I'm sure you're a great mom. Children are pure and innocent in the eyes of the Lord before reaching an age of moral understanding. Biblical evidence that these children will be in heaven, without disability. Look up these verses: Matthew 19:14, Matthew 18:3, Matthew 18:10, Psalm 127:3-5. God is fair and loving.
The question may be does the Spirit remain in the building if many in the congregation are either backslidden or mere professors of the faith? If we take a good look at Revelation 2 and 3; we see a few left who are worthy (actually Revelation 3:4 with Sardis).
There are places such as Laodicea where the potential existed for repentance; but even warnings for the Philadelphia church who was the only one as a whole worthy to escape all that would come to pass ( Rev. 3:10); but the next verse warns that we don't lose our reward to another.
Clearly; Jesus Himself spells out the conditions when He says in Matthew 18:20 about being present when two or more gather in His Name; and individually of course according to John 16:8 He is present living in a believer.
This logic makes us face the hard decision as I did recently not to attend services when those in known sinful lifestyles hang out.
This is a different situation from someone that slips into sin; but nonetheless at Communion we need to search our hearts for God can as Paul explains in Corinthians judge His own if they are doing this unworthily.
A place therefore can simultaneously be a place where demons hang out as well as where the Spirit is; as wheat often unknowingly is with tares. We can't control when visitors come in; or even those with a demonic agenda which i have seen several times in a couple different places (the most recent a couple years back where this guy said he was Christ and the Rapture was likely the next day. The Satanic caricatures on his cell phone were poorly disguised; I'll just say that).
Pride is a dangerous sin; and that often holds many in bondage today. It has become unpopular to sharpen as iron sharpens iron; and labeled judgmental when we expose evil; nonetheless it is a scriptural mandate following certain protocol if someone is teaching heresy.
I'll say what i've told others don't ask God to reveal things unless you're ready to accept it and count the cost.
We are agreeing with you in your prayer to God for your daughter-law, Elfe, that her delivery goes well. And that both she and the baby are safe.
In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Matthew 18:19
"Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven."
Hello Cdollar2. In principle, I feel that in the situation you shared, it would be very proper and Christ-like to forgive your friend this debt he owes you. You can look at a couple of Scriptures where Jesus speaks in parables about forgiving another's debt: Matthew 18:23-35 and Luke 7:41-43. These situations are different to yours, but the principle of forgiving is evident.
However, to add to this and could be helpful: you would know whether this matter with your friend is a one-off difficulty that he is in and that he has been known not to take advantage of you (or others) in such matters. If so, then you would do well to cancel the debt. In some cases though, it can be useful to the one in debt to help him learn responsibility for borrowing & paying back the debt.
Just a personal example: while ministering in a small town in remote North India, a poor man who was employed at the Christian hospital as a peon approached me for some money to pay off an immediate debt to another person. It was only a small amount to me (Rupees 100, or a couple of bucks for us), but it meant that he could clear the debt and have food on the table for his family. I lent him the money and he promised to pay it back at the end of the month from his meagre salary. I agreed to that and at the month's end, he promptly approached me with joy on his face that he could now repay the debt to me. I took the money with thanks and said to him, 'because you have been honest in this small matter, revealing his genuineness & responsible nature, I now give this Rupees 100 back to you as a gift, in the Name of Jesus Christ.' Of course, he was thankful for this unexpected gift and it would align with the Gospel he heard from our resident evangelist who ministered to him and others (Hindus and Muslims) of God's saving Love & Grace. Maybe he witnessed a little of Christian love & concern in action. May your forgiving your friend's debt also convey a loving message to his heart. 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.
Day 28 January 28, 2025 Matthew 18:19-20 KJV Unity in Prayer West Angeles Church Consecration Calendar
I Pray for unity in my prayers and done in my church and community
Matthew 18:19 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
" When done and praying is showing God as holy to believe. Principle-Holy to all religions.Always performaning righteousness, holiness in actions "to do it" of God, to have faith, hope, love is unity"
Confirmation to all the world. Confirmation is of the Gospel performing of miracle. Trusting in Jesus intercession asking in prayer. A guaranteed result I have received being Christian is utterance of the spirtual man.Accord with Jesus Christ God the Father Romans 6:23 KJV." Quoted on prayers being done must be of God expedient, earnest, faithful, preserving.
Expedient definition- serves to promote or advance any means which may be employed to accomplish an end.
Matthew 18:20 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
" Associated scripture Hebrews 10:25 KJV. Jesus in the midst is Psalm 19:4 KJV to be pleasing in his sight 1 John 3:22 KJV. Jesus Christ is omnipresence amd omniscience to all the world. Quoted on blessing on united, congregational prayer. Jesus want you to have the gift of the Holy Ghost-cordial and sincere. Receiving the blessings -When speaking to have the presence of Christ is true and mighty Psalms 21:6 KJV Communion with his church as real. Speaking in advancement of position Psalms 16:11 KJV
Quoted: Measure is in believing the holy bible-Jesus Christ is life to follow.
Matthew 11:25 "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."
Matthew 18:3 "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
1 Samuel - The Power of Prayer. Now, without prayer, things have only gotten worse.
Note: May the Lord grant the desire of your heart. Of course, in alignment with His will - it's always good to make that clear here.
The book of 1 Samuel marks and records the transition from the period of the judges to the period of the kings, right?
This change in Israel's life revolves mainly around three men: Samuel, Saul, and David.
And Samuel was the last judge of Israel- I learned that in Sunday School.
1 Now there was a certaine man of Ramathaim Zophim, of mount Ephraim, & his name was Elkanah, the sonne of Ieroham, the sonne of Elihu, the sonne of Tohu, the sonne of Zuph, an Ephrathite;
2 And he had two wiues, the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
So, the law at that time allowed that, so that a family wouldn't be left without descendants - the husband could take another woman, a second wife, to bear children for him. In that culture, this was permitted. But Elkanah brought a huge problem into his own home. Because not everything that is allowed is actually good. It doesn't mean it's going to work out. And so, he brought a serious problem into his household.
proverbs 27:5-6, Galatians 6:1, Matthew 18:15
Note: this is for us believers. I believe we are repentant sinners, we have to be.
I am focusing attention here on persecution but also the stressors in general Christ faced which I detailed in some posts from an earlier date. Yesterday I started with the initial response of the Pharisees which as I stated previously as well would eventually result in no less than 10 attempts on His life.
Since I'm trying to approach this with a chronological approach to His ministry for the 3 1/2 years I will try to identify each issue the Lord dealt with in light of that approach. Nonetheless; of course especially at the end during His last week on earth it all was caving in.
I touched on the Apostles already; and indicated that others tagged along or wanted to hang out with the Lord but He saw many leave after asking them hard questions as to their sincerity.
In this "episode" I'll delve into a different situation; one scarcely undertaken and that is when He cast the demons out of the man whose chief demon in charge called himself "legion". The owners of the pigs asked Jesus to leave the area; nonetheless the man was told to share in his household and associations all God had done for him (see Mark 5:13 and following few verses).
I'll just say here that probably due to economic reasons they didn't want Jesus hanging around with their pig farm.
The next episode is in Mark 5:40 where Christ has people laughing at him; that is mourners when He went to raise Jairus' daughter from the dead. On the surface; it would seem as though they had reason for this; although if they were truly mourning and not putting up a show you'd expect anger to be the reaction. Nonetheless; the concept of a soul being alive after death and also I would say a child being in God's presence ( Matthew 18:10) is something that is foreign to some but Jesus explained this in other scriptures such as Luke 20:38.
The next issue was the unbelief in His hometown ( Mark 6:4) after comments that he weas just the carpenter's son.
I just finished praying for you, so Jesus Christ is present (For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them Matthew 18:20). I want to know that it's not your nephew's father causing problems, it's the unclean spirit in him and/or attached to him that's causing problems ( Ephesians 6:12). I do know that since you seek God for help, God Almighty will not only hear your prayer request, but will also answer.
Also you and your nephew and the rest of your family pray for your nephew's father for God to forgive him, as you and your family forgive him (Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34). Unforgiveness will hinder God/Christ to help in time of need.
Keep the faith and endure to the end...Christ's return is almost here.
Peace and blessings to you and to your entire family!
Matthew 17:21: "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."
Matthew 18:11: "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."
Matthew 23:14: "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."
Mark 7:16: "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."
Mark 9:44: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Mark 9:46: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Mark 11:26: "But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."
Mark 15:28: "And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors."
Luke 17:36: "Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left."
John 5:4: "For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had."
Acts 8:37: "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
Acts 15:34: "Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still."
Acts 24:7: "But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,"
Acts 28:29: "And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves."
Romans 16:24: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
I John 5:7: "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
Thanks brother Giannis for your reply. I did appreciate the way you understand this matter of judgement, i.e. with a view to help a wayward brother to face up to his problem & to guide him with real care & affection. As Jesus spoke in Matthew 18:15: "if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother." If one has sinned against me, judging & rejecting him would achieve very little for the Kingdom of God (and even then my judgement of him may well be in error). Rather, if the matter is brought up to him & he is prepared to listen & resolve it, then truly I have gained my brother. But all this has to be done as a first step: for our mutual healing & restoration in the family of God.
Yet, even before all this takes place, our own heart's first response is critical. Do we get agitated & stew over such an offence committed and then simmer down only after the Spirit deals with our uncalled-for response; or rather, the mature believer immediately knows what turmoil is ready to arise in the heart, and rather than be tempted to judge, he quickly deals with it lest it becomes sin? This maybe easy to discern but certainly not easy to deal with. As the Holy Spirit takes control more & more of our lives, dealing with our weaknesses & failings, I think our thinking & attitudes will align much more closely to what God requires of our behavior. And this will express itself in our thinking, our speech & a true loving response to the one offending. Thanks again brother for these necessary reminders and that we ought to judge ourselves first in all things. Blessings.
Please pray for us to find my wife's wallet which has been missing for over a week with all her important IDs and credit cards. Thank you. Matthew 18:19-20
So you see brother that the intention is to help my brother repent and correct himself, and not to condemn him.
Lets read Matthew 18:15-18. It is when my brother sins to me. In all three cases the outcome we wish to get is not to punish my brother, but to make him repent and so to "..., thou hast gained thy brother.". To gain him. Everything has to be done with love not with any other intention. The outcome must be to "gain my brother.". But if I Judge/condemn my brother things change. Even in the case when a fornication occured in Corinth Paul suggests that that man had to be expelled from the church as a last means to make him repent 1 Cor 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.".
Of course here we are dealing with serious sins, not just a lie or something similar. 1 Cor 11, "But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.". We must always give the chance and the appropriate time for our brothers to repent but if they never do then we must expell them from the church, for them to repent , and for the rest to be protected.
But this is something to be done only by the elders or the pastor. Nobody else has the right to intervene in such matters apart from informing the hierarchy of the church.
Lately I have started seeing all those things under a different prism. Who saved us? Who brought us in a church? Who is making a huge effort to correct us, to change us? Isn't it God himself? Is it us that we have saved our brothers? Is it us that we have planted them in the church? Is it us that we are going to change them? Obviously not. This is God's task. So our focus must be in ourselves not in what the other person is doing or not doing. We are here to correct ourselves, not the others.
The power just went out and back on so attempt #2.
The next suggestion I just came up with in the interum; which I think is important and bears further investigation. That is learning when to share something with other believers and when not to; and of course that can involve our own situation or that of others. The obvious warning here is to avoid discussing ANY issue that is told in confidence OR someone has not made it CLEAR that they don't mind others praying about an issue. There are times of course when a person's life is in danger; but ordinarily there is enough anonymous sites such as this one where needs can be brought up and of course we can pray on our own.
Nonetheless the Lord is present when two or more gather in His Name. (See Matthew 18:19-20). I didn't even realize this related directly to prayer I should have. Insight is valuable from others again possibly to the person being prayed about; but different ways of thinking can be helpful as well.
Suggestion #4 Pray what the Spirit leads you to pray about. Someone ill may have a spiritual issue affecting them; someone who wants something may have other issues that need to be addressed. Again some of this stuff should be on our own time but we should expect that God will chastise everyone He loves. I don't have the guts to pray for God to chastize me but can guarantee 100 percent He will answer that. Maybe some here are up for the challenge..
Suggestion #5 Just realized this; we need to be open to criticism from others in the faith and suggestions. Some things of course are just plain wrong and can be delivered in a very insensitive way. We need if we are to help others to be able to accept correction ourselves.
SUggestion #6 I just thought of this as well but it seems true; don't discount prayers of a new believer. A child like faith often seems to be missing or hidden from those who are seasoned in the faith. BE SOLD OUT NOT OLD
And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast intohellfire.
Where is hell now ? ?
Proverbs 15:24
The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart fromhellbeneath.
Hell was inlarged when Jesus Christ took out all the Saints in Paradise .
Luke 16:26
And beside all this, between us and you there is a greatgulffixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
Apostle Paul was caught up in the spirit and saw paradise.
2 Corinthians 12:4
How that he was caught up intoparadise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Now we have to worry about death and hell being cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:14
Anddeathandhellwere cast into the lake of fire. This is the seconddeath.
May we all believe that's there a hell in the center of earth where it's very hot .
I love the story of the 100 sheep's. Jesus Christ knows that the one sheep was lost because he knew he was lost. It's just like a remnant of believers today. The 99 are lost and don't care because they are comfortable with there lifestyle. Jesus Christ saved that one sheep.
Matthew 18:12
How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
Now we rejoice in heaven for that one sheep that admitted he was lost and needed Salvation.
Matthew 18:13
And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
Today, Jesus Christ is using Apostle Paul's epistle for Salvation and doctrine and the 99 are just blind to it.
2 Corinthians 4:4
In whom the god of this world hathblinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Apostle Paul's gospel of grace.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Day 28 January 28, 2025 Matthew 18:19-20 KJV Unity in Prayer West Angeles Church Consecration Calendar
Me being a member at West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California
Matthew 18:19 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
" When done and praying is showing God as holy to believe. Principle-Holy to all religions. Always performaning righteousness, holiness in actions "to do it" of God, to have faith, hope, love is unity"
Confirmation to all the world. Confirmation is of the Gospel performing of miracle. Trusting in Jesus intercession asking in prayer. A guaranteed result I have received being Christian is utterance of the spirtual man.Accord with Jesus Christ God the Father Romans 6:23 KJV." Quoted on prayers being done must be of God expedient, earnest, faithful, preserving."
Expedient definition- serves to promote or advance any means which may be employed to accomplish an end.
Matthew 18:20 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
" Associated scripture Hebrews 10:25 KJV. Jesus in the midst is Psalm 19:4 KJV to be pleasing in his sight 1 John 3:22 KJV. Jesus Christ is omnipresence amd omniscience to all the world. Quoted on blessing on united, congregational prayer. Jesus want you to have the gift of the Holy Ghost-cordial and sincere. Receiving the blessings -When speaking to have the presence of Christ is true and mighty Psalms 21:6 KJV Communion with his church as real. Speaking in advancement of position Psalms 16:11 KJV
Quoted: Measure is in believing the holy bible-Jesus Christ is life to follow. "
Indeed brother Richard, I agree with what you have shared with us here. And just to pick up on one pertinent point you shared in relation to the Communion, "whether it is Baptism; Communion or "fellowship of the saints" when two or more are gathered together He is present".
My understanding of Matthew 18:20 hinges on the fact that post-resurrection & ascension, Christ is now seated at the right Hand of the Father ( Mark 16:19; Acts 2:23; Romans 8:34; and many other refs). So, what Jesus spoke of at that time to His disciples, would certainly mean that His Presence amongst them after He left for Heaven, would be by His Spirit Whom they would receive. As far as I'm aware, the physical Jesus will not be seen again until the translation of the saints, or by those with variant beliefs, at His Coming for war, judgement & rule on the Earth.
Now, whether those who subscribe to transubstantiation would apply Matthew 18:20 to bolster their belief or not, I can't tell; though it seems that they could do so, as the verse could support that the physical presence of Jesus could be found in the elements at the 'Eucharist'. But is that what Jesus intended His followers to believe & practise? Whether in corporate prayer, at the Lord's Table, or even in the Eucharist (as practised by some), that His Presence in Body (& Blood) is there (mystically or otherwise), or whether it is His Spirit Who ministers to us in those seasons & right through the course of a believer's life? That if we 'eat or drink unworthily bringing on damnation', the Spirit of Christ is disgraced & abhorred by such hypocritical, sinful participation - which translates of course, as directly aimed at Jesus & His Father.
We are commanded to "grieve not the Holy Spirit of God", for if we do, then the Godhead is dishonored & shamed. It is the Spirit Who broods over our worship, teaching, & communion participation testing or convicting our hearts; and this is how I see the Presence of Christ at the Lord's Table.
2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
Here, Paul quotes Deuteronomy19:15. And what is interesting is that the word for "word" is the word RHEMA, which is not only the word for a word or speech, but it is also used for a thing, like an issue. What it's really saying is everything is to be established by the mouth of two or three witnesses.
That principle is not only found in the Old Testament, but it was taught by Jesus in Matthew 18:15-21. Jesus said if somebody has offended you, sinned against you, you go to them privately and settle the matter. If he will not hear you, he doesn't want anything to do with what you are saying, the second phase is to take two witnesses to establish what's going on. A lot of people don't understand this phase.
2 Corinthians 13:5 - Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; That's not a religious term about the faith. The word faith in the New Testament is a word speaks of literally being under the persuasion of God's Spirit. That's what the word faith means. It means persuasion. So, are you under the influence of God's Spirit? Are you in the faith?
2 Corinthians 13:7 - Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
Now I pray to God that you do no evil; The word evil is KAKOS, which means to do harm or wrong.
In Matthew 18:20 - For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
I ask that you pray in agreement with me for the following:
Lily - salvation spirit of darkness broken off her and home her job and relationships with family
Jr - salvation spirit of pride and confusion broken off him his home his relationship his health and finances
Archer and Aris - wisdom and holy spirit guidance, peace
Samuel - spirit of unforgiveness broken off and doubt and darkness broken off him and every area in his life
Sonia and Tristan - pray for breakthrough and salvation and free from bondage
Me - healing, financial breakthrough, husband that is godly and loves the lord and family, my job, my mind and every area of his life, all debt paid off, new house and car
family - those who are lost and not serving for their salvation and same for my friends
FATHER You said that where two or more are gathered YOU shall be in their midst [ Matthew 18:20] We confess our sins and we know that you have forgiven us because it is not your will that any should perish [ 2 Peter 3:9]. FATHER, YOUR SON YESHUA/CHRIST says that anything we ask in HIS NAME YOU shall honor [ John 16:23] so in faith we ask that YOU go ahead of Christian and make the crooked places straight and break the gates of brass and the bars of iron [ Isaiah 45:2] . Still the tongue of the enemy and the avenger [ Psalms 8:2b] Stop, confound and turn back the wicked. Hide Christian under the shadow of your wings [ Psalm 91:1] Let your Word be a lamp unto his feet and light unto his path [ Psalms 119:105] Bridle his tongue when the wicked are around [ Psalms 39:1] Give him the peace which surpasseth all understanding [ Philippians 4:7] Bless the work of his hands [ Deuteronomy 28:12] Cause him to have favor with YOU and with man [ Proverbs 3:4]. Let all evil collaborators turn upon each other as they did when they came against Zerubbabel/ Gideon [ Judges 7:22] For as they come in as one they shall flee as seven [ Deuteronomy 28:7] Your Word said that those who dig a pit they shall fall into it [ Ecclesiastes 10:8] let the wicked whose only plans is to destroy [ Psalm 140:4] your children fall into their own pits and let their own arrows return back to them [] but keep Christian safe, and merited and in good standing that he may have the victory and let all this be applied by extension to his whole house that he may live and give YOU the Glory in YESHUA MIGHTY NAME . Amen!
Matthew 18:19 - Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
The word "agree" is the word SUMPHONAY, and it's where we get our English word symphony from. It doesn't mean that if we get together and agree on something that that will create some kind of a magical formula that causes God's Spirit to go out and do things.
What a dangerous place this would be if that formula were given to us, and it was true. "Let's just agree on it! I have some things, so let's get together and agree on it and see what happens!" Can you see the danger? It means that if two of you shall be in harmony together as touching anything that you ask, it shall be done for them which is from my Father in heaven. He's talking about the unity in the body of Christ. There's only one message, and only one song that is being played by the Symphony.
There are many different parts. Your function is different than mine, but we are all playing the same song. If I offend you, and you decide to play your own song right in the middle of our song, we're going to have problems. God will not answer prayer if there's not harmony because I am praying one way, and you are praying another. I'm praying against you and you against me.
Matthew 19:14 - But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Suffer in Greek means allow. What's interesting is the verb tenses. Jesus said, allow the little children. That's an Aorist Tense. Basically, He is saying once and for all, immediately, I'm telling you, allow the little children and do not forbid them. The verb tense for forbid is in the Present Tense, Present Imperative. What Jesus is literally saying is "Stop forbidding them to come to me." They were continually doing it, and Jesus says, "for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
You stated; you based your thoughts on the how God saves infants and children on what Jesus said about infants and children in the Gospels. He is clear that we are to have childlike faith as those children who we brought to Him did. So, He is saying that infants and children can have true faith and be saved by Him.
I believe you are referring to Matthew 18:2-4 and Mark 10:14-15.
If I may, let me offer my understanding on Matthew 18:3 if this is the verse you are referring to.
This verse isn't exhorting us to have "childlike" faith in Matthew 18:1-3
Jesus says that we must "become as little children"
In verse one the disciples' question, "Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
Here is Jesus response in verses 2-4.
And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and BECOME AS LITTLE CHILDREN, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
The disciples focus is on what constitutes "greatness" in heaven.
Jesus let's them know what constitutes greatness is Humility.
Those who willingly take the lowest position are the greatest in heaven's eyes.
A young child is destitute of ambition, pride, and haughtiness..
There's an similar verse in Mark 10:14-15
"But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
Thank you for clarifying your belief and I am glad to hear that you don't believe that way. However, I'm sort of confused in that if you don't believe this way, why would you tell someone that they "make a good point about people who use these versions not being true Christians?" Wouldn't you agree that a person who is not a true Christian (Born of God's Spirit) is destined for Hell? I just don't get how that's a good point for someone to say that a person who uses another version of the bible is not a true Christian?
I have read a majority of your posts, not all, but most of them I have read so I have somewhat of an understanding where you're coming from on this subject. As for the verse comparisons you have provided ( Matthew 24:36), I will have to ponder on that one for a bit. Right now, I don't see how it diminishes the deity Christ. Again, I have never read the NIV so this is the first time I have seen this verse that you have shared.
The KJB is what I have been studying from for several years and what I see Jesus saying is that only His Father knows the day and the hour. Not even Jesus knows. We both agree that Jesus is God, but He is not God the Father, and Jesus said only His Father knows the day and hour. Also, the verse brother Chris has provided ( Mark 13:32) would be a good verse to take a look at.
As for Matthew 18:11, was that verse left out intentionally by the translators to deceive, or was it left out because of some of the older Greek manuscripts that they were using did not have that verse?
Usually they leave out important verses that also imply Jesus and God are one. Here is one example:
Matthew 18:11 King James Bible
For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
In the NIV and most other new versions: This verse has been eliminated. Are the words of this verse so hard to understand that the whole verse had to be erased? No they are not, so why was it cut out? This action, again, diminishes the deity of Christ and there are many more.
Dear Christian: Please don't ignore what has happened. You know that the devil hates anything and everything of God. Perhaps, in my opinion, he knew he would never be able to stop God's children from reading the bible so he replaced it instead. The translation of the KJB, the words were to old fashioned and it was to hard to understand. So he moved on men to rewrite the KJB with false wording and doctrine so when Christian's became so busy with life they could read a version that was easier to read and understand. Is it worth it to you to have Christ looked down on as divine so you don't have to read; ye or thou, etc.? I sincerely believe that 2 Timothy 2:15 is one of the most important verses for any christian to take to heart and obey but please remember "the word of truth" can only be talking about the KJB because the new versions hadn't been thought of yet.
"It is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."
Matthew 18:14
That is a direct, unambiguous statement of God's will:
He does not desire any child to be lost.
8. God does not require spoken words-only faith, and He gives faith even to the weak.
"We love Him because He first loved us."
1 John 4:19
Salvation does not start with us.
It starts with God's initiative, God's grace, and God's love - which can be applied to a child who cannot verbalize anything.
Luke 12:48
This means the opposite is also true:
To whom little is given, little is required.
A child who cannot speak, reason, or profess faith is not held to the same accountability as an adult.
God is perfectly just - He does not demand what a child cannot do.
2. Jesus explicitly says the Kingdom belongs to children.
"Let the little children come to Me for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these."
Matthew 19:14
Jesus is not saying children may enter - He says the Kingdom already belongs to them.
This is the clearest and most direct comfort for any parent of a disabled or nonverbal child.
3. Children have angels who always see God's face.
"Their angels always behold the face of My Father in heaven."
Matthew 18:10
This means God assigns heavenly oversight and protection to children.
This is not language used for the lost - this is covenant language.
4. God holds children as innocent - not condemned.
"Moreover your little ones who today have no knowledge of good or evil they shall go in and possess the land."
Deuteronomy 1:39
Children who cannot understand "good or evil" are not judged for failing to make a decision they are incapable of.
5. God judges according to the heart - not verbal profession.
"Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."
1 Samuel 16:7
A child who cannot speak can still belong to God.
If God sees the heart of infants, He certainly sees the heart of a special-needs child.
6. Scripture shows God saving people who cannot verbally profess faith.
Examples:
Infants ( Exodus 12: children protected under the blood)
Jonah 4:11 - God has mercy on a whole population partly for the sake of "more than 120,000 who cannot tell their right hand from their left."
This shows:
Lack of understanding does not disqualify someone from God's mercy.
7. Jesus is the Good Shepherd - and children belong to His flock.
"It is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that
There are places such as Laodicea where the potential existed for repentance; but even warnings for the Philadelphia church who was the only one as a whole worthy to escape all that would come to pass ( Rev. 3:10); but the next verse warns that we don't lose our reward to another.
Clearly; Jesus Himself spells out the conditions when He says in Matthew 18:20 about being present when two or more gather in His Name; and individually of course according to John 16:8 He is present living in a believer.
This logic makes us face the hard decision as I did recently not to attend services when those in known sinful lifestyles hang out.
This is a different situation from someone that slips into sin; but nonetheless at Communion we need to search our hearts for God can as Paul explains in Corinthians judge His own if they are doing this unworthily.
A place therefore can simultaneously be a place where demons hang out as well as where the Spirit is; as wheat often unknowingly is with tares. We can't control when visitors come in; or even those with a demonic agenda which i have seen several times in a couple different places (the most recent a couple years back where this guy said he was Christ and the Rapture was likely the next day. The Satanic caricatures on his cell phone were poorly disguised; I'll just say that).
Pride is a dangerous sin; and that often holds many in bondage today. It has become unpopular to sharpen as iron sharpens iron; and labeled judgmental when we expose evil; nonetheless it is a scriptural mandate following certain protocol if someone is teaching heresy.
I'll say what i've told others don't ask God to reveal things unless you're ready to accept it and count the cost.
RP
We are agreeing with you in your prayer to God for your daughter-law, Elfe, that her delivery goes well. And that both she and the baby are safe.
In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Matthew 18:19
"Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven."
In Jesus name we Pray, Amen
However, to add to this and could be helpful: you would know whether this matter with your friend is a one-off difficulty that he is in and that he has been known not to take advantage of you (or others) in such matters. If so, then you would do well to cancel the debt. In some cases though, it can be useful to the one in debt to help him learn responsibility for borrowing & paying back the debt.
Just a personal example: while ministering in a small town in remote North India, a poor man who was employed at the Christian hospital as a peon approached me for some money to pay off an immediate debt to another person. It was only a small amount to me (Rupees 100, or a couple of bucks for us), but it meant that he could clear the debt and have food on the table for his family. I lent him the money and he promised to pay it back at the end of the month from his meagre salary. I agreed to that and at the month's end, he promptly approached me with joy on his face that he could now repay the debt to me. I took the money with thanks and said to him, 'because you have been honest in this small matter, revealing his genuineness & responsible nature, I now give this Rupees 100 back to you as a gift, in the Name of Jesus Christ.' Of course, he was thankful for this unexpected gift and it would align with the Gospel he heard from our resident evangelist who ministered to him and others (Hindus and Muslims) of God's saving Love & Grace. Maybe he witnessed a little of Christian love & concern in action. May your forgiving your friend's debt also convey a loving message to his heart. 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
Matthew 18:3
"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Blessings
I Pray for unity in my prayers and done in my church and community
Matthew 18:19 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
" When done and praying is showing God as holy to believe. Principle-Holy to all religions.Always performaning righteousness, holiness in actions "to do it" of God, to have faith, hope, love is unity"
Confirmation to all the world. Confirmation is of the Gospel performing of miracle. Trusting in Jesus intercession asking in prayer. A guaranteed result I have received being Christian is utterance of the spirtual man.Accord with Jesus Christ God the Father Romans 6:23 KJV." Quoted on prayers being done must be of God expedient, earnest, faithful, preserving.
Expedient definition- serves to promote or advance any means which may be employed to accomplish an end.
Matthew 18:20 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
" Associated scripture Hebrews 10:25 KJV. Jesus in the midst is Psalm 19:4 KJV to be pleasing in his sight 1 John 3:22 KJV. Jesus Christ is omnipresence amd omniscience to all the world. Quoted on blessing on united, congregational prayer. Jesus want you to have the gift of the Holy Ghost-cordial and sincere. Receiving the blessings -When speaking to have the presence of Christ is true and mighty Psalms 21:6 KJV Communion with his church as real. Speaking in advancement of position Psalms 16:11 KJV
Quoted: Measure is in believing the holy bible-Jesus Christ is life to follow.
Word Spoken and Written by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
Matthew 11:25 "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."
Matthew 18:3 "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Blessings
Note: May the Lord grant the desire of your heart. Of course, in alignment with His will - it's always good to make that clear here.
The book of 1 Samuel marks and records the transition from the period of the judges to the period of the kings, right?
This change in Israel's life revolves mainly around three men: Samuel, Saul, and David.
And Samuel was the last judge of Israel- I learned that in Sunday School.
1 Now there was a certaine man of Ramathaim Zophim, of mount Ephraim, & his name was Elkanah, the sonne of Ieroham, the sonne of Elihu, the sonne of Tohu, the sonne of Zuph, an Ephrathite;
2 And he had two wiues, the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
So, the law at that time allowed that, so that a family wouldn't be left without descendants - the husband could take another woman, a second wife, to bear children for him. In that culture, this was permitted. But Elkanah brought a huge problem into his own home. Because not everything that is allowed is actually good. It doesn't mean it's going to work out. And so, he brought a serious problem into his household.
proverbs 27:5-6, Galatians 6:1, Matthew 18:15
Note: this is for us believers. I believe we are repentant sinners, we have to be.
I am focusing attention here on persecution but also the stressors in general Christ faced which I detailed in some posts from an earlier date. Yesterday I started with the initial response of the Pharisees which as I stated previously as well would eventually result in no less than 10 attempts on His life.
Since I'm trying to approach this with a chronological approach to His ministry for the 3 1/2 years I will try to identify each issue the Lord dealt with in light of that approach. Nonetheless; of course especially at the end during His last week on earth it all was caving in.
I touched on the Apostles already; and indicated that others tagged along or wanted to hang out with the Lord but He saw many leave after asking them hard questions as to their sincerity.
In this "episode" I'll delve into a different situation; one scarcely undertaken and that is when He cast the demons out of the man whose chief demon in charge called himself "legion". The owners of the pigs asked Jesus to leave the area; nonetheless the man was told to share in his household and associations all God had done for him (see Mark 5:13 and following few verses).
I'll just say here that probably due to economic reasons they didn't want Jesus hanging around with their pig farm.
The next episode is in Mark 5:40 where Christ has people laughing at him; that is mourners when He went to raise Jairus' daughter from the dead. On the surface; it would seem as though they had reason for this; although if they were truly mourning and not putting up a show you'd expect anger to be the reaction. Nonetheless; the concept of a soul being alive after death and also I would say a child being in God's presence ( Matthew 18:10) is something that is foreign to some but Jesus explained this in other scriptures such as Luke 20:38.
The next issue was the unbelief in His hometown ( Mark 6:4) after comments that he weas just the carpenter's son.
I just finished praying for you, so Jesus Christ is present (For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them Matthew 18:20). I want to know that it's not your nephew's father causing problems, it's the unclean spirit in him and/or attached to him that's causing problems ( Ephesians 6:12). I do know that since you seek God for help, God Almighty will not only hear your prayer request, but will also answer.
Also you and your nephew and the rest of your family pray for your nephew's father for God to forgive him, as you and your family forgive him (Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34). Unforgiveness will hinder God/Christ to help in time of need.
Keep the faith and endure to the end...Christ's return is almost here.
Peace and blessings to you and to your entire family!
Matthew 17:21: "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."
Matthew 18:11: "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."
Matthew 23:14: "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."
Mark 7:16: "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."
Mark 9:44: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Mark 9:46: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Mark 11:26: "But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."
Mark 15:28: "And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors."
Luke 17:36: "Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left."
John 5:4: "For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had."
Acts 8:37: "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
Acts 15:34: "Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still."
Acts 24:7: "But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,"
Acts 28:29: "And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves."
Romans 16:24: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
I John 5:7: "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
Acts 17:30
"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:"
Matthew 18:3
"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Yet, even before all this takes place, our own heart's first response is critical. Do we get agitated & stew over such an offence committed and then simmer down only after the Spirit deals with our uncalled-for response; or rather, the mature believer immediately knows what turmoil is ready to arise in the heart, and rather than be tempted to judge, he quickly deals with it lest it becomes sin? This maybe easy to discern but certainly not easy to deal with. As the Holy Spirit takes control more & more of our lives, dealing with our weaknesses & failings, I think our thinking & attitudes will align much more closely to what God requires of our behavior. And this will express itself in our thinking, our speech & a true loving response to the one offending. Thanks again brother for these necessary reminders and that we ought to judge ourselves first in all things. Blessings.
So you see brother that the intention is to help my brother repent and correct himself, and not to condemn him.
Lets read Matthew 18:15-18. It is when my brother sins to me. In all three cases the outcome we wish to get is not to punish my brother, but to make him repent and so to "..., thou hast gained thy brother.". To gain him. Everything has to be done with love not with any other intention. The outcome must be to "gain my brother.". But if I Judge/condemn my brother things change. Even in the case when a fornication occured in Corinth Paul suggests that that man had to be expelled from the church as a last means to make him repent 1 Cor 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.".
Of course here we are dealing with serious sins, not just a lie or something similar. 1 Cor 11, "But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.". We must always give the chance and the appropriate time for our brothers to repent but if they never do then we must expell them from the church, for them to repent , and for the rest to be protected.
But this is something to be done only by the elders or the pastor. Nobody else has the right to intervene in such matters apart from informing the hierarchy of the church.
Lately I have started seeing all those things under a different prism. Who saved us? Who brought us in a church? Who is making a huge effort to correct us, to change us? Isn't it God himself? Is it us that we have saved our brothers? Is it us that we have planted them in the church? Is it us that we are going to change them? Obviously not. This is God's task. So our focus must be in ourselves not in what the other person is doing or not doing. We are here to correct ourselves, not the others.
See pt 3
The power just went out and back on so attempt #2.
The next suggestion I just came up with in the interum; which I think is important and bears further investigation. That is learning when to share something with other believers and when not to; and of course that can involve our own situation or that of others. The obvious warning here is to avoid discussing ANY issue that is told in confidence OR someone has not made it CLEAR that they don't mind others praying about an issue. There are times of course when a person's life is in danger; but ordinarily there is enough anonymous sites such as this one where needs can be brought up and of course we can pray on our own.
Nonetheless the Lord is present when two or more gather in His Name. (See Matthew 18:19-20). I didn't even realize this related directly to prayer I should have. Insight is valuable from others again possibly to the person being prayed about; but different ways of thinking can be helpful as well.
Suggestion #4 Pray what the Spirit leads you to pray about. Someone ill may have a spiritual issue affecting them; someone who wants something may have other issues that need to be addressed. Again some of this stuff should be on our own time but we should expect that God will chastise everyone He loves. I don't have the guts to pray for God to chastize me but can guarantee 100 percent He will answer that. Maybe some here are up for the challenge..
Suggestion #5 Just realized this; we need to be open to criticism from others in the faith and suggestions. Some things of course are just plain wrong and can be delivered in a very insensitive way. We need if we are to help others to be able to accept correction ourselves.
SUggestion #6 I just thought of this as well but it seems true; don't discount prayers of a new believer. A child like faith often seems to be missing or hidden from those who are seasoned in the faith. BE SOLD OUT NOT OLD
Matthew 18:9
And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast intohellfire.
Where is hell now ? ?
Proverbs 15:24
The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart fromhellbeneath.
Hell was inlarged when Jesus Christ took out all the Saints in Paradise .
Luke 16:26
And beside all this, between us and you there is a greatgulffixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
Apostle Paul was caught up in the spirit and saw paradise.
2 Corinthians 12:4
How that he was caught up intoparadise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Now we have to worry about death and hell being cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:14
Anddeathandhellwere cast into the lake of fire. This is the seconddeath.
May we all believe that's there a hell in the center of earth where it's very hot .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The gospel saves us from hell
Matthew 18:12
How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
Now we rejoice in heaven for that one sheep that admitted he was lost and needed Salvation.
Matthew 18:13
And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
Today, Jesus Christ is using Apostle Paul's epistle for Salvation and doctrine and the 99 are just blind to it.
2 Corinthians 4:4
In whom the god of this world hathblinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Apostle Paul's gospel of grace.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Ray, in Christ Jesus
Me being a member at West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California
Matthew 18:19 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
" When done and praying is showing God as holy to believe. Principle-Holy to all religions. Always performaning righteousness, holiness in actions "to do it" of God, to have faith, hope, love is unity"
Confirmation to all the world. Confirmation is of the Gospel performing of miracle. Trusting in Jesus intercession asking in prayer. A guaranteed result I have received being Christian is utterance of the spirtual man.Accord with Jesus Christ God the Father Romans 6:23 KJV." Quoted on prayers being done must be of God expedient, earnest, faithful, preserving."
Expedient definition- serves to promote or advance any means which may be employed to accomplish an end.
Matthew 18:20 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
" Associated scripture Hebrews 10:25 KJV. Jesus in the midst is Psalm 19:4 KJV to be pleasing in his sight 1 John 3:22 KJV. Jesus Christ is omnipresence amd omniscience to all the world. Quoted on blessing on united, congregational prayer. Jesus want you to have the gift of the Holy Ghost-cordial and sincere. Receiving the blessings -When speaking to have the presence of Christ is true and mighty Psalms 21:6 KJV Communion with his church as real. Speaking in advancement of position Psalms 16:11 KJV
Quoted: Measure is in believing the holy bible-Jesus Christ is life to follow. "
Word Spoken and Written by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
My understanding of Matthew 18:20 hinges on the fact that post-resurrection & ascension, Christ is now seated at the right Hand of the Father ( Mark 16:19; Acts 2:23; Romans 8:34; and many other refs). So, what Jesus spoke of at that time to His disciples, would certainly mean that His Presence amongst them after He left for Heaven, would be by His Spirit Whom they would receive. As far as I'm aware, the physical Jesus will not be seen again until the translation of the saints, or by those with variant beliefs, at His Coming for war, judgement & rule on the Earth.
Now, whether those who subscribe to transubstantiation would apply Matthew 18:20 to bolster their belief or not, I can't tell; though it seems that they could do so, as the verse could support that the physical presence of Jesus could be found in the elements at the 'Eucharist'. But is that what Jesus intended His followers to believe & practise? Whether in corporate prayer, at the Lord's Table, or even in the Eucharist (as practised by some), that His Presence in Body (& Blood) is there (mystically or otherwise), or whether it is His Spirit Who ministers to us in those seasons & right through the course of a believer's life? That if we 'eat or drink unworthily bringing on damnation', the Spirit of Christ is disgraced & abhorred by such hypocritical, sinful participation - which translates of course, as directly aimed at Jesus & His Father.
We are commanded to "grieve not the Holy Spirit of God", for if we do, then the Godhead is dishonored & shamed. It is the Spirit Who broods over our worship, teaching, & communion participation testing or convicting our hearts; and this is how I see the Presence of Christ at the Lord's Table.
2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
Here, Paul quotes Deuteronomy19:15. And what is interesting is that the word for "word" is the word RHEMA, which is not only the word for a word or speech, but it is also used for a thing, like an issue. What it's really saying is everything is to be established by the mouth of two or three witnesses.
That principle is not only found in the Old Testament, but it was taught by Jesus in Matthew 18:15-21. Jesus said if somebody has offended you, sinned against you, you go to them privately and settle the matter. If he will not hear you, he doesn't want anything to do with what you are saying, the second phase is to take two witnesses to establish what's going on. A lot of people don't understand this phase.
2 Corinthians 13:5 - Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; That's not a religious term about the faith. The word faith in the New Testament is a word speaks of literally being under the persuasion of God's Spirit. That's what the word faith means. It means persuasion. So, are you under the influence of God's Spirit? Are you in the faith?
2 Corinthians 13:7 - Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
Now I pray to God that you do no evil; The word evil is KAKOS, which means to do harm or wrong.
I ask that you pray in agreement with me for the following:
Lily - salvation spirit of darkness broken off her and home her job and relationships with family
Jr - salvation spirit of pride and confusion broken off him his home his relationship his health and finances
Archer and Aris - wisdom and holy spirit guidance, peace
Samuel - spirit of unforgiveness broken off and doubt and darkness broken off him and every area in his life
Sonia and Tristan - pray for breakthrough and salvation and free from bondage
Me - healing, financial breakthrough, husband that is godly and loves the lord and family, my job, my mind and every area of his life, all debt paid off, new house and car
family - those who are lost and not serving for their salvation and same for my friends
Matthew 18:19 - Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
The word "agree" is the word SUMPHONAY, and it's where we get our English word symphony from. It doesn't mean that if we get together and agree on something that that will create some kind of a magical formula that causes God's Spirit to go out and do things.
What a dangerous place this would be if that formula were given to us, and it was true. "Let's just agree on it! I have some things, so let's get together and agree on it and see what happens!" Can you see the danger? It means that if two of you shall be in harmony together as touching anything that you ask, it shall be done for them which is from my Father in heaven. He's talking about the unity in the body of Christ. There's only one message, and only one song that is being played by the Symphony.
There are many different parts. Your function is different than mine, but we are all playing the same song. If I offend you, and you decide to play your own song right in the middle of our song, we're going to have problems. God will not answer prayer if there's not harmony because I am praying one way, and you are praying another. I'm praying against you and you against me.
Matthew 19:14 - But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Suffer in Greek means allow. What's interesting is the verb tenses. Jesus said, allow the little children. That's an Aorist Tense. Basically, He is saying once and for all, immediately, I'm telling you, allow the little children and do not forbid them. The verb tense for forbid is in the Present Tense, Present Imperative. What Jesus is literally saying is "Stop forbidding them to come to me." They were continually doing it, and Jesus says, "for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
You stated; you based your thoughts on the how God saves infants and children on what Jesus said about infants and children in the Gospels. He is clear that we are to have childlike faith as those children who we brought to Him did. So, He is saying that infants and children can have true faith and be saved by Him.
I believe you are referring to Matthew 18:2-4 and Mark 10:14-15.
If I may, let me offer my understanding on Matthew 18:3 if this is the verse you are referring to.
This verse isn't exhorting us to have "childlike" faith in Matthew 18:1-3
Jesus says that we must "become as little children"
In verse one the disciples' question, "Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
Here is Jesus response in verses 2-4.
And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and BECOME AS LITTLE CHILDREN, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
The disciples focus is on what constitutes "greatness" in heaven.
Jesus let's them know what constitutes greatness is Humility.
Those who willingly take the lowest position are the greatest in heaven's eyes.
A young child is destitute of ambition, pride, and haughtiness..
There's an similar verse in Mark 10:14-15
"But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
God bless.
(Part 1):
Thank you for clarifying your belief and I am glad to hear that you don't believe that way. However, I'm sort of confused in that if you don't believe this way, why would you tell someone that they "make a good point about people who use these versions not being true Christians?" Wouldn't you agree that a person who is not a true Christian (Born of God's Spirit) is destined for Hell? I just don't get how that's a good point for someone to say that a person who uses another version of the bible is not a true Christian?
I have read a majority of your posts, not all, but most of them I have read so I have somewhat of an understanding where you're coming from on this subject. As for the verse comparisons you have provided ( Matthew 24:36), I will have to ponder on that one for a bit. Right now, I don't see how it diminishes the deity Christ. Again, I have never read the NIV so this is the first time I have seen this verse that you have shared.
The KJB is what I have been studying from for several years and what I see Jesus saying is that only His Father knows the day and the hour. Not even Jesus knows. We both agree that Jesus is God, but He is not God the Father, and Jesus said only His Father knows the day and hour. Also, the verse brother Chris has provided ( Mark 13:32) would be a good verse to take a look at.
As for Matthew 18:11, was that verse left out intentionally by the translators to deceive, or was it left out because of some of the older Greek manuscripts that they were using did not have that verse?
Usually they leave out important verses that also imply Jesus and God are one. Here is one example:
Matthew 18:11 King James Bible
For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
In the NIV and most other new versions: This verse has been eliminated. Are the words of this verse so hard to understand that the whole verse had to be erased? No they are not, so why was it cut out? This action, again, diminishes the deity of Christ and there are many more.
Dear Christian: Please don't ignore what has happened. You know that the devil hates anything and everything of God. Perhaps, in my opinion, he knew he would never be able to stop God's children from reading the bible so he replaced it instead. The translation of the KJB, the words were to old fashioned and it was to hard to understand. So he moved on men to rewrite the KJB with false wording and doctrine so when Christian's became so busy with life they could read a version that was easier to read and understand. Is it worth it to you to have Christ looked down on as divine so you don't have to read; ye or thou, etc.? I sincerely believe that 2 Timothy 2:15 is one of the most important verses for any christian to take to heart and obey but please remember "the word of truth" can only be talking about the KJB because the new versions hadn't been thought of yet.
God Bless :)