Discuss Luke 13 Page 2

Thank you for this question and thank you fellow believers for the answers. Please also consider this from Jesus:

Matthew 23:37 and Luke 13:34

Very respectfully,

Mark 10:28-31, Matthew 20:1-16, Matthew 19:16-30, Luke 13:23-30

Hi bro Giannis,

I enjoyed your comments on this Holy Sabbath Day, and thanks for sharing!

I also observe many people in the world choosing to ignore Jesus Christ and His Gospel of the Kingdom. It is very sad to see the rejection, but it coincides with much of the scripture which tells us so many times that "few people will enter into God's Kingdom".

Matthew 22:14

"For many are called, but few are chosen."

Luke 13:23-24

"Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them," "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."

Matthew 7:14

"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

The emphasis coming directly from the mouth of Jesus saying "few there be that find it". If these bible verses don't move a Christian to "take notice" of themselves, nothing well.

Are we truly picking up our crosses and following Christ? Are we living our lives as part of this world? Jesus tells us that we can't do both!

Matthew 16:25

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."

People need to take the bible to heart and NOT be lulled into thinking/believing they are (forever saved) while at the same time living their worldly lives.

Matthew 16:26

"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

There are many false teachers, and preachers out there telling others that you can still live a worldly life and still have a "free ticket to heaven".

Any wonder why Jesus tells us over and over that FEW will be saved!

GB You

2 Chronicles 30:15 | View whole chapter | See verse in context

Then they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought in the burnt offerings into the house of the LORD.

2 Timothy 1:12 | View whole chapter | See verse in context

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Jeremiah 20:11 | View whole chapter | See verse in context

But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.

Luke 13:17 | View whole chapter | See verse in context

And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

Luke,

I strongly disagree with you saying that Paul is telling the saved believers that they are going to heaven "no matter what". Paul is not saying this.

In the verse that you listed: Philippians 4:3 "And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life."

If it is as you say Paul and his fellow laborer's are destined for heaven no matter what - why are they laboring so hard? I'll tell you why they are laboring, they are struggling with everyday life, to live as sin free as possible and follow in Christs footsteps to assure that they actually do achieve the prize - Heaven!

If it is as you are relating here that all Christian's that believe that their name is in the book of life are going to heaven - no matter what - this is false doctrine, and for anyone to believe this, they we would have to ignore the entire gospel of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 22:14

"For many are called, but few are chosen."

Luke 13:24

"Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."

Matthew 7:14

"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

Matthew 5:20

"For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."

There are no free tickets to heaven, and it's never too late to change, read Jesus Christs Gospel found in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and Believe!

Good Bless.

Hey S Spencer,

I agree that our physical death ends any chance for our salvation and today is the accepted time for tomorrow we may be gone. When we die, what's inside will determine what we get, Isaiah 55:6. Revelation 22:11 along with verse 12 brings other scripture up to me, that you may not agree with.

Do you think it refers to the door being shut, at the end of the days of grace, the fulness of the Gentiles? I know it is not thought of much, but God does know when and who the last person will be saved. Those who have not accepted Jesus as their savior will no longer be able to find Him after he closes the door on salvation like God closed the door on the ark, Genesis 7:16 Luke 17:27.

He has warned us. The door will close someday. Whether it is upon our death or that He allows one hardened heart to remain hard or that He allows those to accept the delusion, 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12, the door to salvation will close. Matthew 7:13 - 14 Luke 13:24-25 John 10:9 Revelation 3:8.

Thank you and God bless,

RLW

We are to show mercy and compassion on those we happen upon that are in need!

Luke 10, ver 27.

Prophets, Prophetic, gifts of Prophecy in New Testament

Romans 12:6,

2Peter 1:16-21,

1Timothy 4:14,

Revelation 1:3,

Gifting working within the Body: 1Corinthians 12, 1Corinthians 13, direction concerning in Church: 1Corinthians 14:29-40,

Prophets yet to come: Revelation 11:3-19, false prophet yet to come: Revelation 16:12-15, Revelation 19:20, Revelation 20:10,

Revelation 19:10,

Revelation 22,

John the Baptist referred to as Prophet: Luke 1:76, Luke 3:4, Matthew 13:57, Mark 6:4, Luke 4:24, Luke 7:26,28, Luke 20:3-20, John 1:19-37,

Acts 3:22-26, Acts 7:35-60, Titus 1:12,

Matthew 10:41,

Jesus talking about Prophets in HIS day, referred to himself also: Matthew 21:26, Matthew 11:9, Mark 11:32, John 4:4,

Luke 13:33, Luke 24,

Paul & others acknowledged prophecy, Prophets, even Women that did Prophecy: Acts 21:8-14,

Hope these are helpful

Greek translation of Biblical in the Gospels= (Internet research ) Greek = "Metaonia" - "meta" = "after", bears the concept of "shift", or "change",

Repent= the act of leaving what GOD prohibited & returning to what HE commanded.

Revelation 2:5, Matthew 3:2, Luke 13:3-9, Exodus 20:14,

Where does it say to be sorry, because of our trespass?

Remember the woman: John 8:1-12, Psalms 130:4,

James 2, Matthew 25:31-46, Ezekiel 33:11,

Luke 9:23, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Romans 8:13, Matthew 10:28, Colossians 1:10-23, Ephesians 5:1-20, Jude 1:24-25,

Hopefully these are helpful

Marke:

Matthew 13:31 The kingdom of heaven IS LIKE (not actual) a grain of mustard SEED ...

Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this: The SEED is the WORD OF GOD (CHRIST).

..... which a man took (the man Jesus Christ), and sowed in his field.

Matthew 13:38 The field is the world.

Matthew 13:32 Which (the SEED) indeed is the least of all SEEDS: but when it (the SEED) is grown, it (the SEED) is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a TREE (of LIFE)....

The kingdom of God is THIS TREE (of LIFE).

..... so that the birds (fowls) of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

John 15:5 Ye are the branches ....

Luke 13:9 ....and the fowls of the air (the devil) lodged in the branches of it (the tree).

Luke 8:5 and some fell by the way side.... and the fowls of the air devoured it (the SEED)......

Luke 8:12 Those by the way side, are those that hear, then cometh the DEVIL (fowls of the air), and taketh away THE WORD (the SEED)....

Psalms 104:12 By them (the springs of water, living water) shall the fowls of heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches.

Ezekiel 17:23 In the mountain the height of Israel will I plant it (the SEED), and it (the SEED) shall bring forth boughs (branches), and bear fruit (SEED), and be a goodly cedar (tree), and UNDER IT (the tree) shall dwell every fowl of ever wing, in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.

The devil WILL BE SHAKEN out of the branches of the kingdom of God (the TREE OF LIFE).

Matthew 12:28 If I CAST OUT devils by the Spirit of God (LIFE and TRUTH) then the kingdom of GOD is come unto you.

God Bless You!

Starting with: Numbers 14:34,35,36,37,38 then, Ezekiel 4:6,

Daniel 9:2, searching the prophetic timelines,

Other years mysteries: Isaiah 61:2, Isaiah 63:4, Jeremiah 11:23, Jeremiah 17:8, Jeremiah 23:12, Jeremiah 48:44, Jeremiah 51:46, Ezekiel 46:17, Luke 4:19, Luke 13:8, Revelation 9:15, Daniel 11:6,

Sometimes in prophetic dreams things symbolized days & years,

additional amounts of time described at "times" Daniel 4:23,25,32, Daniel 7:25, Daniel 8:14,17,19,26

Weeks; Daniel 9:24-27, Daniel 12:1,9,

Days: Daniel 12:11,12,13, 2Peter 3:7-13,

Also a Day is like a thousand years unto The LORD: 2Peter 3:8, Psalms 90:4,

* Daniel 2:20-22, James 1:5,

Hopefully these are helpful to your study

Hi Paul. 'Repent' in the Bible is from the Greek word, Metanoeo, which essentially means, 'changing one's mind or direction'. So when someone repents of having offended a person by word or deed, it means that he is sorry for his actions & determines in his mind to no longer offend in that way; he wants to take on a new path, not only towards that person but also towards not committing that offence again.

When we see it in the biblical view, repentance towards God can be one of two types: a simple sorrow (or, even a show of sorrow) for committing a sin yet without any desire to deal with that sin; and secondly, a deep sorrow, brought about by the Holy Spirit's conviction upon that person. In Matthew 3:7-10, we read of some religious leaders coming to John the Baptist to be baptized. They might have come because of the hype of the moment or even a sense of adding to their attempt to please God. But John questioned their motives, saying that their hearts weren't right & their coming was hypocritical & not to demonstrate repentance.

Whereas the repentance that Jesus & the apostles spoke of is the true understanding of repentance: of a change of heart & mind towards sin, turning away from it & turning to God. Only after Jesus' Death & Resurrection & the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell men, did men pre & post-Cross, receive a conviction of their sin & urging to turn away from anything that brought eternal damnation. Luke 13:1-5; John 16:7-11; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 3:19. So today, when one truly repents, he acknowledges that he is a sinner, having offended God by his carnal lifestyle & rejection of God; then under the moving of the Holy Spirit, he can do nothing but fall at the Cross of Christ in sorrow & seek forgiveness only through Jesus' Sacrifice. When that heart has truly turned away from the 'old' & now cleaving unto the Lord, God forgives - forgiving completely - sending His Holy Spirit to indwell him & give him new life, a new joy & a new hope.

John 3:1+10 (verse 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God)

Luke 13:2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? (3) I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Thank you Jesus!

This chapter is a continuation of the exhortations of the promises of cursing for turning away from God; and to a lesser extent of the volume of the text; the promise of blessings for obedience. There is always opportunity while one lives; even when disbursed to the "outer parts of heaven" (v. 4) for making things right with the Lord; and this indeed is his promise to Israel.

This passage contains the famous "free will" passage about choosing life (v. 19). It reminds us of Joshua's statement "as for me and my household; we shall serve the Lord ( Joshua 24:15). For the chosen nation; it is hard to separate the transgressions of individuals from eventual exile of both Judah and Israel. God; in His foreknowledge knew of course that all these rebellions would come to pass. Again; such preaching today certainly wouldn't be very popular. It is hard to say how much of today's calamities in society are due to sin and the curses on a nation; as the warning Christ had in His time about the tower of Siloam. ( Luke 13:1-5). However; it is clear that all of creation is groaning at present. The law can never save us; but these passages are talking about the 1st Commandment primarily; leading of course to all other sources of sin and rebellion if any other "gods" are venerated. This allows; for instance the fornications that idol worship invokes; the murder of the unborn warned about time and time again in scripture when children were "put through the fire" ( 2 Kings 23:10) and numerous other passages are examples of two other resulting transgressions against the Ten Commandments resulting from turning from the living God.

Again; verse 11 and the next couple verses show that there is sufficient words from the Lord to make clear how to be obedient; Deut. 29:29 in other words doesn't indicate that He is hiding this sort of vital information. We only truly BELIEVE these as well as ANY other scriptural admonitions if we have the Spirit of God.

According to Strongs Exhaustive Concordance of the KJV Bible there are three variant Greek words translated devils.

The root word in his Greek dictionary of the New Testament is:

1142.

Transliteration daimn (Key)

Pronunciation dah'-ee-mown

Part of Speech masculine/feminine noun

Root Word (Etymology) From daio (to distribute fortunes)

a daemon or super-natural spirit (of a bad nature); - devil.

Matthew 8:31; Mark 5:12; Revelation 16:14; Revelation 18:2.

1139.

Transliteration daimonizomai (Key)

Pronunciation dahee-mon-id'-zom-ahee

Part of Speech verb

Root Word (Etymology) Middle voice from (G1142)

to be exercised by a daemon;-have a (be vexed with, be possessed with) devil (-s).

Matthew 4:24; Matthew 8:16; Matthew 8:28; Mark 1:32; Luke 4:36

1140.

Transliteration daimonion (Key)

Pronunciation dahee-mon'-ee-on

Part of Speech neuter noun

Root Word (Etymology) Neuter of a derivative of (G1142)

a demonic being; by extension a diety:-devil, god.

Matthew 7:22; Matthew 9:34; Matthew 10:8; Matthew 12:24,27,28; Mark 1:34,39; Mark 3:15,22; Mark 6:13; Mark 9:38; Mark 16:9,17; Luke 4:41; Luke 8:2,27,30,33,35,38; Luke 9:1,49; Luke 10:17; Luke 12:15,18,19,20; Luke 13:32; 1 Corinthians 10:20-21; 1 Timothy 4:1; James 2:19; Revelation 9:20.

demon - The Modern English word demon derives from the Middle English demon: from medieval Latin demon, from Latin daemon, from Greek daimn 'deity, genius'; in demon; also from Latin daemonium 'lesser or evil spirit', from Greek daemonion, diminutive of daimn.

devils - The Modern English word devil derives from the Middle English devel, from the Old English dofol, that in turn represents an early Germanic borrowing of the Latin diabolus.

The KJV translation is not a word for word or uniquely and infallible inspired representation of the Greek New Testament, and we should be cautious in choosing which English words in it we want to make our hills to die on without first consulting the Greek.

Verses 1 through 12 indicate covenant blessings for obedience; but the section 13 through 43 are almost 3 times longer where there are warnings of cursing for disobedience. Notwithstanding; there are promises in the last three verses that the covenant would still remain UNbroken (v. 44); and that the ancient promises would still be ultimately remembered. God according to Christ "chastises everyone He loves." ( Heb. 12:6). This can be in regard to an individual; but also the promises ultimately mentioned in Romans to the Jews who are now "blind in part" ( Romans 11:25) until the "full number of Gentiles has come in." This could refer to the Rapture as many commentators suggest; but the full supplication will not occur until around the time of Armageddon when they shall "mourn for the One they pierced" ( Zech. 12:10).

We do well as a nation to study these verses on Israel. In some sense; we are still held under the statement "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you." ( Gen. 12:3). God judges the nations as He pleases (and does all things as He pleases according to Psalm 115:3; 135:6-etc.) All calamities are at least indirectly related to sin; whether our own personal ones; or society at large in a fallen world. We can't always attribute a particular event as a proof of this; however; as Christ's comment on the falling of the tower of Siloam and the blood mixed with the sacrifices indicated in Luke 13:4. There are plenty of things here and in Deuteronomy; however which are usually specific toward Israel; then directed toward other nations in later prophetic scriptures when the end comes such as Isaiah; Jeremiah; and Daniel. This; of course reaches its climax in Revelation. Once again; we see the importance of covenants. We have eternal promises that He will remain with us forever in the New Testament; provided of course that He has chosen us and evidence of good fruit

Please read: Numbers 14:18, Numbers 14:19, Deuteronomy 7:9, 2Peter 3:9,



Numbers 20:7-12, is a portion of the whole story & reason.

Let's look at the bigger picture:

Numbers 20:12, please note it says "Because you believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore._._" , Please read Exodus, Moses' doubts: Exodus 3:11,13, Exodus 4:1,3,10,14, Exodus 4:24-26, Exodus 5:22, Exodus 6:12, Exodus 6:30, Exodus 14:11-15, Exodus 16:2-28, Exodus 17:2-7, Exodus 32:11-19,30,31,32,33, Exodus 33:1-3, Numbers 11:1-15, mercy ( Numbers 11:16-20,) Numbers 11:21-23, * Numbers 13, Numbers 13:30,31,32, * Numbers 14, very significant I believe, when they were supposed to take the promised land please read Numbers chapters 13 & 14, & notice: Numbers 13:30, Numbers 14:24, Numbers 14:22-23,

Psalms 95:6-11, note Psalms 95:10-11,

Hebrews 3:5-19, Luke 13:24, Mark 10:15,

Hopefully this is helpful

Mark 16:1 "And when the Sabbath was past" (the 7th day) 2. "And very early in the morning the first day of the week..." (Sunday) How can this be misinterpreted? Luke 23:54 And that day was the preparation, and the Sabbath drew on. 56. ....they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment. Luke24:1 Now on the first day of the week... (Sunday) early in the morning, they came to the sepulcher...

Luke 4:16 ....and as his custom was He (Jesus) went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day.... Luke 13:10 ...and He (Jesus) was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. Genesis 1:5....He called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. Genesis 2:2...and on the seventh day God ended his work which He had made. 3 And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it. (to set apart, to declare Holy)

Exodus 20:8-11 (4th commandment) Remember the Sabbath day to keep it Holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work, but the 7th day is the Sabbath. So we have established that the preparation day and the Sabbath drew on....was Friday. The Sabbath was the 7th day.... Saturday. He rose very early the first day of the week...Sunday. The Sabbath was established in the first week of creation to commemorate his work. A reminder that he is Creator God. The sabbath commandment starts with...remember. God knew that someday the world was going to forget the true Sabbath and worship a man made Sabbath. This happened under Constantine in the 3rd century when he declared Sunday to be a National day of rest. But he could not change the true Sabbath. He could only counterfeit a new day of rest. Then the Roman Catholic Church established it as a "Holy Day" but it was not Gods holy day. The Catholic Church claims the change and declares it as a "Mark" of their authority! There's that word "mark." Could it be the "Mark" of the Beast is making the false Sabbath (Sun day) law?

Hi Tim. Today, we use that expression to describe the full expanse of the globe, or if people are coming for a conference from the 'four corners of the Earth', we easily understand its meaning: that almost all countries are sending out people/delegates for that meeting.

In the Bible (Old Testament) we see this expression often ( Ezekiel 7:2; Isaiah 11:12) giving us the Hebrew word, kanaph, which in this usage, means 'extremities'. In the New Testament ( Revelation 7:1) the Greek word is 'gonia' & here it means 'angle, corner, division'. So the 'angels standing on the four corners of the Earth' seem to represent the division of the earth into four, and each angel covering the quadrant assigned to him, holding back the winds. Today, we would use the four points of the compass to describe the expanse of the Earth ( Luke 13:29), though the meaning in those days was that 'people would come from where the sun rises, from where it sets, from where the North wind comes, & from the direction of the South wind'. All these speak of the 'four corners of the Earth', never implying that the Earth has actual corners, which could never be identified anyway, no matter how hard man searched for them.

Please read Genesis 5:1-2, Genesis 1:26-30, here it states plural. It also reasonably suggests multiple to subdue the entire earth. Genesis 1:26, Genesis 1:28,

Genesis 2:15, was this a separated man? If GOD had already told mankind to subdue the entire earth? Would HE really take him then to dress & tend a special garden HE had made? Or is this symbolic of the Church._. Ezekiel 28:12-15, Ezekiel 31:8-9, Isaiah 58:11, Isaiah 61:11, Joel 2:3? Many times Jesus refers to the "vine dresser", the "stewards", seeds, etc. Luke 13:17, Luke 13:18-21, * John 15:1,5, & many times it's about unfaithfulness of that stewardship many times relating to the "Church" & those in charge. Luke 16:2, Ironic Jesus also being crucified by Garden, John 19:41, & where Jesus was betrayed, bound, taken captive, John 18:26,27, John 18:1-12,

Genesis 4:1-16, note Genesis 4:14,

Then you have an unreasonable fear of being killed by vengeance which was completely irrational if there was only Adam & Eve. There in that family -2 mourning the murdered child & 1 on the run. Then you have the outrageous idea that those same two parents would give a daughter to the murderer who already disregarded his brother's life to kill him. Gross, perverted imagination!! Genesis 4:16-17 then he built a city. Genesis 19:4-25, why isn't man killed mentioned? Then Seth's birth.

The importance of the lineage of Adam & Eve was it led to the Messiah Jesus CHRIST. Luke 3:22-38. Therefore when Eve is called the mother of all living CHRIST even addressed this as "let the dead bury the dead" pointing to spiritual death. Note it doesn't say Eve was of "life" it said mother of living._Genesis 3:20..Note also the day they would surely "die"! Genesis 2:17. Genesis 3:6-8, fear of (death?) eternal judgement? What happened? If it wasn't a spiritual death? Genesis 3:10, loss of fellowship, trust, intimacy even in marriage that's sometimes referred to "death, of the marriage"

Genesis 6:1-6, Gen 6:6, "earth" not "garden"

Alan F. Portelli,

I appreciate your exactness. I have understood it to mean what you've stated. With emphasis on "few''. With a cross reference to Matthew 22:14. Matthew 20:16, Numbers 26:54, Luke 13:23-24, Matthew 7:14,22,23,

Romans 5:19 with "many" referred to in like manner: because scripture says 'all' Romans 3:23,

Romans 2:12,

Perhaps the word "many" is used to help us understand the magnitude of people and striking contrast to the emphasis on the word "few" as opposed to a translation of "all" would it seem impossible or less significant per the reader?

Hopefully this is helpful.

Jim In the Gospel of luke 13:28 who was he speaking to was it not the ruler of the synagogue starting in verse

15 and most if not all of those were corrupt. The key to this discussion is Abraham and those before the law

believed God and it was counted unto them for righteousness then when the law which nobody walked all the time

untill our Saviour who fulfilled and completed the law. Those doing the best they could by the law Luke 1:6

Zacharias and Elisabeth were blameless in the law it doesn't say faultless! Now as it says Hebrews 11:8-10 by faith

or believing Abraham looked for a city who's builder and maker was God does that not describe Paradise to come.

Genesis 2:2-3 , Ezekiel 46:1, Mark 1:21, Mark 6:2, Luke 4:16, Luke 4:31, Luke 6:1, Luke 13:10,

Isaiah 58:1-14, Exodus 20:8, Exodus 20:10-11,

Exodus 31:13,14,16, Leviticus 16:31, Leviticus 19:3, Leviticus 19:30, Leviticus 23:1-8, Leviticus 24:8, Leviticus 25:2, Leviticus 25:4, Leviticus 25:17, Jeremiah 17:19-27, Lamentations 1:1-7, Isaiah 1:11-17, Isaiah 56:1-8, Ezekiel 20:12, Ezekiel 22:26,

Amos 8:4-8, Mark 2:27,

Matthew 12:8, Matthew 12:1-27, Mark 3:1-11, Luke 6:6-11, Luke 13:11-17, Luke 14:3-6, Luke 14:12-24, Luke 23:3-56, John 5:1-16, John 7:22-24,

Colossians 2:8-17,

James 2:1-26

Hi James. Thanks for that clarification. It all depends on whose perspective we adopt. From a human standpoint, I would say that there are degrees of sin that we can commit; one could place murder, rape, or child molestation at the top of our list, with gossip, gluttony, or greed at the bottom end - all depending on the effect our sins would have on others or ourselves.

However, from God's perspective, all of mankind are sinners & culpable because of our thoughts, words or actions resulting from that sin nature within us. So whether the 'worst of sinners' as Hitler & those of his ilk, or 'least of sinners' as one doing a charitable work but for selfish, self-gain motives, all are seen as guilty before an Holy God.

We can think of Jesus' instruction on this in Luke 13:1-5 when He dealt with the gradation of sinners. Were those Galileans who were murdered by Pilate any greater as sinners than others who didn't suffer like them? Or, those who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them & killed them but sparing others living there in Jerusalem - were those who died more sinful than those who were spared? Jesus' answer to them was the same on both counts: "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." Jesus' answer was that, 'to God any sin is sin, but it's repentance that makes the difference to God, & under the Cross, God grants us forgiveness & a new life on Earth & in Heaven, in exchange'.

So, as humans having empathy for others, we might grade sins according to their impact & suffering on others, but in God's Eyes, sin (any sin) is unacceptable & deserving of His Punishment ( Romans 6:20-23). But in Jesus there is hope for all.

The favor of God can be described as "tangible evidence that a person has the approval of the Lord." When we favor someone, we want to be with him or her. We delight in him/her. We connect with him/her in a way we don't connect with everyone else. We usually favor people who also favor us. IN THE SAME WAY, God shows favor to the ones who delight in, connect with, and give honor to Him. Isaiah 66:2 says, "These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word." 2 Chronicles 16:9 says, "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong on behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." To be "perfect" toward Him means we seek His favor more than we seek the favor of anyone else, even ourselves.

Proverbs 8:35; "For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the LORD."

Psalms 5:12 "For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favor wilt thou compass him as with a shield."

Proverbs 3:4; "So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man."

Satisfy me Lord with favor and fill me with blessing in the name of Jesus!

In the mighty name of Jesus, I claim...

-help reading your Word, daily

- divine wisdom from your Word

- patience with my family

- divine favor in family and business

- prosperity, bless tithes and offerings

-shield me from satanic attacks

-help finding a better job, home

- lend me angelic support

- the release of finances

Isaiah 26:3

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Luke 13:11; John 5:5; Acts 10:38; Acts 3:2; Acts 4:9

Speaking words of faith strengthen your spirit. Stay strong and you will be blessed for it.

Hello, I will only address your first question. I think Jesus said to be perfect because He wants us to strive to be perfect. We all have an inclination to sin, and struggle with fleshly desires and temptations, but Jesus is setting a very high standard. It means we should put out much effort to avoid sin and be perfect. There are many verses saying this and here is one such verse: Luke 13:24

Hi Jerimiah. Yes, Jesus was sacrificed to pay the price of our sin that we couldn't pay - and that payment was God's requirement as His pure Lamb was killed as our substitute, so we wouldn't have to take the awful penalty of God's Judgement against us. So the Sacrifice was for all mankind - but not all mankind want that Sacrifice. Jesus' Coming & Death was God's Gift to us so we can have our sins forgiven & enjoy eternal life with Him - but not all want to receive that Gift. In fact, not only do they refuse Him, but also shame & mock Him with their talk & way of living, just as those Romans & Jews did at Jesus' crucifixion.

So, the way is indeed narrow - the narrow path to eternity that only a few can traverse on, as God's children looking to the day when they will be with their God & Father & Jesus Christ. But the other way is wide, for there are so many more that have refused the Gift, & so blinded by their own lusts & passions, that they don't even recognize that hell is at the end of it ( Matthew 7:13,14; Luke 13:23,24). Every man, woman & child has the Blood of Christ available for them - it's now up to them what they do with that great expression of God's Love - God doesn't force that Gift upon them. That is why John 3:16 is so precious: "For God so loved the world (all people), that He gave His only begotten Son (as His Sacrifice for them), that whosoever believeth in Him (they must come - they must place their trust in Jesus), should not perish, but have everlasting life (life forever in God's Presence & not a life forever in hell's torment).

Hello Natashya,

You might consider reading this: Matthew 18:21-22 Also the parable of the talents after that is also about forgiveness. The summary of this is: Matthew 6:14.

As a Christian following in the footsteps of Jesus our sins are covered by grace as long as we are choosing to follow Jesus. 70x7 basically means a LOT and nearly unlimited. If we're genuinely following Jesus we can have assurance of salvation. But messing up is one thing, but deliberately sinning is another. Hebrews 10:26.

Jesus throughout the Bible challenges everyone including believers to avoid sin. Over and over He said that. The problem is some assume that when they become a Christian you can stop what you're doing, because they believe they're already 'saved' and can commit unlimited sin and evil pleasure they desire and not worry about any consequences. Some even say its bad to do good, because you're putting in 'human effort'. Beware of lies aimed and distorting God's truth. I believe scriptures say the opposite: I believe when you become a Christian you START your journey towards Jesus and work towards developing your character to be more and more like Jesus and a key part of this is NOT SINNING! So, some believe they can and should put zero effort into this 0 of 10. But I believe we should put max effort into this: 10 of 10.

John 14:15,

2 Peter 1:5 says to be diligent. One translation says 'make every effort'

Luke 13:24 says to 'strive to enter through the narrow door'

2 Timothy 2:15 'do your best'

Luke 6:46 - don't call Jesus Lord and fail to do what He says

There are verses about entering God's rest, but I believe it means a spiritual rest and not physical where we're just sitting on the couch all day binge drinking and eating. The Bible says we'll be persecuted for our beliefs, that this is not our world, and we're to run the race as to receive the prize. All this suggests great effort in my opinion, but we're not saved from that effort, but by grace.

God bless...