Led by the Spirit

[AlightSeeker]

2 Corinthians 15:
32 If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”

33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.

 

[AlightSeeker]

Im not sure exactly what he means here.

30 And why do we stand in [e]jeopardy every hour? 31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

 

[AlightSeeker]

50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a [m]mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

55 “O[n] Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

 

[AlightSeeker]

I feel like I died but Paul dies daily because of his encounters with beasts, or according to my understanding anyway. Death has not been defeated yet it seems.

 

[AlightSeeker]

Philippians 3:2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Following Paul’s Example​

15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

 

[Oneofhope]

Thank you. Your words are helpful. I just dont know why my sin seems so much more terrible that others. Am I more evil and ugly to God? Why am I like this? Anyway its good. Great shame perhaps can reap great grace as well.

One thing: Do your best to keep your former sins to yourself. I know that your heart wants to share your past with others so as to cause some sort of bond or ability to relate, but I have found that virtually no one will respect you for them. Humans make judgments about who they should trust, and this is not a fault. It is good to protect ourselves from others who are not good people. But I have found that as I have disclosed elements of my past to others, it just doesn't turn out well. People have viewed me as damaged goods, so to speak. So, I would encourage you to let go of the past and begin forging a new path forward. The past no longer defines who we are, but instead, our definition comes from God and Him alone.

You are no longer controlled by your old Sinful Nature. Now that you have been purchased by Christ and belong to Him, you are now the property of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For the rest of your life you will undergo a Spiritual Change. It doesn't happen overnight . . . but instead, you will reflect the Glory of God more and more. Let go of the past and simply learn how to be a Holy, Righteous, and Pure example to others. Again, you don't need to tell anyone of the horrible things you have done; just be a good example of Christ and the Faith you have placed into Him.

 

[Oneofhope]

I'm surely wondering today if what I see is true. I woke up with this on my mind. If I'm wrong about something that I'm considering, am i also wrong about my revelation as well? That would sadden me. Like I found treasure and was overjoyed only to discover its not real.

Friend, I have been cataloging Scripture in an Excel database for many years now. My objective was to learn the entire Bible to ensure that my beliefs were accurate and according to the Lord. I could not piece together His Truth without such a spreadsheet, for the Bible I use is 1,490 pages. I had questions that needed answers, so I began working to understand His Holy Word. And I agree, that each time I found out that I was wrong about something, I would develop a cold-sweat . . . I just couldn't believe that I had been spreading false truths to others. But listen, this is just part of the process. Even the Apostle Paul was teaching Gentile believers to obey parts of the Laws of Moses. Imagine how he must have felt to discover how horrifically wrong he was. Even the disciples of Apostles were teaching the wrong things . . . all of which are recorded in the Bible.

So, don't be too hard on yourself. God knows what you're trying to do. God knows that your path is all about Him and not about you. You'll be ok. Don't become discouraged. Keep moving forward and never, never stop.

 

[AlightSeeker]

I read that and I see two pictures. I dont know if I should see it that way or not. God knows. I'm just a man hoping in him. One is Paul talking about his encounters with beasts and leaving behind his pharisee-ism and his citizenship in Israel and the world. But this scripture seems to be affirming my belief that we leave the world behind, all of it. We must fight our fight there as well I think. We can't serve two masters.

 

[Oneofhope]

Im not sure exactly what he means here.

30 And why do we stand in [e]jeopardy every hour? 31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

These passages in in 1 Cor 15 are referring to Eschatology and the physical resurrection of the dead. You may not be like me, but I don't try to figure these things out, for it is much, much more important to learn the Saving Plan of Christ so that I can share the True Saving Plan to those who have yet to receive it. Must call this the Gospel; I do not. The Gospel is the Story of God, which I am working to know desperately. The Plan of Salvation is slightly different, but both the Story of God and the Saving Plan of Christ are what is most important for me to understand. I will save the doctrine of Eschatology for others to learn, understand, and share with others.

Therefore, I encourage you to focus on this concept of "waking up" from the Adamic Curse. This is what is desperately missing from today's "church." For, we don't even understand what our problem is, which explains the Purpose, Work, and Effect of Christ's Work.

Ok, much to do today. Be Blessed!

 

[AlightSeeker]

Paul says if the dead are not raised eat drink and be merry because tomorrow we die. Do you see? We are laughing and eating and drinking and being merry when we should be mourning and turning back to God who is very merciful and kind to us. We need to heed James warning and his rebuke that is seen here.

Revelation 314 to the [i]angel of the church [j]of the Laodiceans write,

‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither [k]cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.[l] Therefore be [m]zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ”

James 4:1 Where do [a]wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and [b]war. [c]Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4 [d]Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?

6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:

“God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”

Humility Cures Worldliness​

7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Do Not Judge a Brother​

11 Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12 There is one [e]Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who[f] are you to judge [g]another?

Do Not Boast About Tomorrow​

13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow [h]we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” 16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.

17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

 

[AlightSeeker]

Like death our darkness is not destroyed yet. We neither see or hear. It's dark and quiet. We must die to this world. We are dead in it already as we walk in our sin and darkness. We must walk in the light of the Lord.

 

[AlightSeeker]

Ephesians 5:9 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

 

[AlightSeeker]

Stop sleeping. Jesus tells us to keep watch with him.

 

[AlightSeeker]

Maybe we should be ashamed that people don't have the knowledge of the Lord. Paul says not be unwise but to understand what the will of the Lord is. Maybe our joy should turn to to gloom so they we will return to the Lord. Godly sorry is good.


1 Corinthians 15:12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For he “has put everything under his feet.”[c] Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. 28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.

29 Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? 30 And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? 31 I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. 32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,

“Let us eat and drink,
for tomorrow we die.”[d]

33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”[e] 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.

 

[AlightSeeker]

And does the world not corrupt our good manners? God says to come out from among them and be separate. Why should we eat and be merry if we haven't done that? Why should we understand his will if we haven't obeyed the fundamental message of the gospel doctrine which is that we come out and be separate? God has no fellowship with any darkness. Without true holiness no one will see God. Jesus said the pure in heart see God. Paul says to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh amd spirit. We cannot receive his grace in vain as paul says here. And in this same scripture we see Godly sorrow as well. This is so rich in what I feel needs said.

2 Corinthians 6:1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says:

“In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what [d]fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what [e]communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you[f] are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.”

17 Therefore

“Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
18 “I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty.”

7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

The Corinthians’ Repentance​

2 Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn; for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. 4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.
5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the [a]consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.
8 For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. 9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 11 For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 12 Therefore, although I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of him who had done the wrong, nor for the sake of him who suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you.

 

[AlightSeeker]

Doesn't revelation say the same thing? Do we hear what the Spirit says to the churches? Do we understand what the will of the Lord is? Have we blinded ourselves by rejecting his first command that says come out and be separate? And to come out and be holy? Is Jesus not calling his people out of the world in his letter to the church of Laodicea? Can you hear his voice?

Revelation 3:14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the [k]Origin of the creation of God, says this:

15 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have no need of anything,” and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to apply to your eyes so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. 21 The one who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat with My Father on His throne. 22 The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

Revelation 18;4 I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive any of her plagues; 5 for her sins have [f]piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her offenses. 6 Pay her back even as she has paid, and [g]give back to her double according to her deeds; in the cup which she has mixed, mix twice as much for her. 7 To the extent that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, to the same extent give her torment and mourning; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as a queen and I am not a widow, and will never see mourning.’ 8 For this reason in one day her plagues will come, [h]plague and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for the Lord God who judges her is strong.

​

 

[AlightSeeker]

In my humble opinion I believe God's plages are spiritual blindness.

 

[AlightSeeker]

These passages in in 1 Cor 15 are referring to Eschatology and the physical resurrection of the dead. You may not be like me, but I don't try to figure these things out, for it is much, much more important to learn the Saving Plan of Christ so that I can share the True Saving Plan to those who have yet to receive it. Must call this the Gospel; I do not. The Gospel is the Story of God, which I am working to know desperately. The Plan of Salvation is slightly different, but both the Story of God and the Saving Plan of Christ are what is most important for me to understand. I will save the doctrine of Eschatology for others to learn, understand, and share with others.

Therefore, I encourage you to focus on this concept of "waking up" from the Adamic Curse. This is what is desperately missing from today's "church." For, we don't even understand what our problem is, which explains the Purpose, Work, and Effect of Christ's Work.

Ok, much to do today. Be Blessed!

I understand what you mean. I'm not trying to understand it all, although I do try that too. But that's not what I'm doing here. I'm trying to shine this light i see.

 

[AlightSeeker]

Yes I believe I have the wisdom of the mature. But like Paul I dont consider myself as obtained anything. I press forward. I know this philippians scripture sounds like it means something different than what I'm suggesting and it does I think, but it also means what I'm saying, I believe so anyway. Context is important but we can see his truth everywhere if we look deep enough. In my opinion. And my emphasis is always following the Lord and his apostles as paul says here too.


1 Corinthians 2:6 Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; 7 but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; 8 the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;

Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Following Paul’s Example​

15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.

 

[AlightSeeker]

I woke up with sadness in my heart. I sought the Lord. I said to the Lord please don't take away my treasure. I waited on the Lord. In his word I put my hope. Praise the Lord he continues to feed me good things. The Lord is my portion says my soul therefore I wait on him.


130: Out of the depths I have cried to You, Lord.
2 Lord, hear my voice!
Let Your ears be attentive
To the sound of my pleadings.
3 If You, [a]Lord, were to keep account of guilty deeds,
Lord, who could stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with You,
So that You may be [b]revered.
5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
And I [c]wait for His word.
6 My soul waits in hope for the Lord
More than the watchmen for the morning;
Yes, more than the watchmen for the morning.
7 Israel, wait for the Lord;
For with the Lord there is mercy,
And with Him is abundant redemption.
8 And He will redeem Israel
From all his guilty deeds.