Discuss Revelation 3 Page 6

Hello Ronald. If I might add my understanding to some of the Scriptural references you gave.

Revelation 3:14: "These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God." The Greek for 'beginning' is 'arche', as we add that prefix to the words such as 'arch-enemy, arch-bishop, arch-rival. It certainly has the primary meaning of a 'beginning or first in line', but it clearly denotes 'one who holds the primary highest position/control over others'. That being the case, if Jesus first appeared as the creation by God in the womb of Mary, it could never be said that He was the beginning/first in line to all of God's Creation, which happened several millennia prior. But Jesus was there because He was involved in the creative Work ( John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2).

Colossians 1:15: "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature." I understand that 'firstborn' indicated here, refers to the 'rights & privileges' of the firstborn child (e.g. 2 Chronicles 21:3). All God's creation have received His Love & Care, but at the birth of His Son into humanity, Jesus, as the Son, was the first(born) to gain/inherit His Father's full estate, as well as enjoying "the fullness of God in Himself" ( Colossians 1:19). But the full riches of God to humanity could only be realized by those placing their trust in the Forerunner & Shepherd of their faith, Jesus Christ.

John 17:5: "O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." What was His Glory? We can assume all of God's Glory, for He is the Word of/from God, but even if that wasn't the case, Jesus, as the Word of God, had that Glory even before creation of the worlds.

You stated, "I honor the Son for what He gave up." If Jesus (the Word) didn't exist from eternity within the Person of God, & was only created from the womb of Mary, I wonder what He had to give up? Your responses have been very interesting.

Sister GiGi:

I believe what Sister Suze was saying, Peter and most others, even today, don't UNDERSTAND: the SWORD was the WORD, not a metal blade.

But he was going to show them a miracle by healing the man's ear, and when the Holy Spirit came upon them, they would remember and UNDERSTAND.

THIS IS A PARABLE:

Luke 22:36 And he said unto them, But now (TODAY is the day), he that hath a purse, let him now take it, and like wise his script: and he that hath no SWORD, let him sell his garments, AN BUY ONE.

THIS IS A PARABLE:

Revelation 13:16 And he (the SWORD, the WORD, the Holy Ghost) CAUSED ALL, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark (the SPIRIT of TRUTH) in their fight hand, or in their forehead.

Revelation 3:18 I counsel of thee, TO BUY OF ME .....

Revelation 13:1 And that NO MAN might BUY or SELL (the Kingdom of God), save he had the MARK (CHRIST IN YOU), or the NAME (Christ in You) of the BEAST (the forth kingdom, the kingdom of God: Daniel 7:23), or the number or HIS NAME (Christ in you).

God Bless YOU.

Hello David:

Yes I understood the same way you do. I just wanted to ensure that we saved as many people on this site. That is why it is important to take time to explain based on the Bible. The Book of Acts is a transitional book. Luke did a magnificent job inspired by God writing the chain of events after Jesus Christ died on the cross. Peter and the rest of the Apostles concentrated on preaching to the Jews, but when they have rejected it three times Paul went to the Gentiles. But Jews and Gentiles today can be saved by the mystery of the Gospel of Paul 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. We are saved by grace through faith. We are baptized by trusting on Jesus Christ's death, burial and resurrection meaning trusting on the blood of Jesus Christ. Christ Jesus already went to the most Holiest of Holy to sprinkle His own blood as the Jews did on earth. So anybody today can be saved by that blood. Once you are saved, the mysteries are revealed by the Holy Spirit. We are the Body of Christ, the Bride of Christ, knowing Christ in you.

Romans 16:25; Galatians 1:9-12; Galatians 2:1-14; Acts 15:11; Roman's 2:16; 1 Peter 1:10-12; 1Peter 1:18-20;

1Corinthians 4:1

Colossians 1:18; Colossians 1:24-27; Ephesians 1:13; Romans 8:9-11; Ephesians 4:30; 1 Corinthians 3:16 and many more I can share. So knowing we are saved, we know the mystery of the rapture. 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Romans 9:1; 2 Corinthians 11:31; Galatians 1:20; 1 Timothy 2:7

Revelation 3:3. We are watching and praying with thanksgiving.

We are on the last days and we want all to be saved. We are here on earth to fulfill God's purpose - To trust God and to do God's will. Nothing of anything good we do. Rejoice evermore! I am so happy to communicate with you David. Have a blessed weekend.

The first book of the Bible that I read, was the Book Of Revelation. I was less than twelve years old. I will never forget the judgements. It was a horrifing book to read as a child, but now I find it an incredible book to read, knowing that He soon will come for His church.

We must do all we can to take as many as possible with us, those who refuse or are left behind, God have mercy on their souls.

Job 23:14

For HE (the Father, Spirit, Life) performeth the thing that is appointed for me (the Body).......

Philippians 2:13 For it is God (the Father, Spirit, Life) that worketh in you (the Body) both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.

Ephesians 4:4 ONE BODY .....ONE SPIRIT .....

Ephesians 4:6 ONE GOD and Father of ALL .....

Not many BELIEVE that the LIFE in their BODY is CHRIST.

Matthew 7:14 Because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leadeth unto LIFE, and few there be that find it.

John 10:10 .....I am come that they might HAVE LIFE ......

John 19:28 I give unto them ETERNAL LIFE ...

1 Timothy 6:18 WHO only (CHRIST ONLY) hath immortality, dwelling in the LIGHT which no man can approach unto .....

John 11:25 I am the resurrection, and THE LIFE .....

John 14:6 ....I am THE LIFE .....

John 20:31 ....and that BELIEVING you might have LIFE through HIS NAME .....

Revelation 22:4 ....and HIS NAME shall be in their foreheads .....

Revelation 3:12 ...and I will write upon him MY NAME .....

Acts 2:38 ....be ye baptised every one of you IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST .....

John 17:21 That they all may be ONE, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also be ONE IN US ......

God Bless You.

Hey John,

This is my understanding, please study and let the Holy Spirit help you come to your understanding.

The people in Thessalonica were questioning things and had concerns about the second coming of Jesus. Paul, in first and second Thessalonians, was responding to Timothy's report on the church there. In 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul told them that Jesus would not return until two things happened "for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;".

What is this falling away, apostasia; meaning defection, revolt, to leave, or depart? To be one of the two things that Paul lists that will happen before Jesus returns it must be of a large scale, not some gradual departure.

In Revelation 3:10 there is the hour of temptation that will come on all the world. In 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 and for this cause God shall send them strong delusion. God will not keep us from being tempted but keep us by giving us the strength in our faith not to surrender to it. This temptation comes upon all the world including the believers in Christ if we are still alive, if we are living, we will face this, Revelation 13:9-15

Jesus said these words, Matt. 10,16 Mark 8 and Luke 9, Luke 17:33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it, to me fits this very time that is coming.

Romans 8:17-18 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

"Here is the patience and the faith of the saints".

God bless,

RLW

ARE YOU A JEW OR GENTILE?

WHEN you are born again into TRUTH and LIFE ( John 14:6), by the blood of Christ, YOU are no longer a GENTILE.

Romans 2:28 For he IS NOT A JEW which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

Romans 2:29 But HE IS A JEW, which is one inwardly; and that circumcision is of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Revelation 3:9 Behold I WILL MAKE THEM of the synagogue of Satan, which SAY THEY ARE JEWS, AND ARE NOT, BUT DO LIE; behold I WILL MAKE THEM to come and worship before thy feet, to know that I have loved thee.

God Bless You.

I've related the Church of Philadelphia to the Church in USA , Revelation 3:7-13,

I think we can relate to many, in some ways.

Roy,

I think you would be okay to take Revelation 3:20 seriously. We do serve a merciful God. What I find interesting is that to this particular church, Christ was standing on the outside. And they had no need of Him. And they were lukewarm.

Have you ever seen that picture with Christ standing outside a door and He is knocking? I remember that picture hanging on a wall in our house growing up. But if you notice in that picture, there is no door knob on the outside of the door.

When Christ calls us, when He comes knocking at the door, we must not harden our heart, but respond to His call by opening the door to Him!

Dear "Shaa Rei" u wrote: He that KNOWETH My name shall be saved. Is it a confusion with lowercase and uppercase letters here? And u wrote: So also, in trials and tribulations , we too must seek our new name. ???

If i am going to search and find my new name, a new rule? Can you please elaborate on this a bit more. It was a bit of a long search for me at least.

On righteous works yes and Revelation 2:17 and Revelation 3:12

God bless u, love u in Christ. Hebrew 10:7 Isaiah 43:7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

Everything is for Jesus. We stand in the radiance of Jesus Christ.

There are several reasons someone asks this question. I'd like to address the core of your question. If you're having situations in your life that seem impossible, please remember GOD can do impossible! He "said" & the entire Galaxy came into existence, Genesis 1, the Bible is full of GOD's miraculous compassion, 2Kings 7, notice there was a horrible time with horrible actions, 4 leperous men, (usually cast out away from other's because of it) they were in a seemingly hopeless situation. Yet GOD had already made provision for all the City.

GOD cares for us even more than He does the sparrow. 1Peter 4:12-14, 1Peter 1:7-13, hope to the end. 1Peter 2:19-25,

Psalms 139, Matthew 10:22, endure to the end. Exodus 20:13 "Thou shalt not kill."

With that said, instead seek The Savior,John3:15-16, Jesus Christ understands Luke 22:40-48, Matthew 26:36-39, Hebrews 4:15

John 17, Jesus overcame so we can endure through by His example, Revelation 3:21, Romans 12:21 to live is good. 1John 4:4, John 16:33, Hebrews 2:17,18,

We all have to live our own lives & will give account. Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 14:12,

I hope, if you've suffered such a tragic, sad loss, that GOD gives you comfort.

I pray in either situation. GOD gives you direction, hope, encouragement, faith & comfort. Stay in HIS Word.

Hopefully this is helpful. Please let us know if you need prayer.

Sheila,

I see you found your answer. I'd like to add. Here in the United States of America, we celebrate the Independence of our Nation this week. As Christians; that independence is our strongest defense of Our GOD given rights to worship, sing, praise GOD openly, spread the good news of the Gospel & obey GOD. The core foundation of USA, was driven by believers that were willing to lose everything to make our country free from tyrannical government, for our basic freedoms of Life, freedom to worship, freedom of speech, freedom of press, right to protect our freedom within the right to keep and bear arms. Within the core foundational documents we even have the rights to abolish the form of government when it has a long train of abuses. In every State Constitution & within The US Constitution & Declaration of Independence it is We The People, that are established as the authority. Therefore we have the Rights of the GOD blessed & established Governing Authority. One Nation under GOD, In GOD We Trust, GOD Bless America, all also established Legal phrases locked into our Nation, that I believe has continued GOD's blessing on our nation. Please see the statement of the Church of Philadelphia (noting also the US Mint, that prints every currency "In GOD We Trust", the U.S. Constitution, & The U.S. Declaration of Independence were signed ) says "._.hast not denied my name" Revelation 3:7-8, could this be the Church established through these, in Philadelphia USA, that continues to fight, pray, worship & stand today? That "hast kept my word" is it these foundational documents that very "I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength" please read The Declaration of Independence, individual States Constitutions. Never stop seeking GOD's wisdom, direction, & guidance for yourself & Our Nation. For It's with these freedoms we help liberty of Christ around the globe!

Amen Shaa Rei:

Do you KNOW YOUR NEW NAME?

Isaiah 62:2 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory; and thou shall be called by a NEW NAME, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.

Revelation 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what he saith to the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a NEW NAME written, which no man KNOWETH SAVING he that receiveth it.

Revelation 3:12 And he that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall no more go out, and I will WRITE UPON HIM THE NAME OF MY GOD, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him MY new NAME.

You are baptised into THE NAME OF JESUS.

You are the BODY OF CHRIST.

Ephesians 4:4 ONE BODY and ONE SPIRIT .....

God Bless You.

Texsis,

If you look at Revelation 3:15, it says, "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot." This is an evaluation of the church. So he says that you are neither hot nor cold. Being neither hot or cold would mean they are lukewarm which we see in Verse 16. What he is saying is to just be one way or the other, you know? But don't say that you believe, and then be cold to the things of the Lord. You've got to go one way or the other!

In Verse 16, he says "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."

Talk about visuals. Making the Lord sick!

Brother, I love you postings here on King James Bible Online but you're wrong. We are put through tests and trials (tribulations) during this time. But speaking of the prophetical 7-year tribulation -- all the verses you're quoting of "those" going through that would be those who knew God, they may have known what Salvation is, they may have gone to church or even graduated from a Bible college...but...they never truly were saved. They are left behind.

Revelation 3:10

"Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."

Jesus speaks a few things in that verse alone of the things to come. What is the hour of temptation = the insidious events during the tribulation (mark of the beast and temptation thereof) and even the enticements of the antichrist. Since WHEN did Jesus Christ state his church (the elect) would ever go through that? Never. People confuse those left behind trying to accept Christ during the tribulation for those already saved and raptured before it begins.

Rethink that modern theology is not right about their denial of the rapture or Bible prophesy but I can list (if you'd like) the myriad of member of the early church where they quoted a pre-trib rapture, wrote about it and died with that blessed hope.

GRACE_ambassador {ChrisE}

Revelation 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: (8) Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Revelation 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: (be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.)

Revelation 3:21 To him that (overcometh) will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

The Lord has spoken. The Prophets and the Apostles have done well conveying their messages towards us. It is up to each and everyone of us to believe, trust and have faith in the WORD OF GOD. Surely, It is indeed peaceful and joyful to be in the Kingdom of God. How much more to live an everlasting life with God.

Revelation 3:22

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (i.e. Believers of Jesus Christ and the sacrificial blood Jesus shed on the cross, living saints, sons of God, fellow heirs)

Grow in grace and in charity from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

Hey Bro dan,

When in Matthew 24 the apostles asked Jesus about the destruction of the temple and the end of the world (age) the first thing Jesus said was "Take heed that no man deceive you". I agree with you the rapture theory as taught is a big deception.

My understanding, 1 Thessalonians 4 along with Daniel 9:27 and parts of Mathew 24 and other scripture taken out of context has been used to create this theory of being taken out and up to heaven to be spared the great tribulation. The wrath of God and the great tribulation is wrongfully considered to be the same. The comfort in 1 Thessalonians 4:18 is they can be comforted they will not keep those who have died from resurrection day.

Paul tells us in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 Jesus will not return until after these two things happen. In this same chapter, in context of the end times God sends a strong delusion and the reason for it, in verses 8-12. My understanding, this points to Revelation 3:10 and also Revelation 13:11-16. God said He will keep us from this temptation that is coming not from being killed, the death of this flesh body. Our hope is eternal life not this corruptible flesh life.

There will be some that survive this time that is coming but we see in Revelation 13:7-10 and other scripture most will not. It is taught that this gathering of the saints Jesus takes us to heaven but scripture does not support that, I have not found one bible verse that says we ever go to heaven but the bible does say we will reign on earth and God will dwell with us and we will be His people, Revelation 21:3.

God bless,

RLW

Hi Free,

Thanks for responding.

Amen. God will stand with us forever, including the last days of this Earth!

Hebrews 13:5

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

God will protect His children living on this earth during the coming Tribulation.

Revelation 3:10

"Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."

God bless

Tasha, Jesus stands at the door of your heart knocking. Just open the door.He will come in and dine with you He loves you. He will help you with your life. Seek Him with your whole heart.

Revelation 3:20

Heavenly Father please help Tasha with her life.

Let her hear You knocking and open the door.

She needs You Jesus. Please let her experience Your saving grace and power today.

Thank You Lord. You truly are faithful.

Help Tasha to fully surrender to You today. Be merciful.

Show her how Lord. In Jesus name Amen.

Hey S Spencer,

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

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

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

Thank you and God bless,

RLW

Brother S Spencer:

Who is the BEAST?

The next important question is who is I, is it the writer, who wrote the words, or is it Christ who spoke the words.

This study is going to take a while, because it take lots of references from outer scriptures to come to TRUTH.

Revelation 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns seven crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

Revelation 13:2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard .....

Hosea 13:7 Therefore I will be to them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe them.

Jeremiah 5:6 Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evening shall spoil them, and a leopard shall watch over their cities: each one that goeth out thence shall be torn to pieces, because their transgressions are many, and their blackslidings are increased.

Who is the City that the leopard is watching over?

Revelation 3:12 ....and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God ....

Revelation 13:2 .....and his feet as the feet of a bear .......

Hosea 13:8 And I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and I will rend the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild BEAST shall tear them.

Amos 5:19 And if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear meet him, or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall and a serpent bite him.

This BEAST is Christ.

Make your rebuttal, I'm out of characters, and we will try to come to truth of these first one and a half verses, then proceed on.

Cod Bless YOU!

The Word

Immanuel/Emmanuel "with us is God" "God with us". John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. The word dwelt here is not the ordinary word for dwelt, meaning to house, or take residence.

The Greek word dwelt in this verse is skno meaning to tent, tabernacle. God set up His tent or tabernacle among us in His only begotten Son Jesus, therefore Jesus' name Immanuel/Emmanuel. In John 14:1-3, this is just before Jesus was to be crucified when He told them this.

The word mansions is the Greek word , , mon means an abiding, an abode, dwelling-place. When Jesus was arrested, beaten, nailed to that cross, gave His life, and rose from the dead He provided that place that the first Adam corrupted that God through Jesus, by the Spirit can again dwell in man therefore His Name Immanuel/Emmanuel "with us is God" "God with us".

John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

John 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

John 17:21-23 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

Jesus' life in the flesh, death, and resurrection prepared the place where we can be one, therefore His Name Immanuel/Emmanuel "with us is God" "God with us".

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

God bless,

RLW

Advocate - 1 John 2:1

Alive for Evermore - Rev 1:18

All Knowing Psalm 139:1-6

All, and in All - Colossians 3:11

Almighty - Revelation 1:8

Alpha and Omega - Revelation 1:8

Altar - Hebrews 13:10

Altogether Lovely - Song of Solomon 5:16

Amen - Revelation 3:14

Ancient of Days - Daniel 7:13 & Daniel 7:22

Anointed One - 1 Samuel 2:35

Author of Eternal Salvation - Hebrews 5:9

Author of our Faith - Hebrews 12:2

Balm of Gilead - Jeremiah 8:22

Banner over us - Ps 60:4, S of Sol 2:4

Bearer of Sin - Hebrews 9:28

Before All Things - Colossians 1:17

Beginning and Ending - Revelation 1:8

Bishop of our Souls - 1 Peter 2:25

Blessed and Only Potentate - 1 Timothy 6:15

Blessed Hope - Titus 2:13

Bread of Life, my manna - John 6:35

Bridegroom - John 3:29

Bright and Morning Star - Revelation 22:16

Brightness of His Glory - Hebrews 1:3

Buckler - Psalms 18:30

Captain - Joshua 5:14-15, Hebrews 2:10

Changeless One - Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8

Chief Among 10,000, S. of Solomon 5:10

Chosen of God - 1 Peter 2:4

Christ - Matthew 1:16 - 1 John 5:1

Comforter - John 14:16-18

Consolation of Israel - Luke 2:25

Counselor - Isaiah 9:6

Creator - Romans 1:25 - Isaiah 40:28

Crown of Glory - Isaiah 28:5

Brother Richard:

John wasn't told to write to the Churches of Asia, BUT:

Revelation 1:29 The mystery .......the stars are the ANGELS of the seven churches .....

Revelation 2:1 Unto the ANGEL of the church in Ephesus WRITE;

Revelation 2:8 Unto the ANGEL of the church in Smyrna WRITE;

Revelation 2:12 Unto the ANGEL of the church in Pergamos WRITE;

Revelation 2:18 Unto the ANGEL of the church in Thyatire WRITE;

Revelation 3:1 And unto the ANGEL of the church in Sardis WRITE;

Revelation 3:7 And to the ANGEL of the church in Philadelphia WRITE;

Revelation 3:14 And unto the ANGEL of the church of the Laodiceans Write;

God Bless YOU!

This is an ongoing subject that gets wrangled routinely.

When you come to Jesus for salvation, BEING BORN AGAIN ( John 3), Jesus will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.

Water Baptism is a wonderful ceremony, to be shared with your Church and family. But it does not save you. You have to give your life to Christ and take His Life into your heart, mind, and soul__by asking to be baptized by the Holy Spirit.

Anyone can walk into a church and be baptized. Call and make an appointment first. It'll be private if that is your aim.

Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, because it was a prophesy. A lot of people got baptized that day.

The best Baptism is the day you realize that the Holy Spirit is seated on the throne of your heart, and speaks to your heart with the still, small voice. He's teaching, comforting, warning when you're about to sin some way. He tells you about Jesus__if you will get into the Bible and read it every day. Start in Proverbs. Lots of practical information in there. Isaiah is prophetic scriptures about Jesus. Matthew to 1-2-3 John are Jesus's life on earth. Revelation gives you a special blessing for reading it. Every time you do.

By every means, grow up in Christ.

Refuse to be a ( Revelation 3:14-22) kind of Christian. Be hot.

I love you in Jesus, Mishael

The artist in me is showing you the medium that God selected to mould Adam. And through Adam, Eve was made.

God knew what was in that soil. All colors, shades and blending. OUR SOCIETY has graded peoples on their colors in the past; even now__by the Elites. Like Nimrod did.

It will never be peaceful until Jesus Christ comes to collect up his followers, his disciples now.

Someday I will tell all, the wisdom of the ants. How they fight their wars, and everything. God taught me that at 5 years old. On the farm, He took me all over to see different "nations" of ants. The differences.

Much like military leaders today.

God cares very much, the things we encounter; fight against, etc. He wants us to overcome and succeed again. That's in our DNA Too. It flows hot and strong in our blood. Follow God, not madmen.

Jesus is returning real soon. Tell your children and pray with them. Don't flip them by demanding they go to church, get baptized properly, etc. Jesus just needs their YES. It is the HOLY SPIRITS job to do the follow up.

Don't alienate the kids. Satan knows his time is really short. He wants to hurt Gods people.

Listen to what the Lord is saying in MT 24 and LK 21. The signs are everywhere. Thank Him, we have youtube to view disasters and wars everywhere. How can we live in silken cocoons and not see the end stampeding the earth?

Jesus wasn't kidding, or accepting Exemptions__when He told his disciples (followers), TO GO YE.

Go into your neighborhood, to park benches, the sidewalk outside Goodwill_and leave a Chick Tract after you pray for someone to see it, and read it. Get them online. They cost very little. Pray as you leave one, for a willing heart to find it.

Read Revelation 3:14-22

It feels good to do the do's. Mishael

Giannis,

It looks like we come to a different conclusion on Revelation 3:3 and I am okay with that. Thank you for expounding some on Philippians 2:12-13. I still believe this work is not my work, but the work of Christ in me. He is doing the work. I am just along for the ride, and I do not say this to try to get out of anything because I know I have a responsibility. Jesus gave me a command to follow Him and that is exactly what I am to do. My position will always be behind Him. It is His work, and I am to follow Him. He will use me as He sees fit, but it's still Him doing the work. He get's all the glory.

Yes, the wages of sin is death. But that's only the first part of the verse. The second part, which I don't believe you intentionally left out says "but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

What an interesting phrase and good memorization verse. But this summarizes the whole thing. The wages of "the" sin, because the Greek text has the definite article. Sin pays wages! And it is interesting that the Greek word for wages is what you pay a soldier with, only it's not money. It is provisions, or rations. So the wages of sin is death. How do you like that for a reward? It's like "Pick up your paycheck on Friday." Well, how much did I get? "Oh, complete death!"

The word for gift in the Greek is the word Charisma. Isn't that interesting? It gives us a good idea as to what the word charismatic means. It means the expression of God's grace. As you know, Charis is grace, and Charisma is when grace is in action. The gift of God is God's grace blessing us with eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. But if you notice, it is not a wage, but a gift. Sin pays wages. God doesn't pay wages. He gives as a gift. You can never earn it and you get full inheritance! I didn't earn salvation, God gave it to me as a gift. Would He ever take that gift back?

I'm sorry to hear that you (or anyone else) believes that someday you might lose your salvation

Dear Jesse

Lets go to Revelation 3:3

"Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee."

Reading that, it makes conclude that there is salvation in that church.

Now as far as the churches mentioned in Revelation are concerned, they were real churches at that time. Jesus pointed out their problems for them to repent. If now today many Christians take those things symbolic or that they represant churches during some periods of time, may be right maybe wrong, they are all assumptions. Some christians take it that way, others in another way. But the fact is that those churches existed at that time, so their pastors did. And Jesus addressed their real weaknesses.

Lets go to Philippians 2:12-13. The word that is in English "work out" is the Greek " katergasesthai" which means to work something to give it a shape. What shape? The shape (character) of Jesus Christ. But still it says to work having fear. What for? Also the word " pleasure" in verse 13 is wrong. The right translation is "will'.

The way I understand it is that since "the wage of sin is death" if smb sins and does not repent and stays in that attitude then his in a big trouble. God will do anything He can do to bring repentance to him ( this is when saying work in him) but He can not violate his free will, and if one chooses not to ever repent then the wage of his sin will be definitely death.(spiritual)

Well that's my belief. Nice to hear from you

GBU

Giannis,

No apology needed. You did not misunderstand my post. I believe and meant what I said. I've looked at the two verses you've shared. Revelation 3:1, and Philippians 2:12.

Revelation 3:1-6 is the instruction to the church in Sardis. This is the reformation church from 1517 to 1700. This is in response to the practices in the church; infant baptism, you couldn't have house worship fellowships, the worship of Mary, etc. God has nothing good to say about this church.



The evaluation of the church: I know your works, that thou hast a name that you are living, but you are dead. So they had some kind of a name. They said we represent the living God, we serve the living Christ. (That's what they said). But he says spiritually you're dead. No salvation there!

But you cannot stop at Philippians 2:12. You must also include Philippians 2:13, and here's why: In Philippians 2:12 he praises them. He says you don't obey just when I'm there, but also when I'm not there, so here's what I want you to do. Here's the command, the salvation process. And notice the literal translation from the Greek text: Be continually working out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

It is a process. So from my earlier post, someone might say, "Now wait a minute now. I thought that we didn't have to work for our salvation?" We don't, and that's why I say that you can't separate Philippians 2:12 from the very next verse ( Philippians 2:13), which says, "For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

You know the Greek, so I think you will know this: The word "works in you" is the word energizing. For it is God who is continually energizing in you both to will, and to energize of His good pleasure whatever He thinks best. It's His energy. It's whenever He wants to energize my spirit for His Spirit to work in me. It's all according to His good pleasure. It doesn't have anything to do with my good pleasure. I'm just a vessel.