as I have alluded to before with precious metals hoarded as James 5:3 states; we also see gold and silver will be cast into the streets eventually.
Ezekiel 7:19 says They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.
As for now I have actually been able to do some quick transactions and purchase silver at below spot and resell; the Lord has blessed these endeavors with a limited budget. It is certainly possible for a time it will be used for transactions if money isn't available; but at the same time people have been in situations with power outages in particular where cash only is accepted. As long as we are here I don't see cash totally eliminated; although other currencies or electronic options could be another way to invest.
I praise God that He allowed me to pass out a tract entitled "Remember Lot's wife" today. I seem to have a lot of them
James 5:16 - Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Confess your transgressions one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. This has to do with our interactions with one another, the heavy hand of God being upon us until we say "I'm too weak. Call for the brethren to come over. I give up. I need their prayers. I need restoration!"
So, he says confess your transgressions. That's the word faults in the King James. Confess your faults one to another and pray for one another. That is, when I sin against you, I come, and I confess my sin against you.
It's the same as in Matthew Chapter 18. If someone sins against you, you go to that brother and you tell them their sin against you, and if he refuses to repent, you go and you take two or three elders with you and you establish the matter. And if he still refuses to repent, you take him before the church. And if he still doesn't repent, you treat him as a tax collector and a sinner. In other words, just treat him as if he wasn't saved because if he refuses to repent of the sin that he committed against you, then he's to be dis-fellowshipped.
Here's the main clause for this whole thing: The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Effectual fervent is one word in the Greek text. It is a Present Passive Participle, and it's the word for energy, ENERGOUMENE, continually energizing. The prayer that is being continually energized of a righteous man availeth much. That is, it is very effective.
Next, Lord willing, I will begin 1 Peter. 1 Peter is Peter's ministry to these same groups of people, the Diaspora, the Jews. 1 Peter is written to the believing Jews about the threat from the world on the outside, the outside world. 2 Peter was written to warn the believers about the threat from within the church, false teachers, false teaching.
Blessings!
James 5:13 - Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
Is any among you afflicted? And this is the word KAKOPATHIA, and it has to do with suffering adversity in your circumstances. Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Straight up answer! Is any merry, or cheerful? That is, you're not going through the afflictions right now. You got some relief.
Is any among you cheerful? Let him sing psalms. It's kind of interesting that the term "sing psalms" means to pluck a stringed instrument. So, sing the psalms with a stringed instrument. It's kind of interesting that singing wasn't prescribed or suggested to people who were in affliction.
It's like "start singing to get out of affliction and in a better mood." No, pray! And when you find relief, sing psalms, sing praises to God.
James 5:10 - Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
First of all, he says take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, KAKOPATHEIS is the Greek word, and it means to suffer under the adversities in this life.
They are examples of suffering affliction, and of patience, MAKROTHUMIA, slow in reaction. The prophets didn't get mad at people. In fact, they killed the prophets. What did the prophets do back? They didn't resist them. they suffered for it.
James 5:11 - Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
Behold, we count them happy which endure. And again, the word happy means to experience the fullness of something. A person who is blessed is somebody who is not distracted and caught up with the material things of the world, and can experience the fullness of Christ.
We count them blessed who endure. Here's our other word HUPOMENO which means remaining under circumstances. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and again it's HUPOMENO, remain under, and you have seen the end of the Lord; how God wound up blessing him with double what he had before, whatever he lost, that the Lord is very pitiful, in the sense of compassionate, and of tender mercy.
James 5:8 - Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
He says be ye also patient, MAKROTHUMIA, slow in human reaction; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws near. We know what patience means. It means slow in human reaction. He's repeating it. But also establish, or stablish your hearts. Be slow in human reaction in your impulses toward the world, but you should be busy continuously establishing your hearts. This word for stablish, or establish, means determined. It means to be resolved, to be fixed in the heart.
James 5:9 - Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
Grudge not against one another, and that literally means stop complaining. So, it's a Present Imperative, and it means stop complaining against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned:
Now when he uses the word condemned, that's a legal term to be judged. We are going to be judged, not at the Great White Throne Judgement, but at the Bema Seat Judgment. We will not be judged between heaven and hell. We're already guaranteed heaven. But we will be judged as to how we lived and walked with Christ. It's found in Romans 14:12, and 1 Corinthians 3:15.
So, he's saying the Lord is going to judge us by how we treat one another. And the only reason that we complain is because we don't get our way. And the only reason we don't get our way is because we're lusting for something that somebody else has. But he says behold, the judge stands before the door. Well, He's not on His way. He's on the other side of the door!
James 5:7 Continued
The early rain is October/November, planting season, so that after they plant, the rains come and push the seed into the ground, and waters the ground. The latter rain is March/April. And that's the last rain before harvest. That's the rain farmers look for there at the end for their crops to survive. So, to be patient and wait for the coming of the Lord is like the early and latter rain.
And for a Jewish person, it is interesting how they would take this as God telling them literally the beginning and ending rain for harvest seasons. But the Messianic Jews take the early and latter rain to be symbols of the first coming and the second coming of Christ.
Christ came the first time. He planted the seed. The seed fell into the ground and died just like He said in John Chapter 12. But the harvest is now being produced, and at His second coming there will be the harvesting of the fruit. But waiting for the Lord to come means to be slow in our human reaction toward the world and keeping our human impulses in check. Don't get caught in the trap of going after the things of the world.
James 5:7 - Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Obviously using the word brethren, used 21 times in this letter, is indication for us that he's talking to believers.
Now the word patience:
There are two words for patience in scripture. One is literally longsuffering, and that's the word used most of the time. That's also the word used here, but it's used patience instead of longsuffering. This is MAKROTHUMIA, which means slow in human reaction. Slow in human reaction is called longsuffering, and it's usually used in application to our response to people.
Patience, HUPOMENO, means to remain under. And that word is used for circumstances. So literally, patience is to remain under, and longsuffering is to be slow in human reaction. But it's interesting that James in a command form says be patient, or literally longsuffering therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord.
Be slow in your human reaction to the world, opposite of being impulsive, opposite of the things in the world, the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life that the world beckons to. Be slow in your human reaction towards the world until the coming of the Lord. Be patient.
And he gives an example here:
Behold, the husbandman, that's the farmer, he waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience, MAKROTHUMIA for it, until he receives the early and latter rain. Now God promised the Jews, His people, in Deuteronomy 11:14, He says I will give you the rain of your land in its due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in thy corn, and your wine and your oil.
James 5:4 - Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
Behold, the hire of the labourers (that's their paycheck), who have reaped, or mowed down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, cries out:
Each one of these words are very pointed. The laborers have already reaped down according to the text, past tense, it is Aorist Tense. They have reaped or cut down your fields. And by the use of this word for "keeping back by fraud," with the APO in front of it, designates that it was deliberate.
It was done by fraud. He knew what he was doing. He hired these people to come out and to harvest his field so he could take the harvest and get some money for it. But he planned the whole time not to pay them. He said the hire of the laborers cries, and the cries of them which have reaped, notice Past Tense, are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
Sabaoth is a transliteration of the Hebrew word that means armies, or hosts. Hosts would be legions of angels, where armies would be the fighting angels. So, the ears of the Lord who's in charge, He's commander in chief of the armies in heaven, their cries have entered into His ears. And God's forces are going to come against you.
James 5:1 - Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
"Go to now," is the same expression we see in James 4:13. It means pay attention. Pay attention, you rich men, weep and howl, and the Greek text literally says weep while howling, over your miseries that are coming upon you.
How many times have you seen a rich person say, "I am so rich, if I start giving my money away, I still wouldn't run out of money?" Or a millionaire on television, and instead of having his TV program, he decides to weep and howl because of the miseries that are about to come upon him?
Rich people don't do that. But that's what James is calling rich people to do because of the realization of those miseries that are coming upon them. The word for miseries is the same word used by Paul in Romans 7:24 when he said O wretched man that I am!
When Paul says O wretched man that I am, he says O man that I am that's in adverse circumstances. A wretched man is a man that's in adversity all the time. Paul presented himself as one of those people. There is a wretchedness, a misery that is coming upon the rich because they have trusted in their wealth.
He says you favor the rich over the poor, but don't you know that God has appointed the poor to be rich in faith? And now he's directing it at the rich people. In Chapter 2, he says the rich people have all this money, and they oppress you and take you to court. And they use the Lord's name in vain. And you're showing favor towards them just because of their money.
Instead, whoever is leading the synagogue service should say "You rich people, weep, howling over your miseries which are coming upon you. The last line in Verse 1 is a Present Participle, the miseries that are coming upon you are coming upon you right now, and they're going to keep coming until the end, and your end will be to stand before God and answer to Him.
Verses 4 to 6 discuss someone working with their hands; again repeated as a theme and the neighbor folding his hands in envy.
(see Proverbs 24:33). This was most likely written by Solomon (some sections were said to be anonomous).
Verses 7 through 8 discuss someone toiling who is all alone; and then in verses 9-11 we see the advantage of a cord of 3 not easily broken. Verse 12 concludes the chapter:
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
I am guessing the 3 fold cord could be the Lord incorporated into the mix; as we might expect in a Godly marriage in particular.
Ecclesiastes 5
This chapter starts discussing not making a foolish vow. The focus of the first 6 verses seems to be on the Temple sacrifice and vows foolishly made which could be of money or food offerings beyond someone's means to offer at the time. God takes all vows seriously and we incur His just correction if we don't keep it; hence Jesus said let your "yea" be "yea" and "nay" be "nay" ( Matthew 5:37; also James 5:12 has the same theme).
Moving on to verse 15 it reads
Everyone comes naked from their mother's womb,
and as everyone comes, so they depart.
They take nothing from their toil
that they can carry in their hands.
This summarizes all the vanity of earlier verses which are summarized from verse 12 in regard to rich people awake worried about their possessions and the laborer resting.
The chapter concludes:
Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil-this is a gift of God. 20 They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.
This verse has the great insight that only God can give contentment in possessions ( 1 Tim. 6:6).
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. (verse 14).
True religion according to scripture involves supporting orphans and widows; there are many DOZENS of scriptures on the subject including Psalms in the O.T. and the book of James in the N.T. Not making long prayers to be showy is also mentioned in Matthew 6:7 as to how the "heathen" pray; but of course it can be used of those who seek to appear righteous as the Pharisees did things to get approval of men as to their "piety" (see Matthew 6:5). Greed was apparently a major problem with these elites; and we can't help but see today how many "ministries" usually named after their leader manipulate people to give what they can't afford and promise their wealth will multiply (name and claim scheme). It seems doubtful the Pharisees told people they would get rich giving them a lot of their money; I would suspect.
Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!
17 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?
18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.
19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
This third woe describes the debtor owing the value of the gold in the Temple to God (essentially for the Pharisee's ownership) if they didn't fulfill what was vowed. Verses 20-22 explain that what is important is the altar itself and God in heaven; although Jesus warned about not swearing and making foolish vows ( Matt. 5:36-37; also repeated in James 5:12). Vows to God must be fulfilled as we see in Judges 11:36-37. As a footnote pressuring people to make vows isn't right
We are reminded here of another verse in James 5:3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. (see also Matthew 6:19-20). There are other verses about silver and gold not saving us in the future wrath of God ( Zephaniah 1:18; etc). Once the mark of the Beast is established it won't be a viable option.
It is interesting to look at how a toy truck as an example is received with great joy for about a week or two maybe a couple months by a bratty kid. Five years later if he hasn't destroyed it or traded it it will likely go into storage; just for some collector 50 years hence to lovingly display it and if sold expect top dollar. Which of these is the most logical approach? Maybe the kid; because in the end it is all going to burn up with the rest of this old world. The Lord giveth and He taketh away ( Job 1:21). It is like that bad joke an elder quotes in our church about someone who got their wife to agree to take all the money with him to his grave. She said yes; I wrote a check and placed it there. In any case heaven is lined with gold streets and decorated with precious jewels. We won't be missing out there but of course it all reflects HIS glory; front and center stage.
As to the last post; in our relationships in the end we should seek to bring forth the jewels fitting for entry into heaven...And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. ( Malachi 3:17). None of us who know the Lord will miss any sinful aspects of our brothers in the Lord; and its effects of physical death and mental decline.
Maranatha-come soon
"Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain." ( James 5:7).
There are many verses on the subject of patience or longsuffering both related to God and His approved servants who eventually enter into their reward. There is no doubt that God honors those who persevere but we also need to recall the situation of Lot who as 2 Peter 2:7 states ...And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked". We don't want to be too comfortable with evil around us and in particular become compromised to maintain a lifestyle of ease. As we see with Lot his choice to enter the well watered lowlands looked good when he split up from Abraham but in the end he escaped literally from the flames with the collateral damage of what happened to his wife.
Patience therefore with our own sin can't be tolerated. We also are to sound our voice as a trumpet as Jeremiah did and the other Prophets. God patiently endures vessels fitted for destruction ( Romans 9:22; read on to verse 23). Wickedness will not be tolerated in God's Kingdom when He reigns on earth after He comes again. We need to see that God is refining us through the wickedness of sinners opposed to us and generally in rebellion that we see all around us. We don't know who is going to come to Christ and also we should keep in mind John 15:2 and 2 Timothy 2:21 where the branches we possess as believers can be purged or other useless appendages cut out from sinful connections to our dead past that we hang on to.
God will complete the work He has started ( Philippians 1:6). He will see all His sheep who hear His voice eventually enter heaven and safe pasture; and all the goats will be judged.
These earthly trials will soon be over; let us encourage one another until He comes.
I plan on discussing some of what man was meant to be before the fall; which in some context may play out in the Millennial period which is the day of rest for God played out in the last 1000 years of earth's existence which is a sort of Sabbath rest bringing peace to the whole world.
I am going to pray here and send this message; Lord pity us for you know we are but dust ( Psalm 103:14). We all mourn as doves for our sins ( Isaiah 59:11). I pray that as painful as it is the readers will understand the levels and depth of our state and this will lead someone to repentance. May we heed as Proverbs states flee from wickedness ( Proverbs 4:15) as it relates to others; and to ourselves ( 1 Cor. 6:18; 2 Tim. 2:22). Help us realize that all of our value comes from His life in us; and all the associations we have are only importance in what remains eternally. This world is going down; let us approach it with patience as we are told to in the last days ( James 5:7). Let us be filled with the Spirit to understand the indignation to come and proclaim it as a trumpet; and have the boldness to extricate ourselves especially from those who claim to be Christians but are living in lifestyles of sin as it corrupts the camp and grieves the Spirit. May we love the praise of God more than that of men ( John 12:43 stands as a warning not to do the opposite). Lord help us all to weep because of our sin; yet especially because of His mercy which is new every morning ( Lamentations 3:22-23).
to the destruction of the outer shell made from the dust of the earth that is the fate of all of us due to what is known as the 2nd law of thermodynamics where all things in the universe at present are in a state of decay
"If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it."
In studying the entire chapter in relation to today's scripture verse we see the contrast between statements related to those of God not sinning and other verses which indicate anyone who says they are without sin are a liar and the truth not in them (actually 1 John 1:8 so I should have said in studying the entire book). I am not studying that but this verse specifically in regard to the "sin unto death" and its implications.
Paul mentions letting a man be given to Satan in 1 Corinthians 5:5:
"To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."
That could be one application. Another would be related perhaps to the law and justifiable punishment of a death penalty for homocide. It also applied to adultery although it would appear this punishment was not as common in the time of Christ and especially once the church stated to flourish towards the end of the 1st Century AD. Since the church was being addressed here the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit shouldn't be the cause; although it certainly would apply to unbelievers as the "unforgiveable sin" as mentioned in the Gospels ( Mark 3:28-29; also verses in Matthew).
The context of the rest of the verse shows how we can pray that God will heal and restore a brother caught in sin and once again emphasizes the idea of confessing our sins to one another ( James 5:16). This is also mentioned in the Gospels at initial salvation ( Matt. 3:6) and most often to God Himself in a plethora of other scriptures. Matthew 5:23-24 speaks of leaving a "gift before the altar" and restoring relationship with a brother which alludes to the Old Testament sacrifice but certainly is applicable now. Sin hurts us and others.
As to your question you have received several answers, my understanding in the Bible baptism is done only by immersion as the word means. As Jesse said sprinkling did not start until the 1300s and it was for the reason it was so inconvenient. So, this was done just because of convenience's sake, nothing Biblical about it. I agree with Giannis, and we must believe as Jesus said in Mark 16:16.
All we do is to be done in our Lord Jesus's name, Colossians 3:16-17. Many use Matthew 28:19 but we also see in the rest of Scripture that a person who is baptized in Jesus' name is someone who believes in Jesus as Savior, the Messiah, the Son of God who for us died, was buried, and was resurrected we acknowledge this by being baptized in His name, Acts 2:38 Acts 8:12 Acts 8:16 Acts 10:48 Acts 19:5 Acts 22:16 Romans 6:3 Galatians 3:27 Colossians 2:12 Ephesians 4:5.
Paul shows the importance of being baptized in the name of Jesus, Acts 19:1-6. God has placed Jesus and His name above all that is in heaven and earth, Matthew 28:18 Philippians 2:9-11. Salvation only comes in His name Acts 4:12 Romans 10:13. The name of Jesus is the source of power and authority for healing, miracles, and deliverance, Mark 16:17 Luke 10:17 Acts 4:7 Acts 4:30 Acts 16:18.
We are to give thanks in Jesus's name, Ephesians 5:20. Our faith is through Him and in His name, Acts 3:16. We must believe in Jesus, John 3:16 John 6:47 Acts 16:31 1 John 3:23 1 John 5:13. Whatever we ask for we are to ask in His name, John 14:13-14. We are to pray to the Father in His name, James 5:14. Jesus is our priest and the only mediator between God and men, 1 Timothy 2:5.
God bless,
RLW
In fact,there are two types of famine occurring in the world at this time,material famine is figure of spiritual famine,both are signs of JESUS's coming.
Your post suggests two interestings scenaries for us to meditate.The description below gives us two different aspects of the famine's scenaries.
So,speaking of famine,we can compare how our GOD provides a solution for this terrible event,and how Satan and his partners suggest a solution being them demonic governments,devilish religious guides,idolaters,spiritist/esoterics,among others.
How does our GOD provide the solution for this problem of hunger of bread? Mark 8:11-21:
11The Pharisees came forth and question with JESUS, seeking of him a sign from heaven,tempting Him.
12He sighed deeply in His spirit,and saith,Why doth this generation seek after a sign?verily I say unto you,There shall no sign be given unto this generation.
13And he left them,...
14The disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.
15JESUS said:Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees,and of the leaven of Herod.
16And they reasoned among themselves,saying,It is because we have no bread.
17JESUS knew it and saith unto them,Why reason ye,because ye have no bread?perceive ye not yet,neither understand?have ye your heart yet hardened?
18Having eyes,see ye not?and having ears,hear ye not?and do ye not remember?
19I brake five loaves among five thousand,how many baskets full of fragments took ye up?They say unto Him,Twelve.
20And the seven among four thousand,how many baskets full of fragments took ye up?they said,Seven.
21JESUS said,How is it that ye do not understand?
ITOH, how does Satan and his partners provide solution for this problem of hunger of bread?
They simply say:Command that stones be made bread.The heart of demonic men are like stone,the world of Devil is full of stones,they suggest for asking for alms,they create beggars. James 5:1-6 combined with Matthew 19:23.
i therefore request for your prayers.( james 5:16)
pray that god may finance my studies at tertiary level.through your effective fervent prayers the almighty will create a way from the 'sea of lack'.may god bless you all in jesus name...
Greetings in Christ JESUS
Reading your post of one day ago,saying if we are to look at the Seventh Day Adventists and their teachings of Ellen White it is clear that there are spurious elements there.As was prophesied by Daniel, the Judgment shall sit,the Judgment will be given to the saints of the most High;the time came that the saints possess the kingdom.By the way,I must say that I have come across and fought for decades with strong battles and terrible combats against atheists and materialists, anf for my surprise the most of them were/are people who abandoned or stopped attending the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Why is it that after the preachers/guides/pastors of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to compass sea and land to make proselytes, and after these proselytes attend their services for years,they leave the Adventist Church transformed into atheists,materialists? Unfortunately they made them twofold more the child of hell than themselves.
The earth is infested with betrayers who deny the existence of GOD,there are legions of them spread across the earth with which I have come across and fought for decades with strong battles and terrible combats,mainly through websites.I could quote the website links,I don't do due the rules.
See,the objective is not to condemn any brother or sister here.What does the Word of GOD say? James 5:
19Brethren,if any of you do err from the truth,and one convert him;
20Let him know,that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death,and shall hide a multitude of sins.
1Corinthians 6:
1Dare any of you,having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust,and not before the saints?
2Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the WORLD?and if the WORLD shall be Judged by you(by us),are ye(we)unworthy to Judge the smallest matters?
3Know ye not that we shall Judge angels?(fallen angels of the Churches) how much more things that pertain to this life?
GOD BLESS
"I hope the Lord waits until my kids grow up; get married; etc."
"I hope the Lord lets me stay until (so and so) becomes a Christian"
"I'll show 'em; let me be one of the 144,000; or hang out afterwards it can't be that bad at the start..."
The facetious dialogues suggested above are more are less a compilation of several arguments BELIEVERS have given in my presence in the past when this subject came up. Let us examine them in light of the scriptures...
First point; in heaven there will be no regret as far as "missing out" on anything this earth had to offer. That is; unless we have squandered the opportunity NOW to witness and do those things which forfeited rewards in light of the admonitions of Revelation 3:11. Our children will be where their angels are already "beholding the Father in heaven continually." ( Matt. 18:10).
The second argument assumes that God is somehow derelict in His duty to bring the "fullness of the Gentiles in" ( Romans 11:25) which in truth may not occur completely at the Rapture but before the Second Coming. Nonetheless; the multitudes that come to Christ that can't be counted may never have come at least as quickly without the fiery trials the Lord designed to purge out the dross during the Tribulation. ( Revelation 7:9). We should also appreciate the fact in verses such as Psalm 40 which states "many will see and fear" (verse 3). This seems to indicate with the surrounding verses we will be raptured/resurrected from the ground; SURELY the Resurrection of the saints cannot be explained away and will be common knowledge (even if they say the UFO's abducted those raptured it's harder to explain those already deceased).
The third point is that even in the seal judgments there is a direct opening of these seals by Christ Himself with a fourth of the earth dying (at least) at that time. No one can outplan or outwit God in saving provisions for that time (see James 5:3).
Part 4.
We use Brothern to loosely today. Everyone amongst us is not a Brother or a Sister!
Look at the example Jesus gives in Matthew 12:47-50.
"Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.
But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren.
For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Romans 12:3 says not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
We all have flaws and we're all of one body ministering by the same Spirit, having gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us by "THE GIFT" (Christ Spirit.) We are to exercise those gifts by the power of Christ Spirit.
We are to Love one another; I've declared that on this site since I've been on it using John 13:34-35 as a springboard.
Also, 1 John 4:20-21 and Matthew 7:15-16.
We shall be known by our fruit, not our gifts!
CAN YOU GENERATE THIS ON YOUR OWN?
Love amongst the brothern is not partial.
It's not determined by race, wealth, political parties, Gender, status in the church, or one's eschatology.
Love at its highest level is Agape. It's caused by the Holyspirit that knits us as one. It's to be totally given over to.
I've seen where one says he have the gift of discernment but yet he shuns other Brothern.
If you have an issue with a brother, you restore him. Galatians 6:1-4.
We must look out for each other. James 5:20 says, "Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins." Confrontation may be difficult, but it is not loving to allow a professing Christian to continue in a sin that will bring God's consequences upon him.
See Part 5.
The Lord has given us many benefits through the fellowship of saints and this should in a large part give us a resource in time of need for food and raiment ( 1 Tim. 6:8; see also Matt. 6:25). This is what the collection for the saints should apply to in part; along with money for missionaries; the Pastor himself and other church expenses. Our church apparently has some sort of asset division written into the contract with the building ownership should it be sold or liquidated the assets in theory would go to members. In any event; it seems strange that giving and sermons on the subject hardly ever seem to touch on meeting needs of the congregation; but occasionally on giving to the needy and other causes. Obviously, we are not to go to church with a mindset of having others provide for us as an incentive to give; but we should make our giving an investment we are personally connected to whatever the cause. The gifts and talents and time we share with one another should come naturally with mature Christians in fellowship. If our life is invested in the Kingdom of God and His people we are not going to be so concerned about things of the world; that's my main idea.
Evangelism and prayer among the saints on a regular basis as a lifestyle makes it a lot easier fulfilling the Great Commission. It is a rare thing though to find in churches today; at least regular street witnessing or going to nursing homes ( 1 Cor. 12:27).
"The effectual FERVENT prayer of a righteous man avails much." The indoctrination of the clueless who have flooded our weak pulpits with their doctrine of "self gratification" blowing up their own minds by speaking great swelling words, and leaving us with nothing but gravel to chew on. I believe we have some self examining to do. "For in an hour that ye think not the SON of man cometh" Matthew 24:44 Being ready as our LORD commanded us. Watch and pray! Drawing ever so closer to the MASTER of our souls, and redeeming the time for the time is at hand. We have been commissioned to "Go ye therefore" to preach, and to teach, what JESUS taught. All that He taught his disciples when he walked on this earth, and how he lived his life; We are to live. A replication of the manifestation of the LOVE that dwelt in the HOLY child Jesus. May it be imparted unto us. May our minds be renewed day by day. "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." 2 Corinthians 4:16 If our focus is NOT JESUS CHRIST, and HIM only then our lives lay waste, and the abominable awaits, the passions of our wicked evil heart. Only to be consumed by our lustful desires, the enemy of our soul, the carnal mind. O how it plays on our vulnerability. We have some examining to do for the hour is late, and the time is at hand.
-Wherefore When He died at the cross and purge our sins By Himself and rose on the Third day, He gave gifts unto men to be apostles, prophets, evangelist pastors and some to be teachers. ( Ephesians 4:7, KJV) This is clearly seen across different churches and in many Christians who have repented of their sins at the cross and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ the son of the Living God.
- It is also important to note that God put his power in Moses' rode, but it was upon Moses to pick it and use it. but according to Gods will ( exodus 4:1-3, KJV)
And Remember Elijah a man like us tempted like we are but prayed earnestly and the rain ceased and yet Elijah was a man like us ( James 5:17, KJV)
-The writer of the Book James clearly point this out to all Christians (those who have repented at the cross and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God) they that take head according to the word of God ( Psalms 119:9, KJV)
-That if there is anyone sick, let him call the elders of the church to pray for him anointing him with oil in the name of The Lord and the prayer of FAITH will save the sick and if he has committed sin the Lord will forgive Him.
-Moreover, in James 5:16, KJV) God clearly points this to us that we are to confess our trespasses to one other and to pray for one other that we may be Healed.
-For if we confess our sins to each other, we will remain humble in the Lord and when we pray with earnestly before God without doubting ( 1 timothy 2:8, KJV) the Lord is faithful who will also do it
Remember prayer is not a shopping list but worshiping the Lord God with Your heart mind and soul.
The conclusion of the matter.
-The Lord still heals the blind, heals the sick and raises the dead according to the Scriptures.
And He does not change but we me and you we change and if we pray in mockery and be covetous in ministry.
-Prophesying for attention picking and choosing the portions of the Scriptures that we want to believe
Lev 26:15-21 God is speaking to His people, the history of the children of Israel full of this. 2 Chronicles 7:14 Jeremiah 3:22 Hosea 6:1,2
Christ brings this into the NT John 12:40 Acts 28:27
Hebrews 12:5-11 speaking of His children
He does this in His merciful lovingkindness to us, we being so blinded by the deceitfulness of sin, it must be scourge out, define as "to flog" lit or fig, God as a father chastising and training men as children by affliction,
Chastisement; Education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction, chastening, instruction, nurture.
There's two kinds of fear, & many manifestations of each, all grounded in one of the two, godly fear which foundation is grounded in obedient reverential love for God.
The other, Satan counter part, grounded in disobedience which brings torment, where condemnation & guilt in one's own heart follows them wherever they go, for they have offended the Holy God; they having continue in disobedience to the Grace of God which appears in their hearts.
God's love in chastising correction, cast this fear & torment out
& why? John 14:21, which defines love, which makes way for John 14:23 one's habitation becomes a dwelling place for Perfect Love in the work of Sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience & sprinkling of the Blood/Life of Jesus.
thus "for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.
Hebrews 12:11 exercising the Grace of God, the Word of Righteousness in discerning between Good & evil,, there's suffering in the Cross to learn righteousness. 1Pet 4:1
Then we have Job, who God said is perfect, Job 2:3; which trials, suffering & afflictions is of a much higher concept than punishment for disobedience, James 5:11
Hebrews 11:33 for this purpose "obtain a better resurrection"
one eighty, you would do well to live out your call name.
your in darkness, deceived; dwelling, speaking & judging falsely against God
Ephesians 5:13, therefore, Ephesians 5:14
In Love & Truth
The Grace of God that appears to all mankind, begotten Paul & he declares in 1Cor 15:10 made what he now is.
What the Apostles received by the Revelation of Jesus Christ from His Grace appearance, they wrote down in the Epistle's that bares their name, & they believed & attain unto this knowledge by the diligent exercising thereof Hebrews 5:14 Hebrews 12:11 Philippians 3:16
Here's a small unfolding of His Grace / Light
They let Patience James 1:4,25 James 5:11 1Pet 5:9,10
Make you Perfect Hebrews 13:21
Be ye Perfect Matt 5:48 indicating this perfection is the same as the Father, there's not a different standard of holiness for mankind describe here.
The angel declared to Mary, Matt 1:21 not in their sin!
Folks,
Everything that God does is perfect, do you really believe that He would sent His only begotten Son to suffer all that He did for our sakes, & it not be a perfect restoration for His beloved creations.
I tell you by the Scriptures, sound reasoning & the Holy Ghost it's goes beyond the state of Adam innocents before he fell
Rom 6:3-5 the newness of life spoken of here is the likeness of His resurrection life & that is attain by working of His Divine Power 2Pet 1:2-4
I'm talking Grace, here now in this life. Don't be deceived, it's accompanies all that Christ experience, 1Pet 2:21 this too is apart of being make in His image & likeness, walking as He walk, the Apostles final got it after Pentecost, being baptized unto His death. This is when 1John 1:1-5 truly came into spiritual experiential experience. John 7:17
John 4:23,24 True worship is doing His will
& that will is reveal by His Grace / Light appearance in your heart. 2Cor 4:6,7