Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Exodus 20:10 "But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates"
John 14:21"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
John 15:10 "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Fathers commandments, and abide in his love."
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
I have prayed for you that you will be healed, whether this is biological, emotional or demonic. Also, that God will bless you with His love and comfort and peace.
To clarify your concerns about the Holy Spirit: He is already in you if you have followed Romans 10:8-9. "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
Baptism does not provide salvation, nor trying to purify oneself. Only Jesus can purify us through His perfect, sinless blood. ( John 3:16). You already said that you trust in Jesus and that He alone can set you free. So with the same faith, believe the Holy Spirit is with you in this fight. He is because Jesus said so. "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things" John 14:26
I pray also that these Scriptures help you stand firm in your faith. I suggest you read them in context for yourself. Jesus will help you through this. You are loved. God bless your family and you.
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. ( Isaiah 53:2).
Whatever appeal an image or icon of Christ gives to the unregenerate; it isn't going to reveal God's true character. Jesus in fact at the end of His earthly existence was marred beyond recognition ( Isaiah 52:14). Whatever He DID look like He only spoke the words God gave Him; at least in terms of teaching. Clearly He had permission to turn the water into wine before the time His mission was fully underway; and we can assume that many other things that John mentioned not written down were left out of the Canon for reasons on this side of eternity we won't fully grasp. Jesus told Phillip that to see Him was to see the Father ( John 14:9). It is clear if the 12 Disciples didn't fully grasp the truth before Pentecost then it is something only revealed supernaturally.
Thus; we can extrapolate that any sensational so called miracle needs to be seen in light of scriptural doctrinal truth. Technology of course can simulate many things but cannot truly create; thus the miracle where a seemingly insignificant gnat was created by God showed the intervention of God where demonic entities couldn't replicate during the time Moses was in the process of delivering His people from Pharaoh.
To understand one's sin therefore is clearly a miracle as we are all formerly spiritually dead. Perhaps an emotion can be evoked to simulate such freedom but it is beyond human expression and a renewed heart brings forth life that cannot be explained or replicated with any technology. We also can't conjure up such an experience to bring appeal to the masses; if true conversion occurs in a large scale event each individual must be convicted through a supernatural work of God. Repentance is action beyond lip service and impossible in our own strength.
Reconciliation with God are achieved solely through Jesus Christ, not through human works, merits, or any other means!
Also studying the Bible, reading the Bible is how we grow!
It's NOT how we become saved!
Reading the Bible is crucial for spiritual growth and understanding God's will
Salvation is eternal life!
John 14:6 Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Jesus is life "eternal!" When we recieve Christ we recieve LIFE!
We receive eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ and His finish work on the cross.
Romans 10:9-10 reads, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
When we truly trust our life in the work of Christ where he died in our place we become joined with him in his death! ( Romans 6:3 )
When Christ rose from the dead we are Identified with Christ in his ressurection!
That's baptism by the Holyspirit!
You've been Identified by the death and ressurection of Christ! ( Romans 6:4-6.)
This doesn't mean you are ever going to be perfect in this life but it does mean there will be change and that change starts in the heart!
A born again believer is given a new heart, one that no longer wants to sin or be around it.
He may stumble but he is no more a habitual sinner because when he recieved Christ he recieved Christ's Spirit that will no longer let him live in sin.
Godwin no one ever has stopped any sin on their own!
Sin is in the old heart before the act is done.
Godwin if you can trust and believe what Christ has done for you you will receive Christ and Christ is salvation.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27.
"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
John 14:18
"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."
Psalms 55:22
"Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."
Matthew 21:22
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."
John 14:13
"And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
"Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?"
Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Exodus 20:10 "But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:"
John 14:21 "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
John 15:10 "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
The same incident according to Mark. ( Mark 10 20-21)
"20And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21Then Jesus beholding him loved him, ..."
Didn't Jesus love him before him saying that he had done all that since he was young?
God loves everybody. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
But there is a special love for His children. "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not." 1 John 3:1
And even more love for those of His children who are careful to obey His commandements. "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." John 14:21
Actually it is like a father with many kids who is pleased by the one who behaves himself.
But God loves everybody.
Once we were riding with a friend and his family. And we were talking about God and salvation. Then one asked what is that God wishes more than everything? And one of the little kids said "God wants All people to be saved". We knew that it was God who talked. The thing is that God can not decide for us. The choice is in our hands.
The Lord promises to make His dwelling with us (both the Father and Son) in John 14:23. The sealing of the Spirit can be found in Ephesians as well as other places.
Given the above comment I cannot add much except to say that we need to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith. This involves an impartial life review as it were; or else the danger is that we have seen evidence of His grace around us but haven't recieved it ourselves. Godly sorrow leads to repentance; worldly sorrow ultimately doesn't do any eternal good for our soul and leads to death (even Judas Iscariot was sorry that what he called a "righteous man" was killed because of his complicity and involvement in the arrest).
The Spirit contends with the flesh; a true believer therefore can never be content living in sin; or a lifestyle therein.
Feelings therefore cannot be our barometer; although we cannot ignore true guilt. The enemy will accuse us when we sin and convince us the blood isn't sufficient for atonement; and also he will use others to put false guilt and such when we try to stick to scriptural convictions on things; as I am unfortunately dealing with at present.
Sory for that "debate". I didn't know that "debate" means aggression. I thought it meant just a discussion between two people with different beliefs.
Now about that "city" you may be right but on the other hand didn't Jesus say to the aposles ( John 14:2-3) that He will go to Heaven to prepare houses for them? Do you think this is also figurative?
It is too late here so I will read your answer tomorrow. GBU
As I said before our relationship with Christ is (ought to be) similar to a love affair. As both persons in such a relationship wish to please each other, similarly if we love God we should try to please Him, We don't want Him to be sad. And how can it be shown that we love Him? By doing what He asks us for.
John 14:23, "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."
Like we do about what our mate asks for. Is there any case that we refuse to do what our mate asks for, what pleases them? If we love them then no, there isn't such a case. It is not possible to refuse to please them. Pleasing them is our first priority. If we don't really love them then we don't really care. So if we are careless about God's wishes from us, then this means that we don't really love Him or at least we don't love Him that much.
In the beginning of our lives with God, we are really very enthusiastic about it. We think about even the smallest detail. We try our best. We are very careful not to displease God. But as a human love affair, which is tried by the circumstances of our common life and which is also tried by time, similarly our relationship with God is tried by all those things that come across in our lives. And time tests our love. On the way we may loose our first love for our mate or for God. Why? Let's see that angel of the church of Ephesus.
Jesus says to Him, (after congratulating him about all those he achieved) something which is a complain, Rev 1:4, "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love."
Why did that pastor left his first love? Why does John leave Ann and goes with Helen? Because he loved Helen more that Ann. Simple. Why do we loose/leave our initial love for God? Simply because meanwhile we come to love something else more than God, whatever that might be.
b. and this is concerning the apostles not destined for Heaven but to remain on Earth to judge the twelve tribes. John 14:1-3 was Jesus' assurance & comfort to His disciples (in their questioning and confusion: John 13:33-38), that He had to leave them to return to His Father. But He would return for them. During His departure, Jesus would prepare 'dwelling places' for them and that at His Return, He would take them to be with Him (at His Father's house - Heaven). Do these verses suggest to you that Jesus' Promise to them is that their destiny would actually be Heaven (at least in the interim, with the saints in their deaths or the rapture)? It would be very difficult to believe that these places being prepared in Heaven for the apostles are not actually located in Heaven but on Earth (or maybe what the new Earth has in store for them), given what Jesus spoke about. Blessings.
I do understand where you are coming from in this dialog. Paul is clear that it is morally fine for someone to keep the Sabbath day holy unto the Lord and also clear that one can keep any day as holy unto the Lord or every day holy. It is a matter of Christian liberty that we seek the direction of the Holy Spirit as to what we personally are to do in this matter and to be fully persuaded in what the Spirit has led us to do in this time of one's life.
Jesus said that He is the Lord of the Sabbath. It belongs to Him for His glory for us to do good on it as we ought to do everyday. The Jews had a multitude of regulations that specified how one is to keep the Sabbath holy. But these regulations were done away with at the cross for those of us in Christ. Because the Jews did not have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them, their was a need to put a "fence" (these regulations) around the Sabbath in order to help them to keep their focus on God for that Day.
But we who are in Christ have the Holy Spirit as our constant source of connection to the true God and the Spirit is the One who "fences us in" (so to speak) as to how to live each day in godliness and and god-wardness. This is so much better than what the Jews tried to do on one day of the week. We can live everyday with the Lord wherever we are and in whatever we do, not because we, in ourselves, have the power to do so, but because the Father and the Son live within us by the Holy Spirit ( John 14:21) we are blessed to have continual fellowship with God and constant assistance and power to live a life that honors Him in all we say and do.
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;"
John 15:10
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."
John 14:21
"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
John 14:15
"If ye love me, keep my commandments."
1 John 3:22
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
Revelation 22:14
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Matthew 24:35
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Christ is omnipresent and not bound by the limits of time or space. When Jesus promised in Matthew 28:20, "lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world," He declared His constant presence with every believer, no matter where they are. David proclaimed in Psalm 139:7-10, "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there." This eternal reality points us to Christ as God in the flesh ( 1 Timothy 3:16), unlimited in His power and presence.
When Jesus walked the earth, His physical body was localized, but after His resurrection and glorification, He transcended all limitations. In John 14:18, He promised, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." This is fulfilled through His Spirit indwelling each believer ( Colossians 1:27, Romans 8:9-10). At the same time, He intercedes at the right hand of God ( Hebrews 7:25), proving He can be present in heaven and in the hearts of His people simultaneously.
Christ Himself said in Matthew 18:20, "where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Paul declared in Galatians 2:20, "Christ liveth in me." Yet John also saw Him walking among the seven churches ( Revelation 1:13). These passages show that Christ is not confined but active everywhere at once.
This truth is a source of comfort: He hears the cry of the saint in a prison cell, strengthens the missionary across the seas, and walks beside you today. Truly, He is Emmanuel, "God with us" ( Matthew 1:23), never distant, never absent, always present to guide, comfort, and uphold His people.
Salvation is entirely the work of Christ and cannot be improved or added to. When Jesus died on the cross, He fully paid the penalty for sin, making complete atonement for all who believe. Romans 5:8-10 shows that Christ died for us while we were still sinners; nothing we do can make that sacrifice more sufficient. Galatians 2:21 warns that trying to gain righteousness through human effort nullifies the grace of God, because if we could earn salvation, Christ's death would be unnecessary. Salvation is a gift, received by faith alone ( Ephesians 2:8-9), not by works, rituals, or moral achievement. Adding anything implies Christ's work was incomplete, which Scripture directly contradicts. John 14:6 confirms that Jesus alone is the way; no human action supplements His finished work. When we trust Christ fully, our sins are forgiven, and we are counted righteous before God. Attempting to add to His work shifts the focus from God's provision to human effort, turning faith into a performance. True security and peace come only from relying completely on what Jesus accomplished, not on anything we can do. Salvation is therefore entirely by grace, fully sufficient in Christ, and nothing else is required.
Let me ask you, what work/thing did you add to the cross of Christ?
"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
1 John 2:4
"He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."
Just wanted to share these precious scriptures with you as a reminder of the "Mighty God We Serve!"
2As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 4I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. 6I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. 7Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. 8For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
John 14:15
"If ye love me, keep my commandments."
1 John 5:2
"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments."
you commented about hearing/listening. I'm not sure if I understood your post correctly, but it's important to approach this concept carefully, because it is very common in Christian teachings, but it is not found as a specific verse in the Bible.
I am studying and have faith in only one that is based on the Bible and its instructions. In other words, there is no single verse that explicitly lists these three voices. Rather, it is a theological synthesis or a principle derived from various passages that, together, describe the sources of influence and thought in our lives.
Let's break down this concept and look at the verses that foundation each part:
1. The Voice of God (The Holy Spirit)
The Bible often describes God speaking to His people, guiding them, and granting discernment.
John 10:27: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." This is a key verse that supports the idea that believers can discern Jesus' voice.
1 Kings 19:11-13: God did not speak to Elijah in the powerful wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in a "gentle whisper." This illustrates that God's voice is often discerned in quietness and intimacy.
John 14:26: "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." The Holy Spirit is presented as the internal voice that guides and teaches.
In Matthew 16:16- And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
(the Son of the living God.) This is interpreted Jesus is God. Why this is important? I will come back to that.
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.
Jesus is telling Peter "on this basis (Jesus being God) will set the cornerstone for the foundation that the Church will be built on.
Hebrews 9:22-24 reads "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
Jesus was the only perfect sacrifice that could present himself as that perfect Lamb from God that could atone for our sins.
Peter says in Acts 4:11-12 "This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Jesus wasn't a descendent from Adam where he carried sin in the flesh as all of man kind.
He was brought foward by the Spirit of God. Matthew 1:20-21.
Hebrews 2:14 reads "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Listen to Jesus in John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness we not that He didn't dispute Satan when offered all the kingdoms of this world. It had to be so as to Satan's temporary domain over these things or it wouldn't have been a temptation at all. Of course he was totally defeated after probably anticipating Christ was defeated on the cross; only to have the resurrection 3 days later. The true victory happened the second Jesus drew His last breath on the cross when He said "it is finished."
Ultimately; despite almost wiping out all of mankind numerous times in history our enemy is in a defeated position. His complete failure is demonstrated in the fact that it is impossible for even one soul that he has worked so hard to attempt to keep in darkness can be held back from salvation if God so chooses to reveal Himself to them through His Son and of course through the power of the Holy Spirit. Once the statement in John 14:23 comes to pass the Godhead lives within a person and sin no longer can prevent what Romans describes as sancrification and glorification ( Romans 8:30). The process of a born again soul inevitably heads toward this eternal heavenly state and there isn't anything the enemy can do to change that.
We of course are not ignorant of his schemes; and naturally the accuser will continue to find ways to attack us at every opportunity. It is clear though that today even with the wickedness of men at unprecidented levels we see more and more people detransitioning; for instance and coming out of the occult; drugs; and other deviant behaviors as God clearly calls them and works in their lives. It seems we see less of those who we may consider less controversial these days coming to faith and that no doubt is in no small way related to the watered down Gospel today which won't press people to confront their own sick hearts ( Jeremiah 17:9); and desperate need as Jude says to be taken out of the fire.
"Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:"
Exodus 20:10
"But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:"
John 14:21
"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
1 John 2:4
"He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."
Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Exodus 20:10 "But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates"
John 14:21"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
John 15:10 "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Fathers commandments, and abide in his love."
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Blessings
"If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Luke 6:46
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
John 3:5
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
Matthew 24:35
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Blessings
I have prayed for you that you will be healed, whether this is biological, emotional or demonic. Also, that God will bless you with His love and comfort and peace.
To clarify your concerns about the Holy Spirit: He is already in you if you have followed Romans 10:8-9. "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
Baptism does not provide salvation, nor trying to purify oneself. Only Jesus can purify us through His perfect, sinless blood. ( John 3:16). You already said that you trust in Jesus and that He alone can set you free. So with the same faith, believe the Holy Spirit is with you in this fight. He is because Jesus said so. "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things" John 14:26
I pray also that these Scriptures help you stand firm in your faith. I suggest you read them in context for yourself. Jesus will help you through this. You are loved. God bless your family and you.
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. ( Isaiah 53:2).
Whatever appeal an image or icon of Christ gives to the unregenerate; it isn't going to reveal God's true character. Jesus in fact at the end of His earthly existence was marred beyond recognition ( Isaiah 52:14). Whatever He DID look like He only spoke the words God gave Him; at least in terms of teaching. Clearly He had permission to turn the water into wine before the time His mission was fully underway; and we can assume that many other things that John mentioned not written down were left out of the Canon for reasons on this side of eternity we won't fully grasp. Jesus told Phillip that to see Him was to see the Father ( John 14:9). It is clear if the 12 Disciples didn't fully grasp the truth before Pentecost then it is something only revealed supernaturally.
Thus; we can extrapolate that any sensational so called miracle needs to be seen in light of scriptural doctrinal truth. Technology of course can simulate many things but cannot truly create; thus the miracle where a seemingly insignificant gnat was created by God showed the intervention of God where demonic entities couldn't replicate during the time Moses was in the process of delivering His people from Pharaoh.
To understand one's sin therefore is clearly a miracle as we are all formerly spiritually dead. Perhaps an emotion can be evoked to simulate such freedom but it is beyond human expression and a renewed heart brings forth life that cannot be explained or replicated with any technology. We also can't conjure up such an experience to bring appeal to the masses; if true conversion occurs in a large scale event each individual must be convicted through a supernatural work of God. Repentance is action beyond lip service and impossible in our own strength.
Reconciliation with God are achieved solely through Jesus Christ, not through human works, merits, or any other means!
Also studying the Bible, reading the Bible is how we grow!
It's NOT how we become saved!
Reading the Bible is crucial for spiritual growth and understanding God's will
Salvation is eternal life!
John 14:6 Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Jesus is life "eternal!" When we recieve Christ we recieve LIFE!
We receive eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ and His finish work on the cross.
Romans 10:9-10 reads, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
When we truly trust our life in the work of Christ where he died in our place we become joined with him in his death! ( Romans 6:3 )
When Christ rose from the dead we are Identified with Christ in his ressurection!
That's baptism by the Holyspirit!
You've been Identified by the death and ressurection of Christ! ( Romans 6:4-6.)
This doesn't mean you are ever going to be perfect in this life but it does mean there will be change and that change starts in the heart!
A born again believer is given a new heart, one that no longer wants to sin or be around it.
He may stumble but he is no more a habitual sinner because when he recieved Christ he recieved Christ's Spirit that will no longer let him live in sin.
Godwin no one ever has stopped any sin on their own!
Sin is in the old heart before the act is done.
Godwin if you can trust and believe what Christ has done for you you will receive Christ and Christ is salvation.
Your sanctification is a life long journey.
God bless you.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27.
GBU.
Joshua 1:9
"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
John 14:18
"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."
Psalms 55:22
"Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."
Matthew 21:22
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."
John 14:13
"And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
Blessings
"Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?"
John 10:30
"I and my Father are one."
Blessings
Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Exodus 20:10 "But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:"
John 14:21 "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
John 15:10 "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Blessings
1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
John 14:13 "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."
Blessings
Blessings
The same incident according to Mark. ( Mark 10 20-21)
"20And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21Then Jesus beholding him loved him, ..."
Didn't Jesus love him before him saying that he had done all that since he was young?
God loves everybody. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
But there is a special love for His children. "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not." 1 John 3:1
And even more love for those of His children who are careful to obey His commandements. "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." John 14:21
Actually it is like a father with many kids who is pleased by the one who behaves himself.
But God loves everybody.
Once we were riding with a friend and his family. And we were talking about God and salvation. Then one asked what is that God wishes more than everything? And one of the little kids said "God wants All people to be saved". We knew that it was God who talked. The thing is that God can not decide for us. The choice is in our hands.
GBU
Given the above comment I cannot add much except to say that we need to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith. This involves an impartial life review as it were; or else the danger is that we have seen evidence of His grace around us but haven't recieved it ourselves. Godly sorrow leads to repentance; worldly sorrow ultimately doesn't do any eternal good for our soul and leads to death (even Judas Iscariot was sorry that what he called a "righteous man" was killed because of his complicity and involvement in the arrest).
The Spirit contends with the flesh; a true believer therefore can never be content living in sin; or a lifestyle therein.
Feelings therefore cannot be our barometer; although we cannot ignore true guilt. The enemy will accuse us when we sin and convince us the blood isn't sufficient for atonement; and also he will use others to put false guilt and such when we try to stick to scriptural convictions on things; as I am unfortunately dealing with at present.
Hope that helps a bit; gitta go to work now.
RIch P
Sory for that "debate". I didn't know that "debate" means aggression. I thought it meant just a discussion between two people with different beliefs.
Now about that "city" you may be right but on the other hand didn't Jesus say to the aposles ( John 14:2-3) that He will go to Heaven to prepare houses for them? Do you think this is also figurative?
It is too late here so I will read your answer tomorrow. GBU
1 John 3:22
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
John 14:13 "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."
Blessings
As I said before our relationship with Christ is (ought to be) similar to a love affair. As both persons in such a relationship wish to please each other, similarly if we love God we should try to please Him, We don't want Him to be sad. And how can it be shown that we love Him? By doing what He asks us for.
John 14:23, "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."
Like we do about what our mate asks for. Is there any case that we refuse to do what our mate asks for, what pleases them? If we love them then no, there isn't such a case. It is not possible to refuse to please them. Pleasing them is our first priority. If we don't really love them then we don't really care. So if we are careless about God's wishes from us, then this means that we don't really love Him or at least we don't love Him that much.
In the beginning of our lives with God, we are really very enthusiastic about it. We think about even the smallest detail. We try our best. We are very careful not to displease God. But as a human love affair, which is tried by the circumstances of our common life and which is also tried by time, similarly our relationship with God is tried by all those things that come across in our lives. And time tests our love. On the way we may loose our first love for our mate or for God. Why? Let's see that angel of the church of Ephesus.
Jesus says to Him, (after congratulating him about all those he achieved) something which is a complain, Rev 1:4, "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love."
Why did that pastor left his first love? Why does John leave Ann and goes with Helen? Because he loved Helen more that Ann. Simple. Why do we loose/leave our initial love for God? Simply because meanwhile we come to love something else more than God, whatever that might be.
see pt 2
b. and this is concerning the apostles not destined for Heaven but to remain on Earth to judge the twelve tribes. John 14:1-3 was Jesus' assurance & comfort to His disciples (in their questioning and confusion: John 13:33-38), that He had to leave them to return to His Father. But He would return for them. During His departure, Jesus would prepare 'dwelling places' for them and that at His Return, He would take them to be with Him (at His Father's house - Heaven). Do these verses suggest to you that Jesus' Promise to them is that their destiny would actually be Heaven (at least in the interim, with the saints in their deaths or the rapture)? It would be very difficult to believe that these places being prepared in Heaven for the apostles are not actually located in Heaven but on Earth (or maybe what the new Earth has in store for them), given what Jesus spoke about. Blessings.
"If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Luke 6:46
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
Blessings
I do understand where you are coming from in this dialog. Paul is clear that it is morally fine for someone to keep the Sabbath day holy unto the Lord and also clear that one can keep any day as holy unto the Lord or every day holy. It is a matter of Christian liberty that we seek the direction of the Holy Spirit as to what we personally are to do in this matter and to be fully persuaded in what the Spirit has led us to do in this time of one's life.
Jesus said that He is the Lord of the Sabbath. It belongs to Him for His glory for us to do good on it as we ought to do everyday. The Jews had a multitude of regulations that specified how one is to keep the Sabbath holy. But these regulations were done away with at the cross for those of us in Christ. Because the Jews did not have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them, their was a need to put a "fence" (these regulations) around the Sabbath in order to help them to keep their focus on God for that Day.
But we who are in Christ have the Holy Spirit as our constant source of connection to the true God and the Spirit is the One who "fences us in" (so to speak) as to how to live each day in godliness and and god-wardness. This is so much better than what the Jews tried to do on one day of the week. We can live everyday with the Lord wherever we are and in whatever we do, not because we, in ourselves, have the power to do so, but because the Father and the Son live within us by the Holy Spirit ( John 14:21) we are blessed to have continual fellowship with God and constant assistance and power to live a life that honors Him in all we say and do.
Exodus 20:8
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."
Hebrews 10:16
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;"
John 15:10
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."
John 14:21
"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
John 14:15
"If ye love me, keep my commandments."
1 John 3:22
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
Revelation 22:14
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Matthew 24:35
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Blessings
Luke 18:17
"Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein."
John 14:15
"If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Luke 6:46
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
Blessings
Matthew 11:28 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
John 14:13 "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."
Blessings
Christ is omnipresent and not bound by the limits of time or space. When Jesus promised in Matthew 28:20, "lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world," He declared His constant presence with every believer, no matter where they are. David proclaimed in Psalm 139:7-10, "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there." This eternal reality points us to Christ as God in the flesh ( 1 Timothy 3:16), unlimited in His power and presence.
When Jesus walked the earth, His physical body was localized, but after His resurrection and glorification, He transcended all limitations. In John 14:18, He promised, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." This is fulfilled through His Spirit indwelling each believer ( Colossians 1:27, Romans 8:9-10). At the same time, He intercedes at the right hand of God ( Hebrews 7:25), proving He can be present in heaven and in the hearts of His people simultaneously.
Christ Himself said in Matthew 18:20, "where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Paul declared in Galatians 2:20, "Christ liveth in me." Yet John also saw Him walking among the seven churches ( Revelation 1:13). These passages show that Christ is not confined but active everywhere at once.
This truth is a source of comfort: He hears the cry of the saint in a prison cell, strengthens the missionary across the seas, and walks beside you today. Truly, He is Emmanuel, "God with us" ( Matthew 1:23), never distant, never absent, always present to guide, comfort, and uphold His people.
G&P
Salvation is entirely the work of Christ and cannot be improved or added to. When Jesus died on the cross, He fully paid the penalty for sin, making complete atonement for all who believe. Romans 5:8-10 shows that Christ died for us while we were still sinners; nothing we do can make that sacrifice more sufficient. Galatians 2:21 warns that trying to gain righteousness through human effort nullifies the grace of God, because if we could earn salvation, Christ's death would be unnecessary. Salvation is a gift, received by faith alone ( Ephesians 2:8-9), not by works, rituals, or moral achievement. Adding anything implies Christ's work was incomplete, which Scripture directly contradicts. John 14:6 confirms that Jesus alone is the way; no human action supplements His finished work. When we trust Christ fully, our sins are forgiven, and we are counted righteous before God. Attempting to add to His work shifts the focus from God's provision to human effort, turning faith into a performance. True security and peace come only from relying completely on what Jesus accomplished, not on anything we can do. Salvation is therefore entirely by grace, fully sufficient in Christ, and nothing else is required.
Let me ask you, what work/thing did you add to the cross of Christ?
John 14:21
"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
1 John 2:4
"He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."
Blessings
Just wanted to share these precious scriptures with you as a reminder of the "Mighty God We Serve!"
2As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 4I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. 6I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. 7Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. 8For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
John 14:15
"If ye love me, keep my commandments."
1 John 5:2
"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments."
Amen! To God be the Glory!
you commented about hearing/listening. I'm not sure if I understood your post correctly, but it's important to approach this concept carefully, because it is very common in Christian teachings, but it is not found as a specific verse in the Bible.
I am studying and have faith in only one that is based on the Bible and its instructions. In other words, there is no single verse that explicitly lists these three voices. Rather, it is a theological synthesis or a principle derived from various passages that, together, describe the sources of influence and thought in our lives.
Let's break down this concept and look at the verses that foundation each part:
1. The Voice of God (The Holy Spirit)
The Bible often describes God speaking to His people, guiding them, and granting discernment.
John 10:27: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." This is a key verse that supports the idea that believers can discern Jesus' voice.
1 Kings 19:11-13: God did not speak to Elijah in the powerful wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in a "gentle whisper." This illustrates that God's voice is often discerned in quietness and intimacy.
John 14:26: "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." The Holy Spirit is presented as the internal voice that guides and teaches.
Matthew 11:28 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
John 14:13 "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
Blessings
In Matthew 16:16- And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
(the Son of the living God.) This is interpreted Jesus is God. Why this is important? I will come back to that.
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.
Jesus is telling Peter "on this basis (Jesus being God) will set the cornerstone for the foundation that the Church will be built on.
Hebrews 9:22-24 reads "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
Jesus was the only perfect sacrifice that could present himself as that perfect Lamb from God that could atone for our sins.
Peter says in Acts 4:11-12 "This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Jesus wasn't a descendent from Adam where he carried sin in the flesh as all of man kind.
He was brought foward by the Spirit of God. Matthew 1:20-21.
Hebrews 2:14 reads "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Listen to Jesus in John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
I hope this helps
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness we not that He didn't dispute Satan when offered all the kingdoms of this world. It had to be so as to Satan's temporary domain over these things or it wouldn't have been a temptation at all. Of course he was totally defeated after probably anticipating Christ was defeated on the cross; only to have the resurrection 3 days later. The true victory happened the second Jesus drew His last breath on the cross when He said "it is finished."
Ultimately; despite almost wiping out all of mankind numerous times in history our enemy is in a defeated position. His complete failure is demonstrated in the fact that it is impossible for even one soul that he has worked so hard to attempt to keep in darkness can be held back from salvation if God so chooses to reveal Himself to them through His Son and of course through the power of the Holy Spirit. Once the statement in John 14:23 comes to pass the Godhead lives within a person and sin no longer can prevent what Romans describes as sancrification and glorification ( Romans 8:30). The process of a born again soul inevitably heads toward this eternal heavenly state and there isn't anything the enemy can do to change that.
We of course are not ignorant of his schemes; and naturally the accuser will continue to find ways to attack us at every opportunity. It is clear though that today even with the wickedness of men at unprecidented levels we see more and more people detransitioning; for instance and coming out of the occult; drugs; and other deviant behaviors as God clearly calls them and works in their lives. It seems we see less of those who we may consider less controversial these days coming to faith and that no doubt is in no small way related to the watered down Gospel today which won't press people to confront their own sick hearts ( Jeremiah 17:9); and desperate need as Jude says to be taken out of the fire.
Yes even nice people need God.
Exodus 20:8
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."
Exodus 20:9
"Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:"
Exodus 20:10
"But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:"
John 14:21
"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
1 John 2:4
"He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."
Blessings