₦airaland Forum

Vintax:
Brethren i want to know what you think about this,God once told me what he want to use me to do in ministry on earth but reminded me that if i mess up he has a back up,i have now backsliden and no more in touch with him,i want to return to him but i fear he may has gone to use his back up,please what should i do now:continue in sin that separates me from him or return to JESUS?

We might need to go into a lengthy discussion on freewill and preordination to answer your question but to just summarize: your ultimate divine destiny is different from a timely assignment God gave you. A timely assignment may be missed if a set time lapses. Only God Himself (no man or your most convincing thoughts, else demons manipulate you in thoughts) should tell you that you've missed it though. Seek Him and tell Him you're willing to do it now and persevere UNTIL He speaks clearly to you. Delay and silence is not God speaking(saying No), take note. If God wants to tell you No, He will SAY(speak clearly) No. However, whatever the outcome of that, you can never lose your ultimate divine destiny if you are still WILLING to fulfill it because God is merciful and His mercy to you is that you're still alive so you can fulfill your divine destiny. God always has a planB through which He can bring you into this if you miss plan A. Note: It doesn't matter how bad you messed up, as long as you're now repentant, take courage.

TrollKiller:
How can I defeat this Please. Its very strong on me.

OP please read through the following excerpts of my posts on issues related this. It may not suffice but just read through and you could ask me to clarify where necessary. Bless you.

On how to be holy in general

Good question. Simple. The only economy God has provided to deal with all human character/ nature problems is that of GRACE. It was grace that brought us into our damnation-free status and access to the nature of God at conversion. We recieved this status by grace alone and will be perfected by grace. The thing is while we received grace without any input of ours at conversion, to enjoy the other privileges of grace all the way to the ultimate, we would need to learn how to walk in, have constantly (Heb 12:28)and grow in grace(2Pet 3:18). Grace is maintained and increased by prayer(Heb 4:16), fasting(2Cor11:27, Acts9:9), revelation knowledge(2Pet 1:2-3) and acts of pure/true love(Gal6:9, Heb 6:9-12). All these are like seeds of grace that with CONSISTENCY produce fruit (multiplier effect) of grace. Without these, a believer will be stuck on the first level of grace he received, and this will eventually be frustrated by the flesh making him live in continuous struggles in his spiritual life ranging from habitual sins to demonic/witchcraft oppression, to lovelessness for God and love for the world e.t.c. While these may not lead him to loss of heaven (only the sin of apostasy can), they may lead to spiritual failure and worse still may lead to the sin of apostasy. So, its up to him to sow as many seeds of grace as will reap sufficient increase to overcome the opposition to his spiritual liberty. A popular mistake people make is to consider these seeds of grace to be human works that cannot get us anything from God but they are not because we do not present them as a bailout but as an investment which when reached their full measure will draw out more grace from the grace-bank of God. (Gal 6:7-9)
N.B. These seeds of grace themselves will not grant you victory over the flesh but if perseveringly kept at, of course not with machine perfection, they will eventually release greater yield of GRACE which then gives effortless, struggle-free victory over the flesh. There is how you come into holiness from

On dealing with sexual urges

Thanks to MuttleyLaff for helping you expatiate, so you can be better helped. You see from diagnosis that this is the usual urges that accompanies youth stage, else it should happen with your relatives and should not depend on ladies' looks. Do not think urges begin for all at the same age, let's say yours just began. For some, it won't begin until their twenties, for real. Well, you should still use my advice. Then for the prayer part, you need to be really intentional and PERSEVERING to receive personal directives from God. In other words, tell God exactly how it is with you (trust me He's not embarrassed by it, but only wants to help) and persevere UNTIL he gives you directives. While fasting will be helping to subdue the body's appetites as you grow in it. Don't ever condemn yourself, for your urges too, it will do you no good, and though your mind and demons, convince you, God never condemns you for the urges, but you will have to answer to Him if, now you know what to do about them, you don't do so. Its fallen flesh we all have that's responsible for those urges not you. Its just another battle in life to win and you can with the direction above.

WinningEleven, let me ask, apart from this strange symptoms, do you feel the regular urges(arousal) that men get in their late teens?
Well if you do, you need to not only pray but to fast and pray. Fasting is the age old medicine for quenching the body's urges and appetites. Not once or twice but regular fasting, as a part of your life, at least throughout your youth. Not warming up fasting either but raw fasting- 3 days(only water). You may not successfully pull this off in your first attempt, or second or fifth..., but the point is if you're serious about bridling the body's appetites, you will have to keep pushing till you pull it off. If you don't win your body in the fast, don't expect to do so in the playground full of ladies. So just keep pushing it, at some point, it will become natural to your body to fast and be subjected generally.

WinningEleven:
You think I haven't tried it at all?
I haven't felt anything since yesterday and today too

How's it been with you? I also saw you removed the other post?

enshy:
I love your position and your approach.
Joseph Prince indeed is a Great Teacher of Grace but doesnt emphasize the need to bear the Fruits of a godly life.
Above all, we pray for one another that we won't lose sight of Heaven and miss eternal rewards. Amen!
God bless you bro.

Bless you too, bro

Andrew! One of those ministers that really pushed me forward in the early days. I've always said no one should really claim to UNDERSTAND the gospel of grace and of God until they amongst other things, exercise authority over the demonic, not just by fluke(once in a blue moon) but often as possible, like a master of an art. By Paul's standards for ministry ...not offending in anything but in ALL, approving ourselves as ministers of God...by the word of truth, by the power of God....2Cor 6:3-7. Only those with this portfolio should be trusted. These are the men that properly balance the message of grace and responsibility toward God. More grace to you Sir.

MuttleyLaff:
Make I no fumble, let me siddon here...

cc: FinallyDead, Daejoyoung, especially sister Bodydialect57 lol

Thanks for the invitation ML. MuttleyLaff already dealt with this from a very well informed position, leaving me with nothing to do, but to appeal to watchful believers who care, not to be too naive about anything that has too much and even confirmed suspicion around it. Going by Rom14:21, 23, It is actually scriptural to dump the celebration of Christmas because (i)you cannot have faith in something clearly proven by historical facts to be attached to Satan worship and (ii)it also offends the informed brethren. You only have liberty to uphold what is not necessarily refuted nor confirmed, if your faith permits it e.g. innocent Jewish feasts(which is actually what Paul referred to, not Satanic feasts, take note). Of course, you can always unwind and have leisure with the holidays, even pray and worship God with the time afforded, but never attaching it to the worship of God or the "honor" of His coming, lest we unsuspectingly, desecrate His Holy Name, attaching it to worship of Fallen Angels. We should also apply this to Easter btw. If anyone disagrees with this, I only say the Lord will make reveal to us in due time.

jiggaz:
Thank you Lord Jesus!!

Just to be vey clear, once again. Let me apologize for any bitter feelings created as a result of our intercourse, I only wish the best for your soul, that it prospers. I hope we meet in heaven rejoicing in the love of the Father and the grace of our Lord, testifying with our rewards in His presence. Bless you.

jiggaz:
I think it's time to address you once and for all.... Stop mentioning me in all your posts...

You said you don't believe in the gospel of grace, no problem...

I never said I don't believe the gospel of grace. I totally do. It is by grace I live, pleasing God everyday, not by arm of flesh or imaginary believing, but tangible realistic grace. I believe grace as revealed in scripture. Not the way you present it, recalibrating God's standards.

You also said that all Joseph Prince's teachings and all i have been posting here are false, no problem with that.

You see its the same distorted lens you read scripture with that you read what I said. Never said all his teachings are false, I clearly said some falsehood plus some light which still makes it dangerous, though.

Some of your kind have called me heretic, Antichrist,demon and every filthy name you can imagine, all well and good...

I wonder what you had between you and those guys that led to all that but it has nothing to do with me. You only know my kind, if you know me btw but you really don't need to. I prefer you know the Spirit and experience him instead.

But please and please, anytime you see any of my posts,don't bother to reply since you don't agree with me.

I'm actually not replying you to get you to agree, I hope you do though, but you've got your choice. My bigger picture is the innocent lambs who might drink any poison there is in your posts without an opportunity to know of it.

I have ignored you for long thinking you will get the message that i don't want to engage you.

It really isn't going to change my actions if you ignore me or not. Whenever I feel like, I will reply your post for the lambs' sake. If I don't feel like, I won't. Its a public forum. Apart from you, others are endangered by falsehood.

I don't like arguments cos i don't even have the time to start arguing.

I would never even oblige you for an argument if you begged for one cos arguments are only a waste of my precious time. I only discuss with the open minded, meek and objective people who don't think they know it all and who like to help others understand their views in brotherly love, which I doubt you have from your embittered rant, and that would be for very little time too. You could read all my posts on nairaland and verify this, if you wish.

There are so many threads here on Nairaland that you will agree with or you can create your own threads. It's a free forum.

That's the point you don't get. I won't bother posting on the threads of those who post truth cos I'm for truth. I don't have time for such double work. I only come in when I see danger or open discussions and I have the time.

Stop trying to force your opinion on me cos i don't need it.

I never held a knife to your throat or demanded you accept truth. I have only wished so of course with words of prayer. I will never "force" truth on anyone. Only the Spirit opens men's hearts. However, you're only one soul out of millions here that I can save from your bits of falsehood. If you reject truth, others may accept if they see it.

These articles i post here,i started it in 2015, and no matter of opposition can stop me.

That's too bad, but it's your free choice anyway, do as you wish.

Stop mentioning me in all my posts.

Okay. I accept. Now I know your type, I won't have to. But will reply when I have time and feel like.

There are so many threads here that I don't agree with but i don't jump on those threads trying to force my opinion on the OPs... I simply ignore.

That's why you're you and I'm me. Different perspectives and principles. Don't "force" yours on me.

....Have a nice day.

Good words released with acrimony really only murder in the realm of light. But I'm having the best of days breathing in the heavenly atmosphere that my Lord's grace has afforded me, living stresslessly free of the struggles of the flesh by the unleashing of His grace in me. I wish you would come to know the experience of grace and its dynamics rather than just the theory so you will have such days.
Grace to you.

jiggaz:
Thank you Lord Jesus!!

I don't know if this is your personal testimony jiggaz or someone's. If it's yours, all glory to the loving, gracious Father who set you free. I see from your testimony that soaking in the word(light) of God liberated you. That's what it does for all. But you need to understand that even Joseph Prince preaches only a limited light of the gospel, rather than an absolute and not everything he teaches is accurate, there is a mixture of some light and some falsehood in his teaching. I say, if the limited light he brought you has given you this much good, don't you think if you got the absolute and received greater light, and be purged from any falsehood, you may have even greater testimonies. This is only a little of what God has in store for you, there's so much more, beyond your imagination, the Holy Spirit can grant you if you're willing. Pray to God to help you to hold on to the little light in Prince's messages and to filter the falsehood in it, so it won't hinder you from getting all the fulness of God's spiritual riches on this earth. Grace to you.

To correctly understand what overcoming is, we need to take a look at the context of the book of Revelations established in Rev 2-3. The Lord Jesus directly addresses the 7 churches(all are truly believers, fully paid for by Jesus' blood, take note) and tells each He evaluates their works(deeds), not just proclaimed "faith" e.g.(Rev2:2,9,13..). This teaches us that as believers, we are judged and rewarded inheritance by the Lord according to our works, not our mere believing.
He goes on to set a clear standard for all churches according to where they were lacking in works, asking that they REPENT, wherever they fell short e.g.(Rev2:5,16,22...) and tells each that if they repent/overcome the shortcomings in their lives, they would be rewarded an inheritance e.g. (Rev2:7,17,26). In other words if we can meet up to God's standard(in works), after our faith in the Lord Jesus, an inheritance awaits us. Otherwise, none for us. God being the loving God he is in Rev21:6-7, goes on to tell us the secret to overcoming, we must thirst for the water of life and drink of it through which we will be empowered to meet up to all God's set standards, hence inheriting all He has for us. Which water of life, we can only thirst for, if we turn to Him with all our heart and soul, forsaking all else, in true faith(..hearten diligently...(Is 55:1-2). Whenever we do thirst, we will be given freely from the fountain of life.
Cc: unstoppable51

unstoppable51:
Context sir. Look how I used the statement. Don't stretch it beyond that.
Do have yourself a beautiful Sunday sir!

The only reason I brought you into this is cos, for some reason, you're actually my followee. Can't remember why, but maybe I thought you were a scriptural poster cos of one of your previous posts, or something. But whatever it was, I would learn today.
The point sir is, in this context, you actually give him a helping hand of encouragement even though what he posted has been outrightly refuted by the scripture(as my quoted post, you avoided, clearly showed) without correcting him, which says you also share in the guilt of encouraging the spread of falsehood, which will affect many souls, except of course, my post was unscriptural. You have every right to do so, of course, I'm not saying you can't do what you wish but I'm only bringing it to your notice. Do have a nice Sunday with this understanding too, sir!

unstoppable51:
Thanks a lot beloved. The Lord reward your efforts in making His Gospel known all over the world. It's not easy doing what you do for the spread of the Gospel on this platform and several other places. And to think that you have been consistent at it for years now not minding what anyone thinks or says is amazing.
The good Lord greatly reward all your efforts sir. Like a sweet smelling fragrance, the knowledge of the sacrifice of Jesus and it's eternal implications for humanity shall spread all over the world, with nothing stopping it!
Keep up the good work bro!
BTW, have you read this https://www.feedmejesus.com/2019/11/the-new-covenant-in-christ-gods-promise-fulfilled.html
I'm sure you will find it edifying too!

Is it really good to not care what anyone thinks even if its scriptural, sir. Wouldn't that be pride and insubordination to the Lord?

This piece would have been a bit convincing if we had no scriptures to ourselves like in the theocratic catholic era and for simple logic that betrays it.
Unfortunately/fortunately we have a single scripture that outrightly refutes the subtle deceit here. Paul, the renowned forefront preacher of GRACE says in 1Cor5:1-5
that in order for the believer living in "sins" TO BE SAVED in the Lord's day, he would have to be sentenced to terminal affliction that subjects his flesh to satanic torment here on earth. Well why would loving grace do this, you may ask? Simple. Because if he is left to die in his "sins", he will not be saved in the Lord's day. Well how does this satanic torment help? Simple again. In a condition where your body is seriously afflicted, you are forcefully prevented from continuing in sins and the time gained is used to set your heart,soul, and mind in a right(repented) condition to enter eternity safely.
Again the preacher makes God such a weakling whose sacrifice of His very sacred blood can only take away sin nature ideologically but cannot give man freedom from sinful acts, realistically. What an un-Omnipotent God that preacher serves. But Jesus says" I, the Truth will set you free"...(Jn8:32)
And James says believing,all by itself, only puts one on the same level with demons (Jam2:17) but true faith is shown by the works you do (Jam2:18,19) and Paul says faith is evidence(something tangible and perceivable) of the unseen(Heb11:1).

*Modified
Insight to jiggaz post.

Everything Jesus said was good and wonderful, but not everything He said was meant for you.

EVERYTHING, every single thing Jesus taught is part of the Spirit's syllabus for us today, so 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring ALL to your remembrance, WHATSOEVER I have said unto you.(Jn 14:26), 20 Teaching them to observe ALL things WHATSOEVER I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Mt28:20) and from Paul 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome(entire) words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;4 He is proud, knowing nothing,(1Tim6:3-4), also 20 And (ye) are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (Eph2:20)

Read the red letters of your Bible and you will find both stories of unprecedented grace and merciless declarations of law.

John 1:14,16
[14]And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
[16]And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace...
The Lord was not part grace/part law. He was all grace- full of grace, grace personified. Every single word, act was grace. If we dont that, our understanding of grace is flawed somewhere.

Mix these messages and you will end up confused and double-minded. The solution is not to balance law and grace – you can’t –

Mr. Ellis, maybe YOU can't and all who are unlearned in the Spiritual(this can include scripture quoters) can't. But the learned can balance the law (prophets) with grace (apostles) perfectly without confusion(Eph 2:20). Our Lord didn't mix things, mixture is against His nature. Mixture is only from our distorted lens. Everything about His life and words were a perfect one and a perfect balance. As we are purified, we see more clearly the truth of this oneness.

Jesus lived at the crossroads of two covenants.

Isn't it therefore logical that ALL he ever taught would be for men in the new dispensation since He wouldn't be around then and they already had the law for the old dispensation. What will be the gain of teaching the covenant they already had which he was terminating. Jesus taught men only about the kingdom of heaven through grace. In fact, this was the priests' very contention with Him. He literally taught the people to walk in grace to fulfill the law rather than to continue in the traditional laws. Example ....2 And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?(Lk6:1-2) . 23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.(Mt4:23). Ellis, ALL that Jesus taught was about the Kingdom of heaven for us in this new dispensation, not for those in the old.(Heb2:3, Mat28:20)

Before He could save the world from sin, He had to preach the law that made sin utterly sinful...So Jesus became the greatest law preacher of all time.

17 Think not that I (Jesus) am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.18 For verily I say unto you, TILL heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till ALL be fulfilled.19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Mt 5:17-19)No.The Lord didn't teach the law because the preaching of the law would make no one perfect and had already been preached by Moses and the prophets. He only made clear that the law must be fulfilled up to the last minute of heaven's and earths existence and died to become the means of fulfilling. He now dwells in us so we can fulfill it through Him. But He spent every second preaching the standard of perfection(Mt5:48) through grace i.e. the kingdom of heaven only.

You want to know what God expects? Just read the Sermon on the Mount. In it Jesus says that God demands perfection and nothing less.

The sermon on the mount(Mt 5-7) is the foundational teaching for the new dispensation not the old on how we are to build on the rock. It shows us the key to enter into perfection. 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock...26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:(Mt 7:24-27)

Preaching the red letters of Jesus is a bit like drinking whatever you find in the laundry. If you’re not paying attention – if you fail to distinguish His life-giving words of grace from His death-dealing words of law – then you could really do some damage.

Wow!! The "death-dealing" words of Jesus Himself can do some damage. What blasphemy! 63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh profits nothing: the WORDS that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are LIFE.(Jn6:63). All His words are life and not one is mixed with death.

If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Mat 6:14-15) This is one of the most-quoted passages in the Bible and it is vintage law. It is a killer scripture. It is not good news. This verse should make us shudder for it says that our forgiveness hinges on our ability to forgive others and we are poor forgivers indeed.

No. It is part of the sermon on the mount I already addressed above. It is the law of grace. It is good news. It tells us that we can be as righteous as God Himself. We can now forgive like God forgives rather than human resentment.

And what do we say to those who have been raped and abused? What do you say to a young child who has been molested? “Sweetie, you need to forgive that evil man otherwise God won’t forgive you.” That’s not grace. That’s the condemning ministry of the law in full bloom. How do you forgive the unforgiveable? You can’t! Then you’re in trouble.

We tell them the good news that they can now receive grace to be as righteous as God Himself, forgiving the unworthy as we've been forgiven. @the bolded, how can we say we preach grace and then say this? No. It is grace indeed to forgive. And yes, you can if you really receive the grace.

Any time you read a conditional statement from Jesus, you should interpret it as law. “Do not judge and you will not be judged” (Lk 6:37). That’s good advice but it’s also law. To avoid something (judgment) you have to do something (don’t judge). It’s a blessing you have to pay for. And anytime Jesus makes a threat, you should interpret that as law as well. “Anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment” (Mt 5:22). That’s bad news for anyone with a brother!

These are our self-made rules for reading His words, and they're wrong. These are all part of the sermon on the mount for us today.

Bro you really have no problem here.
1. First things first, being called by God doesn't translate to being a pastor automatically. It is simply God using you how He wants, you could be any of the fivefold gifts or anything else God tells you.

2. Second, if God calls you to be a pastor, he doesn't intend for you to be like the wrong models of pastors, we have today, who simply focus on siphoning money from people, which maybe is why you don't want it. But its actually a call to be like pastor "Jesus".

3. Third, whatever God calls you to do on earth, is where the greatest life lived is available to you. Any other course you take will only fall far short of God's calling not only on earth but also in eternity, when you are rewarded.

4. Fourth, your problem should not be how to start being a pastor but how to start relating with God accurately. If you will ever be a Godly, God-pleasing pastor, it will be because you have a very good/strong relationship with God. So, start by personally seeking God to JUST know Him and becoming his close friend before worrying about being a pastor.

5. Fifth, if you do (4) well, God will direct you on how to begin, progress and finish your ministry when He asks you to answer His call. You don't need to ask any man or else you risk being misled. Just learn how to hear Him for yourself (beginning with your dreams and further leadings).

6. Sixth, follow God's timing. Don't rush into anything unprepared. Wait for God's clear signal before you make a move. From all dreams you've provided here, it is only the fact that you have a call that's verifiable. But when to start, and how, still hasn't come to you. Seek God for that to come before setting out.

7. Seventh, it is God you serve, not any man. No man should launch you out if God hasn't. And no man should give you instructions except God. Men(including your favorite pastors) can mislead you and tell you it is of God and even misinterpret scriptures while at it to convince you.(1Kings 13:11-30). God alone will judge you and no man can help you in judgment so be wise.

8. Eighth, beware of men who want to school you in scriptures and get you to join their camp. Men can help you but men can as well shortchange you. So be VERY CAREFUL with men. Only learn under those God leads you to and even that, with carefulness to chew the meat and spit out the bones.

Daejoyoung:
The cross of jesus is not primarily about removing your sins, it is to inspire you to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow him.
This was the teaching of jesus himself about the cross and about following him.
We dwell too much on the epistles of paul, rather than reading the gospels first.
lt is true that with jesus giving himself up as a ransom to the Romans, for the safety of his followers( so they can preach the gospel) the kingdom of God was established and a new kind of lsrael was formed based on the death and resurrection of jesus, but this is only a part of the gospel which should inspire us and give us a foundation, this is not the entire gospel itself in my understanding.
The gospel that saves you from sin are mainly found in the teachings of jesus in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

You are not far from the kingdom, bro. Again, its not epistles of Paul that's the problem, paul does enough to make bearing of our cross clear, its just their blindness within them that makes them never see it but only idolize actionless "believing"

Hismasterpiece:
Jesus was God's sacrificial lamb which took away the sins of the world.

During the days of the old covenant, if someone sinned they were to sacrifice an animal, usually a lamb, goat or bull, and this sacrifice would cover their sin and secure God's forgiveness for a while, but when they sinned again, they would have to appease God's wrath by carrying out another sacrifice. Read Hebrews 9-11.

So, when Jesus hung on the cross as God's own sacrificial lamb for the sins of the entire world, He took upon God's judgment for sin and made salvation available to the whole world. His sacrifice doesn't just cover sins like the former covenant, but it takes sins away... All records of it for all who receive it.

Salvation entails righteousness, justification, forgiveness, health, peace with God, etc.

Jesus said, and all over the new testament it is reiterated that the only way to receive anything from God is by believing. He said that if anyone believes in Him, he is not condemned. John 3.

So, to answer your question, the death of Jesus doesn't make you righteous, but believing in the Gospel of Jesus (that He is the son of God, was crucified for your sins, and was resurrected to newline) is what makes you righteous in God's eyes. Romans 3. Romans 10.

The only righteousness that counts to God is His own Righteousness, the Righteousness of faith, that is, His Righteousness which is imputed to all who believe in Him. Romans 10.

Righteousness is simply being made right with God or being at peace with Him.

Satisfied?

No. Not even near satisfied because anyone can claim to "believe" but who really does? There is a scriptural standard for believing(Jam2:17-19, Heb 11:1, 1Jn3:8-10).

This piece would have been a bit convincing if we had no scriptures to ourselves like in the theocratic catholic era and for simple logic that betrays it.
Unfortunately/fortunately we have a single scripture that outrightly refutes the subtle deceit here. Paul, the renowned forefront preacher of GRACE says in 1Cor5:1-5
that in order for the believer living in "sins" TO BE SAVED in the Lord's day, he would have to be sentenced to terminal affliction that subjects his flesh to satanic torment here on earth. Well why would loving grace do this, you may ask? Simple. Because if he is left to die in his "sins", he will not be saved in the Lord's day. Well how does this satanic torment help? Simple again. In a condition where your body is seriously afflicted, you are forcefully prevented from continuing in sins and the time gained is used to set your heart,soul, and mind in a right(repented) condition to enter eternity safely.
Again the preacher makes God such a weakling whose sacrifice of His very sacred blood can only take away sin nature ideologically but cannot give man freedom from sinful acts, realistically. What an un-Omnipotent God that preacher serves. But Jesus says" I, the Truth will set you free"...(Jn8:32)
And James says believing,all by itself, only puts one on the same level with demons (Jam2:17) but true faith is shown by the works you do (Jam2:18,19) and Paul says faith is evidence(something tangible and perceivable) of the unseen(Heb11:1).

Omittesb:
An eager to become His son again, even now my mind is telling me that am not serious but within my heart I want to really serve God..
Can you believe that most times I take decisions to abstain from immoral sins that led me astray but will still go back to it after few days.. I truly want my life to be whole again and filled with God's spirit.

Hi. I saw it. Did you see mine?

MuttleyLaff:
Do you see how you've shot yourself in the foot here Janosky, lol

"For in Christ lives all the fullness of God (i.e. Godhead) in a human body."
- Colossians 2:9
...God, the Father and the Word, who is what happened to become Jesus Christ, are both uncreated...
cc: Finallydead

In honor to your invitation, I will do something I don't do. As a rule, I generally don't try to satisfy atheists'/agnostics' inquiries, hence staying off threads like this. This, of course, is not because there is any of their inquiries which cannot be answered by very simple logic, but because if anyone at all was able to do so, it will still prove pointless, hence a loss of time and resources, until the knowledge of God is spiritually(rather than intellectually), revealed to them by His grace. Take Paul, the intellectual, for instance. But if you, sir, will gain anything in this, I may.
The divinity of the Lord Jesus is a major benchmark in separating between the believer(life) from the unbeliever(death).(1Jn 4:1-3, 5:5-12, 1Tim3:16). There is no room for arguments around it but a simple declaration of one's side of the divide. The witness God has left about it is actually not just in a book(bible, which will not suffice) but in His very flesh and blood given for humanity.(Jn6:51-54, Lk 22:19-20). Indeed, the taste of this "pudding" is totally in the eating. If anyone wants to verify the divinity of Christ, he should eat of His flesh and blood. If it reveals the unique divine righteousness in one, then He is God, otherwise, He is not. The one who does will know in himself. He who doesn't like it, after eating, may freely discard it and return to his previous state of condemnation(Heb 10:29). Case closed.
But consider this, when men sow their seed in women, a baby is born, all things being equal. Yet, this baby, though just being seen and perceived had always existed as seed form inside the man. So, with God and Mary, the mother of Jesus.
#Modifiied#
Cc: MuttleyLaff

MuttleyLaff:
What are you talking off here about "angels were not naked" and without making much of any sense at all with it, hmmm?
Who did you read or see talking about naked angels, erhn?

Ah, I think....
cc Finallydead, shadeyinka

In honor to your invitation, I will do something I don't do(if at all my impression of jcross19 is correct). As a rule, I generally don't try to satisfy atheists/agnostics inquiries. This, of course is not because there is any of their inquiries which cannot be answered by very simple logic, but because if anyone at all was able to do so, it will still prove pointless, hence a loss of time and resources, until the knowledge of God is spiritually(rather than intellectually), revealed to them by His grace. Take Paul, the intellectual for instance.
I initially quoted jcross19 because he claimed to believe in God only not satisfied with some answers and hoped mine which was directed at you would also satisfy him. However, he seems to present himself here not as a humble seeker of truth but as an outspoken challenger of God, tending to agnostic, if not atheistic.(I do hope I'm wrong though). But if there is anything for you to gain in this, let us dive straight into his "bone of contention".
Why God made Adam not "perfect" is a common question simply a proof of robbery and pride which is in the heart of man. It is same as asking why He didn't make Adam God, acknowledging God as "perfect"(while at the same time, contradicting, by saying He did something imperfect). It is as good as what is today called identity theft. For the Lord, it was no robbery to be God, being God already, but would be for any other creature.(Php 2:6). Should God have made Adam God by right? Even if he should destroy Adam and remake him, he must still be Adam. He simply made Adam and did not give Adam His unique(God) identity so Adam would be Adam, not God. So he gives Adam an open playing field to be himself. If Adam doesn't like being himself, on discovery of attendant imperfections, then he MUST humbly acknowledge to God that he isn't worthy to exist in his self identity but BEG for God's identity to be graciously granted Him(this transaction can be effected on the terms of Adam giving up(trading) his self identity), otherwise may keep his self identity with all its attendant issues. This cannot be automatically done by God but will only be graciously done whenever Adam humbly chooses. So God drove Adam out of the garden so he and his sons will learn from the consequences of their self identity(responsible for their actions) if they want to keep it.
I know I have raised more questions with my answers and I will with further answers but I do not seek to answer all questions(for the Spirit has that place), so I will probably now try to stay off this thread as I believe all my presentations here are enough for the honest seeker to answer his inquiries or at least begin to pursue his answers, in seeking the Spirit.

Omittesb:
An eager to become His son again, even now my mind is telling me that am not serious but within my heart I want to really serve God..
Can you believe that most times I take decisions to abstain from immoral sins that led me astray but will still go back to it after few days.. I truly want my life to be whole again and filled with God's spirit.

I don't doubt your willingness but only wish to confirm it in your words. This is because only the truly determined can pay the price. PM me if you wish and we would begin conversation offline.

WinningEleven:
I have actually tried it yesterday and it worked on me

Believe me, its only just begun. You will understand what I'm telling you with time. Meanwhile take as a scripture for the discipline(2Cor11:27). Please don't forget to remove my name for a reference and I'd still advise you try to make the thread an inquiry instead. Thanks.

WinningEleven:
I'll try this sir. Definitely

WinningEleven, you've acted in overzealousness in spiritual knowledge backed by teenage inexperience/immaturity. Sorry if that sounds too hard on you. But as a spiritual rule, learn never to spread knowledge you're yet to test yourself. It leads to abuse and misconstruing by others, causing more harm than good. You cannot fast away your body's urges in 3 days btw, but as a consistent discipline, it EVENTUALLY brings your urges to barest minimum, making it easy for your control. You should at least have done this for over five years as regularly as possible before you feel the benefits and before you ever talk about it in public space. Fasting is a sensitive topic and is not easy for anyone, especially in today's environment, but only becomes natural by practice, so only those really serious about their devotion to the Lord should be taught. The prayer part however is equally important, as it is the means of securing grace to rise in spiritual strength. Please kindly take my name out of your thread immediately, first of all, as a reference or authority on the subject. I don't want all kinds of people quoting me to argue about fasting(feel free of course, to invite me on any other subject). It's still okay to leave openureyes there since he's already done a thread on this subject. Secondly, in response to this, I suggest you modify that thread to a subject of inquiry(like what is the essence of fasting for a believer or so), rather than a declaration of fact(since you're yet to try it yourself), so others can give their opinions without arguments. I would also love to hear of your development as you grow in this newfound discipline.

MuttleyLaff:
Image123 ooo. Pardon me for shouting out your name as if I put money down for plate during your naming ceremony. I am sorry, as the thing dey kami lara, nahin make me hala.

OK Image123 here's the deal, I've been thinking deeply about this thread, topic heading, content and especially Deuteronomy 22:5, I think that is your what you use as proof for your theological belief that women shouldnt wear men's trousers lol,....
cc Finallydead

Thanks for the invitation, MuttleyLaff. Won't bother with the video, but if OP's right about Pst. Chris's stance, then for obvious reasons I don't see as valid, his(Chris's) presentation of defence. A wonderful insight you bring to light too, cause its really not about simple men/women's clothing but as you said, the decking of a warrior. However, it really wouldn't even matter which it was, because the truth is all we read in the stautes of moses were to be observed word for word only by the sons of Israel under judaism. For those under Christ, its all symbolisms and hidden codes that must be interpreted/decoded in their spiritual essence, except in cases where it transcends to the natural, today. Otherwise, the believer should also worry about how to catch a mother bird or its eggs as in the verse that followed (Deut. 22:6-7). Lol. It's really sad that the Christian circle is largely still unlearned in (baby food)issues like this and only shows a famine of the word of God, in spite of countless Daddy GOs.
As to how a lady should dress, the directive in NT focuses on issues of modesty and priority.(Rom 14:21, 1Pet3:3-4). Modesty is simply implied in Paul's directive not to be a snare to a brother. Many will like to put this in a subjective context, but it's really not because males are essentially the same and attracted to certain parts of the female's body. So a woman should never expose any of her assets at all, which rules out anything too tight or short. While priority is in that the woman should not idolize/cling to/get caught up in decoration of the outward(though free to wear outward ornaments that are not spiritually defiled, if so, without obsession) but in the inward(beauty of holiness) as in Peter's. There are still other considerations, of course, but we could leave it at this, I think.

WinningEleven:
1. Yes I have them all
2. No
3. An intense desire stirring in me
4. I won't call them ill or evil but from my small knowledge its not supported by the Bible. But yes, some of them are evil but I shot them out quickly. This is part of my worry
5. 4-3 days ago
6. I honestly don't understand this question
7. Honestly it matters.

The reason why I am worried is because this has never happened like this before. Before you yarn puberty, I am in my late teens so I have mostly gone past puberty.

Thanks to MuttleyLaff for helping you expatiate, so you can be better helped. You see from diagnosis that this is the usual urges that accompanies youth stage, else it should happen with your relatives and should not depend on ladies' looks. Do not think urges begin for all at the same age, let's say yours just began. For some, it won't begin until their twenties, for real. Well, you should still use my advice. Then for the prayer part, you need to be really intentional and PERSEVERING to receive personal directives from God. In other words, tell God exactly how it is with you (trust me He's not embarrassed by it, but only wants to help) and persevere UNTIL he gives you directives. While fasting will be helping to subdue the body's appetites as you grow in it. Don't ever condemn yourself, for your urges too, it will do you no good, and though your mind and demons, convince you, God never condemns you for the urges, but you will have to answer to Him if, now you know what to do about them, you don't do so. Its fallen flesh we all have that's responsible for those urges not you. Its just another battle in life to win and you can with the direction above.

MuttleyLaff:
"... I've learnt to give answers rather than raise questions,"
- Religion / Re: Bible Scholars Should Help Me Out With This Teachings. PLEASE. by Finallydead: 3:03pm On Dec 17

Tbh, you're not helping him and matters when you do things that way. Whats the rush, why the quick fix? I think, I know why, it's because you dont according to the above quote, like asking questions, is why, lol, but meanwhile, the art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge, that's Thomas Berger for you, by the way, lol.

Naah! You misunderstood my statement. I meant I prefer to give answers that wouldn't raise too many other questions with them, especially on a public forum where every Tom, Dick and Harry would quote and question your propositions, so I actually limit my points to what can be chewed by most, just to save myself time. I agree with you on Thomas Berger. Believe it or not, I'm usually accused of asking questions a lot, where others assume and don't believe in presumption. Take this to be an exception, in the worst case, and that with a caveat, if you saw how I presented it. Was still up to him to answer my question. I believe more in principles and can tweak methods around a principle sometimes. The way it works is I expect more specific questions or clarifications from the inquirer, from wherever I leave off. I can save time that way and focus on specific needs. I think you understand that.
I await your reply to the other thread

MuttleyLaff:
You will definitely try what, hmm? Medication before and/or without diagnosis, erhn? Finallydead, should know better that prescription before proper and correct diagnosis is malpractice, lol.

Your right on this one. But observe my initial post, I offered this only if his problem was as I suggested. Its up to him then, to say if it is or not and to follow through based on that. I love to save time, so I do such at times. Lol. It probably is, if he took it. By the way, did you see my reply to you on the image of God by stupiditi

Dear Omittesb
Your challenge now should not be going to church. As you have already Indicated, that of today, generally, has been compromised. What you need is a real encounter with God to reignite your love for Him, for that has grown cold. It is only by grace you can serve God acceptably, not the empty grace that some presume knowledge of in their convincing, flamboyant words, that cannot overcome sin and the flesh, but the grace found in the presence of God which gives liberty from all bondage to sin and the flesh, no matter which it is(Heb 4:16). Be wary also, of those who would advise you to join their camp or denomination to get the help you need, as there are all kinds today, most adding problems instead of solutions. But the sure way, devoid of regret, is to learn how to receive grace from the Throne by yourself, as God has given all this privilege. The real question is how important is recovering your relationship with God to you. Is it important enough, for you to pay ANY price within your power? Then ask what the price is and we could talk. God stands at the end of your effort, hoping you would persevere through the obstacles, and join Him in the Bliss of Love Divine. But would you?

WinningEleven:
Exactly my point

Did you read my post?

WinningEleven, let me ask, apart from this strange symptoms, do you feel the regular urges(arousal) that men get in their late teens?
Well if you do, you need to not only pray but to fast and pray. Fasting is the age old medicine for quenching the body's urges and appetites. Not once or twice but regular fasting, as a part of your life, at least throughout your youth. Not warming up fasting either but raw fasting -3 days(only water). You may not successfully pull this off in your first attempt, or second or fifth..., but the point is if you're serious about bridling the body's appetites, you will have keep pushing till you pull it off. If you don't win your body in the fast, don't expect to do so in the playground full of ladies. So just keep pushing it, at some point, it will become natural to your body to fast and be subjected generally.

You may of course, consider this discipline a heavy one, but the only encouragement I leave you with is the benefits of choosing it are as great as the negative consequences of not of not choosing it.

WinningEleven, let me ask, apart from this strange symptoms, do you feel the regular urges(arousal) that men get in their late teens?
Well if you do, you need to not only pray but to fast and pray. Fasting is the age old medicine for quenching the body's urges and appetites. Not once or twice but regular fasting, as a part of your life, at least throughout your youth. Not warming up fasting either but raw fasting, minimum 3 days(only water). You may not successfully pull this off in your first attempt, or second or fifth..., but the point is if you're serious about bridling the body's appetites, you will have keep pushing till you pull it off. If you don't win your body in the fast, don't expect to do so in the playground full of ladies. So just keep pushing it, at some point, it will become natural to your body to fast and be subjected generally.

I knew this was gonna be an interesting topic and would lead to much discourse but for the sake of time, I've learnt to give answers rather than raise questions, hence I limited my initial piece to a concise answer which seemed to have satisfied OP well. However, with varying perspectives presented here, and for the sake of the genuine inquirers, I would add a bit to give clarity.

jcross19
Am strong believer and I have encountered the true power of God which concreted my faith in Him. But the truth is this , the creation story in the eden something is not adding up I may not want to go deeper because people who have a little faith.does that mean God did not know the capacity of what He created by given them such test? Now am asking you when you have a very young baby that has just started to crawl and you tell the baby do not drink this snipper and keep the snipper beside the baby what will happen? That's what happened in that Eden according bible which is not making sense.

MuttleyLaff:
What do you think is the image of God and what's His likeness is Magnoliaa? Well in an oversimplified way "image of God" and "His likeness" are "Hebraism".

There is indeed a difference in the Hebrew between LIKENESS(similarity in form, may involve distinct nature) (2Cor11:14-15 succinctly captures this) and IMAGE(which represents exact nature/character without any differences) like the image in a mirror (though that is still distorted being unreal). As a matter of fact, in the spiritual(also in Hebrew as well as Greek), the word image is related to one's name/mark/character/person/identity. You find a trace here, of the beast(Rev 20:4, 13:15-17, 14:9)

...but this image got marred after the fall from grace, as in, the quality or appearance of the image got spoiled.

Throughout scripture(Col 1:15, Heb1:3, 2Cor 4:4) only Christ is ever given the status of the image of God. Adam has never had this image, but only God's likeness/form (Gen 5:1), was never the man in Gen1:26(hence MAN, not ADAM)and hence never lost it. As I said before, the test of the image of God is in who would act exactly like God when presented with contrary opportunities. Only Lord Jesus passed this test but Adam failed because God and only God(image of God) cannot be tempted by sin if given opportunity(Jam1:13,17)
It might help further to explain what I meant by Gen 1:1-2:3 being a different frame of existence, a 'structuring' of the 'Adamic' age we are in(I had initially tried not to expatiate, to avoid many quotes and questions.) But surprisingly, ihedinobi3, whom I do not consider a danger to the curious inquirer/brothers on scriptural subjects, unlike the OSAS crew, but a keen and balanced teacher nevertheless imperfect in knowledge as the rest of us, made a good point of this, as below:

1. God used seven days to complete the reconstruction of the universe for the creation of man, not because He needed the time (the first perfect creation He made before creating the angels was made in an instant, in which He created space, time, matter, and energy all at once in the form of the vast perfect universe of that epoch), but because He was leaving a testimony to the length of man's history. Each day of creation represents a full millennium of human history. Human history is meant to last seven thousand years in all.

If we take this point for granted, its easier to understand that the man in Gen1:26, refers to Christ(male) and His bride(female), who manifest at the end of God's 6th day(man's 6000 yrs, which we are fast approaching). In other words, it has been given by God to Adam(who has God's form/likeness but Adam's own creaturely image), along with his sons, to lose his own Adamic image(mark/identity/person) and bear God's divine image, after 6000 years of his existence. So the real story of Adam begins in Gen 2:4
To further corroborate this, consider my
TEASER: Why in Gen 1 does Man,v26 show up after plants and trees, v12, but in Gen 2:5,9, it clearly shows the Adam, the ground tiller, had to come before the plants in v9.
Answer: in my explanation above.
So OP, I agree with ihedinobi's answer in

Re: Q. Who was God referring to as “our” when He alone was and is the only God??

but differ in

1. Re: Q 2. If God created man in His own image, does it mean man was once like God or should I say man was God on earth?
2. Re: Q. Is the creation of Adam and Eve same as the creation of man in genesis chapter 1 vs 27 to 29?
3. Re: ...if Adam and Eve was so easy to manipulate and made to eat from the evil tree by a mere serpent right inside the Garden of Eden, this means God’s creation(man) was ALREADY vulnerable(FLAW) even before eating the forbidden fruit.

...for reasons corresponding to my explanation above. This explanation, I believe, should also help with all your other questions, stupidity.
Once again sir, I offer that while knowledge is all-important, we should never be discouraged by dissatisfying answers in the present(as there will be countless such cases, even from thorough bible study), but focus on investing in developing our relationship with God, the Holy Spirit(which is more important in producing outward righteousness and eternal rewards) and which has the added advantage of bringing us all the knowledge we seek, one after the other, in due time.