budaatum:
Basically, don't just "believe" like satan does. Seek understanding too. It is what is meant by "seek first the Kingdom of God" (as in, how things would be done in a Kingdom God rules), and, "Love the Lord with all your heart and soul and mind".

I don't understand you.

Some of the statements Paul made in his letters to the Church have been misinterpreted and taken out of his original intents. Due to the complications in Paul's writings, Apostle Peter foresaw possible misconceptions and warned, "There are some things in those epistles of Paul that are difficult to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist and misconstrue to their own utter destruction, just as they distort and misinterpret the rest of the scriptures. Therefore dear friends since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away with the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position" (2 Peter 3:16-17: The Amplified Bible). If some of Paul's writings are difficult to understand, it means to be on the safe side we need to arm ourselves with study aids like the bible dictionary, commentary, etc.

Paul said Christ is the end of the law for righteousness (Romans 10:4). How can you reconcile this with the statement Jesus made, "I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill the law" (Matthew 5:17)? Does it mean the bible contradicts itself? Certainly no. According to Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, 1985 edition, the word end, in the context of Paul's above statement means, "aim" or "purpose". Following this definition, Romans 10:4 could be paraphrased as, "Christ is the aim, or purpose of the law for righteousness..." This means that the law of God points us to the character of Christ. In other words Christ is the perfect replica of what the law teaches.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul asserted that Christians are to fulfill God's law. "Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law" (Romans 3:31). Reasonably, Paul wouldn't have made this statement and later on contradict himself by implying that Christ has ended the law.

Understand this aright! Jesus Christ is the living word of God. The law of God is embedded in His message. When He was asked about which commandment is the greatest He said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang the law and the prophets" (Matthew 22:37-40).

Notice that Christ did not say the law has been abolished. He said on these two commandments hang the law and the prophets. This means that the law of God is embedded in Christ message. When you take time to study you will understand, that the first and greatest commandment which Christ gave reflects the first four commandments in God's law, while the second, which is like the first reflects the last six commandments.

If you love the Lord with the whole of your being, you will not worship any other god beside Him, you will not make graven images, you will not take His name in vain, and you will set aside time or day to be with Him. On the other hand, if you love your neighbor as you love yourself, you will honor him or her. You will not kill them, you will not steal from them, you will not commit adultery with their spouses and you will not covet their houses. In summation, living according to the message of Christ is obeying and fulfilling God's law.

While comparing his ministry to Moses' ministry Paul said, "Now if the dispensation of death engraved in letters on stone (the ministration of the law) was inaugurated with such glory and splendor that the Israelites were not able to look steadily at the face of Moses because of its brilliance (a glory) that was to fade and pass away, why should not the dispensation of the spirit ( this spiritual ministry whose task it is to cause men to obtain and be governed by the Holy Spirit) be attended with much greater and more splendid glory" (2 Corinthians 3:7-8: The Amplified Bible). Regrettably many people have misunderstood this scripture just as Peter said. What is implied by the dispensation of death and what glory was to fade away?

According to the Amplified Bible, the dispensation of death is the ministration of the law. The NLT bible puts the above scripture clearer. "The old way with laws etched in stone, led to death, though it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses' face. For his face shone with the glory of God, even though the brightness was already fading away". When Paul talked about the ministration of death, he was referring to the old system of administration of the law God, not the law itself. Recall that the system of administration in Moses' regime provided death sentence for violating God's commandments. Paul implied that his ministry was of greater glory than that of Moses because it led men to obtain the holy spirit which governed them unto righteousness.

What glory was to fade away? Was it that of God's law? Certainly not! The children of Israel were beholding the glory of Moses' face, not the tablets of stones in his hands. That is the glory that was to fade away. So it was the ministry of death or condemnation, that is Moses' ministry and its glory that were to fade away, not the law of God.

In conclusion, the law of God is eternal. It is amplified in Christ and embedded in His message. Therefore he who lives in accordance with the message of Christ fulfills the law.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AT trem87715@gmail.com

.

zedegit:



On the last day after rapture and he will equally destroy you if you continue asking senseless questions.

Repent for your good.

Those who expect to escape the destruction or ascend to the city of mature Spirits don't wish others to be destroyed. Even God wants everyone to come to repentance. Learn to bridle your tongue.

gensteejay:

I have also studied the Bible, and it is part of my book collections.

Please, don't derail the thread.

What did you learn from the bible about reincarnation?

In His sermon on the Mount Christ said, "Think not that I have come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I have not come to destroy, but to fulfill the law" (Matthew 5:17). This statement has generated some controversies among believers in recent times. While some people believe that the old Covenant and its practices still apply to the Church today, others are of the opinion that they have completely been made obsolete.

To get this matter straightened, we will take this message in two parts. Part one will first endeavor to separate between the laws that operated in the old Covenant. Then it will reveal which law Christ came to fulfill and how He fulfilled it. Finally it will disclose whether or not, the law still applies to the Church. Part two will throw some light on the misunderstandings made from certain expressions of Paul which have helped to make this subject more complex.

There are basically three laws that operated in the old Covenant. These are the moral laws or the ten commandments, usually referred to as the law of God, and the ceremonial and the civil laws known as the laws of Moses.

The law of God, the ten commandments, is the fundamental framework of how mankind is to relate with God and with each other. These laws were written and engraved on stones by the finger of God (Exodus 24:12, 31:18, 32:16). God instructed Moses to place them inside the ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:16, 21). Being engraved on stones symbolizes that they are permanent for all Ages. This means that they apply to all people and at all times.

On the other hand the laws of Moses, the ceremonial and civil laws are the instructions God reeled out to Moses to enable him direct the Israelites. In other words they were the system of administration of God's law at the time. The ceremonial laws encompassed directions on atonement, cleansing, worship, etc, while the civil laws stipulated regulations on justice and punishment for offenders of the ten commandments. These laws were written by the hand of Moses and placed in the side of the ark, not into the ark (Deuteronomy 31:24-26). The fact that the laws of Moses were not engraved on stones and were not put into the ark of the Covenant signifies that they were subject to change. This means that the system of administration given to Moses, that is the ceremonial and civil laws, were specifically meant for the Jews of that dispensation.

Every new Covenant comes with a change in the system of administration of the former. The death of Jesus Christ brought the dawn of a new Covenant with a change in the system of administration. For example the ceremonial laws of atonement and worship, whose primary purpose was to foreshadow Christ, became unnecessary after Jesus made Himself the last sacrifice. The burning of incense which produced the sweet aroma to attract God's presence in the old order also became unnecessary. The sacrifice for worship in the grace Covenant is a living sacrifice, not that of animals and incense. It is the sacrifice of a righteous and holy living through the message of Jesus Christ. This is what attracts God's presence to us.

The civil laws which stipulated an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth were overtaken by the forgiveness Christ taught. The love and grace of Christ in the new Covenant is the reason why disobedient children, adulterers, idolaters, witches, sodomites and the likes are no longer killed as stipulated in the law of Moses. Every offender of God's law is given a chance to repent in the grace Covenant. Christ showed us an example when He gave the adulterous woman who was liable to death in the Mosaic law a chance to repent (John 8:11).

If you are one of those who still rely on the laws of Moses to destroy, or pray for the wicked to die, I call to you to repent and follow the examples and teachings of the author and finisher of the Christian faith, Jesus Christ. While in agony on the cross, He prayed for His enemies, not against them (Luke 23:34). In His sermon on the mount He taught men to love their enemies and bless those who curse them(Matthew 5:44).

The order has changed! The order has changed from worshiping God in designated places like Jerusalem or the mountain, to worshiping Him in spirit and in truth(John 4:21-24). The order has changed from sacrificing animals and burning incense for atonement and worship, to presenting our bodies a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1). Yes the order has changed from the instant killing of law offenders, an eye for an eye, to forgiveness and salvation through Christ. The order has changed from loving your neighbor and hating your enemy, to loving your enemy and blessing those who curse you ( Matthew 5:43-44). The grace Covenant is an order where salvation through Christ has replaced vengeance and the killing of law offenders.

Which of the laws did Christ come to fulfill and how did he fulfill it? Christ came to fulfill the moral laws, the ten commandments of God, not the laws of Moses. Isaiah described Jesus the Messiah as the faithful servant of God whose example would contrast that of the blind religious leaders of Israel, and who would magnify the law and make it honorable (Isaiah 42:1-21). What does it mean to magnify the law and make it honorable?

When you view an object under a magnifier, it becomes bigger and clearer. To magnify the law means that Jesus came to amplify and make God's commandments clearer. In other words He came to show us a better way of obeying them. Jesus confirmed this in His sermon on the mount. On the issue of adultery for example He said, " you have heard that it was said, you shall not commit adultery, but I say to you, that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart ( Matthew 5:27-28). This law was not unfolded in this manner in the old testament. Notice that instead of amplifying the laws of Moses, Christ made them obsolete. Where Moses advocated vengeance, or a tit for tat, Christ encouraged peace, forgiveness and love (Matthew 5:38-44).

If Christ amplified the law of God to aid its fulfillment, what then does Paul imply in his statement, " the ministration of death has been done away with?" (2Corinthians 3:7).
To be continued.

[I am happy that the Hoy Spirit is enlightening the understanding of many. Please dont get discouraged by negative comments. Christ came to save mankind through His Word but many are rejecting the truth He brought yet they claim to belong to Him. Keep the fire burning for those who are willing to be helped
quote author=davidinchrist post=89231104]First, I would like to make something clear here, I don't HATE anyone (not permitted to), including these "great" Pastors/Prophets and other common Religious Leaders of which I have stopped following. And neither am I envious or jealous of anyone: I'm not a Pastor/Prophet, and I'm NOT willing to become one "unless" I get CALLED. The main purpose of this writing is to set people free from the deception of Men: the Truth sets free.

2 Peter 2:3 NLT
In their GREED they will make up CLEVER LIES to get hold of YOUR MONEY. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will NOT be delayed.

Second, I may not go in detail so as not make this rather too long.

That said, let's take a look at some common Lies OR Unrealistic practices and believes in many churches today:

1. Your Problems and Sicknesses are MORE dangerous than your Sins:

Yes, this is not usually said verbally, but would be realized in the impressions you get from the preacher's long sermons and stories on healing and deliverance. Jesus and His apostles majored more on Repentance of Sins in order for people to ESCAPE the damnation of HELL.

For some reasons, Jesus don't heal everyone today (he did heal all at a time to fulfil the scripture, though) Matthew 8:17. Even the apostles were not always healed when they got SICK, and they didn't heal all the Sick of their time either.

If you are Sick, pray and pray, or even get the Elders to pray for you if possible. And if you are not healed immediately, ask God for light on it, but make sure to get rid of SINS, in any case.

Sickness can't send you to Hell; Sins certainly will!
2 Cor. 12:7; Gal 4:13; Philip. 2:27


2. It's not possible to stop Sinning: Just like the above, they do not say it verbally, nor necessarily show that they believe the bible says those that continue to commit Willful sins are of the DEVIL.

Why is He called Jesus?

Matthew 1:21 KJV
And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt CALL HIS NAME JESUS: for he shall SAVE His people from their SINS.

The thing is, Sin is way more dangerous than all Sicknesses and Problems: for instance, the baby is sick and the dog is sick. I hope no one would want to take the dog to the hospital first!

Likewise, let's seek God to GET RID of our Sins or Wicked ways first!


3. Once you are Saved, you're always saved, you can never FALL AWAY: Yeah, I think this is getting commoner these days. Jesus said if a believer keeps looking back, he wouldn't be fit for His kingdom; also said that only those that endure till the end shall be Saved. Matthew 24:13



4. You cannot know God's will without seeing the Pastor/Prophet: God wants us to SEEK and know Him personally; not to depend completely on men.

He is a Jealous Father.

However, we can ask "scarce" Godly men and women for counsel or advice on something.

Acts 2:17 KJV
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will POUR OUT of my Spirit upon ALL flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall PROPHESY, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

5. If you are NOT rich, you're under a curse, or something must be terribly Wrong with you, because Jesus wants you to be very Healthy and Wealthy: Godliness with contentment is great gain.

God determines the financial status and every other thing in every person's life.

"The Love of Money is the root of all Evil." 1 Timothy 6:10

Ecclesiastes 10:8 KJV
... and whoso breaketh an hedge, a SERPENT shall BITE him.

6. You were Not healed because you didn't have enough faith: Sometimes, it is even the preacher's or elder's Faith that is needed here, not of the Sick person. James 5:14-15

And as said before, Jesus don't always heal everyone, sometimes he allows Sickness, Trials or Troubles to discipline and sanctify his children: like he did to Job, Paul and the likes. 2 Cor. 12:7


7. If you do not pay your Tithes, things will be Tight for you: First, in the new covenant, we are to give 100% of ourselves to God (total surrender) Luke 14:33, and to give cheerfully in general.

Many preachers will even make LONG sermons or stories on it to move people. Yet, Jesus and his apostles preached Giving not Tithing: remember the widow? Jesus said she gave more than the rich!

Mark 12:43 KJV
And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast MORE in, THAN all they which have cast into the treasury:

Jesus was talking to the Pharisees in Matthew 23:23, NOT to His disciples, as some try to use this to justify Tithing.

Therefore, IF you are a Pharisee (an Old covenant hypocrite), you MUST tithe! And don't forget to keep all the Ceremonial Laws and the likes in Deuteronomy and all that as well.

I hope you are not a Pharisee, though.

Please, let's beware of Greedy Preachers: doing business or making Money in the name of Jesus. Philip. 3:17-20; 1 Tim. 6:5-10

Give Cheerfully:
2 Corinthians 9:7 KJV
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him GIVE ; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a "cheerful giver".

Many don't even pay the tithes cheerfully, but sometimes imposed!

(See also Romans chap. 12)


8. You must be stuck with one Denomination/Church for forever, even if all they mostly have is the Traditions of Men, and don't follow what Jesus and his apostles taught in Scriptures, you should just ignore it:

The the bible says we should TURN AWAY From those with a form of godliness without the Power (to overcome Sins and live holy to do God's will). Timothy chap. 3:5


9. Believers will be Raptured before the Great tribulation: Sounds nice but the OPPOSITE is true! (See Revelation 7:13-15)

1 Thessalonians 4:17 KJV
Then we which are ALIVE and REMAIN shall be caught up together with them in the CLOUDS, to meet the Lord in the AIR: and so shall WE ever be with the Lord.

Matthew 24:22 KJV
And EXCEPT those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the ELECT'S SAKE those days shall be SHORTENED.

See the following to learn about it and some facts about the End times:
Matthew chap. 24; Mark chap. 13 and Luke chap. 21.


10. Anyone can Give or Support the Lord's work: No, unbelievers and backslidden/sinning Christians and the likes should not be allowed. 3John vs 7; Matthew 5:23-24, 6:3-4

Moreover, the person giving must have enough for his personal/family needs, and should not be in a Large Debt. Mark 7:9-13; 1 Tim.5:8 and
Matt.22:21; Rom.13:8


It's time to get Serious; Studying and Obeying the Scriptures for ourselves to overcome Deceptions.

Jesus already predicted the Arrival of FALSE PROPHETS: WOLVES IN Sheep's Clothing.

AND some that are good or honest seemed to have been BLINDED by the LOVE of Money and Popularity.

We shouldn't TRUST any Man: I mean any Great or Small MAN.

Some are not particularly evil, though: but a subtle MIXTURE.

Romans 3:4 KJV
... yea, let God be TRUE, but Every Man a LIAR; as it is written...

We should check the FRUITS, not just the Gifts: Many will be deceived by Gifts: Great SIGNS AND WONDERS... Even True Believers Might get caught out in it. Matthew 24:24

May we be WISE, so as not be victims of BLIND LEADERS OF THE BLIND.

Matthew 15:14 KJV
Let them alone: they be BLIND LEADERS of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall FALL into the DITCH. (Hell)

Matthew 24:24-25 KJV
For there shall ARISE false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew GREAT SIGNS AND WONDERS; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the VERY ELECT.

[25] Behold, I have TOLD you before.

May Jesus Bless You.[/quote]

I am happy that the Hoy Spirit is enlightening the understanding of many.
Pease don't get discouraged by negative comments. Christ came to save mankind through His Word but many are rejecting the truth He brought yet they claim to belong to Him. Keep the fire burning for those who are willing to be heped. quote author=davidinchrist ost=89231104]First, I would like to make something clear here, I don't HATE anyone (not permitted to), including these "great" Pastors/Prophets and other common Religious Leaders of which I have stopped following. And neither am I envious or jealous of anyone: I'm not a Pastor/Prophet, and I'm NOT willing to become one "unless" I get CALLED. The main purpose of this writing is to set people free from the deception of Men: the Truth sets free.

2 Peter 2:3 NLT
In their GREED they will make up CLEVER LIES to get hold of YOUR MONEY. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will NOT be delayed.

Second, I may not go in detail so as not make this rather too long.

That said, let's take a look at some common Lies OR Unrealistic practices and believes in many churches today:

1. Your Problems and Sicknesses are MORE dangerous than your Sins:

Yes, this is not usually said verbally, but would be realized in the impressions you get from the preacher's long sermons and stories on healing and deliverance. Jesus and His apostles majored more on Repentance of Sins in order for people to ESCAPE the damnation of HELL.

For some reasons, Jesus don't heal everyone today (he did heal all at a time to fulfil the scripture, though) Matthew 8:17. Even the apostles were not always healed when they got SICK, and they didn't heal all the Sick of their time either.

If you are Sick, pray and pray, or even get the Elders to pray for you if possible. And if you are not healed immediately, ask God for light on it, but make sure to get rid of SINS, in any case.

Sickness can't send you to Hell; Sins certainly will!
2 Cor. 12:7; Gal 4:13; Philip. 2:27


2. It's not possible to stop Sinning: Just like the above, they do not say it verbally, nor necessarily show that they believe the bible says those that continue to commit Willful sins are of the DEVIL.

Why is He called Jesus?

Matthew 1:21 KJV
And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt CALL HIS NAME JESUS: for he shall SAVE His people from their SINS.

The thing is, Sin is way more dangerous than all Sicknesses and Problems: for instance, the baby is sick and the dog is sick. I hope no one would want to take the dog to the hospital first!

Likewise, let's seek God to GET RID of our Sins or Wicked ways first!


3. Once you are Saved, you're always saved, you can never FALL AWAY: Yeah, I think this is getting commoner these days. Jesus said if a believer keeps looking back, he wouldn't be fit for His kingdom; also said that only those that endure till the end shall be Saved. Matthew 24:13



4. You cannot know God's will without seeing the Pastor/Prophet: God wants us to SEEK and know Him personally; not to depend completely on men.

He is a Jealous Father.

However, we can ask "scarce" Godly men and women for counsel or advice on something.

Acts 2:17 KJV
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will POUR OUT of my Spirit upon ALL flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall PROPHESY, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

5. If you are NOT rich, you're under a curse, or something must be terribly Wrong with you, because Jesus wants you to be very Healthy and Wealthy: Godliness with contentment is great gain.

God determines the financial status and every other thing in every person's life.

"The Love of Money is the root of all Evil." 1 Timothy 6:10

Ecclesiastes 10:8 KJV
... and whoso breaketh an hedge, a SERPENT shall BITE him.

6. You were Not healed because you didn't have enough faith: Sometimes, it is even the preacher's or elder's Faith that is needed here, not of the Sick person. James 5:14-15

And as said before, Jesus don't always heal everyone, sometimes he allows Sickness, Trials or Troubles to discipline and sanctify his children: like he did to Job, Paul and the likes. 2 Cor. 12:7


7. If you do not pay your Tithes, things will be Tight for you: First, in the new covenant, we are to give 100% of ourselves to God (total surrender) Luke 14:33, and to give cheerfully in general.

Many preachers will even make LONG sermons or stories on it to move people. Yet, Jesus and his apostles preached Giving not Tithing: remember the widow? Jesus said she gave more than the rich!

Mark 12:43 KJV
And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast MORE in, THAN all they which have cast into the treasury:

Jesus was talking to the Pharisees in Matthew 23:23, NOT to His disciples, as some try to use this to justify Tithing.

Therefore, IF you are a Pharisee (an Old covenant hypocrite), you MUST tithe! And don't forget to keep all the Ceremonial Laws and the likes in Deuteronomy and all that as well.

I hope you are not a Pharisee, though.

Please, let's beware of Greedy Preachers: doing business or making Money in the name of Jesus. Philip. 3:17-20; 1 Tim. 6:5-10

Give Cheerfully:
2 Corinthians 9:7 KJV
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him GIVE ; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a "cheerful giver".

Many don't even pay the tithes cheerfully, but sometimes imposed!

(See also Romans chap. 12)


8. You must be stuck with one Denomination/Church for forever, even if all they mostly have is the Traditions of Men, and don't follow what Jesus and his apostles taught in Scriptures, you should just ignore it:

The the bible says we should TURN AWAY From those with a form of godliness without the Power (to overcome Sins and live holy to do God's will). Timothy chap. 3:5


9. Believers will be Raptured before the Great tribulation: Sounds nice but the OPPOSITE is true! (See Revelation 7:13-15)

1 Thessalonians 4:17 KJV
Then we which are ALIVE and REMAIN shall be caught up together with them in the CLOUDS, to meet the Lord in the AIR: and so shall WE ever be with the Lord.

Matthew 24:22 KJV
And EXCEPT those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the ELECT'S SAKE those days shall be SHORTENED.

See the following to learn about it and some facts about the End times:
Matthew chap. 24; Mark chap. 13 and Luke chap. 21.


10. Anyone can Give or Support the Lord's work: No, unbelievers and backslidden/sinning Christians and the likes should not be allowed. 3John vs 7; Matthew 5:23-24, 6:3-4

Moreover, the person giving must have enough for his personal/family needs, and should not be in a Large Debt. Mark 7:9-13; 1 Tim.5:8 and
Matt.22:21; Rom.13:8


It's time to get Serious; Studying and Obeying the Scriptures for ourselves to overcome Deceptions.

Jesus already predicted the Arrival of FALSE PROPHETS: WOLVES IN Sheep's Clothing.

AND some that are good or honest seemed to have been BLINDED by the LOVE of Money and Popularity.

We shouldn't TRUST any Man: I mean any Great or Small MAN.

Some are not particularly evil, though: but a subtle MIXTURE.

Romans 3:4 KJV
... yea, let God be TRUE, but Every Man a LIAR; as it is written...

We should check the FRUITS, not just the Gifts: Many will be deceived by Gifts: Great SIGNS AND WONDERS... Even True Believers Might get caught out in it. Matthew 24:24

May we be WISE, so as not be victims of BLIND LEADERS OF THE BLIND.

Matthew 15:14 KJV
Let them alone: they be BLIND LEADERS of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall FALL into the DITCH. (Hell)

Matthew 24:24-25 KJV
For there shall ARISE false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew GREAT SIGNS AND WONDERS; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the VERY ELECT.

[25] Behold, I have TOLD you before.

May Jesus Bless You.[/quote]

quote author=FARA4GA post=89260470]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8PZwMdPvW8


The Rev. spoke about pre-intimacy, sex, and speaking in tongues during sex as she advised Christians on how to have Godly sex.

Among what she said was that lovemaking is likened to a fellowship, where pre-intimacy is the opening prayer/praise and worship, which is used to clear the atmosphere, before the speaker (husband), comes to speak (make love). She advised wives to guide their husbands to the holy land, while saying they shouldn't be scared to touch his manhood cause it is not a snake. [/quote] Seriously? This is the kind of thing that makes people take Christianity for a joke. If you knew what true worship is, you will not liken praise and worship to mere pleasure.

.

A woman noticed something unusual around her house and without a second look she picked a quarrel with her neighbor who was not in good relationship with her. She suspected that her neighbor had made some kind of black magic for her. Unknown to her the supposed black magic was "prepared" by little children within the neighborhood in their course of play. This woman ran inside her house and came out with a bottle containing what she called "blood" and poured it on the supposed black magic. What was that for, someone may ask?

The "blood" was meant to neutralize the effect of the "black magic". Many people are stirred by the false interpretation of Christ's message to do things that are equivalent to witchcraft. Some "Christians" act like the woman in the above scenario because they have been made to believe that everything they see around is evil. So they live in fear and perpetual bondage, yet they claim to be liberated in Christ.

The subject of the Holy Communion like many others has been misrepresented to the Church. People are now taught to use the Holy Communion as mantle for defence or as a means to receive favor. This is why it is common to see "Christians" pour the elements of the Holy Communion around their homes, offices and business places. This makes Christianity sound like voodoo and it is in the sharpest contrast to what Christ taught.

At the farewell meal with His disciples, the Son of God blessed bread and gave to the disciples and said, " Take; eat. This is my body " (Matthew 26:26). He also blessed the cup and gave to them saying, " drink you all of it, for this is my blood of the New Covenant which is shed for many for the remission of sin" (Matthew 26:27-28). What does the bread and wine Christ gave to the disciples represent? What is the meaning of Christ's words "take, eat and drink you all of it?"

The emphasis Christ laid on eating His flesh and drinking His blood should make us think. "Very truly I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of God and drink His blood you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life... For my flesh is real food and my blood real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him" (John 6:53-56). Jesus Christ is the incarnate of the Living Word(John 1:1, 14). This is why He said He is the living bread that came from heaven (John 6:51). Because Christ is the Word incarnate, the material bread and wine He referred to as His body and blood symbolize the word of God.

By telling His disciples to take and eat the bread, the Lord was calling on them to take in His teachings and make them become part of their lives. When He gave them the cup and said drink you all of it, He implied that the entire Word He brought should be received as it was given to man without distortions. This is not the case today. When it comes to doing what the Word says some people are very selective. They do the things that are favorable and convenient to them and throw the rest to the winds.

Notice that Christ did not say "drink part of the cup and pour part to defend yourself or to get favor". He said drink you all of it! It is in drinking all of the contents of the cup, accepting the entire message of Christ, or simply seeking first the kingdom of God, that all blessings will be given to you. When you take in all of God's word without falsifications and strive to live by it, the intense light of the Word will radiate from within you and envelope you. This Light, which denotes the presence of the Lord that can only manifest where His word is honored, will build a hedge around you which no darkness can penetrate. This is what attracts favor, protection and every other blessing to you.

After giving the disciples His flesh to eat and His blood to drink, Christ instituted a memorial of Him by saying, "do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19). What are we to do in remembrance of Christ? Is it just setting tables to eat consecrated bread and wine? Obviously no.

Jesus Christ came to earth to give salvation to mankind through His Word. The Holy Communion is an ordinance that helps to ensure the fulfillment of His mission on earth. It symbolizes the need for man to take Christ's teachings to heart and make vital use of them. His broken body and the blood He shed, represented by the elements of the Holy Communion ( bread and wine) are meant to help us realize the necessity of the Salvation message He brought.

In partaking of the Holy Communion therefore, each individual should think about this necessity that made the Son of God to sacrifice His body and blood on the cross. This realization should then arouse in us a fresh determination to understand aright, and to strive to live out the message which the Lord brought with such great sacrifice. His teachings to love your neighbor as you love yourself, to love your enemies and bless those who curse you, to forgive men as you expect God to forgive you, to refrain from vengeance, to honor marriage, etc, are to be lived out without falsifications. This is the meaning of drinking all of the contents of the cup and indeed the true remembrance of Christ.

Living according to Christ's teachings is the only thing that makes for our eternal salvation, the very purpose of the Lord coming to earth. Whoever does not partake of the Lord's table in this light, partakes of it unworthily and brings judgment upon himself ( 1 Corinthians 11:29).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AT trem87715@gmail.com

CodeTemplar:



The treasury Judas kept and took from, who owns it and what was inside? Spiritual riches?

The treasury Judas kept did not contain spiritual riches. It contained contributions made by some donors towards Christ's ministry (Luke 8:3). That means it did not belong personally to Christ. Jesus knew that Judas was a thief and could pilfer from the treasury, yet among all the disciples, He chose him to be in charge of the treasury. What can you draw from this?

Christ did not regard the treasury as a personal property.. His attention was not on there either. He knew he could get anything he needed by His power.

Prosperity for man is an ordained will of the Almighty but it unfolds according to the divine plan. It does not come in the way some people are being made to understand. When it comes to prosperity, most people prefer to go for the short cut. This is why every scripture connected to the subject has been dimly understood.

The driving force in today's Christianity has shifted from Salvation to Prosperity. People now feel, that as soon as you get registered in a Church, prosperity sets in. It is now rare to hear people give testimonies of salvation in Church. Instead of, "the things I used to do I do them no more", what takes our testimony time in church today is, " I came to this Church as a Pauper, but now I pay my tithe in millions ". This is misplaced priority arising from misrepresentation of the scriptures.

The statement, Christ became poor that we might be rich has been greatly misrepresented to the Church. As a result, most people in Church tend to put their focus on wealth instead of salvation. On the other hand, without caring to understand Paul's true intent in making the statement, some people in Church who have not had the opportunity to register large marks of success have withdrawn from the faith. For them, as long as Paul's statement has not unfolded in their lives, the word of God is not true. In other words, Christianity is a scam

Paul said, "for you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty may be rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).To understand this scripture adequately, we need to answer the following questions; 1. How was Christ rich. Was He materially rich before He became poor? 2. How did Christ become poor. Was He materially poor? 3. How are we to be rich through His poverty?

From the scriptures we can deduce that Christ was not a materially wealthy man. He owned nothing on earth. He had no lands, no mansions and no money. Because Christ did not posses material riches, He was not dispossessed of material riches for us to become materially rich. On the other hand, Christ was not especially poor either. He lived a comfortable life. He had the powers to get what He needed. By His power he multiplied five loaves and two fishes when He needed to feed the multitude (John 6:9-13). When He needed to pay the temple tax He got the required amount from the mouth of a fish ( Matthew 17:27 ). And when He had need for a means of transport, He directed the disciples to the right place and it was delivered to Him (Luke 19:30-35).

The fact that Christ became poor that we might be rich does not primarily translate to materialism. The sacrifice Christ made is incomprehensible. By laying aside His rights, privileges and glory as the Son of God, and entering into this world to become subject to human limitations, in order to personally deliver the message of salvation to mankind, Christ voluntarily became poor so that man can be rich. In what way then should man be rich through Christ's poverty?

The movement from His celestial abode to earth to deliver the Holy Word to man is what constituted the poverty. The purpose of delivering the message at such a high cost to man was so that man could absorb the message and endeavor to live by it. Taking in the Holy Word and living in accordance with it leads to spiritual prosperity. Spiritual prosperity is the only thing that will uplift the human Spirit into the City of Light where there is no poverty or suffering.

But understand this. Your spiritual prosperity certainly affects your physical life. This is why John the beloved said. "I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers" (3 John 1:2). In the divine plan, the prosperity of your soul comes before the physical prosperity, not vice versa. The prosperity of your soul will bear positively on other areas of your life. That means your finances, your health, your marriage, etc will prosper as you become rich in the Word.

The spiritual riches Christ's poverty brought through the Holy Word He delivered to mankind far outweighs the material riches of the world. While the later is limited to this realm, the former lifts beyond time and space. It leads to life eternal. Therefore awake! Let the first things come first. When you seek spiritual prosperity, every other prosperity will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AT trem87715@gmail.com

ublight:
grail message adherent spotted. I have successfully converted one of your adherents. Grail message is a piece of dumb book

I sincerely would advice, that you endeavor to briddle your tongue, for you will be accountable for every idle word you speak.

Scripture passages are not meant to be taken in isolation. Every scripture must be read and understood in the context of the surrounding verses. The inability of the Church to make people understand the scriptures in the right perspective has helped to produce many reckless "Christians". The word Christians in quotes, because there is no midway to Christianity. It is either you are in, or you are out. To be a Christian, you must be one who ibelieves in Christ in the strictest sense of the word.

Paul said, "if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved" (Romans 10:9). While neglecting the surrounding verses, church leaders pick on the foregoing scripture and tell their followers that all it takes to be born again is a casual confession of Christ as Lord and Savior. So everyone in Church who has made this confession feels he, or she is born again. What a shallow understanding. The question is, after confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord, and believing that He died for you, what do you do with the message that took Him so much sacrifice to deliver to you?

In the very next verse of the scripture above, Paul made his message clear. He said, "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:10). Notice here that the order is belief before confession. What does it mean to believe in Christ? To believe in Christ means to absorb His message, to be convinced that it is the truth and to strive to live in accordance with it. In the scripture above, Paul said this belief is that which brings righteousness. The message Paul was passing here is that it is in living according to the word of the Son of God that righteousness can be accomplished. The confession that comes after the Word has become a part of you is the true confession because it flows from a heart already filled with Christ, the Word of God. Any other thing is unatural.

Every Minister of the gospel therefore has a responsibility to make people understand, that the confession they make should sincerely come out of a heart that is already filled with the Word, for it is out of the fullness of the heart that the mouth should speak.

Many people make confessions in Church and leave with the understanding that they have accepted Christ, or have become Christians, when in actual fact, they do not know what it means to believe in Christ. Their hearts were not renewed unto righteousness before they made such confession. This is why some people who are called "believers" are quick to abuse and call down fire on their fellow human beings. It's the reason why church members, leaders and sometimes Pastors, respond quickly to impulses of immorality. A pastor can impregnate a member and turn around to say, "It was the devil".Truth is, these people have not followed the right path. Though they claim to be followers of Christ, they do not know yet what it means to believe in Him.

To understand what it means to accept, or believe in Christ, you must first understand who He is and what His mission on earth is. Apart from being the Son of God, Jesus Christ is the incarnate of the living Word ( John 1:1, 14). He became flesh and dwelt among men so he could teach them the Word that will separate them from the Darkness and lead them unto salvation. Whoever accepts the Word He taught, and strives to live in accordance with it, he it is that has accepted Christ or believed in Him. He is the one who is born again and the one to be called Christian.

The bible says the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. When Barnabas brought Saul to Antioch, they fellowshipped with the church and kept on instructing the people on the Word for a whole year (Acts 11:24-26). For the men of Antioch to identity them as Christians, they must have noticed in them within the one year, the character of Christ, which is only a result of the inner transformation brought about by the Word. There is no record anywhere in the scriptures that indicates, that such transformation took place in a single moment. It was the result of the disciples' continual following and learning from the Lord.

In their course of following Christ, the disciples some of the times made mistakes and got corrected by the Lord. This continual correction contributed a great deal to their inner transformation. In a hostile town for example where Jesus was not given a good reception, James and John opted to command fire from heaven to burn the inhabitants as Elijah did, but the Lord rebuked them, pointing them to the fact that He came to save men's lives, not to destroy (Luke 9:54-56). That was a great occasion of learning for the two disciples who were yet to be inwardly transformed. The journey back to the Creator requires us to continue learning, to keep taking in the Word and to keep doing what it says. So don't idle away your time. A renewed mind doesn't come free. It takes work and discipline.

For the people who think they should enter into eternal life without any responsibility on their part, this message may be difficult to accept. Though Jesus came to save the world, not everyone will choose to be saved. This was the reason why during His last supper with His disciples He said, "This is my blood of the new covenant which is shed for many, for the remission of sins" (Mathew 26:28). The word "many" above, denotes the number of people who will accept the message Christ taught and live according to it, not those who choose to play church.

spartan117:
Any personal experience that does not have a scriptural foundation should be disregarded.

Now let's examine what the Word of Jesus says about salvation

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


Your belief and your confession of Jesus Christ is the only[/b
requirement to get [b]saved

Very true. The part two of "Born Again" comes up tomorrow. There I will take about what it means to believe in Christ. Please endeavor to follow.

hupernikao:


Spirit of truth...
Not sure you understand what you are writing. To be sincere with you, this is a very lazy way to answer questions from the scriptures. It's easy to run up and post things making claims but hard for you to explain. If this is how Jesus, Paul and other apostles handles scriptures, you won't ever know anything today. You can imagine questioning Paul's doctrine and he says what you said above.

I raised cases for you based on your assumption and you can't even try to defend any. Is this how to contend. This is one reason faith is being ridicule around as even the believers themselves can't intelligently present their argument with logical explanations than hiding behind holyghost will reveal.

A teacher of the gospel must be apt, ready to teach, to explain, to convince and Likewise understand his doctrine well.

I will advise you to avoid posting things you can't explain or aren't ready to engage proper discussion on. That will be lazy and doesn't speak well of you.

Thanks a lot.

hupernikao:


For example, let's test the write up.

Can you back up below with scriptures. Use scriptural evidence to show this

Case 1:



Use scriptures to defend the above.


Case 2:



Use scriptural evidence to explain this. That such man describes above is not born again yet has the holyghost and get get transformed inwardly.


Case 3:



Also, this, give scriptural explanation. That being born again is a gradual process.

Bearing in mind the writings and emphasis of the epistle writers and their audience concerning the spirit.

Christ said when the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. I know certainly, that when your understanding is unveiled, these questions will be immaterial. All I can wish you is a quick awakening to truth and reality.

hupernikao:


You can't passionately use your experience to explain the scriptures but neglect scriptural context because reading your thoughts into the scriptures or making it says what it never said isn't poor exegesis but an eisegesis.

In all literatures or writings that ever existed CONTEXT IS ALWAYS KING. When your explanation deviates from context, then it's your thoughts not the intent of the author.

The author has an intent when he was inspired to write (contextually), that same intent is what we should find out and what our explanation should carry and never deviate from it.

Although you have not said exactly what is out of context in the post, you have to understand, that most of Christ's teachings were folded in parables. All the same, you have read the message. And as a free will agent, you have a choice to make. You are not under compulsion to accept the message. You can choose to either accept or reject it.

.

JoyAda1234:
You were a Roman Catholic?

Yes. But that was many years ago. I was borne into Catholic, but I left when I was fifteen.

Aquilapriscilla:
Hmmm God help me

He certainly will help.

A dream I had in my early teenage age triggered in me an inner yearning for something pure. In the dream an helicopter with the inscription, "Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand", hovered above my head for a long time. I woke up from the dream with a certain burning desire in my heart. At this time we were all Catholic faithfuls in my family. We were not used to studying the Bible, so I did not even know where to find this scripture.

With the desire I could not suppress, I asked my mother for permission to worship with another denomination and she obliged.

From my personal experience i can tell you that there are many truth thirsty souls in church. These people depend solely on that which they are fed with without making personal efforts to examine the scriptures which is detrimental to their spiritual growth. In this regard it is the responsibility of teachers and preachers to ensure that what they give out is nothing other than the truth.

At the Church I learnt about the subject of being born again. We were told, that getting born again was to be transformed instantly. After hearing a message all you need do is to acknowledge your sins, ask for forgiveness and confess Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, then you are born again. I accepted this as the truth and did as we were told. By doing this I felt I was ready for the eternal kingdom. I lived with this illusion for decades before I came to the recognition of the truth.

What really is the truth about being born again? In the light of the Holy Word, getting born again is not an instant thing. What happens instantly when the Word of God strikes a soul, is the initial igniting or awakening of the spirit to a new recognition. This awakening, which is the work of the Holy Spirit, triggers in the individual a desire to seek the truth, which can only be found in the Word. It drives him to consistently study and absorb the Word, which by living in accordance with it, gets him inwardly transformed. This inner transformation through the Word is the true meaning of being born again. It is a gradual process.

While answering Nicodemus who asked what it means to be born again, Jesus said, that to be born again is to be born of Water and of the Spirit (John 3:3-5). Being born of Water does not refer to water baptism as many do believe. Water baptism should symbolize an inner cleansing which has already taken place through the Word. Water in the context of this scripture represents the word of God.

Like water, the Holy Word washes, cleanses and detaches the Human Spirit from the works of the Darkness. When you consistently take in the Word, it fills your heart and renews your mind. This in turn affects your thoughts, your words and deeds. Whenever a thought filters into your heart, you will check to see if it aligns with the Word before you act on it. If it does not align with the Word, you discard such thought. By so doing, the Word keeps you away from wrong entanglements. The cleansing power of the Word gives the true meaning of being born of Water.

To be born of the spirit is not the same as being baptized in he Holy Spirit. There are many tongue speaking people who will not taste the bliss of heaven. To be born of the spirit means, to come alive in the spirit. It means to become spiritually mature. A man becomes spiritually mature when he recognizes the Will of God and swing in harmony with It. Spiritual maturity makes an individual to insist on the right volition because he knows, that whatever he does is a seed that must grow and bring back fruits to him. It makes a man to refrain from vengeance because he knows that the effect us of the laws of God bring about vengeance in the same way they bring blessings. A fully mature human spirit is completely changed and different from what he was before. He is pleasing to God because he Stands in His Will in Creation. Only such can be permitted into the kingdom of heaven. To be born of the spirit, you must first of all be born of water, the Word of God. The two must go together.

The cleansing and renewal work of the Holy Word which sheds off the weight of the works of the Darkness from the Human Spirit releases it to soar up. A Spirit thus released is light and soars higher and higher towards the regions of Light, so long as it strives to do what the Word says. At physical death, it lifts into that realm in heaven which corresponds to its level of lightness.

The man who has no knowledge of the truth cannot swing in line with the Will of the Creator. Such a person is spiritually dense. And though he professes to be born again, or speaks with the tongues of angels, he cannot ascend into the kingdom of life. He needs to shed off his spiritual weight through the Word, or it will compel him to descend into the regions of darkness.

In summation being born again is not an instant event, for you cannot receive a single teaching and claim to be totally transformed. It is not merely getting registered in a church. Getting born again in the true sense of the word, is the inner transformation of the Human Spirit springing from absorbing and living out the message of Christ. It is therefore a gradual process.

Notice that after upholding being born of Water and of the Spirit as the criteria to enter the kingdom of heaven, Christ also said, that only those who do the Will of His Father will enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21). Comparing these two scriptures one fact leaps out. That being born of Water and of the Spirit is the same as doing the Will of God. Bear in mind that the Will of God is His Word.

There are many in Church who profess to be born again, yet are very ignorant of the truth. You can't profess to be born again when you are still praying for your enemies to die. That's against the love and forgiveness Christ taught. You cannot profess to be born again when as pastor you engage multitudes in unscriptural assignments that are equivalent to witchcraft. You cannot say you are born again when you know you pact with the devil to be empowered for miracles.

Dear gospel Minister, I am directing this message to you because the salvation of many Souls depend on you. You have great responsibility. The multitude of people that follow you are looking up to you. What you lead them to do is what they will do. It is your responsibility to lead them in the path of the truth. But you cannot give out what you don't have. You must exert yourself to know the truth and get it absorbed in you, so you can impart to them. Understand, that until the number of people you mislead with false teachings come to the recognition of the truth, you cannot be free. Therefore the time to redeem your Soul from the impending judgment is now!

The fundamental thing man is called to do is to render worship to his Creator. Worship means more than what most people think. It is not limited to the momentary singing and raising up of hands we practice in church, neither is it offerings or any other religious rites.

According to Mariam Webster's Dictionary, worship is honor, or reverence shown to a divine Being, or Supernatural Power. In Christianity therefore, worship means honor or reverence shown to the Almighty God. It means extravagant love and submission to His will. Note, that God's will is His commandments. To submit to His will means to live according to His commandments. The Word says to keep God's commandments is the whole duty of man ( Micah 6:8 ). If keeping God's commandments, or rendering worship to the Almighty is the only duty of man on earth, it means worship is a more serious thing than what we take it to be.

Having known, that worship is doing the will of God, the question is, where does worship take place, and how does it take place?
Christ said true worshippers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth ( John 4:23). This statement of the Lord points to the fact that true and sincere worship streams from the inside out. It takes place in the heart, then it flows out and affects your appearance, your speech, and your deeds. True worship is more of the spiritual than the physical. It is not a momentary action. It is a lifestyle .

The fundamental condition for worship to take place is the knowledge of the will of God in Creation which lies in the Word. The purest worship is adapting oneself to the message of Christ in thoughts, words and deeds. This message reveals to man how he must live , and points him to the path that leads upwards. It also reveals to him the dangers he will face if he chooses to neglect it.

Paul said we render our Spiritual worship when we present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1). How can you present your body as a living sacrifice to God? To present your body as a living sacrifice, you must cease to conform to the pattern of this world ( Romans 12:2). You must be transformed by getting your mind renewed on the Word. In other words, you have to absorb the message of Christ and let it come alive within you. That means you must endeavor to do what it says no matter how difficult it may seem. You offer a living sacrifice, or better said, your spiritual worship when you abstain from all that appears to be evil.

In summation, Spiritual, or living worship is reverence and submission to the will of God, and takes place on the altar of our hearts. External worship is only an expression of the internal. The physical bowing down, and the lifting up of hands during "church worship" for example, are merely expressions of our submission to God's will. We have to understand, that the body and Spirit can either be unified or divided in worship. When we consistently submit to the will of God, our spiritual worship flows from the inside and unites with our physical expressions to make our worship complete.

Understand this. A choir leader who directs praise and worship in Church, but still engages in gossip, cheating, immorality, vengeance, or idolatry, cannot be said to render worship to God. A Pastor who lives a life different from what he preaches, cannot be said to render spiritual worship. The one who twists the gospel of Christ to advance his selfish desires is not rendering reasonable worship to God.

Without true worship, your eternal salvation cannot be guaranteed. Therefore arise and seek the Lord while He may yet be found. The time is far spent. Every hour of your earth-life is now more important than ever!

Finallydead:

What is meant in all the following scriptures?
‌James5:10-11, 1Pet4:1,12-19, Rom8:17-18, 35-37, Col1:24, Heb12:1-13. Please read with an open heart and display the meekness of Christ by correcting this thread. You should rather say that suffering is our God-given cross except under demonic economy but if under God's government, it must end in glory and greater empowerment of the Spirit. I assure you there are heights you can never get to in His glory and power until you share in His sufferings.

Thanks for your comments.
I am well aware of the fact, that he who misleads others in the course of his teaching carries great responsibity, and can never be liberated until the Souls he misled come to recognition of the truth. I will not be relieved of personal responsibility, if I post what you think is right. Wakeupchristian is not on this site to blend with the misconceptions that have run through Christianity for ages, but to correct, and help awaken those Christians who still carry a spark of Light within them. In strength of this, I would say concerning your advice, that there is nothing to correct on this thread.

Every word of the scriptures is true, provided we allow the Spirit of truth to guide us into the right understanding. Now to the scriptures you mentioned. 1Peter 1:12-19, does not in any way talk about suffering. Rather a portion of it admonishes men to be holy. Holiness is not suffering. Hebrews 12:1-13, does not talk about suffering either. It talks about resisting and striving against sin (verse4). The remaining part of this scripture deals with the chastening and discipline from the Lord. Make no mistake about this. This chastening has nothing to do with Christ suffering. It is an existing judgment which sets in as a result of disobedience. Paul said this chastening, or discipline is allowed on us to correct us, so that we don't get finally condemned with the world

Romans 8:17, talks about suffering with Christ. The question now is, how do you share in Christ suffering? This is where many Christians get it wrong. You sure cannot carry the Cross to Golgotha to be nailed ad Christ did. Sharing in Christ suffering is not the same as going through the repercussions of your wrong choices. When you go through the repercussions of your wrong choices, you are going through chastening from the Lord, not Christ suffering. You share in Christ suffering when you appreciate the Holy Word He brought to you with so great a sacrifice. Sharing in Christ suffering means striving to live by the message He suffered to bring to mankind, irrespective of what it will cost you.

If for example you lost your job because you refused to compromise by telling a lie, that is part of sharing in Christ suffering. That is also a way of taking up your Cross to follow Christ. You can be sure another way will open for you. On this note I would sincerely encourage you to carefully harness the scriptures and get a skillful understanding of it.

budaatum:
I would say the Cross is the task of loving your neighbours and your enemies moreso, because on this one cross do all laws hang.

It's a very heavy cross too, as one can tell by the many who fail to bear it.

Thank you for your cintributiin. As I said, the Cross is the truth contained in the word of God. Everything in the scriptures is the truth, provided we can understand them in the right perspective. Loving others as we love ourselves, and loving the Almighty with the whole of our Being, is one of the truth in the Word. Our only duty is to truly absorb the whole truth contained in the Word and take them up daily to follow Christ. In other words, all we have to do is to live out the truth daily.

As each day has two seasons, the daytime and the night, so also life offers man two seasons, the season of happiness and that of trials. In times of trials, many people console themselves by applying the words of Jesus wrongly — " Christ said we should carry our cross and follow him". They make this statement with the understanding, that the Cross Jesus talked about was the cross of suffering. In other words, as though Jesus intended those who follow him to suffer always. This is far from being the truth.

The Word says, Jesus came that we may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). Abundant life on earth is a life of peace, good health, prosperity, etc. It is a life of happiness, not suffering. Abundant life beyond this realm, is an eternal life. Again the plans of the Almighty for man are plans of good, not evil ( Jeremiah 29:11). Therefore the Cross Jesus referred to, when he made the statement, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23), cannot be the cross of suffering as many do believe. It is not the cross of Golgotha which denotes Christ suffering. Notice in the foregoing scripture, that Jesus said this Cross should be carried daily. If this Cross should be that of suffering, the Lord who is Love, would not want men to carry it daily.

What is the Cross? The Cross is an earthly symbol of the truth contained in the message of Christ. To take up the Cross therefore means, to absorb the message of Christ and to endeavor daily to do what it says, no matter how difficult it may seem. So the Cross Jesus referred to is not the cross of suffering. It is the Cross of redemption. It is when we take in knowledge of the truth, and live by it daily, that we can earn eternal life.

The number one truth you need to take up daily is the fact, that when you strive to live according to the message of Christ, you consistently carry the Light within and around you. The Light denotes the presence of the Almighty. In the presence of the Almighty uncommon things happen. Darkness melts in His presence. Your protection is secured and your needs are met. The Psalmist said he who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1). You have to understand that the secret place of the Most High is the place of obedience to God's will. The shadow of the Almighty in the above scripture, is the overwhelming presence of God that brings uncommon blessings. So when you swing daily in line with the will of God, everything naturally and gradually falls into place.

Another truth to be absorbed and used daily is the fact that every action we take against the will of God has a repercussion which is meant for correction and redemption. The burden of trials we are permitted to carry are the repercussions of our disobedience. They are the echoes if our willful wrong actions after gaining knowledge of the truth. That means, they set in as a result of our refusal to take up the truth daily and live by it.

A final Word! When you are always surrounded with trials or unpleasant situations, know of a truth, that something is out of place. God is still in the business of blessing his people. Don't get stirred and comfortable in the understanding that you are carrying the cross of Christ. Look into your life to see if you are still in the business of obeying God. That is, if you are still living by the message of Christ. If you realize you have made mistakes, repent and amend your ways, and watch everything fall back into place gradually. There is no short cut to this. That is the purpose of your trials. ( Refer to my post on Falsified Teachings of Christ- Judgment).

You cannot ascend to Luminous Heights if you are not willing to take up your Cross daily and follow Christ. Jesus said, " I am the resurrection and the life! No man comes to the Father but by me" (John 11:25). But by me means, by my word, or by my message. You cannot enjoy eternal bliss without living according to the message of Christ. Your time to act is now. Every hour of your earth life is now more important than ever!

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A lot has been misconstrued on the subject of giving in the teachings of Christ. Many people have put themselves in desperate situations over what they do not fully understand. An elderly woman once told me she was very sad because she used the money she kept for tithe to assist her daughter when she had an urgent need. In response I asked her. " what is the origin of tithe, did Jesus teach about tithing as a New Covenant principle, are there examples of early Christians who paid tithe in the scriptures?" These are the questions I will endeavor to answer here without leaving doubts.

Tithe is the custom of giving a tenth of one's land produce or earnings to Priests or Kings. In ancient times, this custom was universally practised because it was recognized as a holy seed. The Encyclopedia Britannica has it that tithing existed in Babylon, Persia, Egypt etc.(11th Edition, vol.26, p.1019). It is believed that Abraham learnt about it before his family migrated from Ur. So the first mention of tithe in the bible came from this Godfearing Jew, Abraham.

Abraham paid tithe to Melchizedek, king of Salem and Priest of the Most High God (Genesis 14:18-20). Notice in this scripture, that God did not instruct Abraham to pay tithe. Abraham gave his tithe willingly, as an expression of his thankfulness to God for the mighty deliverance he received in rescuing his Nephew, Lot. His act had nothing to do with any covenant between God and man.

The second time tithe is mentioned in the bible is in connection with Abraham's grandson Jacob, who may have borrowed the idea from his grandfather's dealing with Melchizedek. Jacob, who was to be the father of Israel, built on his grandfather's foundation. He vowed to pay tithe to the Lord at Bethel, but in contrast to Abraham's spontaneous deed, Jacob made a conditional vow (Genesis 28:20-22). When the Lord later made a covenant with his descendants, He stood on the vow their father made (Leviticus 27:30-34). This then set a precedence for tithing in Israel.

Where, and what did Jesus teach about tithing? The only statement Jesus ever made on tithe is recorded in Matthew chapter 23. This scripture records Jesus' verdict on a group of religious hypocrites, who neglected teaching and practising those aspects of the law that could aid men's ascent, and paid more attention to minor rules that added no value to their spiritual lives. Here Jesus scored the Pharisees for being proud and hard, and for refusing to admit their wrongs. He accused them of diverting men's attention from the inner attitude of love and justice, necessary for their ascent, to observance of minor rules like tithing, which cannot take the Human Spirit beyond this realm. "...you pay tithes of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy and faith: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone" ( Matthew 23:23). This pharisee-like attitude still characterises the Church today. Instead of teaching and practising love and forgiveness, gospel preachers emphasize on tithe and offering, and encourage vengeance.

Many Christians have misunderstood the above scripture as a confirmation for tithing in the New Dispensation. In this scripture Jesus was affirming the payment of tithe to those old Covenant Worshippers, not the New Covenant believers. Notice, that at the time Jesus made this statement, He had not yet instituted the New Covenant. The Bible says a Covenant can only be instituted at the death of the testator (Hebrews 9:16-17). As long as Jesus had not yet died, it was not yet the dawn of the New Covenant. Therefore the Jews could still continue to practise their law. So Jesus was implying, that it was still alright for them to continue paying their tithes, only that they had to maintain a balance.a

There is no commandment to tithe in the new dispensation, and no example of early Christians who paid tithe, but there is a certain expectation of giving that is required from the New Covenant believers. Jesus commanded men to give freely, not to tithe ( Luke 6:38).

Giving should be done willingly, unconditionally, generously and cheerfully ( 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). It should flow freely from the heart, out of love for service. It should not be based on formal rules and regulations. It should not be a mathematical fulfillment of obligations. It should not be done out of pressure or compulsion. Giving should not be something anyone is coerced to do. But bear this in mind, that everyone who carries the Light within, has an inborn yearning to give freely. This is because the spirit of love dwells in him. So if you always find it difficult to give freely, even when you flow in abundance, you need to examine yourself to see if you are still standing.

Giving should not be restricted to Churches alone. A Christian ought to know the blessings that lie in reaching out to others with love and care. Our faith must be expressed in our works. The early Church expressed their love by sharing what they had in common. By doing so, the needs of everyone was met. Today's Christianity exhibits a lot of selfishness. Some Pastors, and even members get surrounded with fleets of cars while other members languish in poverty. In this they neglect the weightier matters of the law and pay attention to minor rules like tithing, just like the Pharisees did. Jesus said, " Except your righteousness exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:20).

thereadingivy:
This is so true. Thank you for this.

Thanks.

Earthkumy:
God bless you

Thank you.

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