Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
James 1:13-15
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
1 Corinthians 14:33
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.
1 John 1:5
Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Genesis 1:31
Remember the former things of old,
For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me,
Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things that are not yet done,
Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
And I will do all My pleasure,’
Isaiah 46:10
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
1 John 4:16
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Don't Refuse Righteousness to be done to You
"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
. . .
"For each one shall bear his own load"
. . .
Now that last sentence doesn't negate the first one, because "each one shall bear his own load" doesn't mean he shall bear "entirely" his own burden. But I'm guessing it's said that way to encourage us to still really TRY to bear our own burdens-- yet ALLOW others to help us when needed.
"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
For each one shall bear his own load."
Galatians 6:1-5
Even Jesus washed His disciples' feet and taught His disciples to do the same to others:
"So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, 'Do you know what I have done to you?
You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am.
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.
If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. . . ' "
John 13:12-17
"Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.
And John tried to prevent Him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?'
But Jesus answered and said to him, 'Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.' Then he allowed Him."
Matthew 3:13-15
We are to allow eachother to be helped by one-another. Otherwise we resist God's will. If we refuse a good deed to be done to us, then we are resisting righteousness.
. . .
"For each one shall bear his own load"
. . .
Now that last sentence doesn't negate the first one, because "each one shall bear his own load" doesn't mean he shall bear "entirely" his own burden. But I'm guessing it's said that way to encourage us to still really TRY to bear our own burdens-- yet ALLOW others to help us when needed.
"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
For each one shall bear his own load."
Galatians 6:1-5
Even Jesus washed His disciples' feet and taught His disciples to do the same to others:
"So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, 'Do you know what I have done to you?
You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am.
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.
If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. . . ' "
John 13:12-17
"Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.
And John tried to prevent Him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?'
But Jesus answered and said to him, 'Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.' Then he allowed Him."
Matthew 3:13-15
We are to allow eachother to be helped by one-another. Otherwise we resist God's will. If we refuse a good deed to be done to us, then we are resisting righteousness.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
God's Word has a "Faith-Filter"?
I
think this is perhaps a very good bible-study post-- perhaps one really
good to not miss, So I really encourage this one to be read, as I think it can clear up a lot
of misunderstandings that have actually caused me a lot of grief in the
past...
Ok here is one of those very 'iffy-sounding' passages:
"He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me."
Matthew 10:37
I'm still not sure if I COMPLETELY understand that passage-- BUT, here is what I think about it...
To me, people are what's "most import"-- I feel they are more important than "anything else", So then-- I ASK, should we love God MORE than people!? Does that sound right? I became very sad when I first thought of that-- Or is it a misunderstanding? Or perhaps we should love God equally to people!? BUT-- Isn't God a person too!? (Ok see, things are starting to sound really confusing...) but here, I will try to explain and clear things up a bit:
Isn't it that whomever gives some food to someone in need, also does so to Jesus/God? So if being kind to a person is like being kind to God-- CAN we love God more than a "person"?-- or is it somehow synonymous? I THINK it is actually somehow SOMEWHAT synonymous... --Well, I'm guessing the reason why we shouldn't FULLY love people is simply for this reason: Because us "people" includes our whole selves-- that is, not only our spirits but ALSO all our sins and flaws along with the lusts of the flesh-- So that evil being a part of "us", is THE part of "us" that shouldn't be loved, and is probably the ONLY part of "us" that God actually hates... (God hates sin, simply) Sound about right? Here is a passage to help back that up about doing good to a person IN NEED being somehow somewhat synonymous to doing so to God:
" ‘I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?
When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?
Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’
And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ "
Matthew 25:36-40
"If someone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?"
1 John 4:20
Ok here is another passage that brought me a lot of grief in the past:
"He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."
Matthew 10:39
These are rather mysterious. But when reading that it makes it SEEM like the way of Jesus is more 'difficult'. . . That is, because, in order to "gain life" you must "lose your life for the sake of Him"-- BUT according to THIS passage Jesus' way should be EASIER:
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Matthew 11:28
SO-- whatever that "losing your life for the sake of Him" is, according to that above passage, it should actually be EASIER. --I THINK that "losing your life" means, "losing your former sinful self". That is, your "sinful you" should "die", so you can follow the way of Jesus. (which of course is, referred to as, "the way of life".) So why does it sound so "weird" and "cryptic"? Well I think here's the reason why:
I think the nature of God's word is to "sound hopeless" to those who lack faith-- but to "sound hopeful" to those who have faith-- SO the people who have faith should already be naturally seeking for all the hope "hidden" in His words, because they KNOW it exists, since they believe God is merciful (If you read that and thought it wasn't merciful, then, obviously YOU LACKED FAITH..right?)-- Yes, God seems to really "hide" His hopeful-aspects from the unbelieving-- to the unbelieving, it His words tend to sound like "doom and gloom"-- BUT-- don't worry, since you believe, and I'm explaining this to you, you now know God's mercy is always hidden somewhere in His words, you probably just have to look for it a bit harder... Seek for that hope-- that is all the "merciful exceptions" in God's word, it's there. (but of course while also not coming to false conclusions.)
"Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon.
And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, 'Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.'
But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, 'Send her away, for she cries out after us.'
But He answered and said, 'I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.'
Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, 'Lord, help me!'
But He answered and said, 'It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.'
And she said, 'Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.'
Then Jesus answered and said to her, 'O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.' And her daughter was healed from that very hour."
Matthew 15:21-28
So here's my explanation, Jesus said, "It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs."-- Notice it that what He said may sound like "hopelessness" to someone who might lack faith?-- BUT to that woman of Canaan, whom had great faith, she KNEW Jesus was merciful, so she sought for the "hidden hope" in Jesus' words, then replied, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table." She found the "hidden hope", and her daughter was healed because of it. That's why it's important to seek the hope in God's Word. (and of course it requires faith to initially believe it exists) That is while still not coming to false conclusions.
So at first when I was trying to read and understand the bible on my own... I lost a lot of heart... because from what I was reading, it SEEMED like the right path was very "difficult"-- But I believe that was only because I lacked understanding... and so it caused me a lot of problems... (ie confusion) so that's why I want to try and explain this better for other people... When one lacks faith, Jesus words tend to sound like "doom and gloom"... But when one has gained a good understanding with faith, His words seem to always have an "exception" to those who believe He is truly merciful. It's like an amazing "contraption" is always set in His words to filter out those who lack faith. Snaring people who lack faith-- and helping people who have faith. Remember "without faith it is impossible to please God"
It seems like God's word is MEANT to be very mysterious, so that we have to work to help each other understand it... And that helps us to love one another, because we have something that we need to help eachother with.
See, here is another example that seems to cause people whom lack faith in God's mercy to overlook a certain detail, thus making it SEEM like no "rich man" can enter the kingdom of God-- But, if you examine it a little closer, at the end, Jesus says "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." So I'm assuming that meant God CAN send a camel through the eye of a needle, and even get a "rich man" into heaven even though it may be more "difficult".
"And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.
When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, 'Who then can be saved?'
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, 'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'"
Matthew 19:24-26
Though why it says "kingdom of God" instead of "kingdom of Heaven", I'm not quite sure what the difference is.... hm.....
"And the disciples came and said to Him, 'Why do You speak to them in parables?'
He answered and said to them, 'Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.
For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:
[Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,
And seeing you will see and not perceive;
For the hearts of this people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.]
But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; ' "
Matthew 13:10-16
If you truly believe God is merciful, and that His way is easiest, then: Seek His "merciful exception" in all His Words.
phew that was a lot of typing....
Ok here is one of those very 'iffy-sounding' passages:
"He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me."
Matthew 10:37
I'm still not sure if I COMPLETELY understand that passage-- BUT, here is what I think about it...
To me, people are what's "most import"-- I feel they are more important than "anything else", So then-- I ASK, should we love God MORE than people!? Does that sound right? I became very sad when I first thought of that-- Or is it a misunderstanding? Or perhaps we should love God equally to people!? BUT-- Isn't God a person too!? (Ok see, things are starting to sound really confusing...) but here, I will try to explain and clear things up a bit:
Isn't it that whomever gives some food to someone in need, also does so to Jesus/God? So if being kind to a person is like being kind to God-- CAN we love God more than a "person"?-- or is it somehow synonymous? I THINK it is actually somehow SOMEWHAT synonymous... --Well, I'm guessing the reason why we shouldn't FULLY love people is simply for this reason: Because us "people" includes our whole selves-- that is, not only our spirits but ALSO all our sins and flaws along with the lusts of the flesh-- So that evil being a part of "us", is THE part of "us" that shouldn't be loved, and is probably the ONLY part of "us" that God actually hates... (God hates sin, simply) Sound about right? Here is a passage to help back that up about doing good to a person IN NEED being somehow somewhat synonymous to doing so to God:
" ‘I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?
When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?
Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’
And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ "
Matthew 25:36-40
"If someone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?"
1 John 4:20
Ok here is another passage that brought me a lot of grief in the past:
"He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."
Matthew 10:39
These are rather mysterious. But when reading that it makes it SEEM like the way of Jesus is more 'difficult'. . . That is, because, in order to "gain life" you must "lose your life for the sake of Him"-- BUT according to THIS passage Jesus' way should be EASIER:
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Matthew 11:28
SO-- whatever that "losing your life for the sake of Him" is, according to that above passage, it should actually be EASIER. --I THINK that "losing your life" means, "losing your former sinful self". That is, your "sinful you" should "die", so you can follow the way of Jesus. (which of course is, referred to as, "the way of life".) So why does it sound so "weird" and "cryptic"? Well I think here's the reason why:
I think the nature of God's word is to "sound hopeless" to those who lack faith-- but to "sound hopeful" to those who have faith-- SO the people who have faith should already be naturally seeking for all the hope "hidden" in His words, because they KNOW it exists, since they believe God is merciful (If you read that and thought it wasn't merciful, then, obviously YOU LACKED FAITH..right?)-- Yes, God seems to really "hide" His hopeful-aspects from the unbelieving-- to the unbelieving, it His words tend to sound like "doom and gloom"-- BUT-- don't worry, since you believe, and I'm explaining this to you, you now know God's mercy is always hidden somewhere in His words, you probably just have to look for it a bit harder... Seek for that hope-- that is all the "merciful exceptions" in God's word, it's there. (but of course while also not coming to false conclusions.)
"Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon.
And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, 'Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.'
But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, 'Send her away, for she cries out after us.'
But He answered and said, 'I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.'
Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, 'Lord, help me!'
But He answered and said, 'It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.'
And she said, 'Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.'
Then Jesus answered and said to her, 'O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.' And her daughter was healed from that very hour."
Matthew 15:21-28
So here's my explanation, Jesus said, "It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs."-- Notice it that what He said may sound like "hopelessness" to someone who might lack faith?-- BUT to that woman of Canaan, whom had great faith, she KNEW Jesus was merciful, so she sought for the "hidden hope" in Jesus' words, then replied, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table." She found the "hidden hope", and her daughter was healed because of it. That's why it's important to seek the hope in God's Word. (and of course it requires faith to initially believe it exists) That is while still not coming to false conclusions.
So at first when I was trying to read and understand the bible on my own... I lost a lot of heart... because from what I was reading, it SEEMED like the right path was very "difficult"-- But I believe that was only because I lacked understanding... and so it caused me a lot of problems... (ie confusion) so that's why I want to try and explain this better for other people... When one lacks faith, Jesus words tend to sound like "doom and gloom"... But when one has gained a good understanding with faith, His words seem to always have an "exception" to those who believe He is truly merciful. It's like an amazing "contraption" is always set in His words to filter out those who lack faith. Snaring people who lack faith-- and helping people who have faith. Remember "without faith it is impossible to please God"
It seems like God's word is MEANT to be very mysterious, so that we have to work to help each other understand it... And that helps us to love one another, because we have something that we need to help eachother with.
See, here is another example that seems to cause people whom lack faith in God's mercy to overlook a certain detail, thus making it SEEM like no "rich man" can enter the kingdom of God-- But, if you examine it a little closer, at the end, Jesus says "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." So I'm assuming that meant God CAN send a camel through the eye of a needle, and even get a "rich man" into heaven even though it may be more "difficult".
"And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.
When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, 'Who then can be saved?'
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, 'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'"
Matthew 19:24-26
Though why it says "kingdom of God" instead of "kingdom of Heaven", I'm not quite sure what the difference is.... hm.....
"And the disciples came and said to Him, 'Why do You speak to them in parables?'
He answered and said to them, 'Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.
For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:
[Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,
And seeing you will see and not perceive;
For the hearts of this people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.]
But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; ' "
Matthew 13:10-16
If you truly believe God is merciful, and that His way is easiest, then: Seek His "merciful exception" in all His Words.
phew that was a lot of typing....
Monday, December 16, 2013
Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church
Regarding the word "church" in the bible, the original Greek word is ἐκκλησία, which actually more accurately translates as an "assembly" (of people) rather than a building. So where it reads "the church of Christ" would probably be more accurately translated as "the assembly of Christ", or a group of people who gather for fellowship in Christ's name.
Now regarding pastors and priests, there are some problems with the concept.
According to the bible, God's Son, Jesus Christ, is the head of the church.
And we believers are, spiritually speaking, all brothers and sisters, because God does not show partiality amongst us.
Jesus said,
"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."
Matthew 18:20
The way it was intended for the assembly of Christ, was for any man to speak when moved by the Holy Spirit, and that each of us have our own spiritual gifts to teach each other. (So I encourage any male believers to ask any questions about my posts when they are 'moved' by the spirit.) But-- women, are to remain silent in church, as it is shameful for a woman to teach a man about spiritual things. (Although other topics are ok)
(EDIT: thinking about that a bit more, I think it's probably OK for women to discuss spiritual matters more so with family members-- but probably just Not aggressively so, and probably Not specifically to a large group of men...)
"Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.
And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church."
1 Corinthians 14:34-35
Also the pastor is not to be called 'father'. Of course not all pastors are like this, but some are perhaps a little bit this way, more or less:
"They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,
greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’
But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.
Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.
And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.
But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.
And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Matthew 23:6-12
And about Mary Magdalene, she is not to be worshiped. (If you worship her, you might as well worship her mother-- then, her mother's mother, then her mother's mother's mother-- and so forth, until it comes to Eve, whom God created in the first place anyways, so you might as well worship God instead.)
Even an angel with great power told John to not worship him, but to only worship God:
"Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.
Then he said to me, 'See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.' "
Revelation 22:8-9
So regarding the 'church' or, the 'assembly of Jesus Christ', we are all brothers and sisters. And we each have different gifts, a time to remain silent and a time to speak when moved by the Holy Spirit. To help each other with spiritual difficulties, encourage one another, explain things, correct one another's mistakes etc.
"God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."
1 Corinthians 1:9-10
"Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being."
1 Corinthians 10:24
Now regarding pastors and priests, there are some problems with the concept.
According to the bible, God's Son, Jesus Christ, is the head of the church.
And we believers are, spiritually speaking, all brothers and sisters, because God does not show partiality amongst us.
Jesus said,
"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."
Matthew 18:20
The way it was intended for the assembly of Christ, was for any man to speak when moved by the Holy Spirit, and that each of us have our own spiritual gifts to teach each other. (So I encourage any male believers to ask any questions about my posts when they are 'moved' by the spirit.) But-- women, are to remain silent in church, as it is shameful for a woman to teach a man about spiritual things. (Although other topics are ok)
(EDIT: thinking about that a bit more, I think it's probably OK for women to discuss spiritual matters more so with family members-- but probably just Not aggressively so, and probably Not specifically to a large group of men...)
"Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.
And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church."
1 Corinthians 14:34-35
Also the pastor is not to be called 'father'. Of course not all pastors are like this, but some are perhaps a little bit this way, more or less:
"They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,
greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’
But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.
Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.
And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.
But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.
And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Matthew 23:6-12
And about Mary Magdalene, she is not to be worshiped. (If you worship her, you might as well worship her mother-- then, her mother's mother, then her mother's mother's mother-- and so forth, until it comes to Eve, whom God created in the first place anyways, so you might as well worship God instead.)
Even an angel with great power told John to not worship him, but to only worship God:
"Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.
Then he said to me, 'See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.' "
Revelation 22:8-9
So regarding the 'church' or, the 'assembly of Jesus Christ', we are all brothers and sisters. And we each have different gifts, a time to remain silent and a time to speak when moved by the Holy Spirit. To help each other with spiritual difficulties, encourage one another, explain things, correct one another's mistakes etc.
"God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."
1 Corinthians 1:9-10
"Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being."
1 Corinthians 10:24
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
The Struggle Within
It's good to realize that each of us has a struggle with good and evil inside of us.
We should learn to be more developed and experienced with innocent and good things, and less developed in perverse and vile things. Bad company corrupts good morals. And good company helps preserve our good morals.
frequently goofing off with the wrong people generally causes much harm. . .
"He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will be destroyed."
Proverbs 13:20
Now that doesn't mean you can't pray for a person to start learning to become a much better person-- Sometimes the very thing that a person may need to become more spiritually developed is some sort of (appropriate) hardship from God Himself to help bring to their attention how extremely silly their selfish-behaviors really are. . . So you can pray for them.
BUT-- we have to remember-- it is Not the person himself that we should ever hate per say, but rather the bad attitudes and behaviors that that person has. We should not under any circumstances encourage any vile behavior.
Now here things may start sounding a little weird as I will be talking a bit about "spirits", but mind you, please bear with me and try to understand it.
Now the loving spirit we should be trying to obtain is called the "Holy Spirit."
But when we lack the "Holy Spirit", an "evil spirit" can sometimes take us over and make us do weird things that harm people for no reason, and that can be called an "unclean spirit."
We want the "unclean spirit" to stay away from us, or we will find ourselves doing lots of weird things to ourselves and to others. And the only effective way to drive away the "evil spirit" is by acquiring the "Holy Spirit", (or, the loving spirit) Which maintains kindness and goodness even during hardship and has the power to "touch a person's heart" to bring them to repentance. . . So the "Holy Spirit" is very powerful.
"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;"
Ephesians 6:11-17
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."
"Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught.
And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out,
saying, 'Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!'
But Jesus rebuked him, saying, 'Be quiet, and come out of him!'
And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him."
Mark 1:21-26
Satan is the father of all evil, his kingdom is full of "evil spirits", "demons", "unclean spirits", and "the spirit of the antichrist" and Satan's kingdom is divided against itself, meaning they fight and destroy one another.
But God's kingdom is Not divided against itself, and that is the kingdom we should be a part of. His kingdom is of the Holy Spirit, or, the loving spirit.
"God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you.
Now I say this, that each of you says, 'I am of Paul,' or 'I am of Apollos,' or 'I am of Cephas,' or 'I am of Christ.'
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?"
1 Corinthians 1:9-13
So-- it is good to realize that when someone all of a sudden starts acting very unloving, (perhaps even a believer acting so) it may not be entirely that person, but perhaps possibly an unclean-spirit, which should be somehow resisted until it leaves that person. And by displaying our good behavior unconditionally, that is one of the best ways to do that. And, well of course, pray for that person too. . .
ok hope that was understandable.
We should learn to be more developed and experienced with innocent and good things, and less developed in perverse and vile things. Bad company corrupts good morals. And good company helps preserve our good morals.
frequently goofing off with the wrong people generally causes much harm. . .
"He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will be destroyed."
Proverbs 13:20
Now that doesn't mean you can't pray for a person to start learning to become a much better person-- Sometimes the very thing that a person may need to become more spiritually developed is some sort of (appropriate) hardship from God Himself to help bring to their attention how extremely silly their selfish-behaviors really are. . . So you can pray for them.
BUT-- we have to remember-- it is Not the person himself that we should ever hate per say, but rather the bad attitudes and behaviors that that person has. We should not under any circumstances encourage any vile behavior.
Now here things may start sounding a little weird as I will be talking a bit about "spirits", but mind you, please bear with me and try to understand it.
Now the loving spirit we should be trying to obtain is called the "Holy Spirit."
But when we lack the "Holy Spirit", an "evil spirit" can sometimes take us over and make us do weird things that harm people for no reason, and that can be called an "unclean spirit."
We want the "unclean spirit" to stay away from us, or we will find ourselves doing lots of weird things to ourselves and to others. And the only effective way to drive away the "evil spirit" is by acquiring the "Holy Spirit", (or, the loving spirit) Which maintains kindness and goodness even during hardship and has the power to "touch a person's heart" to bring them to repentance. . . So the "Holy Spirit" is very powerful.
"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;"
Ephesians 6:11-17
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."
"Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught.
And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out,
saying, 'Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!'
But Jesus rebuked him, saying, 'Be quiet, and come out of him!'
And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him."
Mark 1:21-26
Satan is the father of all evil, his kingdom is full of "evil spirits", "demons", "unclean spirits", and "the spirit of the antichrist" and Satan's kingdom is divided against itself, meaning they fight and destroy one another.
But God's kingdom is Not divided against itself, and that is the kingdom we should be a part of. His kingdom is of the Holy Spirit, or, the loving spirit.
"God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you.
Now I say this, that each of you says, 'I am of Paul,' or 'I am of Apollos,' or 'I am of Cephas,' or 'I am of Christ.'
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?"
1 Corinthians 1:9-13
So-- it is good to realize that when someone all of a sudden starts acting very unloving, (perhaps even a believer acting so) it may not be entirely that person, but perhaps possibly an unclean-spirit, which should be somehow resisted until it leaves that person. And by displaying our good behavior unconditionally, that is one of the best ways to do that. And, well of course, pray for that person too. . .
ok hope that was understandable.
Faith without Works is Dead
Faith without works is dead.
"What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?
If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,
and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?
Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?
Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.' And he was called the friend of God.
You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only."
James 2:14-24
Works alone do not please God. One should have faith and works. God takes into account the heart and intentions. If you do not even believe that what you are doing is right, then why should God be pleased with your motives? If you feed a hungry person, yet don't even have any compassion while doing so, why should God count that as righteousness on your side?
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
Hebrew 11:6
So now that we have faith, we should also do good works, but in order to do good works, we should know what they are. . .
First of all I'd like to quote,
"To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice."
Proverbs 21:3
So in other words, perhaps just destroying things you personally love, isn't necessarily going to please God much simply because you're making yourself suffer. . . The point is not suffering, it is obeying. And the point of all suffering is so that we will eventually repent and be submissive to Him and obey Him.
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
'Honor your father and mother,' which is the first commandment with promise:
'that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.'
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;
not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,
knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.
And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him."
Ephesians 6:1-9
"Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being."
1 Corinthians 10:24
We should learn to differentiate between lust of the flesh and the fruit of the spirit. I think that is a big key to knowing what God wants us to avoid or encourage.
"For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."
Galatians 5:17-26
Now I admit, I have some trouble myself distinguishing between some of those. I ask, I myself wish to understand this, how does one distinguish between "joy" and "passion"? Isn't there a "wrong-passion" and an "ok-passion"? How can one distinguish?
Oh and I'd like to add a little passage for someone like myself:
"Do you see a man hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him."
Proverbs 29:20
See that says a lot about me.....
"What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?
If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,
and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?
Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?
Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.' And he was called the friend of God.
You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only."
James 2:14-24
Works alone do not please God. One should have faith and works. God takes into account the heart and intentions. If you do not even believe that what you are doing is right, then why should God be pleased with your motives? If you feed a hungry person, yet don't even have any compassion while doing so, why should God count that as righteousness on your side?
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
Hebrew 11:6
So now that we have faith, we should also do good works, but in order to do good works, we should know what they are. . .
First of all I'd like to quote,
"To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice."
Proverbs 21:3
So in other words, perhaps just destroying things you personally love, isn't necessarily going to please God much simply because you're making yourself suffer. . . The point is not suffering, it is obeying. And the point of all suffering is so that we will eventually repent and be submissive to Him and obey Him.
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
'Honor your father and mother,' which is the first commandment with promise:
'that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.'
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;
not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,
knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.
And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him."
Ephesians 6:1-9
"Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being."
1 Corinthians 10:24
We should learn to differentiate between lust of the flesh and the fruit of the spirit. I think that is a big key to knowing what God wants us to avoid or encourage.
"For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."
Galatians 5:17-26
Now I admit, I have some trouble myself distinguishing between some of those. I ask, I myself wish to understand this, how does one distinguish between "joy" and "passion"? Isn't there a "wrong-passion" and an "ok-passion"? How can one distinguish?
Oh and I'd like to add a little passage for someone like myself:
"Do you see a man hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him."
Proverbs 29:20
See that says a lot about me.....
Ask for Wisdom
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
James 1:2-8
If anyone lacks wisdom let him ask God for it. But believe He will give it to you when you ask with faith.
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
James 1:2-8
If anyone lacks wisdom let him ask God for it. But believe He will give it to you when you ask with faith.
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