₦airaland Forum

@chukwudi44

I simple re-posted considering the importance of the subject.

"He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." - Deuteronomy 32:4

"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." - Matthew 16:18

(The Rock upon which the eternal church/congregation of the saints of GOD is built is The Lord Jesus Christ against Whom/which the gates of hell will never prevail because everyone in that church/congregation who are in Christ Jesus The Lord, by the mercy of GOD, has been justified & has mercifully received GOD's pardon through the atoning sacrifice of The Lord Jesus Christ on the cross / from the foundation of the world, bearing our sins and iniquities on Himself). ---> "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone." (Ephesians 2:20, 1 Peter 2:6). Let GOD be magnified!

"And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." - 1 Corinthians 10:4

Thus, in Matthew 16:18, The Lord Jesus Christ is referring to Himself/GOD, The Rock, The only Savior (Acts 4:12).  "I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour." - Isaiah 43:11, (and Isaiah 45:21). GOD is One GOD.

[ Much like this part of Holy Scripture - 1 Timothy 3:15
"But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." The "Pillar and Ground of Truth" is GOD / The Lord Jesus Christ, "the Way, the Truth & the Life" - John 14:6 and not the local/earthly churches and congregations, (evidenced as early as the church in Corinth and the churches in Asia minor ref: to in Revelations 2 & 3, etc), though they've served God's purpose. ]

"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock." - Luke 6:46-48 (also, Matthew 7:24-25)

Living Waters:
"Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel." - Exodus 17:6, (Nehemiah 9:15, Psalm 78:15-16, Psalm 105:41, Isaiah 48:21) - (symbolically portrayed, yet substantively, the Rock from which living water came / comes is The Lord Jesus Christ, our GOD upon whom we depend on and believe/trust in for salvation / eternal life, from Whom we receive living water unto eternal life).

"Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 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." - John 4:13-15

GOD, The Lord Jesus Christ, from whom living waters flow:
"For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water." - Jeremiah 17:13

"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." - John 4:10

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

"For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." - Revelation 7:17]

Again, The Rock:
"There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed." - 1 Samuel 2:2-3

"And David spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul: And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence." - 2 Samuel 22: 1-3

"Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.  He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved… My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." - Psalm 62: 1-2 & 5-7

"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God?" - 2 Samuel 22:31-32

"To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him." - Psalm 92:15

"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." - Psalm 18:2

"The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted." - Psalm 18:46 (Psalm 28:1, Psalm 31:2-3, Psalm 42:9, Psalm 71:3, 78:35, Psalm 94:22, Psalm 95:1, Isaiah 17:10 )

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Isaiah 45:22-24
"Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed."

Philippians 2:9-11
"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Psalm 89:20-37 (in actuality David, but symbolically and substantively The Lord Jesus Christ)
"[b]I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him. The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him. And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him. But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted. I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers.  He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation. Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth. My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.  His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven.  If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.  My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.  His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.  It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.[/b]"

This isn't isolated - one of the many signs of the times - "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places." - Matt 24:7 (Mark 13:8 , Luke 21:11).

Truly, the return of The Lord JESUS CHRIST is imminent. “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:” - Isa 55:6

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" - Titus 2:11-14

To GOD be all thanks, praise and glory!

@fros, true, by nature all mankind is sinful and carnally minded before being given eternal life by The Lord JESUS CHRIST & regenerated by The HOLY SPIRIT, and of course, GOD is holy,

“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”- Rom 8:6-7

Virtually each situation would be different, only GOD knows all.

“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” - Hebrews 13:4

Amen, praise GOD, The Lord JESUS CHRIST, Who is good, Faithful and True and merciful.

"Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word." -Psalm 119:114

"Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids." - Prov 6:25, “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” - Hebrews 13:4

Don't even think about it, nor go there.

Substantive BAPTISM - Baptism in the Holy Spirit

John 3: 1-8
"There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit." (side note - notice how The Lord Jesus Christ de-emphasizes miracles and emphasizes what is important / absolutely necessary for salvation / The reason why HE came to this world in HIS first response to Nicodemus' 1st comment?).

The word “baptism” means “to be washed or cleansed.” This has nothing to do with physical baptism, i.e., being baptized with physical water. ("The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" 1 Peter 3:21).

Being baptized in the Holy Spirit is a spiritual event that only The LORD GOD / The Lord Jesus Christ can do, and does when one truly becomes born again (i.e., eternal washing away of sins). (Not when we want, but when GOD decides in HIS mercy to cleanse us ("For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9).

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" - Titus 3:5

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:11-13

When we become born of GOD/ truly born again, it is The LORD GOD Who does the operation of washing us clean from sin in HIS sight - LET GOD BE MAGNIFIED! (Psalm 40:16)

"For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." Ezekiel 36:24-27 (Hebrews 10:22, 1 Peter 3:21)

The LORD is referring to HIS eternal church from all nations over time which is built on the Lord Jesus Christ, The Mighty GOD ,(Isaiah 9:6), Himself…

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." Ephesians 5:25-27

Of course, per the Word of GOD, we're not to forbid water (physical) baptism - "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" Acts 10:47, but it (physical water baptism), definitely does not save us from our sins/ wash us clean from sins. 

John the baptist clarifies his purpose for baptism and emphasizes, via The Holy Spirit, the real important baptism by The Lord Jesus Christ unto salvation: that is, baptism by fire/water & Holy Spirit

"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water." John 1:29-31

"And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God." John 1:32-34

"John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" Mark 1:4 (Luke 3:3:, Acts 13:24)

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:" Matthew 3:11 (Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16).

"For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." Acts 1:5

The apostle Paul's baptism:  he de-emphasizes water baptism, & promotes, per The Lord Jesus Christ's command, preaching The true Word / Gospel of GOD:

"Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." 1 Corinthians 1:12-17

Thus, the emphasis is on preaching the Word of GOD, not ceremonial signs such as baptism (and circumcision), and any and all other works, because we cannot be saved by any works that we do, it is only by the unmerited, unearned grace of GOD in/ through The Lord Jesus Christ.

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." - Romans 10:17

"Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved." Acts 11:14

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:18-20

"And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost." Acts 11:15-16

The 3,000 in Acts (Acts 2:38-41), The Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:35-39) Lydia her family (Acts 16:14-15) & the jailer of Philippi (Acts 16:30-33) were baptized by The Blessed Holy Spirit. (though at least the eunuch with water afterward as a sign)

1 Corinthians 6:9-11
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."

May The LORD GOD bless you all.

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”- Prov 31:30

By GOD's grace, set times and thus develop the habit of sharing the word of GOD, the holy Bible and prayer time with each other. - “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” -2 Timothy 3:16-17, and "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." -Heb 4:12

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"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:"-Col 3:5-6

“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God,
neither indeed can be.”- Rom 8:6-7

"Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:" - Luke 6:37

that goes for me too, and us all. If one is ever looking for sin and/or wrong doing, one need only look in the mirror, but for the goodness and righteousness of The JESUS CHRIST, GOD.

By GOD's grace, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." - 1Th 5:22 Why tempt self unnecessarily? "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." - Mat_5:28

"Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids." - Pro_6:25

Let your wife be your best female friend and your GOD, your Maker, number One (Mark 12:30)

"Abstain from all appearance of evil." - 1Th 5:22. Is it expedient to have ".a male best friend"? After GOD, her husband should be her "male best friend" with whom she shares all things. Her flesh

The churches have been GOD's new testament heritage for almost 2000 years, HIS house, but truly, The age of the new testament church has been at an end, (just like the old testament church / congregation, i.e., the nation of Israel at the time The Lord JESUS CHRIST went to the cross), and GOD has given definite commands for HIS own elect / saints to come out of them (Mark 13:14, Matt 24:15-16, 2 Thess 2:3-12, Rev 18: 3-7, etc).  he who has an ear to hear will hear, by the mercy and goodness of GOD. 
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I pass no personal judgment, GOD HIMSELF IS JUDGE.  In fact, The Lord Jesus Christ says “Judge not, that ye be not judged”.

but i tell you -

In this day, these very last days, you hear "peace and safety" and "breakthrough", financial, "miracles" or some other sort.  It is not a day of peace for all, but desolation for many. "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" - 1 Peter 4:17

“Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.” - Jer 23:1-2

“Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto  you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.  They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.” - Jer 23:16-17 ---> “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For ourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape."- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

Be warned,  The gospel of The Lord JESUS CHRIST is about our reconciliation to GOD through HIMSELF (Acts 4:12),  “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;” - Rom 3:23, “For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of GOD [is] eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our Lord.” - Rom 6:23. 

Not as is commonly taught today in churches re: covetousness / materialism, signs and wonders, etc. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"- Mark 8:36 . Also, GOD ALMIGHTY is The miracle working GOD.  However, where you have The Original, there are almost always counterfeits - "And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live." - Revelation 13:13-15 - (see also & compare Dan 8:25, Matt 24:15, & 2 Thess 2:3-4)

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." - 1 Timothy 4:1

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned to fables." - 2 Timothy 4:3-4
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Let me encourage everyone, self included, to be a follower of GOD, The Lord JESUS CHRIST only, by HIS grace (not our works), particularly in this day and age (in these very last days), wherein are many deceivers. Stay in the infallible, life-giving, true word of GOD, which is pure, abides forever and never deceives. Keep reading and keep praying (1 Thess 5:17), "watch and pray".

"God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged."
- Romans 3:4

A husband, and his wife, are to love each other unconditionally, by the grace of The Lord GOD. There is to be no divorce for any reason. Some of what the holy word of GOD says - "The LORD reigns"!!!
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Proverbs 18:22
"Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD."

Ephesians 5:21-30
"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word," That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones." (the church in view here, is GOD's eternal church of all who are truly saved / redeemed by The Lord JESUS CHRIST, not the congregations that we see, that now because of their apostasy and according to the true word of GOD, are under GOD's judgment, as is the rest of this world - "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" -1 Peter 4:17

Colossians 3:18-20
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. "

1 Peter 3:1-4
"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

Matthew 19:6
"Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. "

Malachi 2:16
"For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. " [putting away is divorce, The LORD hates it]

"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." - Hebrews 13:4

"But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away." - Proverbs 6: 32-33

"Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body." - 1 Corinthians 6:18

1 Corinthians 7
"[b]Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment. For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?[/b]"
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Proverbs 5:17-19
"Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee. Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her bosoms satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love."

Amen, and Amen. AlleluYAH!

"Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness." - Psa_30:4 (also, Psa_97:12)

"He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." - Deu 32:4

"Maranatha"

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" Titus 2:11-14

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:” - Isa 55:6

A humble exhortation to forgive others -

"[b]Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.[/b]" - Matthew 18:23-35

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Forgiveness, which is loving in nature, is an essential aspect of the relationship we are to have one toward another.  Per the words of GOD, apart from HIM we are very imperfect.  Thus we will quite often and/or continuously offend one another.

"Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven."- Matthew 18:21-22.  [70*7 of course means indefinitely, completely & perfectly, all the time].  

These things we can do only by the grace and Holy Spirit of GOD & Faith of our Lord JESUS CHRIST. "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." - John 15:5

Thus, we always reverently in prayer should ask for grace. "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." - James 4:6

"I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" 1 Corinthians 6:5-7…

[certainly all have offended/sinned against GOD ("there is none righteous, no not one" Isaiah 64:6 & Romans 3:10), and the redemption of our souls is impossible for us, but for The LORD's exceedingly abundant mercy and forgiveness of sin through the atoning sacrifice of our Lord JESUS CHRIST for many].    

So, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." - Romans 12:18 & let us try to forgive each other even when the most grievous offenses occur.

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"With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful, and with the upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright. With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavory." - 2 Samuel 22:26-27

"For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him." - 2 Chronicles 30:9

"And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not." - Nehemiah 9:17

"The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy." - Psalm 103:8

"Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful." - Psalm 116:5

"Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil." - Joel 2:12-13

"Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." - Hebrew 2:17

"And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." - Hebrews 8:11-12

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"For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment." - James 2:13

"The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh." - Proverbs 11:17

"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." - Matthew 5:7

"But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful." - Luke 6:35-36

A prophet, a true prophet, is anyone who faithfully declares the word of GOD.  Since GOD completed the holy Bible, that would be everything contained therein and nothing else -  "And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." - Rev 19:10

The Lord JESUS CHRIST, The HOLY SPIRIT of Truth and Grace, says through David - "Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me," -Psalm 40:7 - thus, "the testimony of JESUS is the spirit of prophecy"  

Though there are many false prophets in the world today (telling dreams, visions and speaking from their own heart, but, by GOD's grace & mercy alone there are indeed many true prophets on the earth today, they are the true sons of GOD in The Lord JESUS CHRIST, HIS saints - "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." - 2 Tim 2:19

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hear the word of GOD re: marriage, for - “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” -2 Timothy 3:16-17

“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” - Hebrews 13:4 and "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD." - Proverbs 18:22

If after you have prayed earnestly and are able, you may marry a woman of like-mind, a fellow believer - "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" - 2 Co 6:14  

Having said this, (that is that you do well to marry), however, you do better, as a true servant of GOD not to marry in order to better serve The Lord JESUS CHRIST - "But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife." - 1Co 7:32-33.  "For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn." - 1Co 7:7-9

So, pray about it constantly, asking ultimately that the perfect will of The Lord be done in your life - "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Phil 4:6-7

May GOD bless you.

“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” - Hebrews 13:4

We should try, by GOD's mercy, to remain in touch via whatever means, email, phone call, (we live in a digital era), - in order to keep the "flame" going, so that we don't fall into the snare of adultery. There are consequences.

"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." - Matthew 24:12

The Kingdom of Heaven is near, "even at the doors", “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:” - Isa 55:6.

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" Titus 2:11-14

Pls, truly, all praise and glory be to GOD.

Certainly, the issue of tongues is worth discussing because it is very, very prevalent in this day, increasingly so, and that without rule or restraint, contrary to the Word of GOD.  So, lets briefly & humbly, yet firmly examine together.

Note: The only biblical reference to the heavenly language of tongues is found in 1st Corinthians, that is, (the spiritual language from GOD, not the "native tongues" in which the apostles spoke (in Acts) to people from different countries/region who they publicly addressed… ["And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?" - Acts 2:8.]

The GOD given rules/ principles re: tongues -

[b]There must always be an interpreter when someone is speaking in tongues. 1 Corinthians 14:27;
No more than three people are to speak in tongues in an assembly/congregation. 1 Corinthians 14:2; (humbly, not judgmentally, …i've been among people/friends all yelling in "tongues" while in prayer… no one interpreted…"[color=Black]If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?" 1 Corinthians 14:23.  This deserves caution! (one toward another, based on the Word of GOD)… Not our way, but the LORD's way, otherwise, we are in error & must correct;
The gift of tongues was established by GOD primarily to bring the message of the Gospel to unbelievers, not believers. 1 Corinthians 14:22
The purpose of tongues was also to edify the church -1 Corinthians 14:26;
God distributed spiritual gifts as He saw fit. 1 Corinthians 12:11;
It wasn't GOD's purpose that everyone have the same spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:30; and
The gift of tongues is the least important spiritual gift given by The LORD 1 Corinthians 12:28[/b].[/color]

"I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying." (1 Corinthians 14:5). To prophesy is to declare the Word of GOD, from the Bible only, in truth.

The value of tongues was in the substantive content, not the actual or perceived/made up experience… & without interpretation tongues was considered useless (1 Corinthians 14:6-19).

The church at Corinth (the only one in the Holy Bible in which the use of tongues was briefly documented by GOD) was already abusing it as far as not following the rules of edifying others through interpretation… we must be careful not to carry on in like manner re: such gifts/signs,  such is apostasy

A sign is a token of something much more phenomenal, that is, "something material or external that stands for or signifies something spiritual", "something indicating the presence or existence of something else signs of success> sign of the times"…  1 Corinthians 14 shows that members of that church (not every single member apparently, but many, & thus generally), were undoubtedly more interested in the phenomenon of the sign/gift of tongues, rather than in its substance… that is the receipt of grace & mercy & eternal life in/through The Lord Jesus Christ through the preaching of the Gospel of GOD's salvation for mankind.

We all must be careful not to abuse spiritual gifts (tongues, miracles, signs) contrary to the Word, and to the extent that they become a real distraction away from the true message of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (Which is…

    "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23, 
    "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23 - [the second death,,  of the soul]
    "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12
    "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17,  that is, the faith of, The Lord Jesus Christ (not ours). (Romans 3:22, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 3:22, Ephesians 3:12,  Philippians 3:9, Colossians 2:12, 2 Peter 1:1, James 2:1, Revelation 14:12)


Another word of caution to us all (from the Word) re: messages outside of Holy Scripture that are reportedly from GOD in form of tongues & the like… The Word of God/The Holy Bible contains more than enough message(s)/revelation/Good News regarding salvation and more,  from The LORD that we can ever dream or hope to receive & understand in our lifetime (accumulated over time, "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" 2 Peter 1:21 & "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”" -2 Timothy 3:16-17… all ending with GOD's/The Lord Jesus Christ's revelation to the apostle John in the aisle of Patmos, approx. 62 yrs. after The Lord's glorious resurrection, praise The LORD!

It is reasonably conceivable that no man, (or woman), especially in these days has fully understood the entire Bible/Word of GOD/Wisdom of GOD. Thus, we are cautioned to focus on the written Word of GOD only… the answers, all the answers to life are contained in the Word of GOD alone.  Once we step out, there are no guarantees of truth, and thus no "safety" regarding messages/gospel(s) we receive outside the Bible.

"Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar." (Proverbs 30:5-6)

"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.(Revelation 22:18)

"For the word of God is quick [living], and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the hear[/b]t." (Hebrews 4:12)

"[b]Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path"

Tongues? …. "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue."  1 Corinthians 14:6-19


May The LORD bless you all!

All churches are under the righteous judgement of GOD for apostasy / spiritual harlotry - read Rev 18 among others.

"For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" - 1 Peter 4:17

GOD says its real in the word of GOD, thus it is real. It is a gift of The Holy Spirit, a heavenly language via which we speak / minister to GOD and exhort one another (when there is someone who has been given the gift of interpretation by GOD). The first indication of this we see in the Bible is at the church at Corinth (1 Corinth, chapter 12).

However, GOD set rules for speaking in tongues, particularly in the church. The issue / problem these days (even starting at the church at Corinith) is that many (and GOD knows all) do it mechanically in an attempt to confirm that they have been given The Great Holy Spirit, but in actuality they have not. That is the truth of the matter.

particularly as you hear it in churches these days (which are under the righteous judgment of GOD - 1 Peter 4:17), where everyone who claims to have a tongue goes at it all at once, without an interpreter.

1 Corinthians 14:23
"If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?"

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." - 1 Corinthians 13:1

Pls, The Lord willing, see my post re: tongues.

i"m not sure i understand, please, give me a reference to Scripture? 100% truth is contained in the holy Bible and the holy Bible alone.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” -2 Timothy 3:16-17

"Let GOD be magnified"

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”- Pro_31:30

Certainly exercise is healthy for the body, but futile in the long run cause all we are is dust and shadow. Relationship/reconciliation with/back to GOD by redemption through The Lord JESUS CHRIST is priceless; "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."-1Tim 4:8. “So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of GOD.” - Rom 10:17 - pls, stay in the holy word of GOD.

"Pluck out your eye" & "Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids." -Pro_6:25; "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." -Mat_5:28

friend, GOD says

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" - Isa 55:8-9 - "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God" -  1Co_2:11.  Remember, we are very finite beings, dust and shadow, with finite minds but GOD is infinite in HIS doing and understanding, "Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite." -Psa_147:5

but by GOD's mercy we do know this, that "The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works"-Psa_145:17 and HE, GOD, tries /tests the heart.  "Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins." - Psa_7:9.  The Lord GOD in HIS righteousness even applies HIS law to HIMSELF (remember when The Lord JESUS CHRIST, who is GOD [Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1, Rev 1:7-8] was in the wilderness for 40 days [Matt 4:1-11], as well as at others times)? GOD tested Abraham when HE asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac, GOD tested the nation of Israel when HE led them forth from Egypt. - "And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no." - Deu_8:2     i could go on and on.

"Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions." - Ecc_7:29  
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in addition to all the above, we know that GOD is perfect - "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him." - 2Sa 22:31. "He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." - Deu_32:4