:
Cogitations and other 'Ramblings'
Tenants Of Faith: I am convinced by the necessity of what Paul wrote to Timothy: "If you lay all these instructions before the brethren, you will be a worthy steward and a good minister of Christ Jesus, ever nourishing your own self on the truths of the faith and of the good [Christian] instruction which you have closely followed".
—1 Timothy 4:6
The Bible
I believe the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, to be the only infallible, inerrant Word of God; the complete revelation of God's will for the eternal salvation of men, and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21
2023/08/10 I really enjoy receiving comments about my cogitations. There is agreement by most readers that we all have our failures to hear and respond to the question, "WWJD"; for those from Rio Lindo, 'what would Jesus do?'
I was especially struck by one comment that said there are words spoken that he wishes he could 'erase from history'
Wow, what a powerful thought! Having the ability to go back in time and stop the words or actions before they happen... For instance (Did Jesus come to Thomas by 'molecular regeneration', or, did He, in His new body, move time and space to appear in the room where the apostles were gathered? cogitate on that for a while...)
Thankfully, I can make that happen; erase sins from my history, through the Spirit that Jesus gives I 'move time and space to be forgiven for my transgressions.
Not my physical self, but as the Psalmist writes, ...[Psa 51:1 NASB95] For the choir director. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.... [Psa 51:7 NASB95] Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
And again, [Isa 1:18 NASB95] "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.... [Isa 1:19 NASB95] "If you consent and obey, You will eat the best of the land; [Isa 1:20 NASB95] "But if you refuse and rebel, You will be devoured by the sword." Truly, the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Jesus promised that sins could be forgiven; [Mar 3:28 NASB95] "Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter;
[Mar 3:29 NASB95] but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin"--[Mar 3:30 NASB95] because they were saying, "He has an unclean spirit."
In the Gospels and other writings of the New Testament it is told of the redemption plan, and one can find the 'scarlet (read blood) thread' throughout the Holy Word (read Bible) showing God's plan of redemption from the original curse; 'death, given in the Garden of Eden', which is physical and spiritual death. For the pledge is given that death would be overcome by the shedding of innocent blood, blood not stained by the curse. Jesus' blood is the only pure, unpolluted by sin, freely given blood available to God's creation (earth and mankind).
The question, an eternal quest, how does one know that his sins will be forgiven and washed white as snow or (Erased from History)?
[Jhn 6:40 NASB95] 40 "For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day."
What is the will of the Father? [Mar 3:35 NASB95] "For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother." [Mat 7:21 NASB95] 21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven [will enter.]
[Mat 18:14 NASB95] 14 "So it is not [the] will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish.
[1Co 13:13 NASB95] 13 But now faith, hope, love, abide by these three; but the greatest of these is love.
[Rom 5:2 NASB95] 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
[Gal 5:5 NASB95] 5 For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.
[1Th 1:3 NASB95] 3 constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father,
[1Th 5:8 NASB95] 8 But since we are of [the] day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.
Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience…And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises…And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. (Hebrews 4:11; 6:11-12, 15)
2023/07/03We all look forward to our and the earths redemption.
10 As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years,..
12 So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom...
Oh, my aching knee, back and head. Not to mention my arthritic thumbs. the physical pain that requires gritting your teeth and keeping a stiff upper lip. I assume this is from which the strength must ensue, it's the only way I see that we'll make it through 80.
And what about past 80, does it take superhuman strength to see 90?
Sometimes in the middle of the night, I awaken feeling like I'd welcome that I've moved past my worldly strength and into a yearning for to be with my Lord... Then, not so Lord, I enjoy most of the things about my life; my beautiful, spiritually lovely wife who is the 'best part of me'.
And my children are all the good stuff you find in the good stories, handsome men, beautiful girls; all prosperous in life and belonging to Jesusl Selah. What a glorious heritage I have.
No Lord, the only thing I wind up praying for is to know the wondrous, uplifting, Spiritual feeling I know I'll feel when you come again to receive your bride, the church:, to be where you have been preparing a place for us to be with you.
I am profoundly comforted by this promise.,
[1Th 4:16-18 NASB95] 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of [the] archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
This is kind of a cogitation I guess. at least I cogitate on this a lot <smile> Yours in Christ, Paul
2023/04/17 God bless your search as Jesus' Holy Spirit guides you through His Word (the Bible that is )
2Tim 314 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for [fn]training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
The Apostle Paul was writing, calling this ("all Scripture"), before there was a "New Testament" codified... he most certainly was referencing the "Old Testament" ...
Scholar, J. Barton Payne, has found as many as 574 verses in the Old Testament that somehow point to or describe or reference the coming Messiah. Alfred Edersheim found 456 Old Testament verses referring to the Messiah or His times. Conservatively, Jesus fulfilled at least 300 prophecies in His earthly ministry.
Jesus called some to be Apostles and we find some are called to teach, some to be evangelists, some elders and/or deacons, etc...So what am I called to do? Not all of us have congregations for whom we lead. Are we just simple peons? Cannon fodder in the battles with Satanic forces?
I believe it helpful to borrow from the classic categories applied to Christ: prophet, priest, and king. We are Prophets who speak the word over our households; Priests who give ourselves to intercessory prayer and offerings, even tithes for those who labor in other fields; speaking to God on behalf of our loved ones, providing guidance to them from the Bible as the Holy Spirit moves us; and Kings who govern, defend, and provide for our loved ones, again using knowledge gleaned from the Sword (ie the Holy Bible)..
Oh, that my knowledge were as far reaching as my imagination!;>_
ProphecyGiven
Fulfilled
The following are a few of the OT prophesies; Others may follow this Publishing...
[Rom 5:14, 17-21 NASB95] 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. ... 17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. 18 So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. 19 For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. 20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
[1Pe 1:5-9 NKJV] [1Pe 1:6-7 NKJV] 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, [being] much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see [Him], yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of [your] souls.
[1Jo 5:1, 4-8, 13 NKJV] 1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. ...
4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.
5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 This is He who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.
8 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one. ...
13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may [continue to] believe in the name of the Son of God.
Faith, Hope, Love: [1Jo 3:9 NKJV] 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
Oct 12, 2021 The just shall live by faith. For we walk by faith, not by sight: [Rom 1:17 KJV] 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
[2Co 5:6-7 KJV] 6 Therefore [we are] always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
[Rom 1:17 NKJV] 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
[Gal 3:11 NKJV] 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God [is] evident, for "the just shall live by faith."
[Act 26:18 NASB95] 18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.'
[Heb 2:11 NASB95] 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one [Father;] for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,
[Heb 10:10 NASB95] 10 By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
What then is the offering that the body santifies? Only the Blood of Jesus cleanses us from our sins and where are we able to claim the offering of this soul cleansing Blood accepted? [Rom 5:1, 20 NASB95] 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ... 20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,
So we must continue to sin so that grace may abound (TIC)... [Rom 6:2-5, 7-11 NASB95] 2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with [Him] in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be [in the likeness] of His resurrection, ...
7 for he who has died is freed from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Even so, consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Cogitations continue;
Jan 31, 2023 GOD is PERFECT!!! His creation is 'very good'.
So why does he need a covenant that requires 'blood sacrifice'? Sin entered the world by man's sin; so it is by 'Man's blood' that sin is cleansed. Man is incapable of perfection...so his blood is unacceptable, even the blood of man's progeny (: [noun] descendants, children. offspring) is contaminated.
So by God's design, a way is made for a perfect sacrifice: God speaking;
(Gen 3:15 )- "And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her seed;
He shall [fn]bruise you (Satan) on the head,
And you shall bruise him(Jesus) on the heel.”
The Ethiopian Eunuch was a worshiper in the old covenant (not Adam's covenant but the Mosiac covenant). He was studying the Old Testament on his way from Jerusalem to Ethopia. God told Philip to go up to him and preach Jesus (who is found in the Prophecy)... the following ensued; Act 8:35 - Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, he preached Jesus to him.
Act 8:36 - As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch *said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?”Act 8:37 - [[fn]And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Act 8:38 - And he ordered the [fn]chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him." Act 8:39 - When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, [fn]but went on his way rejoicing. "...
It is my belief that act brought the Ethiopian into the 'New Jesus Covenant'. Not that I'm an authoritarian of scripture hermeneutics and exegesis but I am a devout believer in 'all the Scripture'...
The following devotional from the BLB does a good job of explaining the relationship of Jesus and God's covenants... IMHO
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/dbdbg/view.cfmThe New Covenant: Grace, Not Law"I will make a new covenant…not according to the covenant I made"…the gospel of the grace of God. (Jeremiah 31:31-32 and Acts 20:24)
The old covenant of law was the covenant that God made with Israel "in the day that [He] took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt" (Jeremiah 31:32b). The promise through Jeremiah was that the Lord would make a different type of covenant some day, "not according to [that] covenant." This new covenant would be a covenant of grace, provided by the Lord Jesus Christ. "For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17).
The law of God was an impossible way to relate to the Lord. It required perfection, but it offered no perfecting assistance. It was able, however, to convince people of their need for the grace of Christ found in the new covenant. "The law was our tutor to bring us to Christ" (Galatians 3:24).
Now, we live and proclaim this new covenant of grace, the "new and living way which He consecrated for us" (Hebrews 10:20). This was the mission and message of which the Apostle Paul spoke. "The ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24). The gospel is all about the grace of God, not about law. "The word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you…the grace of God" (Colossians 1:5-6).
Gospel means "glad tidings," or "good news." The good news of the grace of God provided through Jesus Christ is the supreme message for man in all of creation. In fact, the gospel of grace is such good news that some unbelievers initially reject it as "too good to be true." Indeed, it is an astounding reality to consider that forgiveness, justification, and new birth are all available "by grace…through faith…the gift of God, not of works" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Perhaps, we should not be surprised that we believers sometimes react in this same manner when we consider the message of grace for growth and sanctification. To hear that the entire Christian life is to be "grace upon grace" (John 1:16) may at first seem to us "too good to be true."
At times we may ask, "Isn't there any human responsibility in God's plan of salvation?" Yes, there is. The saved and unsaved alike must always be willing to respond to the offer of God's grace in Christ. We must all relate properly to the Lord Jesus for every work of grace, because it is "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 8:9). In all matters, we must seek Him and trust in Him.
Hopefully you have found this interesting enough to have made it this far. I will add to this devotional that the Bible tells us that we receive the Holy Spirit of Christ because of our belief that Jesus's death and resurrection dwelt a 'crushing' blow to Satan's head...read Acts 2:38 where: 37 Now when they heard this (the Gospel), they were [fn]pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “[fn]Brethren, [fn]what shall we do?” 38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” 40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “[fn]Be saved from this perverse generation!” 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand [fn]souls... and again;
Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become [fn]united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be [fn]in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old [fn]self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be [fn]done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; 7 for he who has died is [fn]freed from sin...
May the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ find you, my Brothers and Sisters, full of peace, hope, faith and love; always. Yes, come quickly Lord Jesus!
The Spirit Himself testifies with
our spirit that we are
Children of God,
Romans 8:32
Jesus was fully man but that was because he was born of 'Mary's Seed' (Gen 3:15); His Father, God made Him fully God! Incomprehensible...
Luke 11:9 “So I say to you, [fn]ask, and it will be given to you; [fn]seek, and you will find; [fn]knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. 11 Now [fn]suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a [fn]fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? 12 Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your [fn]heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”.
Thank you Jesus for giving us the Holy Spirit, without whom life on earth would be intolerable..
03/22/2022 [Jhn 11:25-26 NASB95] 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?"
Yes Lord, I totally believe that I, body and spirit, will never die. Though this flesh will rot and turn to dust if my physical body dies, my spiiritual body will live with you until the 'day of the Lord' when my physical body will be made new and rise to be with you forever....
However, I pray that I can be one who doesn't see this physical death but will be 'snatched away' or 'raptured' after those Christians who have died are Raptured. [1Th 4:16-17 ASV] 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first; 17 then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [What does Harpazo mean? to seize upon, spoil, snatch away; This word was taken from the Greek verb harpazo, meaning, “to seize upon, spoil, snatch away or take to oneself,” especially used of rapture (Acts 8:39; 2 Cor 12:2, 4; 1. Thess 4:17; Rev 12:5). Harpazo is translated “caught up” or “caught away” ]
01/18/2022[Jas 1:12-18 KJV] 12 Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Dec 25, 2021 [Gen 3:14-15 KJV] 14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou [art] cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
[1Sa 16:1, 11-13 KJV] 1 And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. ...
,,,11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all [thy] children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. 12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he [was] ruddy, [and] withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this [is] he. 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.[1Sa 16:11-13 KJV] 11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all [thy] children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. 12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he [was] ruddy, [and] withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this [is] he. 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
[Isa 7:13-14 KJV] 13 And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; [Is it] a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
[Mat 1:18-25 KJV] 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Nov 21, 2021 [Rom 5:14, 17-21 NASB95] 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. ... 17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. 18 So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. 19 For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. 20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Oct 30, 2021 The following are not my cogitations, but are certainly fuel for further deep study. I copied this from this article: https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=5037
The times in which we live are clear to anyone who knows the Bible. We are living in the days just before the Tribulation takes place. Jesus will soon return to take His church (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18). How can I be so sure? Because Jesus says so. Jesus said when you see all the signs He and the prophets said to look for, you should look up (Luke 21:28), and we see those signs right now.
The Convergence of Signs
So what are these signs? Jesus and the prophets pointed to dozens and dozens of signs. This article only cites a few, but each one is undeniable. Their convergence for the first time in history tells us the return of the Lord is close at hand. In addition to the events already mentioned, these signs include:
• Israel Back in the Land (Jeremiah 23:7-8; Ezekiel 39:28; Isaiah 11:12; Psalm 107:3; Ezekiel 20:34; Isaiah 11:11-12)
• The Jewish People in Control of Jerusalem (Luke 21:24-28)
• The Gospel Preached Throughout the World (Matthew 24:14)
• An Increase in Travel and Knowledge (Daniel 12:4)
• Arrival of the Exponential Curve (Matthew 24:3‐8)
• Israel Surrounded by Enemies (Psalm 83:4; Psalm 83:12; Ezekiel 11:14‐17; Ezekiel 35:10)
• Israel's Exceedingly Great Army (Ezekiel 37:10; Zechariah 12:6; Zechariah 12:8)
• The Rise of a United Europe (Daniel 2, Daniel 7, Revelation 17)
• The Rise of a Global Government (Revelation 13:7-17)
• The State of Mankind (2 Timothy 3:1-4)
• Denial of the Signs (2 Peter 3:3‐4)
Stay Awake
Jesus commanded us to watch for these signs (Matthew 24:42). He scolded the Pharisees and religious leaders when they failed to recognize the signs of His first coming (Matthew 16:3). Will He do any different for those who fail to recognize the signs of His second coming? Jesus warned us not to be caught sleeping when He returns (Mark 13:36).
[Luk 21:28, 31-36 NKJV] 28 "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." ... 31 "So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 "Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. 34 "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 "For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."
Oct 28, 2021 I reckon that the Bible teaches two things, God cannot lie and Jesus is God.
OK, there are many things the Bible teaches… the Jews will have a time, times and half times to get right with God after failing to recognize the Messiah’s first appearing and Jesus is away preparing a place for His Bride, the Church: Note: (not the stodgy, magnifcient buildings around the World, or even the Pope’s Palace in Italy), which is probably where Peter was burned upside down on a cross, or Paul was executed because he preached Christ and Him crucified to the Gentiles in the known World.
[Dan 12:10-13 RSV] 10 Many shall purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but those who are wise shall understand. 11 And from the time that the continual burnt offering is taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12 Blessed is he who waits and comes to the thousand three hundred and thirty-five days. 13 But go your way till the end; and you shall rest, and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days." 1335-1290=
Yes, many other things that if they were written, a scroll as big as the sky couldn’t hold them. God loves the Jews and blessed them through Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice Issac on an alter because he believed God’s promise having faith the God could/would raise him from the dead.
[2Ti 3:16-17 NKJV] 16 All Scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
And, God promised His love, the Church, that He is preparing a place, Heavenly mansion, where He will rapture/ receive His Bride the Church to that place He has prepared for a great wedding feast… then seven years later, He will come back!
[1Co 15:51-52 DBY] 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all fall asleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in an instant, in [the] twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
Further, learned men of old saw fit to divide the Holy Bible, God’s final Word to His creation; so He spoke to the men comissioned to speak His perfect instructions about having faith that His instructions would prove the hope of a Messiah, Priest and King; coming soon as told in the Jewish Testament and the Gospel Testament proving His Son has provided salvation; here is the work of God that you believe that Jesus is His only begotten Son...[Jhn 6:29 NKJV] 29 Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."
I further reckon that all one needs to know to believe is written in the Scripture.
[Jhn 20:30-31 NKJV] 30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.
[Act 1:9-11 NKJV] 9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This [same] Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."`
[1Jo 5:4-5 KJV] 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: ….. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Earlier Cogitations HereCogitations2:
Oct 19, 2021 [1Pe 5:8-9 NKJV] 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
Oct 17, 2021 The just shall live by faith for noone is saved by the Law. How are we, poor sinners that we are, how are we justified? Once justified, because we are continually sinning, both bodily and in our heart, therefore we must be continually santified by Jesus’ Blood… Jesus said to look with lust is to commit the sin in our heart; read Matt 5 and following called ‘the sermon on the mount’;
[1Jo 5:1, 4-8, 13 NKJV] 1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. ...
4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.
5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 This is He who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.
8 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one. ...
13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may [continue to] believe in the name of the Son of God.
Faith, Hope, Love: [1Jo 3:9 NKJV] 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
Oct 12, 2021 The just shall live by faith. For we walk by faith, not by sight: [Rom 1:17 KJV] 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
[2Co 5:6-7 KJV] 6 Therefore [we are] always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
[Rom 1:17 NKJV] 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
[Gal 3:11 NKJV] 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God [is] evident, for "the just shall live by faith."
[Act 26:18 NASB95] 18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.'
[Heb 2:11 NASB95] 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one [Father;] for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,
[Heb 10:10 NASB95] 10 By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
What then is the offering that the body santifies? Only the Blood of Jesus cleanses us from our sins and where are we able to claim the offering of this soul cleansing Blood accepted? [Rom 5:1, 20 NASB95] 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ... 20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,
So we must continue to sin so that grace may abound (TIC)... [Rom 6:2-5, 7-11 NASB95] 2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with [Him] in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be [in the likeness] of His resurrection, ...
7 for he who has died is freed from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
God, who by His own power over death, resurrected Jesus who is incorruptible. Jesus, being raised Lord God of all creation, offers to His belivers an inheritance of resurrection to eternal life and to be called ‘Sons of God’.
[1Pe 1:8-9 NKJV] 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see [Him], yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of [your] souls.
September 14, 2021 Judge Not?
[Mat 7:1 NASB95] 1 "Do not judge so that you will not be judged.
[Luk 6:37 KJV] 37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: ...:
However, consider this:
[1Co 2:15 NKJV] 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is [rightly] judged by no one.
August 24, 2021; (Today the following is still the law of our land...)We hold these truths to be self evident... “All men are created equal and endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights...”
[Gen 1:27-28, 31 NASB95] 27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 God blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth." ... 31 God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
As I ponder why I can't sleep at 4 am, my mind wanders to the question of what is equal? Physically am I equal to the famous men of the games of basketball or boxing? Or, does my intellect equal that of the mental giants of the 'ologys'? Or to be one of those who have… Silver wings upon their chest; These are men, America's best; One hundred men will test today; But only three win the Green Beret ???
[Jhn 3:16 NASB95] 16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
[2Pe 3:9 NASB95] 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
[Act 2:38-42 NASB95] 38 Peter [said] to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 "For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself." 40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation!" 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
So I cogitate, must I be baptized to be saved? Many have postulated that all we need do is look to the thief who was exonerated by our Lord as they both were hanged on the cross until physical death; and as far as we know, the thief was not baptized (unless we count sprinkling and and maybe God 'rained' down on them (sprinkled, Not a form used in the NT, esp Acts ) the Earth reponded violently as God’s only Son was crucified. (TIC))
[Mat 27:50-54 NKJV] 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God!"
As recounted here, we have at least one case where an individual was saved without being immersed:
IE (baptized)…[Luk 23:39-43 NKJV] 39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us." 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 "And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." 42 Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." 43 And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."
I'm certainly not discounting that Jesus, in His infinite wisdom can save whomever and however he desires, But what about other instances in His Holy Bible of believers being baptized as they were saved and how about receiving the Gift of the Holy Spirit? (another cogitation at another time)
[Act 19:2-5 NASB95] 2 He said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they [said] to him, "No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." 3 And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" And they said, "Into John's baptism." 4 Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Lord give me wisdom; so, at least in the time of the Apostle Paul, you could be baptized and not receive the gift of the Holy Spirit as promised by the Apostle Peter on that day of Pentecost where 3000 souls were added to the Kingdom.
[Mat 16:15-19 NASB95] 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal [this] to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. 19 "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven."
So there are many examples of the Apostles baptizing in water so the believer can be saved; here is but one example: [Act 8:34-38 NASB95] 34 The eunuch answered Philip and said, "Please [tell me,] of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself or of someone else?" 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. 36 As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" 37 [And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."] 38 And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing.
So it appears that the Lord made us all equal 'in His image' but gives us individual circumstances. None are better than others but all are endowed with abilities as God wills...
[Eph 4:7, 11-13 NASB95] 7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. ... 11 And He gave some [as] apostles, and some [as] prophets, and some [as] evangelists, and some [as] pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
Just as the Potter takes a lump of clay and fashions useful items; some ornate and beautiful and some plain and in fact ugly, used only for waste; but all the vessels are signed with the mark of the Maker and kept in His storehouse. And so yes, they each are equal in value to the Potter who chose to make what He needs at His time.
[Isa 29:16 NASB95] 16 You turn [things] around! Shall the potter be considered as equal with the clay, That what is made would say to its maker, "He did not make me"; Or what is formed say to him who formed it, "He has no understanding"?
[Isa 64:8 NASB95] 8 But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand.
[Rom 9:21 NASB95] 21 Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?
I am but a humble servant of my Lord Jesus Christ, having no special calling only that my faith is grounded in the hope that His word is true... So I study and read other testimonies to glean truth from His bountiful Word harvest and I believe He wrote it so that even the little children can understand His message. [Jhn 10:10 NASB95] 10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have [it] abundantly. [Jhn 20:31 NASB95] 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.
So, I study His word, the Holy Bible, to show I am approved and to gain those endowments from God of which our Nation's founders based our Constitution; Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
August 24, 2021; Today this is still the law of our land...We hold these truths to be self evident... “All men are created equal and endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights...”
[Gen 1:27-28, 31 NASB95] 27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 God blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth." ... 31 God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
As I ponder why I can't sleep at 4 am, my mind wanders to the question of what is equal? Physically am I equal to the famous men of the games of basketball or boxing? Or, does my intellect equal that of the mental giants of the 'ologys'? Or to be one of those who have… Silver wings upon their chest; These are men, America's best; One hundred men will test today; But only three win the Green Beret ???
[Jhn 3:16 NASB95] 16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
[2Pe 3:9 NASB95] 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
[Act 2:38-42 NASB95] 38 Peter [said] to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 "For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself." 40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation!" 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
So I cogitate, must I be baptized to be saved? Many have postulated that all we need do is look to the thief who was exonerated by our Lord as they both on the cross until physical death; and was not baptized (unless we count sprinkling and and maybe God 'rained' down on them (baptized) as His only Son was crucified. (TIC))
[Mat 27:50-54 NASB95] 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 51 And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many. 54 Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!"
Indeed, here, we have at least one case where an individual was saved without being immersed (baptized)... I'm certainly not discounting that Jesus, in His infinite wisdom can save whomever and however he desires, But what about other instances in His Holy Bible of believers being baptized as they were saved and how about receiving the Gift of the Holy Spirit? (another cogitation at another time)
[Act 19:2-5 NASB95] 2 He said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they [said] to him, "No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." 3 And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" And they said, "Into John's baptism." 4 Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Lord give me wisdom; so, at least in the time of the Apostle Paul, you could be baptized and not receive the gift of the Holy Spirit as promised by the Apostle Peter on that day of Pentecost where 3000 souls were added to the Kingdom.
[Mat 16:15-19 NASB95] 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal [this] to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. 19 "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven."
So there are many examples of the Apostles baptizing in water so the believer can be saved; here is but one example: [Act 8:34-38 NASB95] 34 The eunuch answered Philip and said, "Please [tell me,] of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself or of someone else?" 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. 36 As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" 37 [And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."] 38 And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing.
So it appears that the Lord made us all equal 'in His image' but gives us individual circumstances. None are better than others but all are endowed with abilities as God wills...
[Eph 4:7, 11-13 NASB95] 7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. ... 11 And He gave some [as] apostles, and some [as] prophets, and some [as] evangelists, and some [as] pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
Just as the Potter takes a lump of clay and fashions useful items; some ornate and beautiful and some plain and in fact ugly, used only for waste; but all the vessels are signed with the mark of the Maker and kept in His storehouse. And so yes, they each are equal in value to the Potter who chose to make what He needs at His time.
[Isa 29:16 NASB95] 16 You turn [things] around! Shall the potter be considered as equal with the clay, That what is made would say to its maker, "He did not make me"; Or what is formed say to him who formed it, "He has no understanding"?
[Isa 64:8 NASB95] 8 But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand.
[Rom 9:21 NASB95] 21 Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?
I am but a humble servant of my Lord Jesus Christ, having no special calling only that my faith is grounded in the hope that His word is true... So I study and read other testimonies to glean truth from His bountiful Word harvest and I believe He wrote it so that even the little children can understand His message. [Jhn 10:10 NASB95] 10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have [it] abundantly. [Jhn 20:31 NASB95] 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.
So, I study His word, the Holy Bible, to show I am approved and to gain those endowments from God of which our Nation's founders based our Constitution; Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
2020/06/04 I was reflecting on today's news and a children's song came to mind... "I may never march in the infantry, .... but i'm in the Lord's army..." indeed, Satan's forces seemed to be allied against the US in pestilence and conflict and the Earth groans in the turmoil of physical disasters. But, as soldiers of the Lord's army, we are not to engage in the physical conflicts that come from a compelling enemy (or his minions), rather, follow the teachings of the Apostle Paul as found in Ephesians: [Eph 6:10-18 NASB] 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual [forces] of wickedness in the heavenly [places.] 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil [one.] 17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
Adam handed this world to Satan and death ensued, spiritual death happened immediately, physical death came as the Lord allowed, from 1000 years to 120, to 70, to ... maybe soon!
Point is, we can't overcome Satan on our own... It was the seed of woman, (not formed of dust, but formed from Adam's rib, another of the first miracles in Genesis. Because of this special creation, woman gave God his human form so He was found to be fully divine and fully human) Adam's seed was corrupted by his sin in disobeying the first prohibition, don't eat of the fruit. Eve's sin was one of being deceived by Lucifer so she wasn't corrupted but did suffer the consequence of death...
Jesus was born of the seed of woman, lived a sinless life and gave up that life to overcome the sting of death.
Therefore, Put on the full armor, Truth, Righteousness, Gospel, Faith, Salvation, Sword, Prayer and Petition.
2020/01/01, Have I been praying for the wrong trumpet all these years?
Maybe I don't want to be here on Earth to hear the final trumpet sounded by the seventh angel; instead I think I should be longing for the trumpet sounded when Jesus finished writing the letters to the seven churches...[Rev 4:1 NASB] 1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door [standing] open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like [the sound] of a trumpet speaking with me, said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things."
To be whisked away when the age of the churches is finished will be 'glory for me' and I will continually pray for that event for me and Donna.
But while here on Earth, awaiting Jesus' return, I pray that if given the power that God gives to those whom He chooses; (Job comes to mind), I could walk the walk of my Lord Jesus.
But alas, I feel that I would be like Peter; Luk 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
Then at the end of his internship: Mat 26:74 Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately the cock crowed.
In my studies, it seems the Bible lists several instances of the Lord using people who are crass and sinful to the point of being completely evil; (Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus the Great; maybe?). Yet these were used to accomplish His plan for His creation through a ragtag army called Israelites. ( I present King David, used by God to subdue a land of extreme sinning, while he, yet guilty of murder and lust)
Perhaps President Trump is such a one. I pray that he is doing God's will as our President; and though that doesn't excuse the sins of which he is guilty, [and I have no first hand knowledge of any of his sins of commission], perhaps, maybe a fisherman's language as is recounted by others; but I pray for him to seek forgiveness and continue to guide our country toward a closer walk with Jesus Christ as is spoken in this accompanying article.
In reflection, God has blessed me with children who are God-fearing and family loving; which is the greatest blessing one can have on this Earth at this time.
I pray that God grants you and yours great blessings and happiness as we come into this new year of 2020 (or are we already in 5780?as the Jews count time from creation).
I also pray for the final Trump(Pun) when all will be made well. [Rev 22:21 KJV] 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you all. Amen.
PS the seven trumpets: [Rev 8:6-7 NASB] 6 And the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound them. 7 The first sounded, and there came hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth; and a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up....
... [Rev 11:15 NASB] 15 Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become [the kingdom] of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever."/07/19 The Apostle Paul was committed to annilate that new sect of heathens who were disrupting God's chosen people with their faith based teaching that a mortal was the Son of God, Such were worthy of death based on the law.
We are fortunate that he was converted and commissioned by Jesus to go preach the Gospel to the 'nations' Gentiles who were being called to follow the message of God's love and salvation by faith in Christ Jesus. Amen, thank you Father and Lord for taking my sins to the cross! I no longer need to be bound by the law, but am bound by the law of grace, keep me from trying to return to bondage... thus Paul's message to the Galations:
[Gal 4:1-31 NASB] "Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? You observe days and months and seasons and years. I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain. I beg of you, brethren, become as I [am,] for I also [have become] as you [are.] You have done me no wrong; but you know that it was because of a bodily illness that I preached the gospel to you the first time; and that which was a trial to you in my bodily condition you did not despise or loathe, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus [Himself.] Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth? They eagerly seek you, not commendably, but they wish to shut you out so that you will seek them. But it is good always to be eagerly sought in a commendable manner, and not only when I am present with you. My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you-- but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. Tell me, you who want to be under law, do you not listen to the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman. But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise. This is allegorically speaking, for these [women] are two covenants: one [proceeding] from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar. Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother. For it is written, "REJOICE, BARREN WOMAN WHO DOES NOT BEAR; BREAK FORTH AND SHOUT, YOU WHO ARE NOT IN LABOR; FOR MORE NUMEROUS ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE DESOLATE THAN OF THE ONE WHO HAS A HUSBAND." And you brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise. But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him [who was born] according to the Spirit, so it is now also. But what does the Scripture say? "CAST OUT THE BONDWOMAN AND HER SON, FOR THE SON OF THE BONDWOMAN SHALL NOT BE AN HEIR WITH THE SON OF THE FREE WOMAN." So then, brethren, we are not children of a bondwoman, but of the free woman."
Cogitations and other 'Ramblings'
Tenants Of Faith: I am convinced by the necessity of what Paul wrote to Timothy: "If you lay all these instructions before the brethren, you will be a worthy steward and a good minister of Christ Jesus, ever nourishing your own self on the truths of the faith and of the good [Christian] instruction which you have closely followed".
—1 Timothy 4:6
The Bible
I believe the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, to be the only infallible, inerrant Word of God; the complete revelation of God's will for the eternal salvation of men, and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21
2023/08/10 I really enjoy receiving comments about my cogitations. There is agreement by most readers that we all have our failures to hear and respond to the question, "WWJD"; for those from Rio Lindo, 'what would Jesus do?'
I was especially struck by one comment that said there are words spoken that he wishes he could 'erase from history'
Wow, what a powerful thought! Having the ability to go back in time and stop the words or actions before they happen... For instance (Did Jesus come to Thomas by 'molecular regeneration', or, did He, in His new body, move time and space to appear in the room where the apostles were gathered? cogitate on that for a while...)
Thankfully, I can make that happen; erase sins from my history, through the Spirit that Jesus gives I 'move time and space to be forgiven for my transgressions.
Not my physical self, but as the Psalmist writes, ...[Psa 51:1 NASB95] For the choir director. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.... [Psa 51:7 NASB95] Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
And again, [Isa 1:18 NASB95] "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.... [Isa 1:19 NASB95] "If you consent and obey, You will eat the best of the land; [Isa 1:20 NASB95] "But if you refuse and rebel, You will be devoured by the sword." Truly, the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Jesus promised that sins could be forgiven; [Mar 3:28 NASB95] "Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter;
[Mar 3:29 NASB95] but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin"--[Mar 3:30 NASB95] because they were saying, "He has an unclean spirit."
In the Gospels and other writings of the New Testament it is told of the redemption plan, and one can find the 'scarlet (read blood) thread' throughout the Holy Word (read Bible) showing God's plan of redemption from the original curse; 'death, given in the Garden of Eden', which is physical and spiritual death. For the pledge is given that death would be overcome by the shedding of innocent blood, blood not stained by the curse. Jesus' blood is the only pure, unpolluted by sin, freely given blood available to God's creation (earth and mankind).
The question, an eternal quest, how does one know that his sins will be forgiven and washed white as snow or (Erased from History)?
[Jhn 6:40 NASB95] 40 "For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day."
What is the will of the Father? [Mar 3:35 NASB95] "For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother." [Mat 7:21 NASB95] 21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven [will enter.]
[Mat 18:14 NASB95] 14 "So it is not [the] will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish.
[1Co 13:13 NASB95] 13 But now faith, hope, love, abide by these three; but the greatest of these is love.
[Rom 5:2 NASB95] 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
[Gal 5:5 NASB95] 5 For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.
[1Th 1:3 NASB95] 3 constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father,
[1Th 5:8 NASB95] 8 But since we are of [the] day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.
Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience…And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises…And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. (Hebrews 4:11; 6:11-12, 15)
2023/07/03We all look forward to our and the earths redemption.
10 As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years,..
12 So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom...
Oh, my aching knee, back and head. Not to mention my arthritic thumbs. the physical pain that requires gritting your teeth and keeping a stiff upper lip. I assume this is from which the strength must ensue, it's the only way I see that we'll make it through 80.
And what about past 80, does it take superhuman strength to see 90?
Sometimes in the middle of the night, I awaken feeling like I'd welcome that I've moved past my worldly strength and into a yearning for to be with my Lord... Then, not so Lord, I enjoy most of the things about my life; my beautiful, spiritually lovely wife who is the 'best part of me'.
And my children are all the good stuff you find in the good stories, handsome men, beautiful girls; all prosperous in life and belonging to Jesusl Selah. What a glorious heritage I have.
No Lord, the only thing I wind up praying for is to know the wondrous, uplifting, Spiritual feeling I know I'll feel when you come again to receive your bride, the church:, to be where you have been preparing a place for us to be with you.
I am profoundly comforted by this promise.,
[1Th 4:16-18 NASB95] 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of [the] archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
This is kind of a cogitation I guess. at least I cogitate on this a lot <smile> Yours in Christ, Paul
2023/04/17 God bless your search as Jesus' Holy Spirit guides you through His Word (the Bible that is )
2Tim 314 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for [fn]training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
The Apostle Paul was writing, calling this ("all Scripture"), before there was a "New Testament" codified... he most certainly was referencing the "Old Testament" ...
Scholar, J. Barton Payne, has found as many as 574 verses in the Old Testament that somehow point to or describe or reference the coming Messiah. Alfred Edersheim found 456 Old Testament verses referring to the Messiah or His times. Conservatively, Jesus fulfilled at least 300 prophecies in His earthly ministry.
Jesus called some to be Apostles and we find some are called to teach, some to be evangelists, some elders and/or deacons, etc...So what am I called to do? Not all of us have congregations for whom we lead. Are we just simple peons? Cannon fodder in the battles with Satanic forces?
I believe it helpful to borrow from the classic categories applied to Christ: prophet, priest, and king. We are Prophets who speak the word over our households; Priests who give ourselves to intercessory prayer and offerings, even tithes for those who labor in other fields; speaking to God on behalf of our loved ones, providing guidance to them from the Bible as the Holy Spirit moves us; and Kings who govern, defend, and provide for our loved ones, again using knowledge gleaned from the Sword (ie the Holy Bible)..
Oh, that my knowledge were as far reaching as my imagination!;>_
ProphecyGiven
Fulfilled
The following are a few of the OT prophesies; Others may follow this Publishing...
- The serpent and the "seed" of Eve will have conflict; the offspring of the woman will crush the serpent. Jesus is this seed, and He crushed Satan at the cross.Genesis 3:14-15
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
- Galatians 4:4; Hebrews 2:14
- God promised Abraham the whole world would be blessed through him. Jesus, descended from Abraham, is that blessing.Genesis 12:3
- Acts 3:25-26; Matthew 1:1; Galatians 3:16
- God promised Abraham He would establish an everlasting covenant with Isaac’s offspring. Jesus is that offspring.Genesis 17:19
- Matthew 1:1-2
- God promised Isaac the whole world would be blessed by his descendent. That descendent is Jesus.Genesis 28:13-14
- Matthew 1:1-2; Luke 1:33; 3:23-34
- Jacob prophesied Judah would rule over his brothers. Jesus the king is from the tribe of Judah.Genesis 49:10
- Matthew 1:1-2; Luke 1:32-33
- The Jews were not to keep the Passover lamb overnight. Jesus was buried the day He died.Exodus 12:10; Numbers 9:12
- John 19:38-42
[Rom 5:14, 17-21 NASB95] 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. ... 17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. 18 So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. 19 For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. 20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
[1Pe 1:5-9 NKJV] [1Pe 1:6-7 NKJV] 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, [being] much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see [Him], yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of [your] souls.
[1Jo 5:1, 4-8, 13 NKJV] 1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. ...
4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.
5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 This is He who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.
8 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one. ...
13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may [continue to] believe in the name of the Son of God.
Faith, Hope, Love: [1Jo 3:9 NKJV] 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
Oct 12, 2021 The just shall live by faith. For we walk by faith, not by sight: [Rom 1:17 KJV] 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
[2Co 5:6-7 KJV] 6 Therefore [we are] always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
[Rom 1:17 NKJV] 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
[Gal 3:11 NKJV] 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God [is] evident, for "the just shall live by faith."
[Act 26:18 NASB95] 18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.'
[Heb 2:11 NASB95] 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one [Father;] for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,
[Heb 10:10 NASB95] 10 By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
What then is the offering that the body santifies? Only the Blood of Jesus cleanses us from our sins and where are we able to claim the offering of this soul cleansing Blood accepted? [Rom 5:1, 20 NASB95] 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ... 20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,
So we must continue to sin so that grace may abound (TIC)... [Rom 6:2-5, 7-11 NASB95] 2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with [Him] in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be [in the likeness] of His resurrection, ...
7 for he who has died is freed from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Even so, consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Cogitations continue;
Jan 31, 2023 GOD is PERFECT!!! His creation is 'very good'.
So why does he need a covenant that requires 'blood sacrifice'? Sin entered the world by man's sin; so it is by 'Man's blood' that sin is cleansed. Man is incapable of perfection...so his blood is unacceptable, even the blood of man's progeny (: [noun] descendants, children. offspring) is contaminated.
So by God's design, a way is made for a perfect sacrifice: God speaking;
(Gen 3:15 )- "And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her seed;
He shall [fn]bruise you (Satan) on the head,
And you shall bruise him(Jesus) on the heel.”
The Ethiopian Eunuch was a worshiper in the old covenant (not Adam's covenant but the Mosiac covenant). He was studying the Old Testament on his way from Jerusalem to Ethopia. God told Philip to go up to him and preach Jesus (who is found in the Prophecy)... the following ensued; Act 8:35 - Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, he preached Jesus to him.
Act 8:36 - As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch *said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?”Act 8:37 - [[fn]And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Act 8:38 - And he ordered the [fn]chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him." Act 8:39 - When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, [fn]but went on his way rejoicing. "...
It is my belief that act brought the Ethiopian into the 'New Jesus Covenant'. Not that I'm an authoritarian of scripture hermeneutics and exegesis but I am a devout believer in 'all the Scripture'...
The following devotional from the BLB does a good job of explaining the relationship of Jesus and God's covenants... IMHO
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/dbdbg/view.cfmThe New Covenant: Grace, Not Law"I will make a new covenant…not according to the covenant I made"…the gospel of the grace of God. (Jeremiah 31:31-32 and Acts 20:24)
The old covenant of law was the covenant that God made with Israel "in the day that [He] took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt" (Jeremiah 31:32b). The promise through Jeremiah was that the Lord would make a different type of covenant some day, "not according to [that] covenant." This new covenant would be a covenant of grace, provided by the Lord Jesus Christ. "For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17).
The law of God was an impossible way to relate to the Lord. It required perfection, but it offered no perfecting assistance. It was able, however, to convince people of their need for the grace of Christ found in the new covenant. "The law was our tutor to bring us to Christ" (Galatians 3:24).
Now, we live and proclaim this new covenant of grace, the "new and living way which He consecrated for us" (Hebrews 10:20). This was the mission and message of which the Apostle Paul spoke. "The ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24). The gospel is all about the grace of God, not about law. "The word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you…the grace of God" (Colossians 1:5-6).
Gospel means "glad tidings," or "good news." The good news of the grace of God provided through Jesus Christ is the supreme message for man in all of creation. In fact, the gospel of grace is such good news that some unbelievers initially reject it as "too good to be true." Indeed, it is an astounding reality to consider that forgiveness, justification, and new birth are all available "by grace…through faith…the gift of God, not of works" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Perhaps, we should not be surprised that we believers sometimes react in this same manner when we consider the message of grace for growth and sanctification. To hear that the entire Christian life is to be "grace upon grace" (John 1:16) may at first seem to us "too good to be true."
At times we may ask, "Isn't there any human responsibility in God's plan of salvation?" Yes, there is. The saved and unsaved alike must always be willing to respond to the offer of God's grace in Christ. We must all relate properly to the Lord Jesus for every work of grace, because it is "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 8:9). In all matters, we must seek Him and trust in Him.
Hopefully you have found this interesting enough to have made it this far. I will add to this devotional that the Bible tells us that we receive the Holy Spirit of Christ because of our belief that Jesus's death and resurrection dwelt a 'crushing' blow to Satan's head...read Acts 2:38 where: 37 Now when they heard this (the Gospel), they were [fn]pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “[fn]Brethren, [fn]what shall we do?” 38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” 40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “[fn]Be saved from this perverse generation!” 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand [fn]souls... and again;
Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become [fn]united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be [fn]in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old [fn]self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be [fn]done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; 7 for he who has died is [fn]freed from sin...
May the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ find you, my Brothers and Sisters, full of peace, hope, faith and love; always. Yes, come quickly Lord Jesus!
The Spirit Himself testifies with
our spirit that we are
Children of God,
Romans 8:32
Jesus was fully man but that was because he was born of 'Mary's Seed' (Gen 3:15); His Father, God made Him fully God! Incomprehensible...
Luke 11:9 “So I say to you, [fn]ask, and it will be given to you; [fn]seek, and you will find; [fn]knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. 11 Now [fn]suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a [fn]fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? 12 Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your [fn]heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”.
Thank you Jesus for giving us the Holy Spirit, without whom life on earth would be intolerable..
03/22/2022 [Jhn 11:25-26 NASB95] 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?"
Yes Lord, I totally believe that I, body and spirit, will never die. Though this flesh will rot and turn to dust if my physical body dies, my spiiritual body will live with you until the 'day of the Lord' when my physical body will be made new and rise to be with you forever....
However, I pray that I can be one who doesn't see this physical death but will be 'snatched away' or 'raptured' after those Christians who have died are Raptured. [1Th 4:16-17 ASV] 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first; 17 then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [What does Harpazo mean? to seize upon, spoil, snatch away; This word was taken from the Greek verb harpazo, meaning, “to seize upon, spoil, snatch away or take to oneself,” especially used of rapture (Acts 8:39; 2 Cor 12:2, 4; 1. Thess 4:17; Rev 12:5). Harpazo is translated “caught up” or “caught away” ]
01/18/2022[Jas 1:12-18 KJV] 12 Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Dec 25, 2021 [Gen 3:14-15 KJV] 14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou [art] cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
[1Sa 16:1, 11-13 KJV] 1 And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. ...
,,,11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all [thy] children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. 12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he [was] ruddy, [and] withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this [is] he. 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.[1Sa 16:11-13 KJV] 11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all [thy] children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. 12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he [was] ruddy, [and] withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this [is] he. 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
[Isa 7:13-14 KJV] 13 And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; [Is it] a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
[Mat 1:18-25 KJV] 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Nov 21, 2021 [Rom 5:14, 17-21 NASB95] 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. ... 17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. 18 So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. 19 For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. 20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Oct 30, 2021 The following are not my cogitations, but are certainly fuel for further deep study. I copied this from this article: https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=5037
The times in which we live are clear to anyone who knows the Bible. We are living in the days just before the Tribulation takes place. Jesus will soon return to take His church (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18). How can I be so sure? Because Jesus says so. Jesus said when you see all the signs He and the prophets said to look for, you should look up (Luke 21:28), and we see those signs right now.
The Convergence of Signs
So what are these signs? Jesus and the prophets pointed to dozens and dozens of signs. This article only cites a few, but each one is undeniable. Their convergence for the first time in history tells us the return of the Lord is close at hand. In addition to the events already mentioned, these signs include:
• Israel Back in the Land (Jeremiah 23:7-8; Ezekiel 39:28; Isaiah 11:12; Psalm 107:3; Ezekiel 20:34; Isaiah 11:11-12)
• The Jewish People in Control of Jerusalem (Luke 21:24-28)
• The Gospel Preached Throughout the World (Matthew 24:14)
• An Increase in Travel and Knowledge (Daniel 12:4)
• Arrival of the Exponential Curve (Matthew 24:3‐8)
• Israel Surrounded by Enemies (Psalm 83:4; Psalm 83:12; Ezekiel 11:14‐17; Ezekiel 35:10)
• Israel's Exceedingly Great Army (Ezekiel 37:10; Zechariah 12:6; Zechariah 12:8)
• The Rise of a United Europe (Daniel 2, Daniel 7, Revelation 17)
• The Rise of a Global Government (Revelation 13:7-17)
• The State of Mankind (2 Timothy 3:1-4)
• Denial of the Signs (2 Peter 3:3‐4)
Stay Awake
Jesus commanded us to watch for these signs (Matthew 24:42). He scolded the Pharisees and religious leaders when they failed to recognize the signs of His first coming (Matthew 16:3). Will He do any different for those who fail to recognize the signs of His second coming? Jesus warned us not to be caught sleeping when He returns (Mark 13:36).
[Luk 21:28, 31-36 NKJV] 28 "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." ... 31 "So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 "Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. 34 "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 "For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."
Oct 28, 2021 I reckon that the Bible teaches two things, God cannot lie and Jesus is God.
OK, there are many things the Bible teaches… the Jews will have a time, times and half times to get right with God after failing to recognize the Messiah’s first appearing and Jesus is away preparing a place for His Bride, the Church: Note: (not the stodgy, magnifcient buildings around the World, or even the Pope’s Palace in Italy), which is probably where Peter was burned upside down on a cross, or Paul was executed because he preached Christ and Him crucified to the Gentiles in the known World.
[Dan 12:10-13 RSV] 10 Many shall purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but those who are wise shall understand. 11 And from the time that the continual burnt offering is taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12 Blessed is he who waits and comes to the thousand three hundred and thirty-five days. 13 But go your way till the end; and you shall rest, and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days." 1335-1290=
Yes, many other things that if they were written, a scroll as big as the sky couldn’t hold them. God loves the Jews and blessed them through Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice Issac on an alter because he believed God’s promise having faith the God could/would raise him from the dead.
[2Ti 3:16-17 NKJV] 16 All Scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
And, God promised His love, the Church, that He is preparing a place, Heavenly mansion, where He will rapture/ receive His Bride the Church to that place He has prepared for a great wedding feast… then seven years later, He will come back!
[1Co 15:51-52 DBY] 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all fall asleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in an instant, in [the] twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
Further, learned men of old saw fit to divide the Holy Bible, God’s final Word to His creation; so He spoke to the men comissioned to speak His perfect instructions about having faith that His instructions would prove the hope of a Messiah, Priest and King; coming soon as told in the Jewish Testament and the Gospel Testament proving His Son has provided salvation; here is the work of God that you believe that Jesus is His only begotten Son...[Jhn 6:29 NKJV] 29 Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."
I further reckon that all one needs to know to believe is written in the Scripture.
[Jhn 20:30-31 NKJV] 30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.
[Act 1:9-11 NKJV] 9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This [same] Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."`
[1Jo 5:4-5 KJV] 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: ….. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Earlier Cogitations HereCogitations2:
Oct 19, 2021 [1Pe 5:8-9 NKJV] 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
Oct 17, 2021 The just shall live by faith for noone is saved by the Law. How are we, poor sinners that we are, how are we justified? Once justified, because we are continually sinning, both bodily and in our heart, therefore we must be continually santified by Jesus’ Blood… Jesus said to look with lust is to commit the sin in our heart; read Matt 5 and following called ‘the sermon on the mount’;
[1Jo 5:1, 4-8, 13 NKJV] 1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. ...
4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.
5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 This is He who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.
8 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one. ...
13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may [continue to] believe in the name of the Son of God.
Faith, Hope, Love: [1Jo 3:9 NKJV] 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
Oct 12, 2021 The just shall live by faith. For we walk by faith, not by sight: [Rom 1:17 KJV] 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
[2Co 5:6-7 KJV] 6 Therefore [we are] always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
[Rom 1:17 NKJV] 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
[Gal 3:11 NKJV] 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God [is] evident, for "the just shall live by faith."
[Act 26:18 NASB95] 18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.'
[Heb 2:11 NASB95] 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one [Father;] for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,
[Heb 10:10 NASB95] 10 By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
What then is the offering that the body santifies? Only the Blood of Jesus cleanses us from our sins and where are we able to claim the offering of this soul cleansing Blood accepted? [Rom 5:1, 20 NASB95] 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ... 20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,
So we must continue to sin so that grace may abound (TIC)... [Rom 6:2-5, 7-11 NASB95] 2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with [Him] in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be [in the likeness] of His resurrection, ...
7 for he who has died is freed from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
God, who by His own power over death, resurrected Jesus who is incorruptible. Jesus, being raised Lord God of all creation, offers to His belivers an inheritance of resurrection to eternal life and to be called ‘Sons of God’.
[1Pe 1:8-9 NKJV] 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see [Him], yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of [your] souls.
September 14, 2021 Judge Not?
[Mat 7:1 NASB95] 1 "Do not judge so that you will not be judged.
[Luk 6:37 KJV] 37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: ...:
However, consider this:
[1Co 2:15 NKJV] 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is [rightly] judged by no one.
August 24, 2021; (Today the following is still the law of our land...)We hold these truths to be self evident... “All men are created equal and endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights...”
[Gen 1:27-28, 31 NASB95] 27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 God blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth." ... 31 God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
As I ponder why I can't sleep at 4 am, my mind wanders to the question of what is equal? Physically am I equal to the famous men of the games of basketball or boxing? Or, does my intellect equal that of the mental giants of the 'ologys'? Or to be one of those who have… Silver wings upon their chest; These are men, America's best; One hundred men will test today; But only three win the Green Beret ???
[Jhn 3:16 NASB95] 16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
[2Pe 3:9 NASB95] 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
[Act 2:38-42 NASB95] 38 Peter [said] to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 "For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself." 40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation!" 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
So I cogitate, must I be baptized to be saved? Many have postulated that all we need do is look to the thief who was exonerated by our Lord as they both were hanged on the cross until physical death; and as far as we know, the thief was not baptized (unless we count sprinkling and and maybe God 'rained' down on them (sprinkled, Not a form used in the NT, esp Acts ) the Earth reponded violently as God’s only Son was crucified. (TIC))
[Mat 27:50-54 NKJV] 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God!"
As recounted here, we have at least one case where an individual was saved without being immersed:
IE (baptized)…[Luk 23:39-43 NKJV] 39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us." 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 "And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." 42 Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." 43 And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."
I'm certainly not discounting that Jesus, in His infinite wisdom can save whomever and however he desires, But what about other instances in His Holy Bible of believers being baptized as they were saved and how about receiving the Gift of the Holy Spirit? (another cogitation at another time)
[Act 19:2-5 NASB95] 2 He said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they [said] to him, "No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." 3 And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" And they said, "Into John's baptism." 4 Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Lord give me wisdom; so, at least in the time of the Apostle Paul, you could be baptized and not receive the gift of the Holy Spirit as promised by the Apostle Peter on that day of Pentecost where 3000 souls were added to the Kingdom.
[Mat 16:15-19 NASB95] 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal [this] to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. 19 "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven."
So there are many examples of the Apostles baptizing in water so the believer can be saved; here is but one example: [Act 8:34-38 NASB95] 34 The eunuch answered Philip and said, "Please [tell me,] of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself or of someone else?" 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. 36 As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" 37 [And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."] 38 And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing.
So it appears that the Lord made us all equal 'in His image' but gives us individual circumstances. None are better than others but all are endowed with abilities as God wills...
[Eph 4:7, 11-13 NASB95] 7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. ... 11 And He gave some [as] apostles, and some [as] prophets, and some [as] evangelists, and some [as] pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
Just as the Potter takes a lump of clay and fashions useful items; some ornate and beautiful and some plain and in fact ugly, used only for waste; but all the vessels are signed with the mark of the Maker and kept in His storehouse. And so yes, they each are equal in value to the Potter who chose to make what He needs at His time.
[Isa 29:16 NASB95] 16 You turn [things] around! Shall the potter be considered as equal with the clay, That what is made would say to its maker, "He did not make me"; Or what is formed say to him who formed it, "He has no understanding"?
[Isa 64:8 NASB95] 8 But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand.
[Rom 9:21 NASB95] 21 Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?
I am but a humble servant of my Lord Jesus Christ, having no special calling only that my faith is grounded in the hope that His word is true... So I study and read other testimonies to glean truth from His bountiful Word harvest and I believe He wrote it so that even the little children can understand His message. [Jhn 10:10 NASB95] 10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have [it] abundantly. [Jhn 20:31 NASB95] 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.
So, I study His word, the Holy Bible, to show I am approved and to gain those endowments from God of which our Nation's founders based our Constitution; Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
August 24, 2021; Today this is still the law of our land...We hold these truths to be self evident... “All men are created equal and endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights...”
[Gen 1:27-28, 31 NASB95] 27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 God blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth." ... 31 God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
As I ponder why I can't sleep at 4 am, my mind wanders to the question of what is equal? Physically am I equal to the famous men of the games of basketball or boxing? Or, does my intellect equal that of the mental giants of the 'ologys'? Or to be one of those who have… Silver wings upon their chest; These are men, America's best; One hundred men will test today; But only three win the Green Beret ???
[Jhn 3:16 NASB95] 16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
[2Pe 3:9 NASB95] 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
[Act 2:38-42 NASB95] 38 Peter [said] to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 "For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself." 40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation!" 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
So I cogitate, must I be baptized to be saved? Many have postulated that all we need do is look to the thief who was exonerated by our Lord as they both on the cross until physical death; and was not baptized (unless we count sprinkling and and maybe God 'rained' down on them (baptized) as His only Son was crucified. (TIC))
[Mat 27:50-54 NASB95] 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 51 And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many. 54 Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!"
Indeed, here, we have at least one case where an individual was saved without being immersed (baptized)... I'm certainly not discounting that Jesus, in His infinite wisdom can save whomever and however he desires, But what about other instances in His Holy Bible of believers being baptized as they were saved and how about receiving the Gift of the Holy Spirit? (another cogitation at another time)
[Act 19:2-5 NASB95] 2 He said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they [said] to him, "No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." 3 And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" And they said, "Into John's baptism." 4 Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Lord give me wisdom; so, at least in the time of the Apostle Paul, you could be baptized and not receive the gift of the Holy Spirit as promised by the Apostle Peter on that day of Pentecost where 3000 souls were added to the Kingdom.
[Mat 16:15-19 NASB95] 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal [this] to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. 19 "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven."
So there are many examples of the Apostles baptizing in water so the believer can be saved; here is but one example: [Act 8:34-38 NASB95] 34 The eunuch answered Philip and said, "Please [tell me,] of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself or of someone else?" 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. 36 As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" 37 [And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."] 38 And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing.
So it appears that the Lord made us all equal 'in His image' but gives us individual circumstances. None are better than others but all are endowed with abilities as God wills...
[Eph 4:7, 11-13 NASB95] 7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. ... 11 And He gave some [as] apostles, and some [as] prophets, and some [as] evangelists, and some [as] pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
Just as the Potter takes a lump of clay and fashions useful items; some ornate and beautiful and some plain and in fact ugly, used only for waste; but all the vessels are signed with the mark of the Maker and kept in His storehouse. And so yes, they each are equal in value to the Potter who chose to make what He needs at His time.
[Isa 29:16 NASB95] 16 You turn [things] around! Shall the potter be considered as equal with the clay, That what is made would say to its maker, "He did not make me"; Or what is formed say to him who formed it, "He has no understanding"?
[Isa 64:8 NASB95] 8 But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand.
[Rom 9:21 NASB95] 21 Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?
I am but a humble servant of my Lord Jesus Christ, having no special calling only that my faith is grounded in the hope that His word is true... So I study and read other testimonies to glean truth from His bountiful Word harvest and I believe He wrote it so that even the little children can understand His message. [Jhn 10:10 NASB95] 10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have [it] abundantly. [Jhn 20:31 NASB95] 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.
So, I study His word, the Holy Bible, to show I am approved and to gain those endowments from God of which our Nation's founders based our Constitution; Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
2020/06/04 I was reflecting on today's news and a children's song came to mind... "I may never march in the infantry, .... but i'm in the Lord's army..." indeed, Satan's forces seemed to be allied against the US in pestilence and conflict and the Earth groans in the turmoil of physical disasters. But, as soldiers of the Lord's army, we are not to engage in the physical conflicts that come from a compelling enemy (or his minions), rather, follow the teachings of the Apostle Paul as found in Ephesians: [Eph 6:10-18 NASB] 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual [forces] of wickedness in the heavenly [places.] 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil [one.] 17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
Adam handed this world to Satan and death ensued, spiritual death happened immediately, physical death came as the Lord allowed, from 1000 years to 120, to 70, to ... maybe soon!
Point is, we can't overcome Satan on our own... It was the seed of woman, (not formed of dust, but formed from Adam's rib, another of the first miracles in Genesis. Because of this special creation, woman gave God his human form so He was found to be fully divine and fully human) Adam's seed was corrupted by his sin in disobeying the first prohibition, don't eat of the fruit. Eve's sin was one of being deceived by Lucifer so she wasn't corrupted but did suffer the consequence of death...
Jesus was born of the seed of woman, lived a sinless life and gave up that life to overcome the sting of death.
Therefore, Put on the full armor, Truth, Righteousness, Gospel, Faith, Salvation, Sword, Prayer and Petition.
2020/01/01, Have I been praying for the wrong trumpet all these years?
Maybe I don't want to be here on Earth to hear the final trumpet sounded by the seventh angel; instead I think I should be longing for the trumpet sounded when Jesus finished writing the letters to the seven churches...[Rev 4:1 NASB] 1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door [standing] open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like [the sound] of a trumpet speaking with me, said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things."
To be whisked away when the age of the churches is finished will be 'glory for me' and I will continually pray for that event for me and Donna.
But while here on Earth, awaiting Jesus' return, I pray that if given the power that God gives to those whom He chooses; (Job comes to mind), I could walk the walk of my Lord Jesus.
But alas, I feel that I would be like Peter; Luk 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
Then at the end of his internship: Mat 26:74 Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately the cock crowed.
In my studies, it seems the Bible lists several instances of the Lord using people who are crass and sinful to the point of being completely evil; (Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus the Great; maybe?). Yet these were used to accomplish His plan for His creation through a ragtag army called Israelites. ( I present King David, used by God to subdue a land of extreme sinning, while he, yet guilty of murder and lust)
Perhaps President Trump is such a one. I pray that he is doing God's will as our President; and though that doesn't excuse the sins of which he is guilty, [and I have no first hand knowledge of any of his sins of commission], perhaps, maybe a fisherman's language as is recounted by others; but I pray for him to seek forgiveness and continue to guide our country toward a closer walk with Jesus Christ as is spoken in this accompanying article.
In reflection, God has blessed me with children who are God-fearing and family loving; which is the greatest blessing one can have on this Earth at this time.
I pray that God grants you and yours great blessings and happiness as we come into this new year of 2020 (or are we already in 5780?as the Jews count time from creation).
I also pray for the final Trump(Pun) when all will be made well. [Rev 22:21 KJV] 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you all. Amen.
PS the seven trumpets: [Rev 8:6-7 NASB] 6 And the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound them. 7 The first sounded, and there came hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth; and a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up....
... [Rev 11:15 NASB] 15 Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become [the kingdom] of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever."/07/19 The Apostle Paul was committed to annilate that new sect of heathens who were disrupting God's chosen people with their faith based teaching that a mortal was the Son of God, Such were worthy of death based on the law.
We are fortunate that he was converted and commissioned by Jesus to go preach the Gospel to the 'nations' Gentiles who were being called to follow the message of God's love and salvation by faith in Christ Jesus. Amen, thank you Father and Lord for taking my sins to the cross! I no longer need to be bound by the law, but am bound by the law of grace, keep me from trying to return to bondage... thus Paul's message to the Galations:
[Gal 4:1-31 NASB] "Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? You observe days and months and seasons and years. I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain. I beg of you, brethren, become as I [am,] for I also [have become] as you [are.] You have done me no wrong; but you know that it was because of a bodily illness that I preached the gospel to you the first time; and that which was a trial to you in my bodily condition you did not despise or loathe, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus [Himself.] Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth? They eagerly seek you, not commendably, but they wish to shut you out so that you will seek them. But it is good always to be eagerly sought in a commendable manner, and not only when I am present with you. My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you-- but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. Tell me, you who want to be under law, do you not listen to the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman. But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise. This is allegorically speaking, for these [women] are two covenants: one [proceeding] from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar. Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother. For it is written, "REJOICE, BARREN WOMAN WHO DOES NOT BEAR; BREAK FORTH AND SHOUT, YOU WHO ARE NOT IN LABOR; FOR MORE NUMEROUS ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE DESOLATE THAN OF THE ONE WHO HAS A HUSBAND." And you brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise. But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him [who was born] according to the Spirit, so it is now also. But what does the Scripture say? "CAST OUT THE BONDWOMAN AND HER SON, FOR THE SON OF THE BONDWOMAN SHALL NOT BE AN HEIR WITH THE SON OF THE FREE WOMAN." So then, brethren, we are not children of a bondwoman, but of the free woman."
How shall they believe without a preacher?
​
Thomas Sees and Believes (but do you?) If you have a hard time believing, you're in good company, It appears none of the Apostles were sitting around counting the days: Let's see says Peter, it's Saturday night, which is really Sunday by our timing (it was evening and morning, the third day) and thats the first day of the week; so that makes Friday night the second night and Thursday night the first night). It was confusing only to non-jews back then and today. so, anyhow, the Apostles weren't counting the days and nights because they had ears but didn't listen to the Lord's discussion about why He was on this earth... to die as a sacrifice to be the redeemer of our soul, that Adam had sold to Satan. They didn't believe in the Lord's Resurrection, even when told the tomb was empty and the women said they had seen the resurrected Master. On a side note, the Jewish leaders had the stone sealed because they figured the Apostles would steal the body and call it a resurrection.
John 20:1 On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb.
2 So she ran to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put Him!"
3...
9 For they still did not understand the Scripture that He must rise from the dead.
10 Then the disciples went home again.Mary Magdalene Sees the Risen Lord11 But Mary stood outside facing the tomb, crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb.
12 She saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet, where Jesus' body had been lying.
13 They said to her, "Woman, why are you crying?" "Because they've taken away my Lord," she told them, "and I don't know where they've put Him."
14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not know it was Jesus.
John 20:24 But one of the Twelve, Thomas (called "Twin"), was not with them when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples kept telling him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "If I don't see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe!"
From my study and imagination:
Adam and God were walking together in the Garden, enjoying the fruit of every type of food given to Adam by the Lord. The Lord turned to Adam and said that all the work he had accomplishe was good and asked how long did he spend naming all the animals. Adam replied that it took a thousand years in Earth time. Really said the Lord, seems to me like it has only been a day .
Adam continued his conversation as he observed that all the animals had mates and families and it made him feel, well lonely. True he had the Lord to converse with and to be taught the ways of the world, such as, there is a tree whose fruit while pleasing to the eye and good for eating, the end result is the knowledge of good and evil which would be bad for him even cause death. So I have marked that area as a place to avoid, although I see your serpent going in and out trying to persuade me to follow him. He indicated that he could be a companion because no other companiou was found in all the animal kingdom. But I kinda figure I want someone more like myself who will be my soulmate, helping me in all that I endeavor to accomplish. In short Lord, I really want a woman..
Yes, Adam, I see that you lonely and want a companion and I feel empathy so I will make you a mate; one who is a perfect helper, being a part of you and will be your constant in mind and body. Always ready to follow your lead and do your bidding. Wow said Adam, that sounds wonderful, but what will be the cost of such a one? Well said the Lord, for someone who is perfect like i described, it will cost you and arm and a leg... Oh, said Adam and sat thoughtfully for a century contemplating the cost... finally, he asked the Lord, what can i get for just a rib?
Pslm 31: 1 In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.
3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.
5 Into your hands I commit (entrust) my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God.
our Lord used the phrase, "I commit" which more fully translates in the common Jewish conversation "I deposit" which was commonly used to end the evening prayer of the faithful who believed that God would watch over them while they slept. This usage then could be what the Lord's words were meant to render the message that He was going to deposit His Spirit with God, assuredly to be reclaimed at a future time. like making a bank deposit, placing our money on hold until such time as it would be returned to us. I am engaging in a facinating study of the writing of the Bible in Hebrew, the nuances of the language gives me a fuller appreciation of the Bibles inspirational wording of the "Good News" written by those who were guided by their unwavering faith in our Lord Jesus Christ abilitty to reclaim His chosen ones, (we'uns) from the clutches of Satan as we expectantly await the glorious day, Yes come quickly Lord! I wish I had learned Hebrew earlier in my life.. I find that as my brain ages, it starts to harden, like a fine cheese I guess, but it makes study much more difficult as i'm like one who gazes at his reflection in a mirror and when he steps away, forgets what he saw... Lord help me to 'ripen' as I age, and not become 'rotten' in my 'golden' years...
The Bible doesn't need to be rewritten, but it needs to be reread!
2 Cor 4: 13b I believed, therefore I spoke, we also believe, and therefore speak,
14 knowing that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and present us with you....
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
2 Cor 4:14. knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus] Here we have the source of the Apostle’s faith and confidence. He knew that the Resurrection of Christ was an accomplished fact (see notes on 1 Corinthians 15, and Introduction to First Epistle). Hence arose his persuasion that a life was given to him which should survive and overcome even death itself.
by Jesus] All recent editors substitute with Jesus, which, however, does not mean at the same time with, but by virtue of the operation of the same life and spirit. For the life that dwells in Jesus dwells also in His disciples, John 6:54. We are the members, Christ the Head; we are the crop, Christ the firstfruits, 1 Corinthians 15:23. Cf. Romans 1:4, as well as ch. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, and Ephesians 2:5-6; Colossians 2:13. Chrysostom omits the words altogether. Meyer remarks that though St Paul believed that he and the majority of his readers would live to see the actual coming of Christ in the flesh, the possibility that this might not be the case was ever before his eyes. See 1 Corinthians 15:51; 1 Thessalonians 4:15.
and shall present us with you] i.e. shall place us in His own Presence. Cf. Romans 14:10; Colossians 1:22; Jude 24; ch. 2 Corinthians 5:10, and 1 Corinthians 8:8, and note.
[2Co 4:3-5 NASB] "{3} And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, {4} in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. {5} For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus' sake."
Lord, may all whom I love, be sighted and believing of the Gospel message we have received from our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. I pray this especially for those whom you have given me to Love and Cherish in this lifetime. May they know You personally... Your servant, PaulR
**************************************************** Cogitations Continued (click) ****************************************************************
Meanwhile, Israel turns 70, April 18, 2018 read how this vibrant country is in sharp contrast with Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) describes the land of Palestine (the land of the Jews, including Jerusalem). Note: much of what Mr. Clemens saw still exists outside Israel's reclamation of Palestine. http://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=2199
"Sancified"! What does it mean? If you missed it, Jesus is the one who sanctifies...and calls us brothers! Defined: set apart as or declare holy; consecrate...
The answer to eternal life is faith in the grace found only in the blood sacrifice of the only perfect One, Jesus Christ sent by God to redeem us from the sin curse of Adam.🤔👍
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, but violence takes lives.
2 Cor 4: 13b I believed, therefore I spoke, we also believe, and therefore speak,
14 knowing that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and present us with you....
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
2 Cor 4:14. knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus] Here we have the source of the Apostle’s faith and confidence. He knew that the Resurrection of Christ was an accomplished fact (see notes on 1 Corinthians 15, and Introduction to First Epistle). Hence arose his persuasion that a life was given to him which should survive and overcome even death itself.
by Jesus] All recent editors substitute with Jesus, which, however, does not mean at the same time with, but by virtue of the operation of the same life and spirit. For the life that dwells in Jesus dwells also in His disciples, John 6:54. We are the members, Christ the Head; we are the crop, Christ the firstfruits, 1 Corinthians 15:23. Cf. Romans 1:4, as well as ch. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, and Ephesians 2:5-6; Colossians 2:13. Chrysostom omits the words altogether. Meyer remarks that though St Paul believed that he and the majority of his readers would live to see the actual coming of Christ in the flesh, the possibility that this might not be the case was ever before his eyes. See 1 Corinthians 15:51; 1 Thessalonians 4:15.
and shall present us with you] i.e. shall place us in His own Presence. Cf. Romans 14:10; Colossians 1:22; Jude 24; ch. 2 Corinthians 5:10, and 1 Corinthians 8:8, and note.
[2Co 4:3-5 NASB] "{3} And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, {4} in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. {5} For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus' sake."
Lord, may all whom I love, be sighted and believing of the Gospel message we have received from our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. I pray this especially for those whom you have given me to Love and Cherish in this lifetime. May they know You personally... Your servant, PaulR
**************************************************** Cogitations Continued (click) ****************************************************************
Meanwhile, Israel turns 70, April 18, 2018 read how this vibrant country is in sharp contrast with Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) describes the land of Palestine (the land of the Jews, including Jerusalem). Note: much of what Mr. Clemens saw still exists outside Israel's reclamation of Palestine. http://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=2199
"Sancified"! What does it mean? If you missed it, Jesus is the one who sanctifies...and calls us brothers! Defined: set apart as or declare holy; consecrate...
The answer to eternal life is faith in the grace found only in the blood sacrifice of the only perfect One, Jesus Christ sent by God to redeem us from the sin curse of Adam.🤔👍
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, but violence takes lives.
Luke 23:26 Jesus said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and your children.
Musings of a child of the King!
Click on the door for the home page
From my study and imagination:
Adam and God were walking together in the Garden, enjoying the fruit of every type of food given to Adam by the Lord. The Lord turned to Adam and said that all the work he had accomplishe was good and asked how long did he spend naming all the animals. Adam replied that it took a thousand years in Earth time. Really said the Lord, seems like it has only been a day to me.
Adam continued his conversation as he observed that all the animals had mates and families and it made him feel, well lonely. True he had the Lord to converse with and to be taught the ways of the world, such as, there is a tree whose fruit while pleasing to the eye and good for eating, the end result is the knowledge of good and evil which would be bad for him even cause death. So I have marked that area as a place to avoid, although I see your serpent going in and out trying to persuade me to follow him. He indicated that he could be a companion because no other companiou was found in all the animal kingdom. But I kinda figure I want someone more like myself who will be my soulmate, helping me in all that I endeavor to accomplish. In short Lord, I really want a woman..
Yes, Adam, I see that you lonely and want a companion and I feel empathy so I will make you a mate; one who is a perfect helper, being a part of you and will be your constant in mind and body. Always ready to follow your lead and do your bidding. Wow said Adam, that sounds wonderful, but what will be the cost of such a one? Well said the Lord, for someone who is perfect like i described, it will cost you and arm and a leg... Oh, said Adam and sat thoughtfully for a century contemplating the cost... finally, he asked the Lord, what can i get for just a rib?
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.…
25"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26"Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit withinyou; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27"I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.…
New American Standard Bible
Tablets of Stone versus Human HeartsYou are manifestly an epistle of Christ…written…not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart. (2 Corinthians 3:3)
1 cor 3:16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple...Everything belongs to you, ... 3:23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
"{4} For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord." [1Co 4:4 KJV]
Continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work; ... this quote from 2 Tim leads me to believe that the Bible is it's own best teacher with little need for college level expositon on whatever subject is being discussed. True there are fantastic nuggets of wisdom to be found if one has the resources and mental acuity to delve that deeply into the language, customs and geography of the words written on it's pages. I am not so well equipped to be able to expound on these somewhat hidden gems (now I look through a dim looking glass, but then face-to-face)... I therefore offer these 'scriptoids' that pique my interest while I read as deeply as I can into the words of love sent by the Lord through men who were led by the Holy Spirit to write the message that God would have us read and believe. If you read my cogitations and are blessed, then vicariously, I am doubly blessed. I pray sincerely that all who read, will be led by the Holy Spirit to a deeper, richer walk with the Lord, my Lord Jesus Christ!
[Rom 10:13-14 KJV] "{13} For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. {14} How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"...
John 3:10 Jesus answered (Nicodemus), 20 “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you don’t understand these things? 21 3:11 I tell you the solemn truth, 22 we speak about what we know and testify about what we have seen, but 23 you people 24 do not accept our testimony. 25 3:12 If I have told you people 26 about earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 27 3:13 No one 28 has ascended 29 into heaven except the one who descended from heaven – the Son of Man. 30 3:14 Just as 31 Moses lifted up the serpent 32 in the wilderness, 33 so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 34 3:15 so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” 35 3:16 For this is the way 36 God loved the world: He gave his one and only 37 Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish 38 but have eternal life. 39 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, 40 but that the world should be saved through him. 3:18 The one who believes in him is not condemned. 41 The one who does not believe has been condemned 42 already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only 43 Son of God
John 6:53 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the solemn truth, 82 unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, 83 you have no life 84 in yourselves. 6:54 The one who eats 85 my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.86...
[ Cogitate: So then, if I interpret just these verses that belief = salvation... is this correct? If yes, how then do we intrepret the verses that follow that we must drink His blood and eat His flesh? it was so hard for His followers that many, turned away and left... did they never believe in the first place? another of the Apostles made mention that even the devils believe and tremble..
So then, if we let the Bible do it's own intrepretation and not try to force the round pegs into the square holes, we should consider what Jesus said a little later in this teaching (note He is the ultimate teacher and preacher);\]
John 6:65 So Jesus added, 110 “Because of this I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has allowed him to come.”111
Musings of a child of the King!
Click on the door for the home page
T2018 Apr 23 - 2Co 3:4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 2Co 3:5 Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God, 2Co 3:6 who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not in a written code but in the Spirit; for the written code kills, but the Spirit gives life.
[Do you wonder, as I do, how it is that God knows our thoughts?]. Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words Rom 8:27 And he who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
On my own, I'm incapable of obeying the written law of God, so Jesus, gives me the Holy Spirit to intercede for me and knowing my inner desire to obey the law, gives me a law of the Spirit which, with faith in Christ, I can obey and live. not that I of myself could obey, but the Spirit within me gives me hope and belief that Jesus saves me from all my iniquity. ...thus, I obey the Spirit's law.
Where then do I gain Christ's Holy Spirit as promised? Acts2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was* at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them*, Have ye received theHoly Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him*, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, UntoJohn's baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the LordJesus.
So the Bible answers our questions about things scriptural. God who is Omnipotent, Omniescent, and Omnipresent, allows that we, in Christ, are predestined to belong to Him and to be justified, by Christ's blood...Rom 8:28 We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. Rom 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren. Rom 8:30 And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.
We, at the very least I, struggle to know God's will.
Unless we are blessed to receive a direct God breathed message from our Lord, such as the OT prophets and writers or the new testament Apostles, we now must rely on the scripture found in the Holy Bible which carries the Good News, that God sent his son to redeem the Earth from Satan's grasp.
At the beginning, God gave the Earth to Adam and Adam lost it to Satan. Presently, we live in a time of the redemption of the Earth by the perfect sacrifice; Jesus Christ. So the Jews were given a set of laws to point out that they were doomed to fail, that covenant was then a covenent of death, pointing out man's sin and inability to save himself. But praise be to God, that covenant has been replaced by a new covenant; signed, sealed and delivered by our Saviour, Jesus Christ. His covenant is of grace! So, as Moses was glorified by tablets of stone (so much so that he had to wear a veil when he came down from the mountain); even so, we, who are in Christ, are glorified by the Spirit sent by our Lord.
I am not blessed with such direct knowledge, but praise God I have the scripture that God breath to others and that has been carried down to us; the Holy Bible, Good News to Men everywhere! 2Co 3:18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2018-Apr 20-21 To all Y'all; Enjoy a banquet of the Father, the Word that is given to us, sweeter than honey, able to fill us up completely so that we can never hunger again. Not this poor attempt to unlock the precious messages that are contained in the Holy Bible, for I am most humble in my understanding, but that those Words of Scripture contain all the sustenance needed to insure a soul that is healthy, wealthy and wise in the sight of our Saviour, Jesus Christ..
Those of us believe and have faith in the sin cleaning power of the shed blood of that Word, even Jesus Christ; we are predestined, because those He foreknew would have faith in Jesus, to those (even us), He gave the power to become sons of God and be like Him. Those (we who have faith), to whom He gave to the Son, the Son would never lose:
John 6: 35 "I am the bread of life," Jesus told them. "No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again.
36 But as I told you, you've seen Me, and yet you do not believe.
37 Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never cast out.
38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
39 This is the will of Him who sent Me: that I should lose none of those He has given Me but should raise them up on the last day.
Romans 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions operated through the law in every part of us and bore fruit for death.
Gal 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity,
20idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions,
21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar, about which I tell you in advance-as I told you before-that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.Matthew 3:10 Even now the ax is ready to strike the root of the trees! Therefore every tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
2 Pet 1: ..5 make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge,
6 knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness,
7 godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.2018-Ap11 An allegory? Yes, an illustration from God comparing being a child through Christ or being under the law. Answering which is best:
Gal 4:1 Now I say that as long as the heir is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is the owner of everything. 2 Instead, he is under guardians and stewards until the time set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elemental forces of the world. 4 But when the completion of the time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba, Father!" 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God......19 My children, again I am in the pains of childbirth for you until Christ is formed in you. 20 I'd like to be with you right now and change my tone of voice, because I don't know what to do about you.
Sarah and Hagar: Two Covenants
21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law, don't you hear the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and the other by a free woman. 23 But the one by the slave was born according to the flesh, while the one by the free woman was born as the result of a promise. 24 These things are illustrations (or allegories), for the women represent the two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai and bears children into slavery-this is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written: Rejoice, O barren woman who does not give birth. Break forth and shout, you who are not in labor, for the children of the desolate are many, more numerous than those of the woman who has a husband. 28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 But just as then the child born according to the flesh persecuted the one born according to the Spirit, so also now. 30 But what does the Scripture say? Throw out the slave and her son, for the son of the slave will never inherit with the son of the free woman. 31 Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.
Can the Old Testament law save us? Matt 22:35 And one of them, an expert in the law, asked a question to test Him:
36 "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?"
37 He said to him, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.
38 This is the greatest and most importantcommandment.
39 The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.
40 All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments."
We have the answer from the true Master about keeping the commandments. Jesus said; Matt 19:16.. someone came up and asked Him, "Teacher, what good must I do to have eternal life?" 17 "Why do you ask Me about what is good?" He said to him. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." 18 "Which ones?" he asked Him. Jesus answered, Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; 19 honor your father and your mother; and love your neighbor as yourself. 20 "I have kept all these," the young man told Him. "What do I still lack?" 21 "If you want to be perfect," Jesus said to him, "go, sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me."
So we are to follow the example of the monks who eschew any earthly riches and live a life of poverty... but Jesus gave Christians a better answer because He proved that keeping the old law cannot save you!
John 6:28-29 Jhn 6:28 Then said they unto him (Jesus), What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
2018-Apr09 Jesus said I am the Vine..without Me you can do nothing..
As a young adult, at ACC I heard a girl's trio sing the song
' "Without Him"
Without Him I could do nothing
Without Him I'd surely fail
Without Him I would be drifting
Like a ship without a sail
Without Him I would be dying
Without Him I'd be enslaved
Without Him life would be worthless
But with Jesus thank God I'm saved
Oh Jesus, oh Jesus
Do you know Him today
Please don't turn Him away
Oh Jesus, my Jesus
Without Him how lost I would be
Without Him how lost I would be
John 15;JohnThe Vine and the Branches1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunesso that it will be even more fruitful.
3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
My Lord Jesus, may I proclaim Your love by loving others, even those who are unlovely; it is easy to love your loved ones, and maybe some find it easy to love your neighbors, I find it very hard to love my enemies...Please send me Your Spirt of love! Amen
2018-Apr06 1Cor3:18 Guard against self-deception, each of you. 18 If someone among you thinks he is wise in this age, let him become foolish so that he can become wise. 3:19 For the wisdom of this age is foolishness with God. As it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” 19 3:20 And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” 20 3:21 So then, no more boasting about mere mortals! 21 For everything belongs to you, 3:22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas orthe world or life or death or the present or the future.
2018-Apr05 Hebrews is a rich book, full of the glory of Christ, but yet also his humanity. my feeble brain can't begin to understand the Lord, my God, Jesus Christ. My prayer of Lord is to read with understanding and faith that your Word is true; even though it is beyond my abilities to comprehend...
The Apostle Paul (or his companion, Barnabus, who may be the author) tells the Hebrews (Jews,who had converted to Christianity) that there are elementary foundations that mature Christians must comprehend and use as stepping stones to become full 'meat eater' maturity, digging into the heart of the Scripture, God's love letter to us through various people who are inspired by the Holy Spirit to write 'God's Breathed' instructions for moving beyond being babes to full blown spiritural warriors.
These foundation stones are listed as: repentance from dead works and faith in God, teaching about baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. Our Father, Who abides in Heaven, Holy is your name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven... and by Thy will guide me as I listen to Holy Spirit speak the words of My High Priest, Jesus Christ, through your Word to us through the Holy Bible. Refined by the fire of numerous attempts to quell it's message. The message that God's Love for the world is so great, He gave his only begotten Son as the perfect blood sacrifice for my sins.
“The Bible says my king is a seven way king.
He’s the king of the Jews, that’s a racial king.
He’s the king of Israel, that’s a national king.
He’s the king of righteousness.
He’s the king of the ages.
He’s the king of heaven.
He’s the king of glory.
He’s the King of kings. And He is the Lord of lords.
That’s my king. Well, I wonder do you know Him?
Hebrews 6:1 Therefore we must progress beyond 1 the elementary instructions about Christ and move on to maturity, not laying this foundation again: repentance from dead works and faith in God, 6:2teaching about baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
A. JESUS CHRIST IS GOD’S FINAL REVELATION TO US (1:1-3).
B. JESUS EXCEEDS THE ANGELS IN GLORY (1:4-14).
C. JESUS IS NOT ONLY FULLY GOD, BUT ALSO FULLY HUMAN (2:5-18).
D. JESUS IS GREATER IN GLORY THAN MOSES (HEBREWS 3).
E. JESUS PROVIDES THE ETERNAL REST THAT JOSHUA COULD NOT PROVIDE (HEBREWS 4).
Jesus Christ is my high priest, he is also my king: the Bible positions him thusly:
“The Bible says my king is a seven way king.
He’s the king of the Jews, that’s a racial king.
He’s the king of Israel, that’s a national king.
He’s the king of righteousness.
He’s the king of the ages.
He’s the king of heaven.
He’s the king of glory.
He’s the King of kings. And He is the Lord of lords.
That’s my king. Well, I wonder do you know Him?
2018/04/05 After the order of Melchizedek; prophet, high priest, king (king of kings): Heb 6:13 Now when God made his promise to Abraham, since he could swear by no one greater, he sworeby himself, 6:14 saying, “Surely I will bless you greatly and multiply your descendantsabundantly.” 12 6:15 And so by persevering, Abraham 13 inherited the promise. 6:16 For people14 swear by something greater than themselves, 15 and the oath serves as a confirmation to end alldispute. 16 6:17 In the same way 17 God wanted to demonstrate more clearly to the heirs of the promise that his purpose was unchangeable, 18 and so he intervened with an oath, 6:18 so that we who have found refuge in him 19 may find strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us through two unchangeable things, since it is impossible for God to lie. 6:19 We have this hope asan anchor for the soul, sure and steadfast, which reaches inside behind the curtain, 20 6:20 whereJesus our forerunner entered on our behalf, since he became a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. 21 ......Heb 4:12 - 5:10 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercingeven to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desiresand thoughts of the heart. 4:13 And no creature is hidden from God, 14 but everything is naked andexposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.Jesus Our Compassionate High Priest
4:14 Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Sonof God, let us hold fast to our confession. 4:15 For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. 4:16 Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and findgrace whenever we need help. 15
5:1 For every high priest is taken from among the people 1 and appointed 2 to represent them beforeGod, 3 to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. 5:2 He is able to deal compassionately with those who are ignorant and erring, since he also is subject to weakness, 5:3 and for this reason he is obligated to make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people. 5:4 And no one assumes this honor 4 on his own initiative, 5 but only when called to it by God, 6 as in fact Aaron was. 5:5 So alsoChrist did not glorify himself in becoming high priest, but the one who glorified him was God, 7 who said to him, “You are my Son! Today I have fathered you,” 8 5:6 as also in another place God9 says, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” 10 5:7 During his earthly life11 Christ 12 offered 13 both requests and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death and he was heard because of his devotion. 5:8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through the things he suffered. 14 5:9 And by being perfected in this way, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 5:10 and he was designated 15 by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek. 16
1Cor 15: 1ff1 Now brothers, I want to clarify for you the gospel I proclaimed to you; you received it and have taken your stand on it.
2 You are also saved by it, if you hold to the message I proclaimed to you-unless you believed to no purpose.
3 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
4 that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve.
6 Then He appeared to over 500 brothers at one time, most of whom remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.
7 Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles.
8Last of all, as to one abnormally born, He also appeared to me. ...
Resurrection Essential to the Faith12 Now if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some of you say, "There is no resurrection of the dead"?
13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised;
14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is without foundation, and so is your faith.
15 In addition, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified about God that He raised up Christ-whom He did not raise up if in fact the dead are not raised.
16 For if the dead are not raised, Christ has not been raised.
17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins.
18 Therefore those who have fallen asleepin Christ have also perished.
19 If we have placed our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone.
Christ's Resurrection Guarantees Ours20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man.
22For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.
23 But each in his own order: Christ, the firstfruits; afterward, at His coming, the people of Christ.
24 Then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when He abolishes all rule and all authority and power.
25 For He must reign until He puts all His enemies under His feet.
26 The last enemy to be abolished is death.
27 For He has put everything under His feet. But when it says "everything" is put under Him, it is obvious that He who puts everything under Him is the exception.
28 And when everything is subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who subjected everything to Him, so that God may be all in all.
Resurrection Supported by Christian Experience
29 Otherwise what will they do who are being baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, then why are people baptized for them? .....
Victorious Resurrection50 Brothers, I tell you this: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, and corruption cannot inherit incorruption.
51Listen! I am telling you a mystery: We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed,
52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.
53 Because this corruptible must be clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal must be clothed with immortality.
54 Now when this corruptible is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: Death has been swallowed up in victory.
55 O Death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting?
56 Now the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
2018/Mar22 Heb 2: 1 We must therefore pay even more attention to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away. 2 For if the message spoken through angels was legally binding, and every transgression and disobedience received a just punishment, 3 how will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was first spoken by the Lord and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. 4 At the same time, God also testified by signs and wonders, various miracles, and distributions [of gifts] from the Holy Spirit according to His will.
Jesus and Humanity
5 For He has not subjected to angels the world to come that we are talking about. 6 But one has somewhere testified: What is man, that You remember him, or the son of man, that You care for him? 7 You made him lower than the angels for a short time; You crowned him with glory and honor 8 and subjected everything under his feet. For in subjecting everything to him, He left nothing not subject to him. As it is, we do not yet see everything subjected to him. 9 But we do see Jesus- made lower than the angels for a short time so that by God's grace He might taste death for everyone-crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death. 10 For it was fitting, in bringing many sons to glory, that He, for whom and through whom all things exist, should make the source of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. That is why He is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying: I will proclaim Your name to My brothers; I will sing hymns to You in the congregation. 13 Again, I will trust in Him. And again, Here I am with the children God gave Me. 14 Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, He also shared in these, so that through His death He might destroy the one holding the power of death-that is, the Devil-
/
2018-03Mar21 [I pray] that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know ...HIM!
Apostle Paul's prayer to the Ephesians. My prayer for you and esp my own. Read the book of Ephesians, short read full of God's work in His children's (us) lives:
Prayer for Spiritual Insight
15 This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17 [I pray] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. 18 [I pray] that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength.
God's Power in Christ
20 He demonstrated [this power] in the Messiah by raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in the heavens- 21 far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put everything under His feet and appointed Him as head over everything for the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of the One who fills all things in every way. Ephesians 1:15-23 CSB
2018-03Mar 20John 8:32 you will know the truth and the truth will set you free..Jesus Christ is the Truth!
The Way to the Father John 14:
1 "Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. 2 In My Father's house are many dwelling places; , a traveler's resting place. The Gk word is related to the verb meno , meaning remain or stay, which occurs 40 times in John. if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. 4 You know the way where I am going." 5 "Lord," Thomas said, "we don't know where You're going. How can we know the way?" 6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.09-28-2017 Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. so we obfuscate what is currently politically and socially incorrect today by tearing down what was built by yesterday's standards. Yes, mankind is never perfect, if we could be perfect, Jesus would not have been crucified as we could save ourselves. But we sin and are sinful, even as it was in the days of Noah and Lot, every thought and activity is filled with sinfulness. Ecc 3:16 Furthermore, I have seen under the sun that in the place of justice there is wickedness and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness.
Ecc 3:17I said [fn]to myself, “God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man,” for a time for every [fn]matter and for every deed is there.
Ecc 4:1
Then I looked again at all the acts of oppression which were being done under the sun. And behold I saw the tears of the oppressed and that they had no one to comfort them; and on the side of their oppressors was power, but they had no one to comfort them.
Ecc 4:2
So I congratulated the dead who are already dead more than the living who are still living.
Ecc 4:3
But better off than both of them is the one who has never existed, who has never seen the evil activity that is done under the sun.
Tear down those reminders of our past activities and let's pretend by doing so, we can change who we are... Vanity all is Futile.2018-03Mar19 We are born again through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1Pe 1:4
to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 1Pe 1:5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
2018-03Mar16 Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you do not have life
John 6:44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: And they will all be taught by God. Everyone who has listened to and learned from the Father comes to Me- 46 not that anyone has seen the Father except the One who is from God. He has seen the Father. 47 "I assure you: Anyone who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven so that anyone may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread he will live forever. The bread that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh." 52 At that, the Jews argued among themselves, "How can this man give us His flesh to eat?" 53 So Jesus said to them, "I assure you: Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you do not have life in yourselves. 54 Anyone who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day, 55 because My flesh is real food and My blood is real drink. 56 The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood lives in Me, and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on Me will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven; it is not like the manna your fathers ate-and they died. The one who eats this bread will live forever."
2018-03Mar15 if in this life we have hope in Christ only, of all men we are most to be pitied. 1Cor 15:3 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. 6 Then He appeared to over 500 brothers at one time, most of whom remain to the present,
Resurrection Essential to the Faith ....
....12 Now if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some of you say, "There is no resurrection of the dead"? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is without foundation, and so is your faith. 15 In addition, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified about God that He raised up Christ-whom He did not raise up if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, Christ has not been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18 Therefore those who have fallen asleep in Christ have also perished. 19 If we have placed our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone.
Christ's Resurrection Guarantees Ours
20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. 22 For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive
2018-03Mar10 If you have Jesus in your heart and are being led by His Holy Spirit, then Never Give Up!
2Ch 15:2 So he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Asa and all Judah and Benjamin, hear me. The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you abandon him, he will abandon you.....2Ch 15:7 “But as for you, be strong; don’t give up, for your work has a reward.”
[Do you wonder, as I do, how it is that God knows our thoughts?]. Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words Rom 8:27 And he who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
On my own, I'm incapable of obeying the written law of God, so Jesus, gives me the Holy Spirit to intercede for me and knowing my inner desire to obey the law, gives me a law of the Spirit which, with faith in Christ, I can obey and live. not that I of myself could obey, but the Spirit within me gives me hope and belief that Jesus saves me from all my iniquity. ...thus, I obey the Spirit's law.
Where then do I gain Christ's Holy Spirit as promised? Acts2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was* at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them*, Have ye received theHoly Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him*, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, UntoJohn's baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the LordJesus.
So the Bible answers our questions about things scriptural. God who is Omnipotent, Omniescent, and Omnipresent, allows that we, in Christ, are predestined to belong to Him and to be justified, by Christ's blood...Rom 8:28 We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. Rom 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren. Rom 8:30 And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.
We, at the very least I, struggle to know God's will.
Unless we are blessed to receive a direct God breathed message from our Lord, such as the OT prophets and writers or the new testament Apostles, we now must rely on the scripture found in the Holy Bible which carries the Good News, that God sent his son to redeem the Earth from Satan's grasp.
At the beginning, God gave the Earth to Adam and Adam lost it to Satan. Presently, we live in a time of the redemption of the Earth by the perfect sacrifice; Jesus Christ. So the Jews were given a set of laws to point out that they were doomed to fail, that covenant was then a covenent of death, pointing out man's sin and inability to save himself. But praise be to God, that covenant has been replaced by a new covenant; signed, sealed and delivered by our Saviour, Jesus Christ. His covenant is of grace! So, as Moses was glorified by tablets of stone (so much so that he had to wear a veil when he came down from the mountain); even so, we, who are in Christ, are glorified by the Spirit sent by our Lord.
I am not blessed with such direct knowledge, but praise God I have the scripture that God breath to others and that has been carried down to us; the Holy Bible, Good News to Men everywhere! 2Co 3:18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2018-Apr 20-21 To all Y'all; Enjoy a banquet of the Father, the Word that is given to us, sweeter than honey, able to fill us up completely so that we can never hunger again. Not this poor attempt to unlock the precious messages that are contained in the Holy Bible, for I am most humble in my understanding, but that those Words of Scripture contain all the sustenance needed to insure a soul that is healthy, wealthy and wise in the sight of our Saviour, Jesus Christ..
Those of us believe and have faith in the sin cleaning power of the shed blood of that Word, even Jesus Christ; we are predestined, because those He foreknew would have faith in Jesus, to those (even us), He gave the power to become sons of God and be like Him. Those (we who have faith), to whom He gave to the Son, the Son would never lose:
John 6: 35 "I am the bread of life," Jesus told them. "No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again.
36 But as I told you, you've seen Me, and yet you do not believe.
37 Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never cast out.
38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
39 This is the will of Him who sent Me: that I should lose none of those He has given Me but should raise them up on the last day.
- 40 For this is the will of My Father: that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life, and I will raise him up onthe last day."
- 1 John 6:40: 2 Dear friends, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him as He is.
- Matt 4:3 Then the tempter approached Him and said, "If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." 4 But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. "
- trust in the goodness of the Lord. "Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" (Psalm 34:8)
- those who were once enlightened, who tasted the heavenly gift, became companions with the Holy Spirit,
tasted God's good word and the powers of the coming age, 6and who have fallen away, because, to their own harm, they are recrucifying the Son of God and holding Him up to contempt. For ground that has drunk the rain that has often fallen on it, and that produces vegetation useful to those it is cultivated for, receives a blessing from God. But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is worthless and about to be cursed, and will be burned at the end. Heb 6:5-8 - How I love Your teaching! It is my meditation all day long. ...
How sweet Your word is to my taste- [sweeter] than honey to my mouth. Psalm 119:97-103 - Doesn't the ear test words as the palate tastes food? Job 12:11
- A wise heart instructs its mouth and increases learning with its speech.
Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste and health to the body. Prov 16: 23-24
Romans 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions operated through the law in every part of us and bore fruit for death.
Gal 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity,
20idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions,
21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar, about which I tell you in advance-as I told you before-that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.Matthew 3:10 Even now the ax is ready to strike the root of the trees! Therefore every tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
2 Pet 1: ..5 make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge,
6 knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness,
7 godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, but violence takes lives.
- Psa 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
- Galatians 5:22 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
- Eph 5:9 for the fruit of the light [results] in all goodness, righteousness, and truth- 10 discerning what is pleasing to the Lord.
- Phil 1:9..I pray this: [ Emphasis mine: To all my children and their children to the coming of the Lord, I ask the Lord to help me remember to pray this prayer of the Apostle Paul and that the Holy Spirit will take it to the Lord's throne on my behalf] that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you can determine what really matters and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that [comes] through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
- Col:1:10 so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing [to Him], bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God.
- Isaiah 3:10 Tell the righteous that it will go well [for them], for they will eat the fruit of their deeds.
- James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace
- Rev 22: The Source of Life1 Then he showed me the river of living water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
2 down the middle of the broad street [of the city]. On both sides of the river was the tree of life bearing 12 kinds of fruit, producing its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree are for healing the nations,
3 and there will no longer be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and His servants will serve Him.
4 They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.
5 Night will no longer exist, and people will not need lamplight or sunlight, because the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever.
Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.2018-Ap11 An allegory? Yes, an illustration from God comparing being a child through Christ or being under the law. Answering which is best:
Gal 4:1 Now I say that as long as the heir is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is the owner of everything. 2 Instead, he is under guardians and stewards until the time set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elemental forces of the world. 4 But when the completion of the time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba, Father!" 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God......19 My children, again I am in the pains of childbirth for you until Christ is formed in you. 20 I'd like to be with you right now and change my tone of voice, because I don't know what to do about you.
Sarah and Hagar: Two Covenants
21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law, don't you hear the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and the other by a free woman. 23 But the one by the slave was born according to the flesh, while the one by the free woman was born as the result of a promise. 24 These things are illustrations (or allegories), for the women represent the two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai and bears children into slavery-this is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written: Rejoice, O barren woman who does not give birth. Break forth and shout, you who are not in labor, for the children of the desolate are many, more numerous than those of the woman who has a husband. 28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 But just as then the child born according to the flesh persecuted the one born according to the Spirit, so also now. 30 But what does the Scripture say? Throw out the slave and her son, for the son of the slave will never inherit with the son of the free woman. 31 Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.
Can the Old Testament law save us? Matt 22:35 And one of them, an expert in the law, asked a question to test Him:
36 "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?"
37 He said to him, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.
38 This is the greatest and most importantcommandment.
39 The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.
40 All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments."
We have the answer from the true Master about keeping the commandments. Jesus said; Matt 19:16.. someone came up and asked Him, "Teacher, what good must I do to have eternal life?" 17 "Why do you ask Me about what is good?" He said to him. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." 18 "Which ones?" he asked Him. Jesus answered, Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; 19 honor your father and your mother; and love your neighbor as yourself. 20 "I have kept all these," the young man told Him. "What do I still lack?" 21 "If you want to be perfect," Jesus said to him, "go, sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me."
So we are to follow the example of the monks who eschew any earthly riches and live a life of poverty... but Jesus gave Christians a better answer because He proved that keeping the old law cannot save you!
John 6:28-29 Jhn 6:28 Then said they unto him (Jesus), What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
2018-Apr09 Jesus said I am the Vine..without Me you can do nothing..
As a young adult, at ACC I heard a girl's trio sing the song
' "Without Him"
Without Him I could do nothing
Without Him I'd surely fail
Without Him I would be drifting
Like a ship without a sail
Without Him I would be dying
Without Him I'd be enslaved
Without Him life would be worthless
But with Jesus thank God I'm saved
Oh Jesus, oh Jesus
Do you know Him today
Please don't turn Him away
Oh Jesus, my Jesus
Without Him how lost I would be
Without Him how lost I would be
John 15;JohnThe Vine and the Branches1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunesso that it will be even more fruitful.
3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
My Lord Jesus, may I proclaim Your love by loving others, even those who are unlovely; it is easy to love your loved ones, and maybe some find it easy to love your neighbors, I find it very hard to love my enemies...Please send me Your Spirt of love! Amen
2018-Apr06 1Cor3:18 Guard against self-deception, each of you. 18 If someone among you thinks he is wise in this age, let him become foolish so that he can become wise. 3:19 For the wisdom of this age is foolishness with God. As it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” 19 3:20 And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” 20 3:21 So then, no more boasting about mere mortals! 21 For everything belongs to you, 3:22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas orthe world or life or death or the present or the future.
2018-Apr05 Hebrews is a rich book, full of the glory of Christ, but yet also his humanity. my feeble brain can't begin to understand the Lord, my God, Jesus Christ. My prayer of Lord is to read with understanding and faith that your Word is true; even though it is beyond my abilities to comprehend...
The Apostle Paul (or his companion, Barnabus, who may be the author) tells the Hebrews (Jews,who had converted to Christianity) that there are elementary foundations that mature Christians must comprehend and use as stepping stones to become full 'meat eater' maturity, digging into the heart of the Scripture, God's love letter to us through various people who are inspired by the Holy Spirit to write 'God's Breathed' instructions for moving beyond being babes to full blown spiritural warriors.
These foundation stones are listed as: repentance from dead works and faith in God, teaching about baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. Our Father, Who abides in Heaven, Holy is your name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven... and by Thy will guide me as I listen to Holy Spirit speak the words of My High Priest, Jesus Christ, through your Word to us through the Holy Bible. Refined by the fire of numerous attempts to quell it's message. The message that God's Love for the world is so great, He gave his only begotten Son as the perfect blood sacrifice for my sins.
“The Bible says my king is a seven way king.
He’s the king of the Jews, that’s a racial king.
He’s the king of Israel, that’s a national king.
He’s the king of righteousness.
He’s the king of the ages.
He’s the king of heaven.
He’s the king of glory.
He’s the King of kings. And He is the Lord of lords.
That’s my king. Well, I wonder do you know Him?
Hebrews 6:1 Therefore we must progress beyond 1 the elementary instructions about Christ and move on to maturity, not laying this foundation again: repentance from dead works and faith in God, 6:2teaching about baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
A. JESUS CHRIST IS GOD’S FINAL REVELATION TO US (1:1-3).
B. JESUS EXCEEDS THE ANGELS IN GLORY (1:4-14).
C. JESUS IS NOT ONLY FULLY GOD, BUT ALSO FULLY HUMAN (2:5-18).
D. JESUS IS GREATER IN GLORY THAN MOSES (HEBREWS 3).
E. JESUS PROVIDES THE ETERNAL REST THAT JOSHUA COULD NOT PROVIDE (HEBREWS 4).
Jesus Christ is my high priest, he is also my king: the Bible positions him thusly:
“The Bible says my king is a seven way king.
He’s the king of the Jews, that’s a racial king.
He’s the king of Israel, that’s a national king.
He’s the king of righteousness.
He’s the king of the ages.
He’s the king of heaven.
He’s the king of glory.
He’s the King of kings. And He is the Lord of lords.
That’s my king. Well, I wonder do you know Him?
2018/04/05 After the order of Melchizedek; prophet, high priest, king (king of kings): Heb 6:13 Now when God made his promise to Abraham, since he could swear by no one greater, he sworeby himself, 6:14 saying, “Surely I will bless you greatly and multiply your descendantsabundantly.” 12 6:15 And so by persevering, Abraham 13 inherited the promise. 6:16 For people14 swear by something greater than themselves, 15 and the oath serves as a confirmation to end alldispute. 16 6:17 In the same way 17 God wanted to demonstrate more clearly to the heirs of the promise that his purpose was unchangeable, 18 and so he intervened with an oath, 6:18 so that we who have found refuge in him 19 may find strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us through two unchangeable things, since it is impossible for God to lie. 6:19 We have this hope asan anchor for the soul, sure and steadfast, which reaches inside behind the curtain, 20 6:20 whereJesus our forerunner entered on our behalf, since he became a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. 21 ......Heb 4:12 - 5:10 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercingeven to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desiresand thoughts of the heart. 4:13 And no creature is hidden from God, 14 but everything is naked andexposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.Jesus Our Compassionate High Priest
4:14 Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Sonof God, let us hold fast to our confession. 4:15 For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. 4:16 Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and findgrace whenever we need help. 15
5:1 For every high priest is taken from among the people 1 and appointed 2 to represent them beforeGod, 3 to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. 5:2 He is able to deal compassionately with those who are ignorant and erring, since he also is subject to weakness, 5:3 and for this reason he is obligated to make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people. 5:4 And no one assumes this honor 4 on his own initiative, 5 but only when called to it by God, 6 as in fact Aaron was. 5:5 So alsoChrist did not glorify himself in becoming high priest, but the one who glorified him was God, 7 who said to him, “You are my Son! Today I have fathered you,” 8 5:6 as also in another place God9 says, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” 10 5:7 During his earthly life11 Christ 12 offered 13 both requests and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death and he was heard because of his devotion. 5:8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through the things he suffered. 14 5:9 And by being perfected in this way, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 5:10 and he was designated 15 by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek. 16
1Cor 15: 1ff1 Now brothers, I want to clarify for you the gospel I proclaimed to you; you received it and have taken your stand on it.
2 You are also saved by it, if you hold to the message I proclaimed to you-unless you believed to no purpose.
3 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
4 that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve.
6 Then He appeared to over 500 brothers at one time, most of whom remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.
7 Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles.
8Last of all, as to one abnormally born, He also appeared to me. ...
Resurrection Essential to the Faith12 Now if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some of you say, "There is no resurrection of the dead"?
13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised;
14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is without foundation, and so is your faith.
15 In addition, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified about God that He raised up Christ-whom He did not raise up if in fact the dead are not raised.
16 For if the dead are not raised, Christ has not been raised.
17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins.
18 Therefore those who have fallen asleepin Christ have also perished.
19 If we have placed our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone.
Christ's Resurrection Guarantees Ours20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man.
22For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.
23 But each in his own order: Christ, the firstfruits; afterward, at His coming, the people of Christ.
24 Then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when He abolishes all rule and all authority and power.
25 For He must reign until He puts all His enemies under His feet.
26 The last enemy to be abolished is death.
27 For He has put everything under His feet. But when it says "everything" is put under Him, it is obvious that He who puts everything under Him is the exception.
28 And when everything is subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who subjected everything to Him, so that God may be all in all.
Resurrection Supported by Christian Experience
29 Otherwise what will they do who are being baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, then why are people baptized for them? .....
Victorious Resurrection50 Brothers, I tell you this: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, and corruption cannot inherit incorruption.
51Listen! I am telling you a mystery: We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed,
52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.
53 Because this corruptible must be clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal must be clothed with immortality.
54 Now when this corruptible is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: Death has been swallowed up in victory.
55 O Death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting?
56 Now the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
2018/Mar22 Heb 2: 1 We must therefore pay even more attention to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away. 2 For if the message spoken through angels was legally binding, and every transgression and disobedience received a just punishment, 3 how will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was first spoken by the Lord and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. 4 At the same time, God also testified by signs and wonders, various miracles, and distributions [of gifts] from the Holy Spirit according to His will.
Jesus and Humanity
5 For He has not subjected to angels the world to come that we are talking about. 6 But one has somewhere testified: What is man, that You remember him, or the son of man, that You care for him? 7 You made him lower than the angels for a short time; You crowned him with glory and honor 8 and subjected everything under his feet. For in subjecting everything to him, He left nothing not subject to him. As it is, we do not yet see everything subjected to him. 9 But we do see Jesus- made lower than the angels for a short time so that by God's grace He might taste death for everyone-crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death. 10 For it was fitting, in bringing many sons to glory, that He, for whom and through whom all things exist, should make the source of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. That is why He is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying: I will proclaim Your name to My brothers; I will sing hymns to You in the congregation. 13 Again, I will trust in Him. And again, Here I am with the children God gave Me. 14 Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, He also shared in these, so that through His death He might destroy the one holding the power of death-that is, the Devil-
/
2018-03Mar21 [I pray] that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know ...HIM!
Apostle Paul's prayer to the Ephesians. My prayer for you and esp my own. Read the book of Ephesians, short read full of God's work in His children's (us) lives:
Prayer for Spiritual Insight
15 This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17 [I pray] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. 18 [I pray] that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength.
God's Power in Christ
20 He demonstrated [this power] in the Messiah by raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in the heavens- 21 far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put everything under His feet and appointed Him as head over everything for the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of the One who fills all things in every way. Ephesians 1:15-23 CSB
2018-03Mar 20John 8:32 you will know the truth and the truth will set you free..Jesus Christ is the Truth!
The Way to the Father John 14:
1 "Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. 2 In My Father's house are many dwelling places; , a traveler's resting place. The Gk word is related to the verb meno , meaning remain or stay, which occurs 40 times in John. if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. 4 You know the way where I am going." 5 "Lord," Thomas said, "we don't know where You're going. How can we know the way?" 6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.09-28-2017 Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. so we obfuscate what is currently politically and socially incorrect today by tearing down what was built by yesterday's standards. Yes, mankind is never perfect, if we could be perfect, Jesus would not have been crucified as we could save ourselves. But we sin and are sinful, even as it was in the days of Noah and Lot, every thought and activity is filled with sinfulness. Ecc 3:16 Furthermore, I have seen under the sun that in the place of justice there is wickedness and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness.
Ecc 3:17I said [fn]to myself, “God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man,” for a time for every [fn]matter and for every deed is there.
Ecc 4:1
Then I looked again at all the acts of oppression which were being done under the sun. And behold I saw the tears of the oppressed and that they had no one to comfort them; and on the side of their oppressors was power, but they had no one to comfort them.
Ecc 4:2
So I congratulated the dead who are already dead more than the living who are still living.
Ecc 4:3
But better off than both of them is the one who has never existed, who has never seen the evil activity that is done under the sun.
Tear down those reminders of our past activities and let's pretend by doing so, we can change who we are... Vanity all is Futile.2018-03Mar19 We are born again through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1Pe 1:4
to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 1Pe 1:5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
2018-03Mar16 Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you do not have life
John 6:44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: And they will all be taught by God. Everyone who has listened to and learned from the Father comes to Me- 46 not that anyone has seen the Father except the One who is from God. He has seen the Father. 47 "I assure you: Anyone who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven so that anyone may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread he will live forever. The bread that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh." 52 At that, the Jews argued among themselves, "How can this man give us His flesh to eat?" 53 So Jesus said to them, "I assure you: Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you do not have life in yourselves. 54 Anyone who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day, 55 because My flesh is real food and My blood is real drink. 56 The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood lives in Me, and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on Me will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven; it is not like the manna your fathers ate-and they died. The one who eats this bread will live forever."
2018-03Mar15 if in this life we have hope in Christ only, of all men we are most to be pitied. 1Cor 15:3 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. 6 Then He appeared to over 500 brothers at one time, most of whom remain to the present,
Resurrection Essential to the Faith ....
....12 Now if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some of you say, "There is no resurrection of the dead"? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is without foundation, and so is your faith. 15 In addition, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified about God that He raised up Christ-whom He did not raise up if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, Christ has not been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18 Therefore those who have fallen asleep in Christ have also perished. 19 If we have placed our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone.
Christ's Resurrection Guarantees Ours
20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. 22 For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive
2018-03Mar10 If you have Jesus in your heart and are being led by His Holy Spirit, then Never Give Up!
2Ch 15:2 So he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Asa and all Judah and Benjamin, hear me. The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you abandon him, he will abandon you.....2Ch 15:7 “But as for you, be strong; don’t give up, for your work has a reward.”
