Discuss Philippians 4 Page 9

Precious friend, actually, God Is THE "soul winner," we are simply co-labourers With HIM, and we simply "plant the Seed" of The Gospel Of GRACE, and then, when the recipient 'believes,' "God Simply Gives The Increase" {'winning' the soul}.

Further Growth In GRACE is when we "water the Seed" {by "studying HIS Word of Truth, Rightly Divided" ( 2 Timothy 2:15), and teaching others to do the same}, And, Then "God Also Gives that Increase" of understanding and Full Assurance for Growth In GRACE!" Amen? ( 1 Corinthians 3:6-15; Colossians 2:2)

The "pattern" is our GRACE apostle, Paul ( 1 Timothy 1:16; Philippians 4:9):

"Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and The God Of Peace shall be with you."

Please Be Richly Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, and Edified!

( 2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 16:25; Ephesians 1:3-9; Ephesians 3:9 = Grace/Mystery fellowship {found in 'Paul's letters' = Romans - Philemon}, today?)

Dear Jon,

I think your definition of the word psychology in your mind is different than my definition. To me it is about how we think. It also sounds like you view it as conflicting with submitting God, but I still don't understand this point. I assume you work- how do you know what you do is of God and not man? I assume you learn things, like reading things: how do you know that's of God and not of man. How do you know that posting here is of God and not of man?

You disagreed that the Bible used positive thinking and you said it was invented later by a man. But did you actually read the verses I shared? I thought you wanted to see Bible verses and I spent time trying to help you. If you didn't even take a second to hover over to read them that would make me sad, because people like me and others who regularly visit this site are trying to help and we generously offer our time to share scripture.

So, I will post the same verse again so this time you see it.

Philippians 4:6-8 - the last verse is "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

It says to think of good things. Do you agree with this verse? Do you agree that thinking of good things is what God wants us to do? If so, then you believe positive thinking is good, right? This comes direct from the Bible. God has shared much wisdom from us through His Word. I don't see how following His Word is somehow bad because you associate it with a "psychology" that conflicts with God. Thinking positive thoughts IS what God asked us to do, so why would I disagree with that?

You seemed to conflate 'faith' and 'trust' with thinking. These are separate things.

Have you also read these?

Link

Hi Jon,

Thanks for explaining your question a bit more. This is an interesting question I haven't heard before and I'll gladly share my opinion. I personally do not see much scripture support against what you call psychology. So to start I looked up a definition of 'psychology' and Cambridge dictionary says: "the scientific study of the way the human mind works and how it influences behaviour, or the influence of a particular person's character on their behaviour:"

My understanding is it is just studying our mind and how we think. In a counseling session we discuss our thoughts/feelings/thinking and someone can sometimes help see any negative patterns and can sometimes help someone. There is pastoral counseling that is often the same thing. It's my belief that the Bible supports positive psychology concepts like positive thinking, for instance Philippians 4:6-8. It also challenges us to not be anxious, to take each day one at a time: Matthew 6:34. These are practical psychological wisdom that even atheists usually agree with, but this wisdom came from God.

My view of psychology is something everyone already does- such as talking to teach other. Fellowship is Biblical and is also therapeutic- not much different than talking with a counselor in my opinion. Also education and learning is ok, and that is also done in church. Challenging ourselves is also a positive thing. The Bible is full of personal challenges, and much of them is mental or psychological, such as focusing on following and emulating Jesus and not on sin.

What I think you did is interpret 1 Cor 3:5 as to avoid all wisdom from man. But it says don't put your "faith" in them. It doesn't say don't go to school, college, to not learn anything, to not ever be counseled, to not even talk to your parents, or anybody who says anything personal. So, my interpretation of this verse is probably different than yours and I see no problem with psychology. God bless...

Precious Marva: "does god hear my prayers when I'm unable to speak, but pray silently."? Yes, God Hears all humble people who approach Him, in faith, including dumb people who cannot speak:

God Knows And Searches our hearts ( Acts 15:8; Romans 8:27), And His Spirit "Prays For us," Even when we "don't know what to pray for!" ( Romans 8:26):

God's GRACE In our infirmities:

(1) Read Romans 5:1-5, especially take note of verse 3, "we glory [rejoice] in tribulations." We are not instructed here to glory in spite of the trials of life we find ourselves in, but we are to rejoice because of them. That is to say we are to thank God for allowing times of suffering into our life. This passage of Scripture expressly states that The Lord uses the tribulations of life "to conform us to The Image Of His Son" ( Romans 8:29). To this end, He uses all things "to work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called According To His Purpose" ( Romans 8:28). As we grow mature in The Lord, our Savior is Glorified. As believers in Jesus Christ it is given us "in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His Sake" ( Philippians 1:29). (Borrowed from brother Ed Bedore) My study:

(2) After Paul [our #"pattern"# for Today!] prayed 3 times for his affliction, the "Answer he Received," According To The Scriptures, Was:

"And HE [CHRIST] Said Unto me, MY GRACE Is Sufficient For thee: For MY Strength Is Made Perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory [cp] in my infirmities, that The Power Of CHRIST May Rest Upon me!" ( 2 Corinthians 12:9) cp ( 2 Corinthians 11:23-30)

(3) Compare With GRACE Scriptures: ( Romans 5:1-5) ( Romans 8:18) ( Romans 8:26-29) ( 1 Corinthians 10:13) ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-4) ( 2 Corinthians 4:17) ( 2 Corinthians 12:9) ( Philippians 3:21)

#"pattern"# = Paul = ( 1 Timothy 1:16) ( Philippians 4:9)

( 2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 16:25; Ephesians 1:3-9; Ephesians 3:9 =

Grace/Mystery fellowship, today?)

Please Be Encouraged!

Dear God, please bless Aleesha. Please help her break the chains of bondage from addiction. Help her to build the support system she needs in order to conquer this. Please heal her heart and fill any holes she feels in her life. Be the strength in her weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. Isaiah 41:10. Philippians 4:13. Give her the courage to stand up and say no to the enemy to put on the armor of God and fight for her freedom in you. I ask that chains be broken now and from this time forward will mark a new momentum in her life dedicated to you. We believe in your healing power in her life. In Jesus's name.

More Distinctions In God's TWO Different Programs!:

Prophecy/Law: 15) The Two "Main" (of 12) baptismS = A) water, For remission of sins! ( Matthew 3:5-6 Mark 1:4 Luke 3:3 John 1:31 Luke 7:29-30 Acts 10:37 Matthew 28:19 Mark 16:16 Acts 2:38 Acts 22:16 Ezekiel 36:25)

B) "WITH" The Holy Spirit, Poured Out By CHRIST, for power, signs And wonders! ( Isaiah 44:3 Matthew 3:11 Mark 1:8, 16:17-18 Luke 24:49 Acts 2:17-18, 38 Acts 8:15-17 Acts 11:16)

Rightly Divided ( 2 Timothy 2:15) From {RDf} "Things That DIFFER!":

Mystery/GRACE!: 15) Only ONE Baptism = "BY" The ONE Spirit = God's OPERATION, Spiritually "Identifying" members In (The Body Of) CHRIST! ( Ephesians 4:5 Colossians 2:12 Galatians 3:27 Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 12:13) 'ONE' = not two...

Prophecy/Law: 16) Forgive others First, Then God Will Forgive! ( Matthew 6:14-15, 18:35; Mark 11:25-26; Luke 6:37)

RDf Mystery/GRACE!: 16) Forgive others Because CHRIST Has Already Forgiven us! ( Ephesians 4:32)

Prophecy/Law: 17) Taught how/what to pray! ( Matthew 6:9; Luke 11:2)

RDf Mystery/GRACE!: 17a) we Are Exhorted to "...Make our requests known Unto God!" ( Philippians 4:6) While, At The Same Time, God "Teaches":

17b) Concerning our infirmities, we "know Not" what to pray "as we ought," But "The Spirit Intercedeth For us, According To The Will Of God!..." ( Romans 8:26)

Prophecy/Law {earthly!}: 18) "watchmen," {as CHRIST Told the Jews On the earth!}, looking for The "wicked one, the deceiving man of Sin" And "signs" ( Matthew 24)

RDf Mystery/GRACE {Heavenly!}: 18) ambassadors {As CHRIST Told Paul, From Heaven!} Looking, Watching, & Waiting For The Holy One, The LORD JESUS CHRIST {From Heaven!} ( Romans 8:18, 19, 23, 25; 1 Corinthians 1:7; Ephesians 6:12-18; Philippians 3:20; Colossians 3:2, 4:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 5:5-11; 2 Thessalonians 3:5; Titus 2:13)

Please Be RichlyEncouraged!

Heavenly GRACE/Mystery fellowship, today? ( 2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 16:25; Ephesians 1:3-9; Ephesians 3:9)

Part II "Do we have 'authority' to raise the dead?" IF God's Will is for that, then HE "Will raise the dead," be we do not have the 'authority' as did the apostles ONLY {see Previous post...}

What is God's Program for today?:

God's GRACE In our infirmities

(1) Read Romans 5:1-5, especially take note of verse 3, "we glory [rejoice] in tribulations." We are not instructed here to glory in spite of the trials of life we find ourselves in, but we are to rejoice because of them. That is to say we are to thank God for allowing times of suffering into our life. This passage of Scripture expressly states that The Lord uses the tribulations of life "to conform us to The Image Of His Son" ( Romans 8:29).

To this end, He uses all things "to work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called According To His Purpose" ( Romans 8:28). As we grow mature in The Lord, our Savior is Glorified. As believers in Jesus Christ it is given us "in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His Sake" ( Philippians 1:29). (Borrowed from brother Ed Bedore) My own study:

(2) After Paul [our #"pattern"# for Today!] prayed 3 times for his affliction, the "Answer he Received," According To The Scriptures, Was:

"And HE [CHRIST] Said Unto me, MY GRACE Is Sufficient For thee: For MY Strength Is Made Perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory [cp] in my infirmities, that The Power Of CHRIST May Rest Upon me!" ( 2 Corinthians 12:9) cp ( 2 Corinthians 11:23-30)

(3) Compare With GRACE Scriptures: ( Romans 5:1-5) ( Romans 8:18) ( Romans 8:26-29) ( 1 Corinthians 10:13) ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-4) ( 2 Corinthians 4:17) ( 2 Corinthians 12:9) ( Philippians 3:21)

#"pattern"# = Paul = ( 1 Timothy 1:16) ( Philippians 4:9)

Please Be RichlyEncouraged, Enlightened,Exhorted, and Edified in fellowship With Christ! ( 2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 16:25; Ephesians 1:3-9; Ephesians 3:9 = Grace/Mystery fellowship, today, ENDING in our resurrection 'from the dead'/rapture?)

Job Auta Fruit is an indicator of spiritual growth and spiritual growth is determined on what you keep in your mind and act on. Things to put in mind Philippians 4:6, 4:8, Ephesians 4:22-32, 2 Peter 1:1-8 notice verse 8 for if these things be in you and abound they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Look at Galatians 5:22-25 is the product of what we put on in the mind and walk in with believing action. In His Service

Question on Hebrews 4:11 Another aspect of our rest in believing is in Philippians 4:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. The more we walk in Him the more he works in us. We need to be as committed in our faithful walk as our brother Jesus Christ that's the rest. Walking by the spirit is more inspiration than perspiration. In His Service

Question Hebrews 4:11 Context is in regards to believing consistently in the accomplished work of Christ, the Children of Israel even though God showed them incredible signs of His power they kept disobeying because of their unbelief, therefore an entire generation fell in the wilderness due to unbelief. When we believe with consistency that God will meet our needs by everything accomplished in Christ we can no pun intended rest assured that all our needs will be met. Philippians 4:19 But my God Shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. I put it simply Let Go and Let God. In His Service

Luke Thompson on 2 Corinthians 12:9: "Gorgeous, as are all others. thank you dear loving LORD!!!!"

Amen, Precious brother Luke. Here is a little more of the "Gorgeous" All Others:

God's GRACE In our infirmities

(1) Read Romans 5:1-5, especially take note of verse 3, "we glory [rejoice] in tribulations." We are not instructed here to glory in spite of the trials of life we find ourselves in, but we are to rejoice because of them. That is to say we are to thank God for allowing times of suffering into our life. This passage of Scripture expressly states that The Lord uses the tribulations of life "to conform us to The Image Of His Son" ( Romans 8:29). To this end, He uses all things "to work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called According To His Purpose" ( Romans 8:28). As we grow mature in The Lord, our Savior is Glorified. As believers in Jesus Christ it is given us "in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His Sake" ( Philippians 1:29). (Borrowed from brother Ed Bedore) My study:

(2) After Paul [our #"pattern"# for Today!] prayed 3 times for his affliction, the "Answer he Received," According To The Scriptures, Was:

"And HE [CHRIST] Said Unto me, MY GRACE Is Sufficient For thee: For MY Strength Is Made Perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory [cp] in my infirmities, that The Power Of CHRIST May Rest Upon me!" ( 2 Corinthians 12:9) cp ( 2 Corinthians 11:23-30)

(3) Compare With GRACE Scriptures: ( Romans 5:1-5) ( Romans 8:18) ( Romans 8:26-29) ( 1 Corinthians 10:13) ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-4) ( 2 Corinthians 4:17) ( 2 Corinthians 12:9) ( Philippians 3:21)

#"pattern"# = Paul = ( 1 Timothy 1:16) ( Philippians 4:9)

Precious friends, Please be Very Encouraged In The LORD JESUS CHRIST And His Word Of Truth!

Popeye asks: "infirmity" questions - Please help me that I may pass it along.

Popeye, Precious friend, I will pray for you - hope this helps:

God's GRACE In our infirmities

(1) Read Romans 5:1-5, especially take note of verse 3, "we glory [rejoice] in tribulations." We are not instructed here to glory in spite of the trials of life we find ourselves in, but we are to rejoice because of them. That is to say we are to thank God for allowing times of suffering into our life. This passage of Scripture expressly states that The Lord uses the tribulations of life "to conform us to The Image Of His Son" ( Romans 8:29). To this end, He uses all things "to work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called According To His Purpose" ( Romans 8:28). As we grow mature in The Lord, our Savior is Glorified. As believers in Jesus Christ it is given us "in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His Sake" ( Philippians 1:29). (Borrowed from brother Ed Bedore) My study:

(2) After Paul [our #"pattern"# for Today!] prayed 3 times for his affliction, the "Answer he Received," According To The Scriptures, Was:

"And HE [CHRIST] Said Unto me, MY GRACE Is Sufficient For thee: For MY Strength Is Made Perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory [cp] in my infirmities, that The Power Of CHRIST May Rest Upon me!" ( 2 Corinthians 12:9) cp ( 2 Corinthians 11:23-30)

(3) Compare With GRACE Scriptures: ( Romans 5:1-5) ( Romans 8:18) ( Romans 8:26-29) ( 1 Corinthians 10:13) ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-4) ( 2 Corinthians 4:17) ( 2 Corinthians 12:9) ( Philippians 3:21)

#"pattern"# = Paul = ( 1 Timothy 1:16) ( Philippians 4:9)

Please be Very Encouraged In The LORD JESUS CHRIST And His Word Of Truth!

Dear Akinjide,

PRAY, read your Bible, memorize Scriptures, sing--cling to God in all His ways. He has also given scientists the knowledge to developed medication designed to treat mental illness. Nothing to be ashamed about doing that. It's like taking an aspirin for a headache or cough medicine for a cough. If you and your mother aren't taking meds or have quit taking meds, please seek out a doctor to treat you.

May you find hope in God and feel His longing for you to come closer to Him.

Psalm 34:17-20 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

God bless you, comfort, and keep you.

The Bible calls it Pestilence. Pestilence can be illnesses, plagues, pandemics.

Use the Search Box on this website to look up those other words I added.

Just reading all the verses gives a real clear picture of what these things are.

You can GOOGLE: PAST PANDEMICS LIST

to read a list authored by the CDC. Even if the numbers are low, it shows that the earth has undergone this before. Only in The Bible it says these things will speed up and be more overwhelming as when a woman is about to give birth.

Know what Matthew 24, and Luke 21, warns us of to be looking for the Lords return. Also, 1 Thessalonians chapters 4 and 5. It's good to read Peter. I keep my mind anchored on Philippians 4:8

Mishael

Matthew 17:21

Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Mark 9:29

And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

Like your friend I was spiritually blind and deaf. I only remembered wondering why Christians never invited me to go to church with them.

I was saved like Paul. I had been an astrologer. I believed the stars would tell me all the answers. All I knew after I was saved, is Someone was telling me how to be free. Acts 19:19.

Your friend may not be able to hear the Truth: John 3. You may have to put on your armor and pray and fast from food and media. BIND up the spirits of blind, deaf and dumb (can't speak Gods Word). CAST them into outer darkness. Pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send laborers to your friend; ask God to protect him with His angels.

The Devil just wants to hurt you; make you feel inadequate to help your friend. He doesn't want us to feel equipped to evangelize. He likes us paralyzed and doubting.

Dig in. Announce your fast. You can drink water.

Satan and his workers are invisible. You're not going to see them. You will be peeling their hands off of your friend. Claim his soul for the Kingdom of God. If you gotta go sit in your car to "turn up the volume", do it. Jesus defeated Satan when he was on his fast...WITH THE WORD OF GOD. Scriptures. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you some good ones.

Be kind to your friend. Maybe ask him if he minds if you can say a few words...and just speak blessings, a good week at work, favor in all his dealings, etc.

Don't reveal your warfare on his behalf. The Lord is our Intercessor and He's working out the details. Just stand on your scriptures with your most holy Faith. Expect a Miracle. Sing unto the Lord. Philippians 4:8

Dear Kim,

Keep yourself clothed in Christ so that everything in your life is presentable to the Lord. Romans 13:14 "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof."

Pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Stay the course no matter what happens or what your emotions are Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we walk by faith, not by sight."

God bless you!

Hi Tyron,

This verse shows us how to deny the flesh. Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. In other words, walk in Christ, staying away from things that will cause you to sin.

Asking for a mate...

Philippians 4:6-9 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me-practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."

2 Corinthians 6:14 "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" Choose a wife who is a born-again Christian.

I have a very dear friend who has just found out he has stage 4 liver cancer. I have prayed and asked God for a miracle.

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Listening to gospel music also helps a lot. You just present yourself to the Lord and praise and worship him.

This one verse has gotten me out of numerous situations, to get into trouble with loose thinking and loose speaking. Memorize this one:

Philippians 4:8

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, THINK on these things."

Wesleys Commentary from this website: Numbers 12:10

From the tabernacle - Not from the whole tabernacle, but from that part, whither it was come, to that part which was directly over the mercy-seat, where it constantly abode. Leprous - She, and not Aaron, either because SHE WAS CHIEF in the transgression or because God would not have his worship interrupted or dishonoured, which it must have been if Aaron had been leprous. (White). This kind of leprosy was the most virulent and incurable of all. It is true, when the leprosy began in a particular part, and thence spread itself over all the flesh by degrees, and at last made it all white, that was an evidence of the cure of the leprosy, Lev 13:12-13. But it was otherwise when one was suddenly smitten with this universal whiteness.

Comment: The issue was Moses' wife had dark skin. This was racism and this teaches us what God thinks about it.

Something to ponder on: All colors came from Adam. One man. Eve was made from Adams rib. To rail about color is to get in Gods face. His opinion is always Right. The only RULE he gave us, is: do not marry an unbeliever.

Oh, do you mean Philippians 4:8?

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Ruth,

Are you looking for Philippians 4:8?

Satan's battleground is our mind and his objective is to gain control over us. For unbelievers, Satan wants to blind their minds to keep them from accepting Christ. whose minds the god [Satan] of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them ( 2 Corinthians 4:4). For the believer, the battleground is still the mind, to destroy our belief, faith, and relationship with God. The Greek word for mind is noema, which translates to mental thought or perception, "that which thinks". Here is where Satan fights for control so that he can blind the person to the Gospel. Unfortunately, in way to many cases, we are not looking and do not see the attack until it is to late.

God's word implores us to guard our mind, against the ways of this world. and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus ( Philippians 4:6-7).

We have a choice, we can cast Satan away or permit Satan to affect our minds. The real danger is being ignorant of what Satan is doing. my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge ( Hosea 4:6). We need to be ever vigilant, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to question the source of every thought. Is our thought judgmental or uplifting? Are we getting negative thoughts questioning our relationship with others or of ourselves? If it is negative or evil, then we need to immediately rebuke it and think about whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report ( Phil 4:8).

Sister Jeannie, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.

The day that CHRIST IN YOU arrived, a living FIRE was ALSO kindled IN YOU (for our God is a consuming FIRE Hebrews 12:29).

If you have ever watched a trash pile be burned, you know it takes time. Even after the flames died down the coals stay alive under the surface. If other trash is put upon the coals the flame appears and destroys them also. CHRIST IS OUR FIRE; live in peace of this knowledge; you will become PERFECT, like him. He will DESTROY the unwanted trash in you. He knows exactly when and how. We are the POT he is the POTTER; be still and behold THE SALVATION OF GOD. Knowing the END (you will be created in the IMAGE OF GOD) CAUSES us through Christ's GRACE to ENDURE.

When CHRIST IN YOU arrived the ACCUSER was cast out.

Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is SALVATION, and strength, and the kingdom of GOD (CHRIST IN YOU), and the power of his Christ: for the ACCUSER of our brethren is CAST DOWN, which accused them before our God day and night.

Philippians 4:7 And the PEACE OF GOD, which passeth all understanding, shall KEEP your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Thank you JR. I am praying right now for the Lord to be with you both & for a real love & understanding to re-enter your marriage. Please don't suffer this in silence; there are probably others reading your story who are also bringing you both before the Lord. Share your agony with a friend or someone you can really trust, so that you never feel alone - otherwise this can be very soul destroying, leading to further problems.

The Lord is the One Who fully understands & can completely heal; look to Him constantly for strength & continue to exercise faith believing that He is working on your behalf. With the Lord, nothing is impossible. Always know that you are special & precious to Him, in spite what anyone might say or do to hurt or undermine your character. Rejoice in that, live for Jesus, & exude Christ's Love & understanding as your witness to all. Remember, with Jesus at your side giving you wisdom & strength, you can do all things (in the physical, emotional & spiritual realms) to live above the griefs & burdens of life. Philippians 4:13.

Hello Jannelle. This is one of those oft-asked profound questions to which there is no adequate well-informed answer. I think most of us have given this much thought at some point in our Christian walk, so various answers may well be correct.

Even as God has all Power to protect or shield His children from all harm, discomfort & disappointment in life, it seems He often chooses not to do so. Even with the ministry of Jesus to the sick & suffering, or those who died & He raised to life, there was certainly joy amongst them that their life had been restored but does that mean that they didn't have to face struggles, ill-health & calamity the next day? Or, even those in the Church so equipped with the Gift of healing, have certainly restored many to health by the Spirit's Power, yet there was never a complete removal of their other problems that would come to them later on.

So in my understanding, the root cause for our woes is simply because we live in a sin-ravaged corrupt world & living in bodies so affected. Indeed, our spirits might be renewed & refreshed by God's Spirit, & even healing can come to us during that experience & subsequent times in our lives, yet the fact remains, none of us has ever been freed from pain or calamity - Adam & Eve saw to it. And it would be nice if God would wave His Hand over us every time an impending trouble approaches us, but that doesn't happen.

Rather, for the one who has placed his trust in God through His Son, our sufferings, though just as painful as unbelievers might experience, can find a measure of relief, of joy & of perfecting that none else can receive. This is because we are His children - He cares - He gives Grace - He draws us closer to Him - He uses us for others. You can look at these few Scriptures to guide you: Romans 8:18-28; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; John 16:33; Romans 4:1-5; Philippians 4:11-13. In the midst of our suffering, we can always prove the Lord sufficient & gracious to us.

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Hello Levi. Just to add to the other brothers' valuable comments. There is usually some area or areas in each one of us that gives Satan access into our lives. It may not be as dramatic as what you've shared - it could even be a fleeting evil thought or intent. Most believers will quickly recognize that intrusion is certainly not of God & something that is either sin or will lead to it. And we have to deal with it - it can be an ongoing daily battle for some - others may find healing as they submit totally to the Spirit's Power & Direction. I'm sure the Lord has forgiven you (& your wife) as you've come before Him in repentance & in earnest to turn away from such sin, yet the sin of lust in your thoughts continue.

The main thing at this point is to prevent those thoughts from becoming an act of sin. You are showing restraint & you must continue to withstand Satan from taking a foothold in your life as he did before. I think of the Apostle Paul writing in Philippians 4:6-9 about those who were plagued with worry & anxiousness (which, by the way, is also sin). Paul suggested that they commit those matters to the Lord in prayer & thanksgiving, allowing God's Peace to fill them & sustain their troubled hearts & minds. Sin takes root in the mind: it's the Devil's playground. We are not to join him in his games, but attend to the Lord's ministry to cleanse & heal our minds. One way that Paul gives, is in verse 8: let the Devil play his games, but you have to perform it the Lord's Way. We must fill our minds with the things that come from the Lord: things of purity, honesty, truth, loveliness, etc. If it's lust, then we turn our minds to the purity & loveliness of God, of our marriage, how to please our wives, engaging ourselves on worthier, wholesome matters. We also attend to the reading of God's Word, especially at those times of fleshly weakness. When such things become a part of our lives, even during temptation, Satan will flee & the Peace of God rules.

Hello Keith. I'm unsure whether you mean that the preacher should request payment for his services or whether he should accept it as a gift?

For the former option, my understanding is there should not be a request for payment or salary. I also understand that the role of today's pastors/teachers within a Fellowship is generally a paid position, as those serving in such a capacity also need to pay bills & have their needs met, but in the NT Church this wasn't the case. At that time, elders were appointed to lead, direct & teach their congregations from the Word & they also had their own jobs to attend to. In the case of the Apostle Paul, he worked for a living as well ministered to others ( 1 Corinthians 4:11-13; 1 Corinthians 9:6; Acts 18:1-3). As far as I know, the Brethren Assemblies & maybe some very small house Churches only follow that principle today.

Whether a preacher should accept payment as a gift: I think that would be in order to do, as the Fellowship has set aside this 'gift of thanks & appreciation' to the one who has taken the trouble to prepare & deliver God's Word to them. What the preacher does with that gift (i.e. to use it for his needs or to return it back via the offering plate) would be his choice. Again, to use Paul's example, he often received such gifts, most likely in 'kind' rather than monetary, & he saw no problem in doing so. 1 Corinthians 9:11-14; Philippians 4:10-19; 2 Corinthians 11:7-9 ("wages" (v8) allows for both a 'payment, provisions, support').

I always maintain the position, that the preacher should share the Gospel/God's Word free of charge. If he is placed in a full-time position within a Fellowship, then he can receive whatever the eldership determines, even a nominal amount. If he is an itinerant preacher, he either supports himself from his own resources or by doing other work, and fully trusts the Lord to meet his needs. And many have gone to serve overseas based on that dependence on the Lord.

Hi Chacha,

I'm sorry if I took your comments wrong. You made this post that started this whole thread: "REPENTANCE NOT NEEDED FOR SALVATION - ONLY BELIEVING

Dear readers, I have heard lots of sermons that teach that one must repent to be saved. I believe this is a false doctrine because NOWHERE in the whole Bible does anyone teach it. All the Scriptures teach is just believing:-".

I'm sure most of us here know what "repent" means. Also we receive the Holy Ghost before we "repent" or "change ways" because it is Christ in us guiding us down the straight and narrow path. We change because if Him. Away from the sins of the world we have all been indoctrinated into in our lives before coming to Christ. If any one "turns back" to the world it is said it shall not be good for that person. Hebrews 10:26-31, 2 Peter 20-22.

I'm sorry but I don't want to debate with you about this as I am confused about what you are stating. I think you are making it a bit confusing as I really don't know why you made the first post. It should be known that "mostly" when we state of "repenting" it is of sins. I guess you could just start using that word in everything "turn from or change" is used if you want.

A couple things I don't understand you using. Why would you even say or ask one of us if God could sin? That seems a bit harsh and uncalled for. Also how you stated that the book of John "It's the ONLY book that brings people to salvation". Which to me is false and not true. Though it does not have the word "repent" in it it has much of those being in darkness, evil deeds, and sin.

I'm going to stop here. As I'm going to make another post today about how saddened I am seeing of the division of Christ. Petty things that split believers when the main focus should be on Jesus Christ and His Word. Let the Holy Ghost be our teacher instead of another person though we should all help one another if able.

1 Corinthians 9:14.

God Bless you and have a wonderful day!

2 THINGS:-

1. Believing without repentance in the Gospel of John

2. Repentance can be a bad thing - Exodus

GOSPEL OF JOHN

The gospel of John, as it ends tells the reader that he is writing the book for people to get saved/ believe. He says in John 20:30-31 ---> And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But THESE ARE WRITTEN, THAT YE MIGHT BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, AND THAT BELIEVING YE MIGHT HAVE LIFE THROUGH HIS NAME. It's the ONLY book that brings people to salvation, because most books in the NT are written to the church. MOST. But Gospel of John is written so that people might believe..

YET,

Nowhere in the whole gospel of John do you encounter the word "repent" . If its a book that claims to get people saved, you should at least get word repent even one time but its not there, but guess what! the word "believe" appears in the gospel of John 46 times(if my counting is correct). Look at some verses:-

John 1:7 - The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

John 1:12 - But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 6:69 - And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

John 11:27 - She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

REPENTANCE IN EXODUS

Exodus 13:17 - And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:

Here repentance is a bad thing because they would "turn" back to Egypt when they see war..