Revelation
King James Version (KJV)
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That quotation does not appear in the Bible. Jesus is very clear that we are to follow His example and none other.
As for the requirements to be a leader (pastor) in the church, we have 1 Timothy.
1Ti 3:1-7 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. (2) A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; (3) Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; (4) One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (5) (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) (6) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. (7) Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
A "bishop" here is a pastor.
To Him be the glory forever Amen.
Although fasting is seen as a good thing, as far as I know, there is no commandment given to Christians to do so. Matthew 6:16-18 gives us the correct understanding of fasting. The Jews were required to fast only once a year at the Day of Atonement. On the Day of Atonement they fast. But the Pharisees fasted twice a week, every Monday and Thursday. That's 104 times a year! But the requirement was to only fast once a year. The Pharisees wanted to show themselves as being "Super Spiritual."
Now, you touched on something that should be the goal of every believer, which is about the next step in one's spiritual walk. After salvation, the next step is to have our minds transformed. We are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and we are to submit ourselves to His humbling process. You call it "rocks and weeds," and I like that. Here is something you should know. If you have received Jesus Christ (Been born of His Spirit), there is no "hard soil" to break up. That's already been far penetrated and broken up since you've received Him. (See Parable of the Sower).
However, once we are saved, the effects of sin in our past remain stuck in the cortex of our minds. We can't get away from that. So we have to submit ourselves to the Lord so He can mend us from our past and so that He can transform us and renew our minds.
Sorry if I'm getting off-topic. If you choose to fast, that is between you and the Lord. It should be done in secret. It doesn't necessarily mean to give up food for the day, even though food can be a distraction. But if you decide to fast, just put aside a time where it's just you and the Lord, clear your mind of all worldly distractions, and just focus on Christ and His word. It should be a one on one time with Him without distraction. But just so you know, there is no commandment given to believers to fast.
Your question is, what must I do?
You answered your on question in the sentence preceding you question.
I HAVE LEARNED God wants to clear out the "rocks and weeds" in my life breaking up the hard soil.
GOD IS FAITHFUL IN ALL HIS WANTS. HE will do the work. Sit still and behold the salvation (WORKS) of God.
Psalms 57:2 I will cry into God most high; unto God THAT PERFORMETH ALL THINGS FOR ME.
As to fasting in God's eyes the answer is in Isaiah 58
I have been studying on the subject of fasting. It is something I have never personally participated in nor fully comprehend. In reading Matthew 13:1-23 I have learned God wants to clear out the "rocks and weeds" in my life breaking up the hard soil. So my question is how? What must I do to take this next step in my spiritual walk? Is it structured or done during a certain month? I would appreciate any feedback, guidance, or further reading to be considered before moving forward.
Sincerely,
Stephanie
You are very welcome. Thanks for the blessing. May the Lord continue to bless you with understanding as you remain in His word!
My understanding is that the woman represents Israel, and the child is Christ. My reason for believing that the woman is Israel and the child is Christ comes from Genesis Chapter 37, the story of Joseph and his brothers, where we get the sun and the moon, and the twelve stars.
The sun and moon represented his parents, and the 12 stars represented the twelve tribes of Israel. This is referring to the nation Israel. And the Messiah was prophesied to come through Israel.
Revelation 12:5 gives us the description of the male child: It says "And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron:" That's the Messiah in Psalm Chapter 2 Verses 8 and 9. And then it goes on to say that her child was caught up unto God. That's the ascension. And to His throne!
And then Revelation 12:6 tells us that the woman (Israel/Jews) fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days, or 3-1/2 years.
Many believe that this is the rock city of Petra that is already supplied with food out in the wilderness, so that when those who are sealed by God, the 144,000 especially, they will have a place to go.
I think that pretty much gives everybody a chance to have sins forgiven and be grafted into the family of God, don't you?
Hallelujah! Mishael
Just to give a short reply to your question. I think what is more important to perceive is "do I love God"? God's mercy, compassion, lovingkindness, forgiveness is endless. For God is love and life. God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked and want's people to turn, repent, from their wickedness/sin and live by His Will which is Holy and pure. As said "Return to me and I will return unto you saith the Lord of hosts".
As even satan was one of His angels who turned against Him, along with many others, who are now His main adversaries.
God hates sin and those who live in willful sin are not close to Him. Although, God knows everything and that one who is a sinner today may be a saint tomorrow. The Lord searches hearts. Though many shall die in there sin and not acknowledge God or Jesus Christ.
He loves His Creation so much that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, for us. By His grace and love for us.
Keep reading the Holy Bible. Give your life to Jesus Christ if you have not already done so. Pray from the heart. The truth shall set you free.
God Bless.
That we can be found faithful in the last day.
Carleton
Carleton
I believe you were born again when you poured out your heart to the Lord in that produce truck.
However, (& not to offend you or cause contention, but because I care for your soul as a priest of Jesus Christ), concerning your receiving of the Holy Ghost; where in the book of Acts does it say anyone received the Holy Ghost & just felt peace?
Likewise, concerning your baptism, where in Acts did anyone have water poured over them (this is what the roman catholic church does to infants before they even know theyre sinners in need of a Savior)?
The Greek word used for baptism (& mind you I'm no greek or hebrew scholar for we have the word of God translated perfectly in English with the KJV, but it does help sometimes to get a better understanding) is 'bautizo' & means full immersion. This is how we are buried with Christ in baptism - Col. 2:12.
I imagine the man who poured water over you said the words, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son & Holy Ghost" but HE NEVER SAID THE ONE NAME GIVEN AMONG MEN UNDER HEAVEN BY WHICH WE MUST BE SAVED ( Acts 4:12): Jesus Christ!
You see as an example: I can write you a check and sign it as son, brother, or cousin; those are all titles that represent who I am, but the bank won't remit the funds to you unless I put my name on it.
The name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost is: Jesus Christ (I can provide scripture for this if you want). Peter & all the disciples understood this ( Acts 2:38, 22:16).
By no means am I denying the experience you had with the Lord in that produce truck. But I am denying the lies that men have told you concerning baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost that didn't come from the bible."Yea, let God be true and every man a liar" - Rom. 3:4
Do you know the bible says that baptism saves us? 1 Pet. 3:21
I offer this to you in the name of Jesus Christ & I pray that you can receive it.
Sincerely,
Andrew
P.S.I'm still ready to share my testimony
The very short story: I felt led outside of my soul to seek instruction and Bible understanding that the answer to my forlorn soul was faith in Jesus Christ and that I must repent of my sins. Resistance to this took years. One day, in the mid-night hours in the back of a dirty produce truck, I poured out my sin before Jesus, anything that came to mind. I became willing in my heart with the help of Jesus to turn away from my worldly life and sell my field and buy his field. Jesus gave me that field in that hour. I was bought for a price and I had sold what I had. How did I know this transaction of love was complete? The Holy Ghost. Not only did I have immediate peace with God by His Son and knowledge of it by His Holy Ghost but I also had power to over come willing sins. Even words that I spoke. I also had an immediate love for my fellow man wanting the same for them. I was willing to reconcile with any man regarding my past, so I felt that I also could say that I have peace with God and man that same hour. The desire to meet and know brethren in this same Spirit grew in me. In due time I entered the Visible Church by water baptism (pouring). Regarding Baptism by the Holy Spirit which seems to ne your interest mostly Andrew it happened when the Holy Spirit entered me. Perhaps there were words I remember not. Today as I mentioned I understand the groaning within me to live outside of this flesh and world that is not my home. This is the short story. Mishael, in whom I love knows a longer version of the same.
Carleton
I believe your comment was removed because it was off topic, and distracting to the initial question Carla had asked.
I, however, beared with you and answered your questions regarding my foundation (the Rock & Chief Cornerstone Jesus Christ), & His Church built on that Rock and who what where when and why she is.
It appears you no longer have any comments or questions on that subject.
It also appears you wish to avoid the questions I asked you concerning; a. How you were saved, & b. Unto what you were baptized? (You don't have to go into detail)
i have no problem answering those questions and sharing a condensed version of my testimony (it's a long story).
But to respect the order & grace (if there be any) of the conversation, would you mind answering my questions first?
I'm not here to bring contention or strife or debate with anyone (as my Master Jesus never debated, only said, he that hath an ear let him hear), but rather because, though I don't know you, I kove you with the love of Christ and care for your soul not wanting any to perish.
I pray that you can receive this, in Jesus name.
satan was/is an angel who (because of pride) was cast out of his place as the worship leader of heaven. He still travels to and fro on the earth and even up to heaven to accuse the brethren before God. He is referred to as the dragon/that old serpent in the revelation. During the time of Jacob's trouble/ the Great Tribulation, he will be cast out permanently from heaven ( Luke 10:18/ Revelation 12:9). He is also spoken of in Ezekiel as the King of Tyre.
Lucifer, however, is (will be) a man; the antichrist, in whom satan will dwell. There are passages in Isaiah 14 about him, as well as in Ezekiel; where he is spoken of as the prince of Tyre. Also, in the Revelation, he is referred to as the beast.
Hope this helps as you search the scriptures.
Carleton
The bible says:
1 Corinthians 3:11
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
So, my foundation is not a "she" or "her", but a He; verily the Lord Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 2:7-9
King James Version
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
And upon that rock, Jesus built His Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
The Church is not the rock.
She is built on that rock, which is Christ.
Who is she you ask?
1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
Amen.
She's a worldwide body of disciples baptized in Jesus' name (not titles F, S, & HG) for the remission of their sins (& not as an "outward showing of an inward change" or "public profession of faith"),
& filled with His Holy Spirit walking in his commandments continuing in His word ( John 8:31-32).
Where is she you ask?
John 11:52
And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
She's scattered abroad throughout all the world,& doesn't exist in buildings built by men with fancy titles & big screens and p.a. systems, but in eachother's houses & in the streets confessing Christ to others (Roman's 10:9) for this is how Christians SHALL be saved.
Praise the Lord!
Now let me ask you;
How were you saved & unto what were you baptized?
And yes:
5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
This verse is speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Great question!
Revelation 12:1
12 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
Genesis 37:9-10
9 And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.
10 And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?
From this passage of Scripture speaking of Joseph and the dream he was given; we can see that the woman with the 12 stars and the sun and the moon referenced in Revelation 12 is Israel.
The dragon is obviously that old serpent our defeated foe (satan).
And the water represents nations or people that will attack Israel during the time of Jacob's trouble/the great tribulation, but she will flee to the valley in the mountains prophesied in Zechariah 14 (I believe) that God hath prepared for her.
Later John writes about MYSTERY BABYLON MOTHER OF HARLOTS (the roman catholic church) that sits upon many waters. We can see that the roman emperor (the pope) has his "churches" all over the world in just about every nation (many waters).
This is why Christians must come out from her and her "protestant" daughters to be saved ( Rev 18:4).
I hope this helps you Carla.
Be well in Jesus' name,
Andrew
Thank You,
God Bless,
Carla Zgabay