Lately I have been very aware of the reality that so many people who profess faith in Jesus Christ only want to hear what makes them feel good. They only or primarily only want to hear about the good that God wants to do for them, to bless them, but not about the good that they are to do for God, to bless him. They want to hear about how Jesus gave his life up for them on a cross to forgive them their sins and to promise them eternal life, but they don’t want to hear about how they need to give up their lives to serve the Lord and to die with him to sin and to obey his commands.

I hear so many different gospel presentations, many of which totally leave out the believers’ requirement of God to die with him to sin and to walk with him in obedience to his commands if they want salvation from sin and eternal life with God. But Jesus said it when he said that if anyone would come after him he must deny self and take up his cross daily (die daily to sin and to self) and follow (obey) him. For if we hold on to living in sin, we will lose our lives for eternity. But if we die to sin and walk in obedience to our Lord, then we have the hope of eternal life with God (Luke 9:23-26).

Now some people take it to the extreme one direction and they only say that we need to make a profession of faith in Jesus and now all our sins are forgiven and we are on our way to heaven, but regardless of how we live. Well, some take it even further than that by denying that we must repent of our sins and that we must obey our Lord’s commands. And others will teach that we are to forsake our sins and to follow Jesus in obedience, but they leave it more like a recommendation rather than as a command of the Lord, and they do not warn of the consequences should we continue living in sin.

Now, what does this have to do with loving other humans? Everything!! For if we feed them lies or deliberate half-truths (lies) and we tell them that all they have to do is to “receive Jesus into their hearts,” but without telling them that faith in Jesus Christ means death to sin and walks of obedience to our Lord in holy living, and without warning them that if they continue living in sin and not in walks of obedience to the Lord, that they will not have eternal life with God, then that is not love. If we knowingly do this, it is selfishness, probably because we want to be liked by them, instead.

For there are so many professing Christians, at least here in America, who are still walking in sin, living for the flesh, doing whatever it is they want to do with their lives, without regard for God and for what he wants for their lives, and without regard for his commands that we no longer walk in sin – lying, cheating, stealing, committing adultery, hating, murdering, and the like. They feel they have their “ticket into heaven,” which they believe can’t be taken away from them, and that all their sins are forgiven, so they have little conscience about how they live and whether or not God is pleased.

And then we have so many people pronouncing the blessings of God over some people who are not even living for the Lord. And they could be moral people, but their lives are still not surrendered to do the will of God with their lives. But with all of God’s promises to his people come stipulations, i.e. requirements. For example I hear so many people quoting the second half of Romans 8, and they are giving out these promises to everyone who professes the name of Jesus, but if you read the first half of Romans 8 you will realize that those promises are for those who are obeying the Lord.

For the love that we are to have for other humans is agape love, which prefers what God prefers, which is all that is holy, righteous, godly, morally pure, upright, honest, faithful, and obedient to the Lord. And when we love God with this love we will prefer to live through Christ and to walk in obedience to his commands in holy living, as empowered by God. And we will not deliberately and habitually sin against the Lord nor against other human beings, especially not against those closest to us. For that is not love. But we will want to serve and honor the Lord and do what is right to others.

But to love others as God loves us is to show concern for their spiritual conditions, as well as to be concerned when they are hurting emotionally and/or physically. And so this love will speak the truth of the gospel of our salvation to other humans, and we will not cut the gospel message short to make it less offensive or more appealing to human flesh. For lies, although they may feel good, are never kind. If all we do is just tell people the feel good stuff, even if it does not apply to them, then we are not loving them. But they will like us, and they will approve of us, because it felt good.

So, why am I saying all of this? Because it needs to be said, and because it relates to the second half of this passage of Scripture, as well as to the first half. For our salvation from sin is not a one-time experience that we go through and now heaven is guaranteed us when we die and now Jesus is going to bless us and be there for us regardless if we are there for him or not. Our salvation is something that is progressive, if we are truly saved, and it will not be complete until Jesus returns for his FAITHFUL ones and he takes us to be with him for eternity, and only if we continue in that faith.

For Jesus also said that not everyone who says to him, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one DOING the will of God the Father. And many professing Christians will stand before the Lord on the day of judgment, and they will proclaim him as “Lord,” and they will claim all that they did in his name, and he is going to say to them, “I never knew you! Depart from me you workers of lawlessness,” because they did not walk in obedience to the Lord, but they still lived to please the flesh. But few are preparing them for that eventuality (see Matthew 7:21-23).

For look at what this last section of the Scripture passage is saying to us. Those who are still spiritually asleep, even if they profess Jesus as Lord, need to wake up from their slumber and realize the times that we live in and the nearness of our Lord’s return, which is when our salvation will be complete. And they need to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, God’s spiritual armor of his salvation, the Scriptures, our faith, etc. (Ephesians 6:10-20). And all of us need to walk in moral purity and not in sensuality, and we are to make no provision for the flesh.

Why? Because if we don’t, and if we go on living in sin and not in walks of obedience to the Lord Jesus, it won’t matter what our lips professed. We will die in our sins, we will not have eternal life with God, and heaven will not be our eternal destiny, but hell will be. So, please take what I have just shared with you to heart, and please read the following Scriptures and let the Lord speak truth to your hearts. For if we walk in sin, and not in obedience to our Lord, and if we are not following God’s will for our lives, but we are living life as we want it, we will not have life eternal with God.

[Matt 7:21-23; Lu 9:23-26; Acts 26:18; Rom 2:6-8; Rom 6:1-23; Rom 8:1-14; Rom 12:1-2; 1 Co 6:9-10,19-20; 1 Co 10:1-22; 2 Co 5:10,15,21; Gal 5:16-24; Gal 6:7-8; Eph 2:8-10; Eph 4:17-32; Eph 5:3-6; Col 1:21-23; Col 3:1-17; Titus 2:11-14; 1 Jn 1:5-10; 1 Jn 2:3-6,24-25; 1 Jn 3:4-10; 1 Pet 2:24; Heb 3:1-19; Heb 4:1-13; Heb 10:23-31; Rev 21:8,27; Rev 22:14-15]

No Less

An Original Work / March 19, 2012

I can do no less than praise You,
Lord, for all You’ve done for me.
You died for my sins to save me,
So I would be set free.
I adore You! Lord, I praise You!
Jesus, Savior, King of kings!
You provided my redemption.
Your grace has pardoned me.

I can do no less than serve You.
Lord, Your witness I would be,
Telling others of Your love,
And why You died on that tree.
Tell of how You gave of Your life,
So from sin we’d be set free,
So we could worship You forever,
And live eternally.

I can do no less than love You,
Lord, for You have first loved me.
You gave of Your life so willing,
Because You cared for me.
Turn from my sin! Obey freely!
Live for You each passing day.
Read Your word, and follow Your lead,
Lord, as I humbly pray.

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Globally the world is becoming more and more religious with Christianity and Islam together representing a majority of the world's population and with growth rates that exceed global population growth.

In the Western world, the narrative is of a church in decline and of the inevitable advance of atheism. However, the facts are very clear:

1) The largest religion in the world is Christianity which has been growing nonstop for two millennia.
2) Global birth rates of Christians average 2.7 per woman so above the replacement rate(This is true in every continent except Europe). The fastest growth is with Evangelicals and Pentecostals worldwide. So the Christian population is becoming more conservative overall.
3) Global birth rates of Non-religious average 1.6 and their share of the world population is in decline.
4) Conversion is mainly statistically irrelevant compared to natural growth but most atheists convert from Christian backgrounds in countries where it is less dangerous to declare oneself godless.

Why has the church so easily fallen for this clear atheist delusion when we are obviously on the winning side?
How did atheists come to control the political narrative despite the realities on the ground?

The Lord has supported me through the process, and I just got the email this morning saying that it was official.

Step 1 to acquiring Biblical Studies master's degree complete. Praise the Lord.

China holds military drills around Taiwan as 'strong punishment'

The military manoeuvres come three days after William Lai was sworn in as Taiwan's president.

www.bbc.com

China has started two days of military exercises around Taiwan, with its military calling them "strong punishment" for the self-ruled island's "separatist acts".

The drills come three days after the inauguration of President William Lai, who called on China to stop threatening the island and accept the existence of its democracy.

China sees Taiwan as a breakaway province that will eventually be under Beijing's control, but the island sees itself as distinct.

Taiwan's defence ministry condemned the Chinese drills as "irrational provocations".

Taipei dispatched naval, air, and ground forces to "defend the [island's] sovereignty", its defence ministry said.

Thursday's drills for the first time simulated a full-scale attack, Taiwanese military experts said, rather than an economic blockade.

The exercises took place all around the main island, and for the first time also targeted the Taipei-controlled islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu and Dongyin which lie close to the Chinese coast, according to maps released by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA).



China has repeatedly rehearsed encircling Taiwan with fighter jets and navy ships over the past year. Taipei had reported an uptick in incursions into Taiwanese waters and airspace in the run-up to Mr Lai's inauguration.
China carried out its first “encirclement” operation in August 2022, following a historic visit by then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, simulating a blockade of the main island of Taiwan with ships, aircraft and missile strikes.
The PLA said Thursday's drills were a "strong punishment for the separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces and a stern warning against the interference and provocation by external forces."
Meanwhile China's foreign ministry insisted the drills were a "necessary and legitimate move" to safeguard national sovereignty.
"I need to stress that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. This is both a fact based on history and the true status quo. This will not change in the future. Taiwan independence is doomed to fail," spokesman Wang Wenbin said.
In his inauguration address last Monday, Mr Lai called on China to "stop threatening Taiwan".
Beijing denounced the speech, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi describing Mr Lai as "disgraceful".
After Mr Lai's election victory last January, Beijing issued a statement insisting that "Taiwan is part of China". It has also repeatedly rebuffed Mr Lai's offers for talks.
Beijing has previously labelled Mr Lai a "separatist" and "troublemaker" over remarks he made in the past supporting Taiwanese independence.
Taiwan's defence ministry said the drills on Thursday "highlight [Beijing's] militaristic mentality".
"In recent years, the continuous harassment by Chinese aircraft and ships has significantly harmed global peace and stability," it said.
Taiwan’s presidential office has said it was “regrettable” to see China “using unilateral military provocations to threaten Taiwan's democracy and freedom”.
Meanwhile Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council - which oversees relations with China - said Taiwan's aim of maintaining cross-strait peace has not changed.
"Beijing should understand that its intimidating tactics will not win hearts and minds," said spokesman Liang Wen-chieh.
While China and Taiwan remain trading partners, they no longer have a formal channel of communication and much of the world offers diplomatic recognition to China, but not Taiwan.
Analysts say Bejing’s claims have become far louder and unyielding under Xi Jinping, who has repeatedly stressed that “reunification” will happen - most recently in December, weeks before Taiwan’s election.
So far, China's military manoeuvres around Taiwan have fallen short of an invasion and stayed within a grey zone.
Analysts have told the BBC that grey zone warfare tactics are aimed at weakening an adversary over a prolonged period - and say that is exactly what China is trying to do with Taiwan.

Orthodox only:

Few questions.

1. If we are supposed to watch in order to be vigilant, however, my husband and aunt have told me to NOT watch the news, I am supposed to be obedient to not watching it, correct?
2. If I am not allowed to watch the news, how can one be watchful?

Thanks

Be blessed!

What helps me make Godly decisions is always thinking God wants what is best for me. Is this a good way of thinking or is it unrealistic

I was listening to Issue, etc. today and heard Alisa Childers give a summary of the Progressive movement. I looked her up on the internet and found her summation of progressive beliefs posted on the White Horse Inn archives.

**************

The Atonement
Often, progressive Christians will refer to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross as horrific or unnecessary. The idea that God the Father would require the blood sacrifice of his Son is perceived to be an indictment on God’s character, turning him into a divine abuser. This is sometimes referred to as “Cosmic Child Abuse.”


Biblical Authority or Inspiration
In the progressive church, the Bible is viewed more like an ancient spiritual travel journal than the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God. The Biblical writers are viewed as well-meaning ancient people who were doing their best to understand God in the times and places in which they lived, but they were not necessarily speaking for God. Scripture is also seen as contradictory, not internally coherent, and not authoritative for Christians.


Original Sin
The doctrine of Original Sin is roundly rejected in progressive Christianity, with the idea of Original Blessing put in its place. Progressive Christians don’t typically deny that sin exists or that it is a bad thing. But they often deny the idea that we have some sort of a sin nature that was passed down to us from Adam and Eve. Instead, progressive Christians often teach that sin isn’t what separates us from God, but our own self-imposed shame. In the progressive view, it’s often taught that we simply need to realize that we were never separated in the first place…that we are beloved and accepted by God just as we are.


The Deity of Jesus
Certainly not all progressive Christians will deny Jesus’ deity, but this doctrine tends to be downplayed. The concept of “Cosmic Christ” is sometimes presented as our ultimate goal…that Jesus is a model and exemplar of someone who was christened as both human and divine, and we can follow his example by finding the divine within ourselves.


The Physical Resurrection of Jesus
Again, not every progressive denies the physical resurrection, but the idea that Jesus was bodily raised back to life is often deemed less important or significant than the meaning we can draw from the idea of resurrection.


The Virgin Birth
In the progressive church, the virgin birth and other miraculous events can be downplayed, ignored—or like the resurrection—viewed as less important than the life-lessons we can learn from these stories.


The Trinity
A denial of the deity of Jesus would naturally be a denial of the Trinity. But some progressive Christians take it further and affirm the view of pantheism, which states that the universe is God. Others will affirm a slightly less radical view called panentheism, which is the belief that God and the world are inter-related. God is in all and all is in God. This implies that God is somehow dependent upon creation, which casts serious aspersions on the nature of the Trinity.


The Sinlessness of Jesus
You probably won’t find many progressive Christians who outright declare that Jesus was a sinner. However, Jesus’ humanity tends to be emphasized. For example, in Matthew 15, Jesus tells the Syrophoenician woman, “It’s not good to take children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” This is viewed as Jesus’ having racial biases that were recognized and corrected during this exchange.

Affirmations​

LGBTQ Relationships and Marriage
One of the hallmarks of progressive Christianity is the shift on issues of sexuality and gender. There is an almost universal acceptance of same-sex relationships and marriage, a belief in the validity of transgenderism, and a rejection of cisgender norms.


Universalism / Universal Reconciliation
The primary view of heaven and hell in the progressive church is Universalism, which is the idea that no one will be punished in hell, and everyone will eventually be saved and restored to right relationship with God. Some progressive Christians will still say that Jesus is the only way, but believe he will save everyone.


The Gospel of Social Justice and Critical Theory
In progressive Christianity, the gospel is not seen primarily as the good news of God saving sinners and reconciling them to Himself. Instead, social justice issues become the heart of the gospel message, with what one does being viewed as more important than what one believes. Often, the secular framework of critical theory is embraced, where the world is viewed through the lens of oppressed vs. oppressor.


Pluralism
Religious pluralism is the idea that all roads lead to God, and no one religion holds ultimate truth when it comes to who God is and how he reveals himself to the world. Often, progressive Christians will tout the mantra, “Everyone has a seat at the table,” meaning all creeds and religions are true in their own way and the people who embrace them are equally accepted by God.


Pantheism, Panentheism or Perennialism
As stated above, many progressive Christians affirm pantheism or panentheism. Another view that is promoted in the progressive church is perennialism, the idea that although different religions look different on the outside, at their core they share the same truth. In other words, they share the same source and come from the same ultimate or divine reality. This divine reality can be discovered through mysticism and contemplative practices.

*********

My additional 2cents.... All GOSPEL and no LAW.

I find this comment by the angel to John comic, when he reacts to seeing the splendor of Babylon.

He doesn't have the eyes of the flesh, and therefore really doesn't see, what he is marveling at.

If you read closely, you may notice, that those who are worthy to take part in the First Resurrection, are those who were decapitated for the Name of Jesus. The only other possible way, was captivity to the Beast.

That is to say, if you wish to keep your head, into Captivity you will go. If the Word of God bears fruit in you, Death by the Sword you will go.

That is why one cannot care for the things in the world, or read the Word by it's letter, for those doing so, are using their heads.

Therefore I think that the many heads of the Beast are the ways that the Devil deceives you into thinking that you are the master of your own fate. Clearly a demonic doctrine.

Oh Captain my Captain. Haha. Dorks.

I am talking to a guy and I really like him we talk daily. Sometimes I get annoyed and upset when we argue and he doesn’t answer my texts. Is it bad that him not answering me has an impact on my emotions? It does make me annoyed but I try my best not to project it on others. I have had several guys ghost me in the past so I think that’s why I get so upset and annoyed when it happens. I believe that I am putting God before him though. I make sure to make time for God each day and my time with God has not been impacted in any way. Advice?

The eyes of Texas were upon the ballots cast by several high-profile Texas politicians on Wednesday, after documents were leaked related to a stunning lawsuit accusing state election officials of failing to properly protect ballot secrecy. The leak included the purported ballot for the chairman of the Republican Party of Texas (RPT) — catching him in a lie about how he voted in the presidential primary.

From the suit:

Texans who vote by mail receive a consecutively-numbered paper ballot that preserves that secrecy. However, many Texans who vote in person, including Plaintiffs, have no choice but to use paper ballots that lack consecutive numbers. Instead, the paper ballots Plaintiffs have been required to utilize at the polls contain computer-generated randomly assigned unique identifier “ballot tracking” numbers, which do not comply with Texas law and, importantly, do not preserve the secrecy of Plaintiffs’ ballots, as described more fully herein.

The technology used by the affected counties does allow the use of consecutive numbers ... but these county election administrators have chosen not to do so, and the state officials are not forcing them to comply with state law, the complaint alleges...

To be clear, the voter’s name is not printed on the ballot, but data files obtainable through standard public records requests were able to be used to cross-reference a voter’s ID, the unique identifier ballot number, and the actual ballot.

A source familiar with the investigation behind the lawsuit told Mediaite that the plaintiffs’ research and legal team used the public election files to look up ballots for the plaintiffs and then multiple prominent Texas politicians, including Gov. Greg Abbott (R), the Williamson County Sheriff, county judges, county commissioners, and Republican Party of Texas (RPT) chair and State Rep. Matt Rinaldi (R)

Texas-based website Current Revolt published documents that were produced using the methodology deployed in the investigation for the lawsuit – specifically, Rinaldi’s ballot.

Xweet:

We have obtained a copy of Chairman Matt Rinaldi’s ballot from Super Tuesday that indicates he voted for Ron Desantis and not Donald Trump.

article said:

The schism comes against the backdrop of conservative anger over the leadership of Pope Francis. In February, 90 Catholic clergymen and scholars wrote a letter to "all Cardinals and Bishops of the Catholic Church," urging them to oppose a document approved by the pontiff that allowed priests to bless same-sex couples. Earlier this month, Francis angered many American conservatives by describing efforts to prevent migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexican border as "madness."

The nuns, led by Sister Isabel of the Trinity, announced their break from Catholic authorities in a five-page open letter published on their convent's website. In the letter, Sister Isabel said Catholics have had to endure "the silence of our pastors," who "left their sheep alone and helpless to face the wolves."

Referring to the papacy, she added: "From the Throne of Peter we have been receiving contradiction, confusion and doublespeak, ambiguity, lack of clear doctrine, which is all the more necessary in stormy times, to hold the rudder more firmly. During this time the sisters, each in her own style, way and rhythm, have been contemplating a question, a doubt about the one who steers the Barque of Peter, and his closest collaborators. A doubt which, in time, became SCANDAL."

Click to expand...

MSN

Unsettling; but, I'm sad to say, not particularly surprising.

Hello my Brothers and Sisters in Christ!! <3 [Hugs]

What are you all currently reading?? ^w^ =3

I'm from West Virginia. Married, 2 cats. We both play on the worship team at our church and are currently giving a book study there as well.

I look forward to getting to know y'all.

“We are all fundamentally good. Yes, there are some rogues and sinners, but the heart itself is good,” says Pope Francis.

But what does God’s word say?

“… None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3:10-18 ESV)

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 ESV)

If man and his heart is fundamentally good, why do we need a saviour?
For what purpose did Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, die?
Who should we believe, the Pope, or God?

As it is written, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)

But there is good news...

Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, was crucified and died for our sins, taking upon Himself the punishment we deserve. He was then buried and raised back to life on the third day, in accordance with the scriptures. He now sits at His Father’s right hand and is awaiting His Father’s instruction to return. This was all recorded in the scriptures contained in the Holy Bible, which is the word of God and is able to save our souls.

Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart in rebellion. Whoever conceals his sins will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy and forgiveness. If you repent and believe in the gospel, putting your faith in Jesus Christ, you will inherit salvation, which leads to everlasting life. With this salvation comes a necessary spiritual rebirth; God will give you a new heart and His Holy Spirit, which will give you wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, put His Laws on your heart and mind, guide you into all the truth, help you, and comfort you. By the blood of Jesus, sanctifying you and cleansing you of all unrighteousness—conforming you to His image.

Johnson and his leadership team officially announced during a GOP conference meeting Wednesday an ambitious timeline to pass as many of the 12 government spending measures for fiscal year 2025 — otherwise known as appropriations bills — as possible in the coming months. He wants to do so before lawmakers spend August campaigning in their districts, according to multiple people in attendance who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss off-the-record meetings.

It’s a bold move from the speaker, who, because of his slender House majority, is always tottering on the precipice of failure, both in passing bills and keeping his gavel. Tackling spending cuts ahead of an election could be perilous. Last year’s appropriations process led to the first ouster of a House speaker in history and sparked the movement to remove Johnson from the speakership. In both instances, the GOP majority relied on Democrats to fund the government for the current fiscal year.

The speaker’s right flank is already demanding that Johnson punt funding the government until after the November election or incorporate drastic spending cuts. Moderate Republicans representing swing districts worry hard-liners will put them in a precarious position so close to the election by forcing votes on extreme measures that made House bills go nowhere during the last funding cycle.

I certainly applaud the effort to have a budget done before the new fiscal year starts in October. Let's see how it goes.

Hi so what dose man in the image of God look like God tells us what he looks like

Hos 11:1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt

So if Israel is Gods son then he would look like his father so it seams man in the image of God is not one man but a whole nation so in seams to me the word man should be understood as mankind so God shall create mankind in his image his first attempt was Israel when Israel failed he began again with the gentiles.

Love and Peace
Dave

If you have been led to believe that you can pray a prayer to receive Jesus Christ into your heart, and/or that you can make a confession of faith in Jesus Christ, and/or that you can acknowledge him and who he is and what he did for you on that cross, and that you are now saved and on your way to heaven, but without being told that faith in Jesus requires death to sin and following the Lord now in obedience to his commands, as required by God for salvation and for eternal life with God, then you have been deceived.

For if we leave out the message of the cross, that Jesus died that we might die to sin and live to righteousness, and that he died that we might live for him and no longer for self, then we have cheapened his gospel of grace and we have made it something it is not. And it will save no one from their sins, and they will not have the hope of eternal life with God because they have been fed a lie which they believed instead of being fed the truth that will save their souls from hell and that will give them true hope of heaven.

For by God-persuaded faith in Jesus Christ we are crucified with Christ in death to sin, and we are raised with Christ to walk in newness of life in him, no longer to live as slaves to sin, but now as slaves to God and to his righteousness. Therefore, we are not to let sin reign in our mortal bodies, to make us obey its passions and desires. For if sin is what we obey, it leads to death. But if obedience to God is what we obey, it leads to righteousness and to sanctification, and its end is eternal life with God (Romans 6:1-23).

Now we must live our lives according to the Spirit and no longer according to the flesh. For if we live according to the flesh, our minds are set on the flesh, and that results in death, not life eternal with God. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. So, by the Spirit we are to be putting to death the deeds of the flesh, and we will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God (Romans 8:1-14).

For if we claim to be in fellowship with God/Christ, but while we are still walking in deliberate and habitual sin, we are liars. And if we profess to know God/Christ, but while we do not obey his commandments, in practice, we are liars. For whoever practices righteousness is righteous in the eyes of the Lord. But whoever makes a practice of sinning is not of God, not born of God, not a believer in Christ, but is of the devil, and thus will not inherit eternal life with God (1 John 1:5-10; 1 John 2:3-6; 1 John 3:4-10).

For Jesus said that if anyone would come after him he must deny self, take up his cross daily (die daily to sin and to self) and follow (obey) him. For if we hold on to our old lives of living in sin and for self, we will lose them for eternity. But if for Jesus’ sake we deny self, die daily to sin, and follow him in walks of obedience to his commands, in holy living, then we have the hope of eternal life with God, provided we continue in those walks of faith unto the very end (Luke 9:23-26).

So don’t be deceived by the lies that so many people are telling these days who leave death to sin and walks of obedience to our Lord out of the gospel message, and who do not warn you that if you continue in sin and not in walks of obedience to the Lord, that you will not inherit eternal life with God. For Jesus said that not everyone who calls him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one DOING the will of God the Father in heaven. And many will hear him say that he never knew them (Matthew 7:21-23).

Please know that how you live matters, and will determine where you spend eternity. For God’s grace to us is a gift of deliverance from our slavery to sin and empowerment to walk with God in obedience to his commands. For his grace, which is bringing us salvation, is training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives while we wait for our Lord’s return. But if we walk in sin, and not in obedience, we will not have eternal life with God (Titus 2:11-14).

So, don’t be deceived! Whatever we sow on this earth we will also reap. So if we sow to the flesh, from that flesh we will reap corruption (destruction, death). But if, by the Spirit, we sow to the Spirit, then from the Spirit we will reap eternal life. So don’t believe the lies which tell you that you can have salvation from sin and the promise of eternal life with God, but regardless of how you live. And this doesn’t mean we will never sin, but that if sin is our practice, and not obedience to God, we will not have eternal with God.

So, as followers of Jesus Christ we are not to grow weary of doing good, the good works that God prepared in advance that we should walk in them in his power and strength (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:14). But we are to do good to everyone according to how God defines “good”, and according to what the Scriptures teach that we are to do as followers of Christ. For we are to do what is honest, upright, morally pure, faithful, and obedient to God, and we are not to do what is immoral, dishonest, unfaithful, and disobedient.

[Matt 7:21-23; Lu 9:23-26; Acts 26:18; Rom 2:6-8; Rom 6:1-23; Rom 8:1-14; Rom 12:1-2; 1 Co 6:9-10,19-20; 1 Co 10:1-22; 2 Co 5:10,15,21; Gal 5:16-24; Gal 6:7-8; Eph 2:8-10; Eph 4:17-32; Eph 5:3-6; Col 1:21-23; Col 3:1-17; Titus 2:11-14; 1 Jn 1:5-10; 1 Jn 2:3-6,24-25; 1 Jn 3:4-10; 1 Pet 2:24; Heb 3:1-19; Heb 4:1-13; Heb 10:23-31; Rev 21:8,27; Rev 22:14-15]

My Heart’s Desire

An Original Work / June 29, 2013
Based off Romans 10:1-21; Luke 9:23-26; Ephesians 4:17-24

Loved Ones, Oh, my heart’s desire
Is that you might come to Jesus.
Many appear zealous for God,
But they do not trust in Him.
They have not submitted to the One
Who saved them from their sins;
Not forsaken their sins,
Nor have they obeyed their King.

The word of the Lord is near you:
The word of faith we’re proclaiming:
That you must confess your faith
In Jesus as your Lord and King:
Believe in Him as your Lord,
And follow Him where’er He leads.
Share the gospel; be a witness,
And meet others’ needs.

Beautiful are the feet of those
Who bring the good news of Jesus:
Anyone who would come to Him
Must deny himself today;
Die to sin and self, and
Let the Spirit transform you in heart;
Put on your new self in Jesus,
Yielding to the cross.

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2Cor 12:7-10 “And lest I should be exhalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exhalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. and He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

One of the most prolific assumptions in Christianity today is that Paul’s thorn was a disease that God said He would not heal. This assumption has been integrated into religious denominations for years and has in fact become a matter of tradition. Look at one commentary said about it.

“There are various opinions as to what this was. The view quite generally held, and to us, seems most likely to be correct, is that it was Chronic Ophthalmia, a disease of the eyes, which was not extremely painful, but at times made him look repulsive in appearance.”

The writer then backs this up with two scripture references which we will address in just a moment. The first thing I would encourage you to do is read the entire 12th chapter of 2Corinthians at least three times. Do this at your leisure, don’t rush through it, but read it in completion. We must read the context of a statement along with the statement to have a clear picture of what the writer is talking about.

The second thing I would encourage you to do is pray before reading further on. In the Epistle of James 1:5 we read:

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given you.”
God would not have us ignorant of His Word, and it is He who brings illumination to our understanding. The first thing we need to do is look at the scripture.

2Cor 12:7-10 “And lest I should be exhalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exhalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. and He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

By reading the entire chapter we can come to the conclusion that Paul is writing of an actual experience that has happened and not metaphorically. That’s important to know because if it were in metaphor than we would interpret it differently. But being a literal account of an event, then we have to interpret it literally to be correct. I’ve broken the text down to a line by line description so the meaning will be clear. Let’s look at the first segment:

“And lest I should be exhalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations”
A key word in this phrase is exhalted and to better understand it, we have to look at the Greek word it came from.

Exhalted - huperairomai - to raise one self over, to become haughty-exhalt self.


This is the same as pride. It is interesting that this verse is the only place in the New Testament that huperairomai is used. All other references to being exhalted come from root words that show that God was the one doing the exhalting. In this case huperairomai literally means becoming haughty, or if your from Alabama, “getting a case of the big head”.

The phrase “abundance of the revelations” is in direct reference to the preceding verses where we read:

2Cor 12:4 “How he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter .”

Paul had just had an intense spiritual experience, where he was shown things that no one on earth had ever seen. He had seen into heaven itself and had heard directly from the throne of God.

How easy it would have been to become haughty or proud. Can you imagine!! Knowing heaven and the realm of God personably. Being in the presence of the Father and then returning to this world. It’s easy to see why so much of this chapter deals with humility.

Vs 5 “…yet of myself, I will not glory…”
Vs 6 “For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forebear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.”

Vs 11 “I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you; for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest Apostles, though I be nothing.”
Vs 15 “and I will very glad spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.”
Vs 21 “And lest when I come again, my God will humble me among you.”

If our enemy had any brains at all, he would have left Paul alone and let the self exhaltation or pride be his downfall. You see, God works through the humble hearted and resists the proud. The Apostle Paul walked humbly before man and God and his ministry flourished and was laced with power. We all could learn a lot through Paul’s example.

“there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, amessenger of Satan”

A very important key word in this phrase is given. Let’s look again to the Greek.

Given is translated from the Greek word didomi and is used in a very wide application, prop. Or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by connection. This means that there is a very wide application of the word didomi and is used in a variety of ways according to its connection in the sentence structure. The word didomi has a long list of possible meaning including - to suffer, to take, to utter, and to yield. The translators had these options to place in this verse, and they are basically interchangeable because of their wide application. we could also translate this verse - there was given to me or there was yielded to me.

a thorn in the flesh,

I think what is most interesting about this phrase is that it is used only two other places in scripture, and neither refer to sickness or disease. First let’s look at the word thorn.

The word translated thorn is skolops - withered at the front, i.e. a point or a prickle. (Figuratively - a bodily annoyance or disability) In other words skolops is used as a figure of speech. That seems to bear out in the other two times this word is used.

Numbers 33:55 “But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those that ye let remain of them shall be pricks in you eyes and thorns in your side, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.”

And again in:

Joshua 23:13 “Know for a certainty that the Lord your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and trapes unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye persih from off this good land which the Lord your God has given you.”

As you can see by the context, the thorns scripture speaks of are not diseases or illnesses, but people who were a hindrance to the chosen ones of God. To put this phrase into modern terms would be to say “pain in the neck”. A contemporary translation of these two phrases could be “there was yielded to me, a pain in the neck”.

the messenger of Satan to buffet me,

The word translated messenger here is aggelos - (to bring tidings) a messenger esp. an “angel”, by implication.

This Greek word aggelos if ound a total of 171 times in the New Testament and is always a messenger, or angelic being (demon or angel). There is no place where aggelos is translated sickness or disease. This scripture is showing us that there was an “angelic being” yeilded to Paul. But what type of “angelic being” was it? We see here by implication that it was a demon, because of who sent it, Satan, and what it did, buffet.

The word translated buffet is kolaphizo - to rap with the fist. This same word is found describing the guards beating Jesus before His crucifixion. This was a specific demon sent to buffet Paul. We can read this scripture -

there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me

or

there was yielded to me a pain in the neck, a demon of Satan to buffet me

So far we have looked closely at the Greek translations of some key words. If you look at the scripture alone you would see that this thorn, this pain in the neck, was a demon whose main job was to torment Paul. But we also see that this scripture in no way indicates nor implies that Paul suffered some type of sickness or disease. Paul writes in the 11th chapter of 2Cor what some of the results of this demons buffeting were.


2Cor 11:23-30 “Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Thrice I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils of the sea, in perils of false bretheren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Besides those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak and I am not weak? Who is offended and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concerns mine infirmities.”
The claims of tradition.


This study would not be complete unless we looked at the scriptures quoted to support the view of sickness, particularly the theory that Paul had Chronic Ophthalmia.

Halley’s Bible Handbook quotes the following:


“There are various opinions as to what this was. The view quite generally held, and to us, seems most likely to be correct, is that it was Chronic Ophthalmia, a disease of the eyes, which was not extremely painful, but at times made him look repulsive in appearance. This seems to be borne out of the language of the Epistles. It came upon Paul 14 years before he wrote this Epistle which was about the time of his entrance into Galatia, on his first missionary journey. His entrance into Galatia was occasioned by some sort of physical infirmity, Gal 4:13, so offensive in appearance that it constituted a sore trial to anyone in his presence. Gal 4:14 They would have given their own eyes, Gal 4:15, Why eyes unless that was his particular need? Paul’s customary large handwriting, Galatians 6:11, amy have been due to poor eye-sight. This may have been the reason Paul dictated his epistles to some of his helpers.”


Let’s look at these two main points, (1) The ailment mentioned in Gal 4:13-15 and (2) The “large” handwriting mentioned, and other possible reasons for these.

1. The ailment - Gal 4:15 “Where then is the blessing ye spake of? For I bear you record, that, if (it had been) possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me.”

Here Paul speaks specifically of having a “physical infirmity”, and there is no doubt that he had some type of physical ailment that had something to do with his eyes. From this scripture we can come to three basic conclusions about this ailment.

1. Since this ailment was not specifically named and the word infirmity can mean both sickness and malady (injury), there can be no specific conclusion as to what it was specifically.

2. We can safely assume that this infirmity was healed, because there is no other mention of it in all of scripture. To follow this line of thought you would have to ask if Paul was seriously injured around this time.

3. Did something happen to Paul on his first missionary journey in Galatia. The answer is Yes.

We have to remember that Galatia is an area in the middle east that incorporates a variety of cities. Turn to Acts to see the account of his first missionary journey and your will find:

Acts 14:19-20 NKJV “then the Jews from Antioch and Iconium (cities just outside Galatia) came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. However, the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabus to Derbe(the first city in the region of Galatia).”

Just before entering Galatia the Jews stoned Paul to the point they though he was dead. Paul had to be a mass of bruises and welts especially around the head. The head was the main target of those doing the stoning. It is very possible that Paul was beaten so badly that his injuries made him look pitiful.

But what about the “large writing”, the scriptural answer to this is clearer than his ailment. Let’s look at some examples;

1Cor 16:21 “the salutation of (me) Paul’s with mine own hand.”

Gal 6:11 “Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.”

2Thess 3:17 “the salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.”

Phil 1:19 “I Paul have written it with mine own hand…”

We have to remember that during the first century, writing was something not known by everyone. In fact, the Scribes and Pharisees are partnered throughout scripture, because it was the Scribes that wrote the words of the Pharisees. For Paul (a Pharisee) to be able to write was an unusual talent at that time. That is also why he and so many of the other writers had scribes to do their writing.

In regards to Gal 6:11 “ye see how large a letter…” The word translated large is the Greek word is pelikos - a quantitative form. The word literally has to do with the quantity of the letter, not the size. This shows clearly Paul is speaking about how long a letter he had written.

Because of these, I don’t believe that Paul’s thorn was a sickness or disease, and that Paul’s infirmity was most probably due to the stoning he suffered at the hands of the Jews.

When Jesus asked:

“Who touched me?” or, “Who do people say I am?” or more importantly, “Will you really lay down your life for me?”

I maintain His questions were primarily set to motivate, even something as small as the hem of His garment. A motivation towards establishing a conclusive precedence as in the above, “without Me you can do nothing.”

305 Questions Jesus Asked

Source

I am considered a young adult in my mid late 20s. I surrended my life to Christ 4 and a half years ago and was lonely for a long time until I found these females in the church. There were two girls I met in church that are young adult females. And one of the girls is closest to my age that joined our church a year ago. We seemed to have started off strong together.
The new girl I thought we were cool, but one day I invited her to come to my birthday party, and she said yes. The week of she made it seem like she was currently in another state that week as though she forgot about my birthday event. Then I saw her at church and Im like wait aren't you supposed to be in another state? She said no shes going next week and said stuff that was contradicting. That was def. a red flag. As time goes on, I was just happy to have a church girl I can relate to. I'd hit her up and we'd talk a lot but now and then she'd ghost me. This has happened on and off. Then talk to me again. Now shes recently ghosted me again, she wont answer basic questions that I know shes getting like "OMGSH you got a new job what is it?" Then she'll leave me on read. How she moves is distant. And the other girl, ever since she stopped going to the monthly meetups with me. I noticed she'd ignore my texts and Instagram consistently. They even plan stuff together like visit other churches young adult groups like just last week. And what got me today is that I asked her if she got my text? because people told me she knew information that I'd may want to know. And she was like ummmm... yeah oh ya I did see you texted me and wrote me on Instagram. I didnt click on it. um let me see. This proves she knows what she's doing. And they don't even consider me. This actually made me go into the bathroom at church and cry today so hard. Because I see them for what it is!
I work in the children's ministry and get along with all the older adults there very well. but the two females CLOSEST to my age act off and just click between themselves.
I understand I could easily move on But the reason im hurt is because of the fact they seemed like they liked me, and I thought I finally found CHRISTAIN friends. but then they would switch up and just hang amongst themselves. The other biggest reason is because they both are in the young adult group and the other girl is a youth leader with me. So I have to sit there and feel the energy shift, and connection change, and watch them in my face, being casually nice to me knowing they really don't like me like that. Then I have to do ministry with them and hang around them at the same time.
Another instance is a girl who I used to work with said she was saved and loved Jesus, and I would tell her every blue moon like you know claim the right tips at work , like being a accountability partner, and you know invite her to go to the gym, etc. and we went once, and after she'd preach God to me, over the phone on our first and last phone call, then after that she ghost me, and her energy shift and she'd avoid my question when are we hanging out again. But then she'd go out and hang out with people from work who get drunk with her, they smoke around her , and do things are not Christ like at all. But shes very much still professes God. Not judging her for her weakness but that's my experience with her. Recently, every blue moon shed hit me up plan something, then cancel on me. To the point the last time she asked I left her on read.
Its gotten to the point Im so hurt I don't even like Christians. Yet im a whole christain. I just want to walk like Christ, be Christ-like myself love and care for everyone in a manner that glorifies my Father out of love and be to myself and say forget turning it into anything other than associates. Because obviously the church is a bunch of broken people in a hospital. God knows I am big on loyalty, commitment, and lavishing others with love. But God had to put me in check and learn how to love, and honor the Correct people that deserve it in my life. And not give out loyalty so freely.
The people that I know that are luke warm Christians but try to pray try to go to church but aren't that deep as they should. Have shown me 10x more love and acceptance than people I've tried to befriend that are active in the church.
I don't do everything they do, but they aren't bad influences. And I can freely mention God with them. They have concern care and acceptance, no matter our differences in opinion or whatever that I get from them are better than the people i've met trying to do mission work for God. Or claim to be sold out for God.
It reminds me of the verse Luke 30 when The religious walked past the man bleeding out the road. But the Samaritan came and showed concern care and love. And I feel that Samaritan represents someone whose not religious or as religious but is capable of loving better than someone who swears they have it all together. The bible even tells us 1 corinthians 13:1 says we can speak in tongues be religious and prophesy and still not know how to love correctly. And no matter what gifts of the spirit we have, if we don't have love, we have nothing!!!!
I just wish if I did something wrong they'd tell me, if theres something I need to change tell me. I try my best to be a good friend person. I try to honor God. I know im not perfect. But I try to do good. And im always open for rebuke. Like rejection got to the point where Im trying hard to find wrong in me. Even if it may not be me. To make it make sense.

I also remember I had a dream from God a long time ago. This dream happened after I surrendered to Christ. In this dream I saw MANY people in a cafeteria, and I didn't fit in with almost NOBODY ..I thought! so I went to the uncool table and tried to sit with two of the people there and there was room in that table and guess what. I was pushed off the table, because I still didnt even fit in with the UNCOOLEST kids.
and then i'd had two other dreams one where I was in a classroom and God was teaching the class something, but my seat where I sat was the LAST seat in the class room. And the other dream. I was in line to go somewhere the line was long and I was last in line.
I know God speaks well of being last and the last shall be first. and im sure There is good reasons why God makes sure I don't fit in with people for his purpose. But it stilll....hurts . Rejection hurts. I gave up to the point I just want to focus on my family and my best friend and her family and focus on my goals and dreams and self only.
I don't even want to try to look for any new friends in the church. At this point in life , IM NOT LOOKING! That person has to just come and mesh with me natrually somehow someway, because God forced them into my life, because im not looking or desiring it anymore. Maybe that's how God wants it to be. So I can remain focused on His purpose. at this point. yeah

I won't let that affect my relationship with God. And trying to be like Christ. But it sucks to be so lonely in your walk that the people you thought you'd relate to them the most don't want to be around you.
I don't get drunk, I do drink wine, I don't party in clubs im more of a concert and travel girl, when it comes to my flaws I don't do anything they don't do. I try to surrender to God daily and not gossip, be friendly, giving, kind, encouraging. And Im constantly examining my self like...whats wrong with me?