₦airaland Forum

Op - What one believes or not is between one and God Himself, as He is the only Judge. However, if one doesn't believe the Lord Jesus came to earth and/or exists perpetually... as he always has being the "everlasting Father" (Isaiah 9:6), Who reigns forever (Luke 1:32-34, Revelation 11:15)... then one cannot believe in Him. If one cannot or does not believe in Him... therein lies a predicament, a problem for the unbeliever.

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"He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” - John 3:36

"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” - Acts 4:12

Remember that... "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit." - Psalm 34:18

For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved" - Romans 10:13


Peace!

"Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us,[a] the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation. For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us,[a] not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:1-9

To some of the op's assertions...
"We" in 1 Corinthians 15:51 refers to all true believers/the justified of God... including those that will be physically alive when the Lord Jesus Christ returns...not those present over 2000 years ago.

The tasting of death in Matthew 16: 27, 28 refers to the second death, I.e., the death of the soul, and not the body as you suppose. See Revelation 21:8

I could go on and on... but you get the point. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.. and profess that He reigns eternally and that His entire word is true... because it is.

Peace.

GodsMopol:
Wooooow, this is power packed Sir

The 6th chapter of Timothy you quoted looks new to me, though i might have read it religiously, like a new paper

One more Sir

How does one best study the Bible, and *scratching head* permit me to ask this one more, I love sharing the word with those who know much. Iron sharpeth they say

yea, second one, can the word transform

cc msngo40

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It depends on the person studying my brother. I think it's a good idea to read from the 1st (Genesis) straight through to the final (Revelation)... for each chapter maybe note unfamiliar words or phrases, then check cross references by entering the word(s) you're interested in by using a concordance search ("an alphabetical listings of words and phrases found in the Holy Bible and shows where the terms occur throughout all books of Scripture." ) like the free one at http://biblehub.com/concordance/ among others

Ultimately, it is God who gives true literal and spiritual understanding to the reader (1 Corinthians 2:14). Case in point, even the apostle Paul (formerly Saul) who was quite the zealous Biblical scholar all his life didn't spiritually see until the Lord Jesus Christ enabled him to do so from the time that He met him on the road to Damascus (Acts chapter 9)... the same goes for the rest of us.

I'm not sure bro what you mean when you ask if the word can "transform"

GodsMopol:
Thanks for the contribution Sir.

I love the choice of word you used up there

Undeservingly

I could meditate on that word all year long and the revelation will be never ending

What's your favorite Bible verse sir and is there a difference between Spirit upon and spirit within

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My brother it's my pleasure... thanks for opening the discussion.

I believe that "Spirit upon" and "Spirit within" can be synonymous/ the same. Take the Lord Jesus Christ for example in this verse speaking about Him - "Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles." - Isaiah 42:1 (also see Luke 4:18) ... So, the Savior Himself has the Holy Spirit both within and upon Him. Only God knows how He does this. One significant take away is that in virtually all the verses that refer to either "Spirit upon" and "Spirit within"... the goal is to accomplish the perfect will of God. (Like Ezekiel 36:27, and the Pentecost in Acts chapter 2, etc), as well as the preceding verses and others.


I love the entire holy word from cover to cover, all 66 chapters... but I tend to particularly be moved by all the verses that either exalt God, and/or show that God's promises never fail - like the ones below:

"that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen." - 1 Timothy 6:14-16

"Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Hebrews 13:5

To quickly chime in on the question you asked Jochabed... I believe what one should primarily do to become more and more like Christ is to do what He said... "watch and pray" (Matt 26:41). I take watch as staying in/ reading the word of God... reading a verses, verses or a chapter a day... and then "pray without ceasing" - 1 Thessalonians 5:17... God helps and enables his children be like Him.


Peace and blessings!

OP... we should try not to let others influence us to our detriment. Wherever you are, always (at least) remember this -

"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” - Acts 4:12 ...

"But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”[a] (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." - Romans 10:8-10

These verses encapsulate what we - on an individual basis- should be concerned with, for oneself, not for a group of people or others. (While of course fulfilling the second greatest commandment, that is loving your neighbor as yourself).

Peace and blessings!

A true Christian, one undeservingly pardoned and justified by God Himself, is always indwelt by the Holy Spirit and will increasingly exhibit the characteristics/fruit of God the Holy Spirit / Christ Jesus -


"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." - Galatians 5:21-23

Peace and blessings!

"The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works." - Psalm 145:8-10

... because the Lord Jesus Christ is the only way... everything was created for Him, by Him... (John 1:2-1)

"For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,". - 1 Timothy 2:5

"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” - Acts 4:12

I don't think it matters (regardless of any ill or vain motive behind it)... those whom the LORD God wants to reach, He will reach no matter how the holy word is relayed.

"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." - Isaiah 55:11 (related thereto are 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21, Romans 10:17).

One shouldn't have to pay to be prayed for. You can give your tithe/alms ("something (such as money or food) given freely to relieve the poor distributing alms to the needy" ) ... to anyone in need, especially the poor, widows, and orphans. Your pastor and/or anyone who is godly and cares for your soul should pray for you for free!

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“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ - Matthew 25:37-41

henryobyn:
Take it or leave it, Mary is the Queen of heaven and earth!

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Luke 1:46-48
The Song of Mary
46 And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.

The only One we should exalt, and who is the King, is the LORD God Almighty.

Indeed...

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends."- John 15:13

No!

Love Your Enemies
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." - Matthew 5:43-45

obinna58:
Tautology
Ritual sacrifice done using himself son to please himself is the price abi

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"But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." - 1 Corinthians 2:14

"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. 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." - Matthew 18:21-35

obinna58:
What about God who said love you enemy and sends his to eternal fire
If c God is a hypocrite wouldn't his followers learn from him

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You miss the point... the point being it is not our place to judge anyone! "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Despite all being worthy of elimination, God Himself in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ stood as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28), He being the only reason many have seen and will see Heaven... but he paid quite the price, "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" - (Revelation 13:8 ).

Is this not undeserved mercy? We should be careful what we say concerning God... abi you no fear? Easy...

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;" - 1 Timothy 2:5

"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." - Hebrews 4:15-16

OP, your encouragement to read the holy Bible and remain steadfast in prayer are commendable. Yet, one major point to note... we do not accept the Lord Jesus Christ, He, according to His perfect will and power to cleanse, accepts us...

"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 1:12-13

"No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day." - John 6:44, also Ephesians 2:8-10.

If we truly believe and are The Lord's, it is because He did it all... and I mean all.

Peace and blessings!

The danger in getting a gun is that you run the risk of trusting in it for protection... and anything or anyone that we trust in will fail.

God is all powerful, faithful, merciful and never fails... if He wants to save you He will (Like Daniel in the lions den [Daniel chapter 6], like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace [Daniel chapter 3], etc). If you are the Lord's, then you are His, on this planet or anywhere else (Romans 8:38-39).

Take this from someone who's starred down the barrels of AK 47s, wielded by 4 robbers - I didn't lie down and they left empty handed... God confused them there.

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"Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us." - Psalm 44:5-7

Orodje:
That's my papa... Oyedepo
These 3 men are great men of God who are true to their calling and exhibit heavenly wisdom.
Antheist and Muslims should pls keep off this thread

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I don't respond in criticism, rather in correction as it is (i.e., the title and adoration of "papa", "spiritual father", etc typically conferred upon many a pastor) too prevalent in Naija.

"And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven." - Matthew 23:9

OP.. Please read Hebrews chapter 11, and consider the plight of Job and how God changed his circumstances because he kept the faith... "no condition is permanent"... don't lose faith that God can and will mercifully change your circumstances to His glory. Also consider life beyond being on this earth... because, if you (say, like king Solomon), had everything you could ever dream of here, it's always temporary/vanity (Ecclesiastes 2)... Job by the Holy Spirit said: "...Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." - Job 1:21

Pray, believe and work hard, refusing to give up! The alternative is a life without God... which is no good alternative, for the rest of this life and afterward. Ignore standards set by people... set goals, prioritize them, and accomplish them one by one for yourself.
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"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." - Romans 5:3-5

Also, 1 Peter 4:11-13

We don't have all the numbers. Yet, we know Adam was Methuselah's "great grand-father" and we know how long both lived on earth.

Adam begat Cain, Cain begat Enoch, Enoch (at 65 years of age) begat Methuselah.

"And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died." - Genesis 5:5

"And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died." - Genesis 5:27

Safe to say that by the time Methuselah was 900... Adam had died.

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

For those who have truly been mercifully pardoned and drawn to the Lord Jesus Christ/God... it is primarily a matter of love for and appreciation of God; Who even though is Almighty, makes such provision for mankind (Psalm 8:4, Psalm 138:6).

However, fear of God is just as important... after all, He is God! - Jeremiah 10:7, Hebrews 10:31.

Yet, love is key. He is a great, good God Who compassionately cares... (Psalm 145:8-9, Matthew 5:45).

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"For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." - Romans 5:7-9

"For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You." - Psalm 86:5

refiner:
"He is my spiritual father..i am looking up to him"...
"He is a very strong man of God...he can never sin"
He is the G.O of my church...he can never lead us astray..these and many more are the words of the so called sheeps....

Many are doing things the wrong way,many have fallen into sin ignorantly and many are now eating from hands to mouth all because they are lookng up to a man,a mere mortal!

Please let's be realistic here..no man is perfect..the very man u might be looking upto might not still be in fold of christ...never you look up to a man but God...never u do things because of a man...follow the footstep of God not man...

I was eave-dropping my mum discussion with our pastor..he came to discuss about his assistant pastor...i once thought he was the holiest of all men because when he preaches,d heavens comes down but secretly this man has been asking married women in the church out...i was dazed!

Please lets be very careful in order not to miss Heaven cos of a mere man!

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OP well stated... it is something worth mentioning because it's a very widespread, serious issue! The Holy Bible - God's word - is and should be our guide (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

"Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; In that very day his plans perish. Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the Lord his God," - Psalm 146:3-5

"And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven." -Matthew 23:9

"Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the Lord." - Jeremiah 17:5

By God's grace and mercies I have experienced quite a few in line with the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22)

Notably I used to "curse like a sailor"

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"But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh." - James 3:8-12

God is good!

Job 2:9-11, Psalm 34:1, Psalm 71:6,

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"Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name." - Hebrews 13:15

Personally, I like to know (as much as possible) that my tithe is actually going toward helping someone. Consider at least giving it directly to the poor (as discreetly as possible), to orphans... etc. (could be food, money, or a Bible).
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Do Good to Please God
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly." - Matthew 6:1-4

OP... God, being all powerful "knows the thoughts and intents of the heart" and having created the ear, definitely hears. (Psalm 94:9-10, Matthew 6:7-8 )

I believe based on the holy scriptures and from personal experience, your receiving your request depends on what you're praying for... (James 4:2-3)... obviously it shouldn't be for something bad.

1. Faith is key ("not believing that God can do it... because he can do all things, but believing that for His mercy, love, and holy words sake He will!)

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." - Hebrews 11:6 (also Hebrews 4:16, James 1:4-8 )

2. Persistence is key (Luke 18:1-8 )

3. Patience is key... that is wait upon the LORD, after all, He is God!

Peace
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"Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?" - Luke 12:27-28

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANvzW_Uaaxw

Behaving like chimps is nothing human beings should aspire to. Ignorance/lack of education and lack of opportunities are primarily to blame... stemming from so called "leaders" who are more interested in enriching themselves at the expense of the masses... and ironically (because of ignorance), they are attacking a man who is championing a cause for better opportunities and a better environment for many, including them!

Pity!

As a Christian you should definitely not partake... but just as important "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye." - Matthew 7:1-5

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" - Romans 3:23

"There is none righteous, no not one." So, all humanity should look for the mercy of God, pardon through the only Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Peace

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