Jesus Never Told Us To Climb Mountains (2)

Optimax

Senior Veteran
May 7, 2006
17,659
448
New Mexico
✟41,659.00
Faith
Word of Faith
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
INHERITANCE XXVI

Matt 24:43-44

43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

He instructs us to be ready.

44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. KJV

We do not know the exact hour the rapture will occur.

They do not know the exact hour the second coming will occur.

We, if we are “watching” will know the time is near.

We know because we have “watched” and learned the signs.

We know because we are “watching” and recognize the signs.

They know because they have “watched” and learned the signs.

They know because they will be “watching” and recognize the signs.

Again the questions.

Do you know the signs?

Will you be overtaken?

The Lord ask a question.

The question is “Who then is a faithful and wise servant?”

The Lord some in charge of His household,

It was the servant that was placed in charge job to make sure each had food.

Matt 24:45-51
Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

The TEV says;

Matt 24:45
"Who, then, is a faithful and wise servant? He is the one that his master has placed in charge of the other servants to give them their food at the proper time. TEV

The person that carries out his responsibilities as delegated to him by The Lord is blessed when the Lord comes and finds him doing what he is suppose to be doing.

46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

That person is promoted.

47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

Then the Lord speaks about the person that has a bad, lazy attitude.

48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;

The Lord calls this person evil.

They do not watch.

They do not know the signs of His coming.

They have no idea when the Lord is going to show up.

He thinks the Lord is not coming back for a long time.

The person mistreats those who were placed under his care.

He parties a lot.

49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;

Therefore when the Lord comes he is taken completely by surprise.

50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,

That person is not blessed at the Lord’s coming.

That person is certainly not promoted.

51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. KJV

The RSV says;

Matt 24:51
and will punish him, and put him with the hypocrites; there men will weep and gnash their teeth. RSV

In post # 15 I made this statement.

“Once we experience the event called the Rapture we begin to prepare for our next graduation.

We only have about seven years to prepare for the next graduation.

That is because the time of the tribulation period on earth is seven years.

It will probably be more than seven years because of what we will call “transition time”.

That would be the time between when the Rapture occurred and the actual seven years begin.

Then we began to cover those things concerning our adversary the devil.”

Then we spent considerable time dealing with the tribulation period and events that happen to the Jews.

As a reminder.

Our main subject is our inheritance.

We read in Colossians that we have a reward.

The reward is “the inheritance”.

Col 3:24
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. KJV

We learned that when we were born again (Rom 10:9) that we experienced a “graduation”.

We graduated from the power of darkness.

We were translated into the Kingdom of God.

Col 1:13
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: KJV

When Rapture occurs we will again “graduate”.

At that event we will receive our “glorified” bodies, enabling us to function in the physical realm, which we live in now.

As well as the spiritual realm where God lives.

Along with the new body comes all the new things and abilities we will have and be able to do in that new body.

We have about seven years to get ready for our next “graduation”.

That will be the 1,000 year reign of Christ.

We will take a look at that time.

Next time.
:)
 
Upvote 0

Optimax

Senior Veteran
May 7, 2006
17,659
448
New Mexico
✟41,659.00
Faith
Word of Faith
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
INHERITANCE XXVII

We read in Colossians that we have a reward.

The reward is “the inheritance”.

Col 3:24
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. KJV

We learned that when we were born again (Rom 10:9) that we experienced a “graduation”.

We graduated from the power of darkness.

We were translated into the Kingdom of God.

Col 1:13
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: KJV

When Rapture occurs we will again “graduate”.

At that event we will receive our “glorified” bodies, enabling us to function in the physical realm, which we live in now.

As well as the spiritual realm where God lives.

Along with the new body comes all the new things and abilities we will have and be able to do in that new body.

We have about seven years to get ready for our next “graduation”.

That will be the 1,000 year reign of Christ.

We will take a look at that time.

After the Battle of Armageddon an angel comes down from heaven.

He has the key to the bottomless pit and carries a big chain with him.

Rev 20:1-3
20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

The angel had a purpose.

The angel grabbed the devil and bound him.

The devil was bound and put into the bottomless pit.

2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

The devil will stay in that pit for 1,000 years.

3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. KJV

Notice it only took one angel to chain the devil and toss him into the bottomless pit.

It did not take a bunch of angels to subdue the devil.

Is that a clue to you that the devil; is not as “all powerful” as he would have you to believe?

For 1,000 years the earth will be free of the devil’s deception.

However at the end of the 1,000 years he will be released for a short time.
Before the 1,000 year period begins judgment is give to “them”.

Whoever the “them” is sat on thrones.

The way I see it the “them” is us.

The “them” is the people that were born again (Rom 10:9) during the approximate 2,000 years that made up what we call “the age of grace”.

Rev 20:4a
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them:

Scripture says that we shall reign with Him.

2 Tim 2:12
If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: KJV

Rev 5:10
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. KJV

Those people who were “saved” during the tribulation showed up.

They also reign with Christ and with us for the 1,000 years.

Rev 20:4b
and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. KJV

Those who died serving the Lord during the tribulation period are resurrected.

This is called the first resurrection.

Notice that John “saw the souls of them”.

John saw them in the state they were after they were killed for their faith in Jesus.

They were without a “body” just as people who are in heaven right now are.

They were spirit and soul.

Their bodies were raised and they received a glorified body just as we do at the event called “The Rapture”.

We covered that event previously.

Rev 20:5
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. KJV

That is the first resurrection after the tribulation.

There will be another resurrection as we will see later.

Scripture says those who “hath part” in the first resurrection.

That includes us as we are present observing all these things.

The “second death” has no power on us, or on them.

We will see what the “second death” is later.

Rev 20:6a
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power,

Notice “they” shall be priest of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Rev 20:6b
but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

We are kings and priest and reign with Him for a thousand years.

We saw that in scripture earlier.

At the end of the 1,000 years the devil gets loose again.

7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, KJV

We will pick it up here next time.
:)
 
Upvote 0

Optimax

Senior Veteran
May 7, 2006
17,659
448
New Mexico
✟41,659.00
Faith
Word of Faith
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
INHERITANCE XXVIII

There will be another resurrection as we will see later.

Scripture says those who hath part in the first resurrection.

That includes us as we are present observing all these things.

The “second death has no power on us, or on them.

We will see what the second death is later.

Rev 20:6a
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power,

Notice they shall be priest of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Rev 20:6b
but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

We are kings and priest and reign with Him for a thousand years.

We saw that in scripture earlier.

At the end of the 1,000 years the devil gets loose again.

7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, KJV

Being locked up for a thousand years did not make any impression on the devil.

It only took one angel to bound him and put him in the pit.

That did not “wake him up” either.

As soon as the devil is loosed he immediately resumes doing what he has done for thousands of years.

He goes out to deceive people in the earth.

Another amazing thing about all of this is that there are people who have lived through a great part of this 1,000 years.

Some could have lived through the whole 1,000 years, we will see more on that later.

Yet in spite of all they have seen and had the opportunity to enjoy during that 1,000 year reign of Christ.

There are people who are rebellious against God and therefore are easily deceived.

8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. KJV

Satan’s agenda does not change.

His own self deception makes him think he can still battle God and win.

He once again, just as he did for the battle of Armageddon, gathers people from all over the earth.

Same purpose as well.

The purpose is another attempt to gain control of the earth.

Do you think Satan will win this time?

Verse 8 said that the number of those the devil was able to gather was “as the sand of the sea”.

That is a very large “army”.

This army directed by the devil went up and surrounded Jerusalem.

They were ready to take the city and the earth away from The Lord.

The Lord did not put up with them very long at all.

When they all got together around the city God sent fire down.

They were all “toast”.

Very quickly their attempted rebellion was put to a sudden stop.

Rev 20:9-10

9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

Now it was finally time for the devil to be dealt with.

The final judgment for the devil was the lake.

No nice waves and pretty water in this lake though.

It is a lake of fire and brimstone.

The devil was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone.

10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. KJV

He met up with the beast and the false prophet there.

All of them.

The devil, the beast, as well as the false prophet are there day and night for ever and ever.

The 1,000 year reign of Christ is ending.

The next graduation is approaching.

There are a few more events to take place first though.

A great white throne shows up.

God is setting on the throne.

It is time for the final judgment for those who refused Jesus.

Rev 20:11-15
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

The “dead” are those who died from Adam to the last rebellion we just spoke of without Jesus.

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Notice how God judged them.

They were judged out of things written in the “books”.

What were the things written in the “books”.

The things written in the books were their works.

Verse 12 says they were judged according to their works.

Those works had been recorded and kept for this present event.

No person that was without Jesus can escape this event.

No matter where they died or where.

God knows and gathered them all up.

They were gathered from the sea and from death and hell.

All were judged according to their works.

We were not judged by our works.

Thank God because there are no works that we can do to save ourselves.

We are judged by the blood of Jesus and therefore are judged “not guilty”.

Their works could not “justify” them before God.

13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

The result of this judgment by works?

Death , hell were cast into the lake of fire.

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Verse 14 calls this event “the second death”.

All who were cast into the lake of fire experienced “the second death”.

All who were not written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. KJV

All who are cast into the lake of fire suffers the second death.

What is the second death?

Eternal separation from God.

Next time.
 
Upvote 0

Optimax

Senior Veteran
May 7, 2006
17,659
448
New Mexico
✟41,659.00
Faith
Word of Faith
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
INHERITANCE XXIX

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Verse 14 calls this event “the second death”.

All who were cast into the lake of fire experienced “the second death”.

All who were not written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. KJV

All who are cast into the lake of fire suffers the second death.

What is the second death?

Eternal separation from God.

Those people who were born again since Jesus was resurrected.

The OT people who were by faith “looking forward” to the Messiah.

Those people who did not take the mark of the beast during the tribulation.

All three of these “categories” of people are going to be with God for eternity.

All the people who were not born again since Jesus was resurrected.

The OT people who were not by faith “looking forward” to the Messiah.

Those people who did take the mark of the beast during the tribulation.

Those three “categories” of people are in the lake of fire, separated from God for eternity.

Before we take a look at “Eternity”.

Let’s consider some more things scripture reveals to us about the 1,000 year reign of Christ on this planet.

There will be no more war between nations.

Peace will prevail over the planet.

Isa 2:4
And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. KJV

Mic 4:3
And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. KJV

Animals will no longer prey upon each other.

No longer will the weaker animals like lambs fear the wolves.

They shall live together peacefully.

A little child can lead them around like pets.

Isa 11:6-9

6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

The lion will feed as do cattle, eating “straw”, some translations say “grass”.

7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

Babies and small children can play in the yard without worry of snakes.

8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.

The NIV says;

Isa 11:8
The infant will play near the hole of the cobra, and the young child put his hand into the viper's nest. NIV

There shall be nothing that can hurt people.

There shall be nothing that can destroy people.

The knowledge of the Lord shall be known by all that wants to.

9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. KJV

Life spans will greatly increase.

Isa 65:20-66:1

20 There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.

People will live peacefully in their houses, planting and enjoying the fruit of their gardens.

21 And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.

No one will come along and take another’s house, and/or land.

No foreclosures.

22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.

One’s work will abundantly produce.

23 They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them.

Ever prayer request is heard and therefore answered before the request is finished.

24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord. KJV

Everybody will meet annually in Jerusalem to have a big “Praise The Lord” party.

Zech 14:16
And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. KJV

Those who refuse to go and join the party will have drought.

Remember we saw that even in this peaceful reign of the Lord.

Some will be rebellious toward the Lord and thereby be readily deceived by the devil when he is released at the end of the 1,000 year reign.

Zech 14:17
And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. KJV

Next time we will look at “Eternity”.
 
Upvote 0

Optimax

Senior Veteran
May 7, 2006
17,659
448
New Mexico
✟41,659.00
Faith
Word of Faith
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
INHERITANCE XXX

Everybody will meet annually in Jerusalem to have a big “Praise The Lord” party.

Zech 14:16
And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. KJV

Those who refuse to go and join the party will have drought.

Remember we saw that even in this peaceful reign of the Lord.

Some will be rebellious toward the Lord and thereby be readily deceived by the devil when he is released at the end of the 1,000 year reign.

Zech 14:17
And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. KJV

We have spent considerable time looking at the tribulation, and the 1,000 year reign of Christ also know as “The Millenium”.

There is much more said about these events, especially the tribulation period that we have not even mentioned.

The book of Daniel gives more detail of the tribulation period as well as Ezek chapters 38 and 39.

Perhaps we will have the opportunity for discussions on them at a later time.

We have seen our graduations experienced to the end of the 1,000 year reign of Christ.

First graduation was when we were born again.

Second graduation was at “Rapture”.

Third graduation was entering the 1,000 year reign of Christ.

Now we are ready to take a look at our fourth graduation.

Our fourth graduation is the entering into “Eternity”.

That begins as recorded in Rev Chapter Twenty One.

Remember these words that Jesus spoke?

Matt 24:35
Heaven and earth shall pass away , but my words shall not pass away . KJV

Jesus said that the heaven as well as the earth would pass away.

Hebrews reveals more about this time when the heavens and earth shall pass away.

The heaven and the earth shall “wax old” and shall “perish”.

Heb 1:10-12
10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
11 They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;

That “passing away” or “perishing” is described as a “vesture” or coat being folded up and changed.

12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. KJV

Peter describes that event as happening with a lot of very loud noise and tremendous heat.

Peter said the “elements” shall melt because of that tremendous heat.

The elements are the elements from which all things have come, the material causes of the universe.
(from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

The tremendous heat also burns up the earth.

2 Peter 3:10
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. KJV

God makes a new heaven and a new earth.

Rev 21:1
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. KJV

The new earth has no sea.

All that heat did not bother us at all.

Seems like we get to watch all these events as they happen.

How exciting that will be to watch God create new heavens and a new earth.

The old physical universe we are use to is no longer in existence when this happens.

Wonder what the new universe will be.

Will it be another physical universe?

Consider this since scripture gives no details on the “make-up” of this new creation in which we will live for eternity.

At “Rapture”, our second graduation.

We received glorified bodies capable of operating in the physical realm and/or the spiritual realm.

Perhaps this new creation will be a combination of both.

God knows.

The new heaven and new earth are created.

And the holy city, called “new Jerusalem” descends from God out of heaven.

The city is all “dressed up” or splendidly and beautifully built.

Rev 21:2
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
KJV

God moves into the new earth.

He no longer stays in heaven with men on the earth.

We live on the new earth and God moves from heaven to the new earth to live with us and us with Him.

Rev 21:3
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. KJV

This has been God’s Purpose since before the foundations of the earth.

God’s heart desire was to have a people and to be their God.

How do I know this?

Consider these scriptures and decide for yourself.

Lev 26:12
And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people. KJV

Jer 7:23
But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people : and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. KJV

Jer 11:4
Which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people , and I will be your God: KJV

Jer 24:7
And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the Lord: and they shall be my people , and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart. KJV

Jer 30:22
And ye shall be my people , and I will be your God. KJV

Jer 31:1
At the same time, saith the Lord, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people . KJV

Jer 31:33
But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people . KJV

Jer 32:38
And they shall be my people , and I will be their God: KJV

Ezek 11:20
That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people , and I will be their God.
KJV

Ezek 14:11
That the house of Israel may go no more astray from me, neither be polluted any more with all their transgressions; but that they may be my people , and I may be their God, saith the Lord God. KJV

Ezek 36:28

And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people , and I will be your God. KJV

Ezek 37:23
Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people , and I will be their God. KJV

Ezek 37:27
My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people . KJV

Zech 2:11
And many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and shall be my people : and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto thee. KJV

Zech 8:8
And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people , and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness. KJV

2 Cor 6:16
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people . KJV

Can you see God’s heart in those scriptures?

Next time.
 
Upvote 0

Optimax

Senior Veteran
May 7, 2006
17,659
448
New Mexico
✟41,659.00
Faith
Word of Faith
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
INHERITANCE XXXI

God moves into the new earth.

He no longer stays in heaven with men on the earth.

We live on the new earth and God moves from heaven to the new earth to live with us and us with Him.

Rev 21:3
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. KJV

This has been God’s Purpose since before the foundations of the earth.

God’s heart desire was to have a people and to be their God.

How do I know this?

Consider these scriptures and decide for yourself.

Those scriptures can be reviewed in the previous post.

Life in the new earth will have no tears, no death, no sorrow, no crying, and no pain.

Rev 21:4
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. KJV

All those things are no more, passed away, done away with.

God made all things new.

God word’s are true and faithful.

God’s words that we have today are as true and faithful as the words He speaks as recorded in Rev 21.

Rev 21:5
And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. KJV

We can trust Him/His Word today.

Through His word, by believing and doing what He says.

Leads to a successful life in “today”.

Rev 21:6
And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. KJV

Rev 21:6a
And he said unto me, It is done.

God said “It is done”.

Notice that in Rev 16:17 God spoke after the seventh angel had poured out his vial into the air.

God said “ It is done”.

Rev 16:17
And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. KJV

The use of the word in Rev 17:16 is singular referring to the single act of the angel of having poured out the vial.
However in Rev 21:6 the Greek verb is plural.

God said in Rev 21:6 “They are done”.

God said "All these things are now done (or, accomplished)," "I have done all these things," or "I have caused all these things to happen."

The words are very similar to what the Lord said on the cross in John 19:30.

Jesus said “It is finished”.

However the words “It is finished” is a different word than used in Revelation.

What Jesus meant is a subject of great differences.

Too much to get into here.

God said "All these things are now done (or, accomplished)," "I have done all these things," or "I have caused all these things to happen."

All the things that needed to happen to get to the point of the new heaven and new earth and the new life it afforded us is accomplished.

The next statement in Rev 21:6 is “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end”.

Jesus is speaking of His eternal existence.

He always has been.

He always will be.

Rev 21:6b
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. KJV

In verse 6-8 Jesus is speaking of the time before the new heaven and new earth were.

He is speaking of the “old earth” which we are living on now.

His reference to the fountain of the water of life is speaking of the “eternal life” that is freely given to all who come to him and are born again (Rom 10:9).

Jesus spoke to the woman at the well about this water.

John 4:14
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. KJV

Jesus also referred to “rivers of living water”

John 7:38
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. KJV

This was a reference to the Holy Spirit coming upon them as recorded in Acts.

Another subject of great interest , but not our current subject.

As usual if anyone ask questions about it I will gladly spend time on it.

When we get to Rev. 22:1 we will learn about a “pure river of water of life”.

Next time.
:)
 
Upvote 0

Optimax

Senior Veteran
May 7, 2006
17,659
448
New Mexico
✟41,659.00
Faith
Word of Faith
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
INHERITANCE XXXII

In verse 6-8 Jesus is speaking of the time before the new heaven and new earth were.

He is speaking of the “old earth” which we are living on now.

His reference to the fountain of the water of life is speaking of the “eternal life” that is freely given to all who come to him and are born again (Rom 10:9).

Jesus spoke to the woman at the well about this water.

John 4:14
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. KJV

Jesus also referred to “rivers of living water”

John 7:38
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. KJV

This was a reference to the Holy Spirit coming upon them as recorded in Acts.

Another subject of great interest , but not our current subject.

As usual if anyone ask questions about it I will gladly spend time on it.

When we get to Rev. 22:1 we will learn about a “pure river of water of life”.

Remember, in verse 6-8 Jesus is speaking of the time before the new heaven and new earth were.

Rev 21:6-8

Verse 6 we had covered above.

6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Jesus said that “Overcomers” will be the ones that inherit all things.

7a He that overcometh shall inherit all things;

Who are the “Overcomers”?

Is there a new revelation here?

Is there something “secret” that we must do to be an “Overcomer”?

Only if one has not already done it.

Who are the “Overcomers” that will inherit all things?

Those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

1 John 5:5
Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? KJV

Those who are born again (Rom 10:9) has the Son and therefore has (Eternal) life.

1 John 5:12
He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. KJV

Verse 7b states that God will be the “Overcomers” God.

Verse 7b also states that the “Overcomers” shall be God’s sons.

7b
and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

Remember that when the word “son” is used as in verse 7b.

It is not speaking of gender.

It is speaking of position.

We who are born again (Rom 10:9).

Male and/or Female.

We are given the position of a “son” of God.

There are those who are left out.

The fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars are not Overcomers.

They have their own place.

They have a part in the lake of fire.

The sentence to the lake of fire is the second death, which we have already covered.

8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. KJV

Aren’t you glad that you are born again (Rom 10:9).

Aren’t you glad that you are an Overcomer.

One of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the last plagues said “Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife”.

Rev 21:9-11

9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

John was carried away in the spirit to a big mountain.

John is going to be shown the bride, the Lamb’s wife.

What the angel showed him was the heavenly city, holy Jerusalem.

The holy city was coming out of heaven from God.

10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

The city had the glory of God.

11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; KJV

Wait a minute.

Is the city the Bride?

Is the city the Lamb’s wife?

The angel clearly said in verse 9, “I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife”.

Let’s look into this more.

Next time.
:)
 
Upvote 0

Optimax

Senior Veteran
May 7, 2006
17,659
448
New Mexico
✟41,659.00
Faith
Word of Faith
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
INHERITANCE XXXIII

One of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the last plagues said “Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife”.

Rev 21:9-11

9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

John was carried away in the spirit to a big mountain.

John is going to be shown the bride, the Lamb’s wife.

What the angel showed him was the heavenly city, holy Jerusalem.

The holy city was coming out of heaven from God.

10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

The city had the glory of God.

11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; KJV

Wait a minute.

Is the city the Bride?

Is the city the Lamb’s wife?

The angel clearly said in verse 9, “I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife”.

Let’s look into this more.

The angel did not specifically say “this is the bride”, or “the bride is……..”.

We would know more clearly if he had.

This is what I see from scriptures that speak of the bride, the marriage, etc..

Lets look first at Rev 19:7-9.

Verse 7 says that the marriage of the Lamb has come and his wife hath made herself ready.

Rev 19:7-9
7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

The marriage takes place during the tribulation period.

Perhaps toward the end and is completed before the Lord goes to Battle of Armageddon.

Verse 8 says that the bride is dressed in fine linen and that the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints.

8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

This to me clearly indicates that the bride is the people who were born again (Rom 10:9) before the Rapture.

That group of people was made the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21).

Verse 9 then says that those who are called to the marriage supper are blessed.

9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. KJV

This group of people I believe to be those who were saved at some time other than the time between the resurrection and the Rapture.

That would include the OT saints, those saved during the tribulation as well as the millenium.

Back to what the angel told John.

Rev 21:10
And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, KJV

The term “holy Jerusalem” I believe is meaning not only the heavenly city but those who are in it.

Those who are in the city when it descends are the born again believers saved between the resurrection and the Rapture.

At the time the city is brought down out of heaven to the earth the marriage has occurred.

A new wife is also referred to as a “Bride” for a while after the marriage.

One more reference to the “Bride” is in chapter 22.

The Spirit and the bride both give out an invitation.

Rev 22:17
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. KJV

Perhaps we will learn something about the “closeness” of the relationship we will have with the Lord for “Eternity.

Verses 11- 21 in chapter 21 speaks about the glory of the city and its size.

The city is 12,000 furlongs (v.16) which is 1500 miles.

It is not real clear if each side of the city is 1500 miles or if the total of all four sides is 1500 miles.

The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.

I like the 1500 miles.

Some say that is too big to be a real city.

They forget that our God is a BIG God and does things in “Big Ways”.

There is no specific “temple” in the News Jerusalem.

The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

Rev 21:22
And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. KJV

No sun nor moon either.

The Glory of God is more than enough to light it.

Rev 21:23
And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. KJV
Wherever Jesus is “more Glory” and therefore brighter in His presence.

Rev 21:24-27

24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. KJV

Next time.
:)
 
Upvote 0

Optimax

Senior Veteran
May 7, 2006
17,659
448
New Mexico
✟41,659.00
Faith
Word of Faith
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
INHERITANCE XXXIV

Before we get into Rev 22 lets review some of the astounding things you and I have actually experienced to this point.

We started a relationship with God that is for ever when we were born again.

At the event called the “Rapture” we receive a new body, a glorified body.

That body having much more capabilities than the one we are presently in.

It is a body that can operate in either the spiritual or the physical realm.

When the Lord came back to the earth for the second time we were present with Him.

Then we entered into what is called “the millennium”.

The millennium is a 1,000 year period in which Jesus rules and reigns.

We are privileged to rule and reign with Him.

Now stop a moment and consider this 1,000 years.

I am at the time I am writing this 73 years old.

73 years time 10 is only 730 years.

A life ten times what I have presently live to does not equal ¾ of a thousand years.

Three quarters of 1,000 is 750.

That means there would be another 250 years to live before the 1,000 year mark was reached.

One thousand years is a long time.

The oldest man that ever lived on the planet was Methuselah.

He lived to be 960 years old, not reaching a 1,000 year life span.

Adam lived to be 930.

You and I along with every other person that was born again between the resurrection of Jesus and the rapture will rule and reign with Jesus for 1,000 years.

By the time we get to Rev 22.

Just stop and think about the time we have spent with the Lord to that point.

During that 1,000 years it is impossible to imagine all the things we have learned.

During that 1,000 years it is impossible to imagine all the things we have experienced in our everyday activities while ruling and reigning with Jesus.

During that 1,000 years it is impossible to imagine the “growth” we have done.

If we just got a glimpse of what and who we will be then.

To compare with what and who we are now.

We would be totally astounded at how far we had come.

We would be totally astounded at how much we had become just like Jesus during that time.

We would be totally astounded at our ability to do things.

Things that now we cannot even imagine.

We would be totally astounded at our understanding of things.

An understanding that we cannot even imagine presently.

We would be totally astounded at our stature in being like Jesus.

That is not all.

Let me attempt to show you how much authority we will have been given in this new heaven and new earth.

Authority comes with the position given.

Example:

In the military as one earns and is awarded different positions.

From a Private to a Sargent.

There responsibility and authority increases.

With each rank gained, more responsibility and authority is received.

Here is an important thing.

In your life do not seek authority.

Seek responsibility because the reality is.

Authority comes with responsibility.

Before I retired and was hiring a person.

During the interviews if I saw that a person wanted authority their application was put in the reject pile.

Those who would accept responsibility were the ones I wanted to talk more to.

A person that will accept responsibility can be trusted with authority.

Consider this verse.

Do not miss the position and authority that “the bride”, which is us, has.

Rev 22:17
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. KJV

It is not “the Spirit” alone that offers the invitation.

It is the spirit and the bride.

This gives us some insight into our “position” in the new heaven and new earth.

There is something even more important.

Verse 17 also gives us insight into the relationship we have with Christ.

Can you see it?
A man and wife today have a dinner at their house.

The man has the position and authority to invite whomever he wants to the dinner.

The wife also has the position and authority to invite whomever she wants to the dinner.

Our relationship and position that we have been given puts us in a place.

That we actually have the authority to extend with the Spirit an invitation to others.

Let’s continue from here next time.
:)
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0

Optimax

Senior Veteran
May 7, 2006
17,659
448
New Mexico
✟41,659.00
Faith
Word of Faith
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
INHERITANCE XXXV

Do not miss the position and authority that “the bride”, which is us, has.

Rev 22:17
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. KJV

It is not “the Spirit” alone that offers the invitation.

It is the spirit and the bride.

This gives us some insight into our “position” in the new heaven and new earth.

There is something even more important.

Verse 17 also gives us insight into the relationship we have with Christ.

Can you see it?

A man and wife today have a dinner at their house.

The man has the position and authority to invite whomever he wants to the dinner.

The wife also has the position and authority to invite whomever she wants to the dinner.

Our relationship and position that we have been given puts us in a place.

That we are actually have the authority in extend with the Spirit an invitation to others.

Before we even look at Rev 22:1.

I will say this.

We are going to read about things in chapter 22 that I do not know about.

I have a few ideas I am working on.

But I do not know.

For instance verse one says John was shown a pure river of water of life.

Rev 22:1
And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. KJV

There is no information given what the “pure river of water of life” is far.

The water in the river does not seem to be “normal” water.

It is a river of water of life.

The verse also says that this river of water of life proceeds out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

Everybody that is present at this time is born again/saved (Rom 10:9).

Most have been for a long time, some varying times.

The water Jesus spoke of to the woman at the well was for those who were not saved yet.

John 4:10
Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. KJV

The water Jesus spoke of that came out of our innermost being was for those who were saved.

John 7:38
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. KJV

Those things we received while in our old bodies on the old earth before it was made new.

Because the water flows from God’s throne shows that the “water” is from God.

The “water” is “proceeding” out of God’s throne.

Jesus said the words that He spoke are spirit and life.

John 6:63
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. KJV

Could it be that the “water of life” that proceeds from His Throne are the words of God that will nurture us for eternity.

Just as the Bible holds “words of life” for us now.

Perhaps what is proceeding out of God’s throne are words that we will live by in the new heaven and new earth.

Lets look at verse 2.

There appears to be a street on both sides of the river.

Along the streets on both sides of the river there are trees.

They are the tree of life.

The trees bear twelve manner of fruits.

The words “manner of” is not in the original Greek.

Rev 22:2b
which bears fruit twelve times a year, once each month; TEV

Rev 22:2
In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. KJV

Remember not to attempt to apply these verses to the situation that you and I are living in today.

At the time of these events everybody is saved and is in the new earth.

The curse is gone, everyone is serving God in what ever capacity is theirs.

Rev 22:3
And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: KJV

We are able to look into His face just as we do each other when we communicate, we belong to Him

Rev 22:4
And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. KJV

It is always day, no more night.

Lamps, light bulbs, street lights, even the sun, are not needed as The Lord God gives light.

We reign for ever and ever.

I believe that means we always reign in life, no failures or defeats.

Rev 22:5
And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. KJV

It is for sure that our lives will be full and consist of great and unimaginable things to do, accomplish and experience in our new earth and new heaven.

What will we look into next?
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Optimax

Senior Veteran
May 7, 2006
17,659
448
New Mexico
✟41,659.00
Faith
Word of Faith
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
The Power Of God

Paul makes an astounding statement in Rom 1:16.

Paul states that the gospel is the power of God.

The words “of Christ” is not in the Greek text.

However it is also clear that the gospel is the message about Christ.

Rom 1:16-17

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Paul is speaking about power that includes the power to save a person.

The power of God that Paul is speaking of also includes the power of God to live by.

Consider the word Paul used.

He said “unto salvation”.

The word “salvation” is translated from the Greek word “soteria”.

“Salvation”, Greek word “soteria” is NT:4991 and means rescue or safety either physically or morrally.

The word is translated in the KJV as deliver, health, salvation, save, saving.

soteria (so-tay-ree'-ah); feminine of a derivative of NT:4990 as (properly, abstract) noun; rescue or safety (physically or morally):
KJV - deliver, health, salvation, save, saving.
(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Compare that with the word “saved” as used in Rom 10:9

Rom 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. KJV

The word “saved” is translated from the Greek word “sozo”.

Saved, Greek word “sozo” is NT:4982 meaning to save, that is deliver of protect literally or figuratively.

sozo (sode'-zo); from a primary sos (contraction for obsolete saoz, "safe"); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively):
KJV - heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.
(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

The word for saved or “sozo” is translated on the KJV as heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.

When a person is saved/born again (Rom 10:9).

They are delivered or protected from Satan.

That “saving” deliverance and/or protection removes us from the authority of the devil and places us under God’s authority.

Colossians 1:13 revels that “deliverance/protection in that we were delivered from the power of darkness (Satan and his kingdom) into God’s kingdom.

Col 1:13
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: KJV

When we were born again we were “saved”/“sozoed”.

When the Greek word “soteria” (translated “salvation”) is used in a verse.

It includes that we are saved, Greek word “sozo”.

However it speaks of much, much more.

“Salvation”, Greek word “soteria” is for those who are saved, Greek word “sozo”.

“Salvation” describes and/or is used to reveal what is available to those of us who are saved/born again (Rom 10:9)

Romans 1:16 reveals to us that the power of God is available to us.

First in saving us (“sozo).

Then “salvation” Greek word “soteria” in delivering us from the strategies of the devil cast to ensnare us.

Before we continue with that lets now read Rom 1:17.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. KJV

Verse 17 begins with “For therein”.

Let’s make sure we know what “For therein” means.

Rom 1:17a
For therein

“For therein” in verse 17a is referring to “the gospel of Christ” in verse 16.

Verse 17b says that in the gospel of Christ, the righteousness of God is revealed.

Rom 1:17b
is the righteousness of God revealed.

Now we need to spend some time on the word “righteousness”.

What is “the righteousness of God”?

What does that mean, “the righteousness of God”?

Understand the importance of “the righteousness of God”.

In the OT that is what every person who sought after God was seeking.

They sought “righteousness” by trying to keep the law of righteousness.

However they could not keep the law therefore they could not attain to “righteousness”.

Rom 9:31
But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. KJV

Israel, referring to the Jews in OT times.

The Jews had a zeal of God.

However that zeal was not driven by knowledge.

Rom 10:2
For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. KJV

Because they were ignorant of the knowledge of God’s righteousness.

They were all the time trying to establish their own righteousness, not accepting for themselves the righteousness of God.

Rom 10:3
For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. KJV

Their own righteousness as scripture says is as filthy rags.

Isa 64:6
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags ; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. KJV

Self righteousness attained by works does not impress God and is only in the mind of those who seek to attain it without being submitted to God.

We will continue from here next time.
:)
 
Upvote 0

Optimax

Senior Veteran
May 7, 2006
17,659
448
New Mexico
✟41,659.00
Faith
Word of Faith
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
Power of God II

The Jews had a zeal of God.

However that zeal was not driven by knowledge.

Rom 10:2
For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. KJV

Because they were ignorant of the knowledge of God’s righteousness.

They were all the time trying to establish their own righteousness, not accepting for themselves the righteousness of God.

Rom 10:3
For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. KJV

Their own righteousness as scripture says is as filthy rags.

Isa 64:6
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags ; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. KJV

Self righteousness attained by works does not impress God and is only in the mind of those who seek to attain it without being submitted to God.

In His Plans, God knew how He would bring about a “righteousness” for man that would work.

Doing the deeds of the law, which is works, could not justify those who did them.

Attempts to gain/earn a right standing with God (righteousness) by doing any type of good works is fruitless.

That just does not work.

No one can earn in any way or degree a right standing with God.

The law and the keeping of it could not bring righteousness (right standing) to the person attempting it.

What it brought to those who tried to keep the law was the knowledge of sin.

Rom 3:20
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

But now.

“Now” is after the resurrection.

God provided, in Jesus, through His death, burial, and resurrection a right standing (righteousness) with Him.

Rom 3:21
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

God’s way to right standing with Him (righteousness).

Was not by works.

But by faith.

Makes no difference who we are, or where we came from.

All who by faith of Jesus Christ are believing receive this righteousness of God (right standing).

Rom 3:22
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: KJV

When you were saved/born again (Rom 10:9) you were made the righteousness of God in Christ.

2 Cor 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. KJV

It is “in” the gospel or good news that God reveals to us the righteousness that He provides.

Rom 1:17
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. KJV

Lets review from our two scriptures what we have learned to this point.

Rom 1:16-17
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. KJV

1. The gospel (New Testament) is where the power of God is revealed to us.
2. The “power” that is revealed is our rescue or safety (physically or morally) from the devil’s agendas against us.
3. Our right standing (righteousness) with God is made known to us in the gospel (NT).

However, that is not all that these two verses reveal to us.

Verse 17 states that the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith.

What does “faith to faith” mean?

The first “faith” is when we are born again/saved (Rom 10:9) by believing in Jesus.

That “first faith” in believing in Jesus.

Opens the door to a lifestyle of putting our trust, faith, belief in God’s way of doing things.

It is a lifestyle of “faith”

That “lifestyle” is the second “faith” verse 17 speaks of.

Verse 17 sums that second “faith up by saying “The just shall live by faith”.

The just are those who are saved/born again (Rom 10:9).

We have been given a new way to live.

We are to live by faith.

OK, fine.

What does “living by faith” mean?

How do we do that?

We will continue from here next time.
:)
 
Upvote 0

Optimax

Senior Veteran
May 7, 2006
17,659
448
New Mexico
✟41,659.00
Faith
Word of Faith
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
Power of God III

Opens the door to a lifestyle of putting our trust, faith, belief in God’s way of doing things.

It is a lifestyle of “faith”

That “lifestyle” is the second “faith” verse 17 speaks of.

Verse 17 sums that second “faith up by saying “The just shall live by faith”.

The just are those who are saved/born again (Rom 10:9).

We have been given a new way to live.

We are to live by faith.

OK, fine.

What does “living by faith” mean?

How do we do that?

Living by faith is choosing to live our lives according to what God says about every life situation and/or issue.

What is the other choice?

Choosing to live our live our lives according to how we learned to live before we were saved/born again (Rom 10:9).

We all grew up in a culture.

Whatever culture it was we all learned some basic things that are the same.

We all learned to gauge our lives by;

1. How it looks.
2. How it feels

What others say about it also plays a big part in how we determine how to live our lives.

That is what the Bible calls living by sight.

2 Cor 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight:) KJV

We are to live by faith not by sight.

We are no longer to gauge our lives by how it looks and how it feels.

We are to live our lives by what God says about us and life situations and issues.

Feelings will certainly contradict what God says.

How it looks will certainly contradict what God says.

Paul uses the word “carnal”.

The word “carnal” is used for a person(s) that are walking by sight, how it feels, how it looks.

They have not learned to live by faith.

Paul calls that carnal.
Paul said that he could not even speak to carnal people as he could unto “spiritual”.

“Spiritual” being people who were living by faith or had made sufficient progress in understanding of faith.

1 Cor 3:1-4
3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal , even as unto babes in Christ.

Notice he called them “babies”.

They are babes in Christ.

When we are born again.

We are all babies.

We are all babes in Christ.

We were just born into the kingdom of God.

Scripture likens that to a baby who is just born physically.

A baby has no understanding yet about the world that it just entered.

The education process begins immediately in each baby learning how to operate in this world they were born into.

We as Christians (born again/saved people, Rom 10:9) must do the same if we are to grow spiritually.

Paul said he could not speak unto babes in Christ (newborn Christians or Christians that had not learned much if anything yet).

As he could to “spiritual” (Christians that had learned at least enough to understand some things about living by faith).

Just as a baby is fed milk so they can grow physically.

Paul said he fed “babes in Christ” with milk because they were not ready for anything stronger.

2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

People who have been fed with milk and who have chose not to understand are still unable to be fed with anything stronger than the milk of the word.

Hebrews says that every one that is only able to hear the mild of the word is a babe and is unskillful in the word of God (word of righteousness).

Heb 5:13-14
For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

Remember that “righteousness” is right standing with God.

We must have right standing with God before we can be right acting with God.

It is through the word that we learn what right acting is.

It is through the word of God that we learn how to act right.

Acting right is behaving in every life situation and issue as God would want us to.

That is a part of living by faith.

It is by faith that we learn how to act right, or behave as God would want us to.

Carnal Christians are still using milk , not skillful in the word, and not able to bear the meat of the word.
Strong meat belongs to the mature Christians (saved/born again people Rom 10:9).

14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. KJV

Notice that Christians who are fully mature.

Because they are well experienced in using the word.

Have their “senses” under control.

“Senses” refer to the five physical senses, (seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, smelling).

Especially to seeing and feeling/touching.

Mature Christians do not live by sight (seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, smelling).

Mature Christians live by faith.

We will continue with “carnal” things next time.
:)
 
Upvote 0

Optimax

Senior Veteran
May 7, 2006
17,659
448
New Mexico
✟41,659.00
Faith
Word of Faith
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
Power of God IV

It is through the word of God that we learn how to act right.

Acting right is behaving in every life situation and issue as God would want us to.

That is a part of living by faith.

It is by faith that we learn how to act right, or behave as God would want us to.

Carnal Christians are still using milk , not skillful in the word, and not able to bear the meat of the word.
Strong meat belongs to the mature Christians (saved/born again people Rom 10:9).

14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. KJV

Notice that Christians who are fully mature.

Because they are well experienced in using the word.

Have their “senses” under control.

“Senses” refer to the five physical senses, (seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, smelling).

Especially to seeing and feeling/touching.

Mature Christians do not live by sight (seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, smelling).

Mature Christians live by faith.

Paul said that Christians (saved/born again people, Rom 10:9).

Saved/born again people that were envying, in strife and divisions were carnal.

The people in the Corinthian Church were envying, in strife and divisions.

Paul said they were still carnal and were walking as men.

1 Cor 3:3-4
3 For ye are yet carnal : for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal , and walk as men?

Young’s Literal Translations says;

1 Cor 3:3
and in the manner of men do walk? YLT

Referring to unsaved people.

The Amplified says the carnal Christian behaves like mere (unchaged) men.

1 Cor 3:3
behaving yourselves after a human standard and like mere (unchanged) men? AMP

The New Living Translation says that a carnal Christian (saved/born again, Rom 10:9) acts like people who don’t belong to the Lord.

1 Cor 3:3
You are acting like people who don't belong to the Lord. NLT

What is the remedy for carnal Christians?
Back to verse 2.

1 Cor 3:2
I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. KJV

Those who are new Christians, not having learned anything or little.

Those who have been in a church where the word of God even the milk of the word is not taught.

Those who have not received the milk of the word thereby not experiencing growing spiritually.

There is the meat of the word.

Carnal Christians are not able to bear the meat of the word yet.

As long as they choose to not receive and do the milk of the word.

They are not able to bear the meat of the word.

1 Cor 3:2

2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
KJV

Carnal Chrisitans are not ready for the meat of the word.

How much less the strong meat of the word?

Heb 5:14a
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, KJV

It takes a Christian that is has received and done the milk of the word to be able to bear the meat of the word.

Not being “able to bear” means;

not strong enough,

not ready for it,

not able to assimilate,

couldn’t handle anything stronger.

A root word for carnal is carne.

Carne means meat.

Paul said carnal Christians are “carnally minded”.

Therefore a carnal Christian is a meat head.

Don’t be a meat head!

Receive and do the milk of the word so you can grow thereby and be strong enough, ready for, able to assimilate, handle what is stronger.

Grow.

Becoming more mature able to receive and do not just the milk of the word but the meat of the word as well.

Grow.
Becoming more mature able to receive and do not just the meat of the word but strong meat of the word as well.

Next time.

PS: Remember.

Don’t be a meat head!
:amen:
 
Upvote 0

Optimax

Senior Veteran
May 7, 2006
17,659
448
New Mexico
✟41,659.00
Faith
Word of Faith
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
Power of God V

It is through the word of God that we learn how to act right.

Acting right is behaving in every life situation and issue as God would want us to.

That is a part of living by faith.

It is by faith that we learn how to act right, or behave as God would want us to.

Carnal Christians are still using milk , not skillful in the word, and not able to bear the meat of the word.
Strong meat belongs to the mature Christians (saved/born again people Rom 10:9).

14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. KJV

Notice that Christians who are fully mature.

Because they are well experienced in using the word.

Have their “senses” under control.

“Senses” refer to the five physical senses, (seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, smelling).

Especially to seeing and feeling/touching.

Mature Christians do not live by sight (seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, smelling).

Mature Christians live by faith.

Carnal Christians are living as they did before they were born again.

1 Cor. 3:3 list three things that carnal Christians engage in.

Envying.

Strife.

Divisions.

1 Cor 3:3
For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? KJV

All three are works of the devil.

When the devil can keep a person involved in envying, strife and/or divisions.

They are powerless spiritually.

They have been taken captive by the devil.

2 Tim 2:26
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. KJV

But notice!

The verse also reveals that there is a way out.

The verse says that the person who is taken captive by the devil may recover.

Do not miss this!
Notice who does the recovering.

The person that is taken captive may recover themselves.

How does a person recover themselves?

They must repent.

They must acknowledge the truth.

2 Tim 2:25
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; KJV

Notice the verse says they are opposing themselves.

When a person opposes themselves they are taken captive by the devil when ever the devil wants to.

Paul told us three of the ways that we can oppose ourselves.

If we allow ourselves to engage in envying.

If we allow ourselves to engage in strife.

If we allow ourselves to engage in divisions.

We are actually opposing ourselves.

Do ya think maybe that we have enough opposition without opposing our selves?

We oppose ourselves and are Carnal Christians when we engage in envying, strife and/or divisions.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines the word as an envious and contentious rivalry, jealousy.
NT:2205
2. an envious and contentious rivalry, jealousy:
(from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

A carnal Christian may live in a constant attitude of jealousy.

Always jealous of others.

Jealous of what someone else may have.

Jealous of someone else’s position.

Jealous of what someone else can do/is doing.

A carnal Christian may live in a constant attitude of an envious and contentious rivalry.

Always in themselves having a contentious and envious battle with those around them.

The word is also translated “indignation”.

Acts 5:17
Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation
KJV

Carnal Christians are easily offended thereby being full of indignation.

The Greek-English Lexicon says the word for strife means conflict resulting from rivalry and discord.

It translates the verse as “'when there is jealousy and strife among you, doesn't this prove that you are people of this world?”

In a number of languages the type of strife referred to is frequently described as verbal, for example, 'always saying bad things about one another' or 'never having a good word to say to one another.'

39.22 NT:2054
f: conflict resulting from rivalry and discord - 'strife, discord.'
; 'when there is jealousy and strife among you, doesn't this prove that you are people of this world?' 1 Cor 3:3.
In a number of languages the type of strife referred to is frequently described as verbal, for example, 'always saying bad things about one another' or 'never having a good word to say to one another.'
(from Greek-English Lexicon Based on Semantic Domain. Copyright © 1988 United Bible Societies, New York. Used by permission.)

James says this.

The AMP says it this way.

James 3:14-16

14 But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth.

15 This [superficial] wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual (animal), even devilish (demoniacal).

16 For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices. AMP

We will continue from here next time.
:)
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Optimax

Senior Veteran
May 7, 2006
17,659
448
New Mexico
✟41,659.00
Faith
Word of Faith
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
Power of God VI

In a number of languages the type of strife referred to is frequently described as verbal, for example, 'always saying bad things about one another' or 'never having a good word to say to one another.'

39.22 NT:2054
f: conflict resulting from rivalry and discord - 'strife, discord.'
; 'when there is jealousy and strife among you, doesn't this prove that you are people of this world?' 1 Cor 3:3.
In a number of languages the type of strife referred to is frequently described as verbal, for example, 'always saying bad things about one another' or 'never having a good word to say to one another.'
(from Greek-English Lexicon Based on Semantic Domain. Copyright © 1988 United Bible Societies, New York. Used by permission.)

James says this.

The AMP says it this way.

James 3:14-16

14 But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth.

15 This [superficial] wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual (animal), even devilish (demoniacal).

16 For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices. AMP

Lets read our scripture again.

1 Cor 3:3
For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? KJV

The word “divisions” is not in the Original Greek Text.

However the outcome of envying and strife is divisions.

Where envy and strife is.

There is division.

Division is a favorite tactic of the devil.

Jesus said that every kingdom that is divided against itself is brought to desolation.

He added that every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.

Matt 12:25
And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

The TEV says;

Any Country that divides itself into groups which fight against each other will not last very long.

Any town or family that divides itself into groups which fight each other will fall apart.

Matt 12:25
Jesus knew what they were thinking, and so he said to them, "Any country that divides itself into groups which fight each other will not last very long. And any town or family that divides itself into groups which fight each other will fall apart.

A country, a town, a family that divides itself into groups which fight against each other will not last long/will fall apart.

Any church that divides itself into groups which fight against each other will not last long/will fall apart.

The devil has worked overtime influencing people to divide over every church doctrine that he can.

The result of the “not lasting long/will fall apart is called a church split.

Jesus said in verse 26;

26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? KJV

26 So if one group is fighting another in Satan's kingdom, this means that it is already divided into groups and will soon fall apart!
TEV

Once one group begins fighting another group means a falling apart is on the way.

A carnal Christian (meathead) will engage in envying and strifes.

Envying and strife leads to division.

Church splits are caused by Meatheads (Carnal Christians).

Carnal Christians (meatheads) are not led by the Holy Spirit which is in them.

Carnal Christians (meatheads) are led by emotions, feelings, how they think it is, and are not mature enough to let the word lead them.

When Christians can come together allowing the Holy Spirit through the word of God to lead them.

Differences are settled decently and in order.

A mature Christian can/will recognize when they are wrong, admit it and grow.

A carnal Christian (meathead) will deny they are wrong and even escalate in their envying and strife, causing even more divisions.

The devil loves it when he can get meatheads to participate in envying and strife.

God loves it when His people obey His word and grow.

Don’t be a meathead.

Continue to grow in the word producing the fruit thereof, which is love, unity in the truth of the word and self control.

Mature Christians learn every increasingly to live a lifestyle of faith.

When we are saved/born again (Rom 10:9).

Opens the door to a lifestyle of putting our trust, faith, belief in God’s way of doing things.

It is a lifestyle of “faith”

That “lifestyle” is the second “faith” Rom 1:17 speaks of.

Verse 17 sums that second “faith up by saying “The just shall live by faith”.

The just are those who are saved/born again (Rom 10:9).

We have been given a new way to live.

We are to live by faith.

OK, fine.

What does “living by faith” mean?

How do we do that?

Living by faith is choosing to live our lives according to what God says about every life situation and/or issue.

What is the other choice?

Choosing to live our live our lives according to how we learned to live before we were saved/born again (Rom 10:9).

We all grew up in a culture.

Whatever culture it was we all learned some basic things that are the same.

We all learned to gauge our lives by;

1. How it looks.
2. How it feels

What others say about it also plays a big part in how we determine how to live our lives.

That is what the Bible calls living by sight.

2 Cor 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight:) KJV

We are to live by faith not by sight.

Meatheads cannot do this yet.

We will pick it up here next time.
:)
 
Upvote 0

Optimax

Senior Veteran
May 7, 2006
17,659
448
New Mexico
✟41,659.00
Faith
Word of Faith
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
Power of God VII

We have been given a new way to live.

We are to live by faith.

OK, fine.

What does “living by faith” mean?

How do we do that?

Living by faith is choosing to live our lives according to what God says about every life situation and/or issue.

What is the other choice?

Choosing to live our live our lives according to how we learned to live before we were saved/born again (Rom 10:9).

We all grew up in a culture.

Whatever culture it was we all learned some basic things that are the same.

We all learned to gauge our lives by;

1. How it looks.
2. How it feels

What others say about it also plays a big part in how we determine how to live our lives.

That is what the Bible calls living by sight.

2 Cor 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight:) KJV

We are to live by faith not by sight.

Meatheads cannot do this yet.

Faith is a choice.

What is the choice?

Faith is choosing to live our lives according to what God says about every life situation and/or issue.

God said “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing”.

When God said that.

A choice had to be made.

The choice was choosing life/blessing or death/cursing.

Seems to be an easy choice.

Who would in their right mind choose death and being cursed.

Many, many do.

The right choice is life and blessing.

Deut 30:19
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: KJV

Adam is a prime example.

What was Adam’s choices?

God said Do not eat of that tree. You will die if you do.

Gen 2:17
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. KJV

Sounds like an easy choice to make, doesn’t it?

Then the devil comes along and says “you won’t really die”.

Gen 3:4
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: KJV

Adam must make a choice.

The choice is to believe what God said and act accordingly.

To believe what the devil said and act accordingly.

Whose word would Adam put his trust in?

We know that Adam chose death and cursing.

Adam did not choose life and blessing.

You and I as well as every person that has ever lived, is living or will live before the time is finished.

All have had, has or will have the same decision or choice to make.

Whose word will be believed?

Whose word will be trusted?

In every life situation we have set before us.

What God says about the situation.

What the devil says about the situation.

In every life situation we have to make a choice.

Who are we going to believe?

Who’s word are we going to trust in?

Our choice will bring.

Life and blessing.

Death and cursing.

We have to chose.

There is no getting around it.

There is no avoiding the decision (choice).

God said “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing”.

He even makes a record of it.

Deut 30:19
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: KJV

God also helps us out with the right answer.

God says to choose life, not death.

God says to choose blessing, not cursing.

Choosing life, God says, enables you and your seed to have life.

Choosing blessing, God says, enables you and your seed to be blessed.

We will explore how these choices come about in our lives.

Next time.
:)
 
Upvote 0

Optimax

Senior Veteran
May 7, 2006
17,659
448
New Mexico
✟41,659.00
Faith
Word of Faith
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
Power of God VIII

There is no avoiding the decision (choice).

God said “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing”.

He even makes a record of it.

Deut 30:19
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: KJV

God also helps us out with the right answer.

God says to choose life, not death.

God says to choose blessing, not cursing.

Choosing life, God says, enables you and your seed to have life.

Choosing blessing, God says, enables you and your seed to be blessed.

We will explore how these choices come about in our lives.

Jesus had preached to a multitude.

He then fed them, the number of men being about 5,000.

Jesus then went to the other side of the sea toward Capernaum and the multitudes found Him.

When they found him they ask him when he got there.

Jesus told them they sought him because they had gotten a free meal.
John 6:25-29

25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?

26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

Jesus told them to work, not for meat which spoils but the meat that last for eternal life.

27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

They ask, “what can we do in order to do what God wants us to do”?

28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

John 6:29
29 Jesus answered, "What God wants you to do is to believe in the one he sent." TEV

That is what God wants today.

That is what God wants you to do.

God wants you to believe in the one he sent.

Some might say “we do believe, we are born again”.

That is good and needful.

Consider this.

Jesus continued His narrative and said that He was the bread of life.

John 6:35
"I am the bread of life," Jesus told them. "He who comes to me will never be hungry; he who believes in me will never be thirsty. TEV

That got the people to start grumbling.

They said “we know him and his parents, how can he say he came down from heaven”.

Jesus told them to stop their grumbling.

John 6:41-43
41 The people started grumbling about him, because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven."
42 So they said, "This man is Jesus son of Joseph, isn't he? We know his father and mother. How, then, does he now say he came down from heaven?"
43 Jesus answered, "Stop grumbling among yourselves. TEV

He did not stop talking to them about hard things to understand, nor did he speak in softer words.

Jesus told them that he was living bread and that they must eat his flesh and drink his blood to have eternal life.

This really got them angry and arguing.

Jesus did not back down, not even a little.

John 6:51-56
51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread, he will live forever. The bread that I will give him is my flesh, which I give so that the world may live."
52 This started an angry argument among them. "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" they asked.
53 Jesus said to them, "I am telling you the truth: if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in yourselves.
54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him to life on the last day.
55 For my flesh is the real food; my blood is the real drink.
56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me, and I live in him. TEV

Many of his followers had a hard time receiving what Jesus had said.

John 6:60-61
60 Many of his followers heard this and said, "This teaching is too hard. Who can listen to it?"
61 Without being told, Jesus knew that they were grumbling about this, so he said to them, "Does this make you want to give up? TEV

Because of what Jesus said to them they left.

Jesus then ask the twelve if they were going to leave as well.

Peter said “who would we go to? You have the words that give eternal life.

John 6:66-69
66 Because of this, many of Jesus' followers turned back and would not go with him any more.
67 So he asked the twelve disciples, "And you — would you also like to leave?"
68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.
69 And now we believe and know that you are the Holy One who has come from God." TEV

We know He was speaking of Communion, they did not know about communion yet.

Remember what Jesus said before he told them all that about eating his flesh and drinking his blood?

He told them “What God wants you to do is to believe in the one he sent."

Did they do what Jesus told them?

Did they believe in the one that God sent when things were said they did not understand or seem right?

Many times in life we all face situations that God says or does something that does not seem right or just to us.

Do we grumble like they did?

Do we get offended and leave?

We are to believe in Him,

We are to believe what He says.

We are to understand that God is just and if we do not understand.

If what God said or did does not seem right or just to us.

Stay on God’s side.

Stay with Him and understanding will come, what He said or did will make sense to you.

Like Peter said.

To who else are you going to go to anyway.

He has the words of eternal life.

Next time.
 
Upvote 0

Optimax

Senior Veteran
May 7, 2006
17,659
448
New Mexico
✟41,659.00
Faith
Word of Faith
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
Power of God IX

He told them “What God wants you to do is to believe in the one he sent."

Did they do what Jesus told them?

Did they believe in the one that God sent when things were said they did not understand or seem right?

Many times in life we all face situations that God says or does something that does not seem right or just to us.

Do we grumble like they did?

Do we get offended and leave?

We are to believe in Him,

We are to believe what He says.

We are to understand that God is just and if we do not understand.

If what God said or did does not seem right or just to us.

Stay on God’s side.

Stay with Him and understanding will come, what He said or did will make sense to you.

Like Peter said.

To who else are you going to go to anyway.

He has the words of eternal life.

Jesus spoke another time and his disciples heard what he said and saw what he spoke to.

His disciples also saw the result of what Jesus said.

Jesus and His disciples were on their way to Jerusalem.

Jesus was hungry and noticed a fig tree with leaves. That particular type of tree, when bearing leaves had figs. The leaves were proclaiming "get your figs here"!

Jesus was looking for breakfast and this fig tree proclaimed figs but had none.

How many times in our lives have we had a circumstance pop up that hindered or denied something that we had need of?

Jesus responded to the tree that was holding back breakfast to Him by telling the tree

Mark 11:14
And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. KJV

Notice the verse says that Jesus answered the tree and said unto it.

If Jesus answered the tree then the tree must have said something to Jesus. Can trees talk? Not with an audible voice. The tree spoke to Jesus with the leaves it was bearing because that type of tree when bearing leaves also was suppose to also bear fruit, but did not.

Jesus answered the tree telling it nobody will ever eat fruit from you ever again.

The next morning the fig tree was history. It dried up from the roots.

Jesus responded to a circumstance in His life that should not be there by speaking to it.

He then told us that if we were going to have faith in God in a way that worked then we to would speak to those things in our lives that should not be there.

Mark 11:22-23

22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. KJV

The word translated "mountain" is NT:3735.

Phrase, used also by rabbinical writings, to remove mountains, i. e. to accomplish most difficult, stupendous, incredible things: 1 Cor 13:2, compare Matt 17:20; 21:21; Mark 11:23.
(from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

“To remove mountains” means to accomplish most difficult, stupendous, incredible things.

All of us have times in our lives when we have something in front of us to accomplish that we know is going to be most difficult.

Jesus is revealing to us how to accomplish those most difficult things (mountains).

Jesus is revealing to us how to accomplish stupendous and incredible things.

How are we to have faith in God?

What does having faith in God "look like"?

Jesus said we were to have faith in God.

Mark 11:22-24
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

Then He went on and explained how we are to have faith in God.

23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
KJV

What does faith "look like" or how can you live it?

By speaking to those difficult, stupendous and incredible things.

By speaking to the mountains in your life, not doubting in your heart(innermost being), but believing that what you say will come to pass.

Then Jesus said if we did that we would have what we say.

We must spend time in the word of God so that we know what God said about whatever difficult, stupendous and/or incredible things that are facing us.

Then we speak to the mountain (the most difficult, stupendous and incredible things) that are coming against us.

He also said that when we pray we are to believe we receive when we pray not if we get what we ask for.

We must believe that we receive what we pray for when we pray.

That is having faith in God.

That is how Jesus instructed us to have faith in God. Insisting in doing "faith" our way does not produce results.

Next time.
:)
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Optimax

Senior Veteran
May 7, 2006
17,659
448
New Mexico
✟41,659.00
Faith
Word of Faith
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
Jesus instructed us to have faith in God.

Insisting in doing "faith" our way does not produce results.

We are also informed in Hebrews that it is impossible to please God without faith.

Heb 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. KJV

Impossible!

How many different ways do we try to please Him?

How many times have we thought that something we did would please Him?

Without faith it is impossible to please Him.

Remember that we all have been given faith.

Therefore you are not standing or setting there, whatever the case may be, without faith.

If we are without faith then God would be expecting something from us that we are incapable of doing.

If we are without faith then we do not have a chance to please Him.

We do not have a chance because without faith it is impossible to please Him.

Ok, so where is our evidence that we have faith?

If we have faith we are then capable of pleasing Him.

Romans tells us that God “hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

Rom 12:3
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. KJV

Notice the word “hath”.

That is past tense.

When you were born you “hath” the measure of faith.

No one was left out.

No one was behind the door and was missed.

Every man/woman was given the measure of faith.

Notice also that the scripture says “the” measure of faith.

Not, “a” measure of faith.

If we receive “a” measure then you might have received a larger measure than I.

“A” measure would mean some had more than others.

“The” measure means that we all received the same measure.
We were “dealt” the same measure of faith.

That means that every one of us has the same potential to please God.

That means that every one of us has the same capacity to please God.

Ok! So, we have the capacity and potential to please God.

potential
— adj
1. a. possible but not yet actual
b. ( prenominal ) capable of being or becoming but not yet in existence; latent
2. grammar (of a verb or form of a verb) expressing possibility, as English may and might
3. an archaic word for potent
— n
4. latent but unrealized ability or capacity: Jones has great potential as a sales manager

Potential expresses the possibility although not yet actually pleasing God.

However, because we have the potential of pleasing God, we can actually please Him.

Potential shows that we are capable of being or becoming pleasing to God.

We have the potential to please God, but it may be an unrealized ability or capacity at present.

We have been “dealt” the measure of faith!

Therefore it is possible for us to please God.

Even if we have never once pleased God in our life we can because we have the potential, which is the measure of faith, to please Him.

We can do it.

We have the measure of faith.

Our faith needs to be activated in some way, so that our potential to please Him can become a reality.

We are instructed on how faith is activated in Romans.

We are told that faith “comes” by hearing God’s word.

Rom 10:17
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. KJV

Now, In Rom 12:3 we are told that we have been dealt the measure of faith.

So, if we have been dealt the measure of faith and we have because scripture says we have.

That scripture, Rom 12:3 is our evidence that we have faith.

However. We read Rom 10:17 and we are told that faith “comes” by hearing the word of God.

One scripture is telling us that we have the measure of faith!

Another scripture is telling us that faith comes by hearing.

That seems to be contradictory!

If we have been dealt the measure of faith and we have because we have the evidence.

Another scripture is telling us that faith comes by hearing the word of God and we have the evidence.

Why does something that we already have need to come.

If we have faith and we do, then why does Rom 10:17 tell us that faith comes by hearing the word of God?

In the KJV the word “come” is in italic.

That means that the word is not in the original and was added by the translator’s in order to help translate what was being said.

Oops!

It is time for next time.

We will continue next time.
:amen:
 
Upvote 0