#Philippians 3:12-15

[martyschoenleber]

Calling and Passion (and Crushing) Companions in Gospel Advance

Calling and Passion. We often see them side by side in the lives of those whose make a real difference in bringing the good news of Christ to the world. But often, we make the mistake of thinking that such a life of blessing comes with 24-hour joy, 365 days a year. It is not so. There is often a third companion in the journey of faith—a crushing of the ambassador of gospel joy. My artistic…

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#2 Corinthians 4:16-18 #Britt Shellee #Brokenhearted #Calling #Crushing #Following #Philippians 3:12-15 #Suffering

[re4med]

The Morning Devotional: WCF 32.1-2

The Morning Devotional for October 12, 2023 The Westminster Confession of Faith 32.1-2 I. The bodies of men, after death, return to dust, and see corruption;a but their souls (which neither die nor sleep), having an immortal subsistence,b immediately return to God who gave them. The souls of the righteous, being then made perfect in holiness, are received into the highest heavens, where they…

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#1 Corinthians 15 #1 Thessalonians 4 #death #devotional #Ecclesiastes 12 #Genesis 3 #Luke 16 #Luke 23 #Philippians 1 #resurrection #Westminster Confession of Faith

[bojackson54]

The Best Thing About the Past is That It's Really a Present

The Best Thing About the Past is That It’s Really a Present

the past on a cycle If there is anything to be learned from history, it’s that we should learn from the past. George Santayana famously said, “Men who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” So history can be educational, but there is another observation about the past that we should remember: we can’t live there… The Apostle Paul put it this way: “Brethren, I do not count myself…

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#George Santayana #Isaiah 43:25 #Luke 9:62 #past #Philippians 3:13-14 #Psalm 103:11-12 #Romans 7:15; 19-20

[graceandpeacejoanne]

Revelation 3: Beloved Philadelphians

After affirming their salvation, Jesus promised the assembly in Philadelphia others would know He loved them, and promised protection from what was about to come. #Revelation3 #Philadelphia #Tribulation

The Philadelphian believers were little in ability but great in faith, for though they had been made to feel as though God would not let them through the gates of heaven, yet they had kept Jesus’s word (sanctifying themselves), and remained true to Jesus’s name. Therefore, Jesus presented Himself to them, His little ones, as the One Who is Holy and Trustworthy/True. And there was…

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#1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 #colossians 3:1 #colossians 3:4 #john 17:15 #john 17:22-23 #philadelphia #philippians 2:9-11 #rapture #revelation 3 #romans 12:5 #tribulation

[girlbloggercher]

how to read the Bible

this is in order!

1. John

2. Mark

3. Matthew

4. Luke

5. Genesis

6. Exodus

7. Leviticus

8. Numbers

9. Dueteronomy

10. Romans

11. Galatians

12. Colossians

13. Proverbs

14. Ecclesiastes

15. Job

16. 1 Peter

17. 1 Corinthians

18. 2 Corinthians

19. Ephesians

20. Philippians

21. 1 Thessalonians

22. 2 Thessalonians

23. 1 Timothy

24. 2 Timothy

25. James

26. 2 Peter

27. 1 John

28. 2 John

29. 3 John

30. Jude

31. Psalms

32. Joshua

33. Judges

34. 1 Samuel

35. 2 Samuel

36. 1 Kings

37. 2 Kings

38. 1 Chronicles

39. 2 Chronicles

40. Ezra

41. Nehemiah

42. Jeremiah

43. Lamentations

44. Ezekiel

45. Joel

46. Amos

47. Obadiah

48. Nahum

49. Habakkuk

50. Zephaniah

51. Haggai

52. Zechariah

53. Malachi

54. Micah

55. Hosea

56. Luke

57. Esther

58. Jonah

59. Song of Solomon

60. Acts

61. Titus

62. Philemon

63. Hebrew

64. Isaiah

65. Daniel

66. Revelation

#that girl #wonyoungism #clean girl #glow up #coquette #health and wellness #christianity

[officialyourdailyinspiration]

Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart

1 My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; 2 For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, 4 And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. 11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; 12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

Blessed Is the One Who Finds Wisdom

13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; 14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her. 19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens; 20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up, And clouds drop down the dew. 21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes-- Keep sound wisdom and discretion; 22 So they will be life to your soul And grace to your neck. 23 Then you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; 26 For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught. 27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you. 29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, For he dwells by you for safety's sake. 30 Do not strive with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm. 31 Do not envy the oppressor, And choose none of his ways; 32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, But His secret counsel is with the upright. 33 The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just. 34 Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble. 35 The wise shall inherit glory, But shame shall be the legacy of fools. — Proverbs 3 | New King James Version (NKJV) The Holy Bible; New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. Cross References: Genesis 7:11; Exodus 20:6; Exodus 22:29; Leviticus 19:13; Leviticus 26:14; Numbers 9:20; Deuteronomy 11:21; Job 4:6; Job 11:19; Job 21:24; Job 28:15; Psalm 37:1; Proverbs 1:9; Proverbs 2:4; Proverbs 6:14; Proverbs 8:10-11; Proverbs 8:27-28; Proverbs 9:11; Isaiah 5:27; Daniel 12:3; Joel 2:24; Micah 2:1; Matthew 11:29; Luke 2:52; John 7:17; Romans 12:16; Romans 12:18; 2 Corinthians 3:3; Philippians 4:6; Hebrews 2:1; Hebrews 12:5-6; 1 Peter 3:14; 1 Peter 5:5; Revelation 2:7; Revelation 3:19

#Lord #trust #heart #wisdom #Proverbs 3 #Book of Proverbs #Old Testament #NKJV #New King James Version Bible #Thomas Nelson

[hopethroughscriptureministries]

Embracing the Fruit of the Spirit:

Cultivating Christlike Character

Introduction: Embark on a transformative journey through the fruit of the Spirit as we explore the qualities that reflect the character of Christ. Join us on this enriching exploration of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, and discover how they can shape our lives and relationships.

Scripture Passage: Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) Cross References: John 15:1-17, Colossians 3:12-17, 2 Peter 1:5-8

Commentary: In Galatians 5, Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit as evidence of a life surrendered to Christ. These qualities—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—flow from a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit and reflect the character of Christ Himself.

In John 15, Jesus uses the analogy of the vine and branches to illustrate the importance of abiding in Him to bear fruit. He emphasizes the intimate connection between abiding in His love and producing fruit that glorifies the Father.

Colossians 3 calls believers to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving as the Lord has forgiven us. These virtues are essential for maintaining unity in the body of Christ.

In 2 Peter 1, believers are encouraged to make every effort to add to their faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. These qualities ensure that we will be effective and productive in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Broader Context:

Love:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - The characteristics of love as described by Paul.

John 13:34-35 - Jesus commands his disciples to love one another as He has loved them.

1 John 4:7-12 - Believers are called to love one another because love comes from God.

Joy:

Psalm 16:11 - In God's presence is fullness of joy.

Nehemiah 8:10 - The joy of the Lord is our strength.

John 15:11 - Jesus desires His joy to be in us, and for our joy to be complete.

Peace:

Isaiah 26:3 - God promises perfect peace to those whose minds are steadfast.

Romans 5:1 - Through faith in Jesus, we have peace with God.

Philippians 4:6-7 - God's peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Patience:

Ecclesiastes 7:8 - Patience is better than pride.

Romans 12:12 - Believers are called to be patient in affliction.

James 5:7-8 - Be patient and stand firm, for the Lord's coming is near.

Kindness:

Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other.

Proverbs 19:22 - What is desired in a man is kindness.

Colossians 3:12 - As God's chosen people, clothe yourselves with kindness.

Goodness:

Psalm 23:6 - Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.

Romans 12:21 - Overcome evil with good.

Titus 2:14 - Christ gave himself for us to redeem us and purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Faithfulness:

1 Corinthians 4:2 - Faithfulness is required of stewards.

2 Timothy 2:13 - God remains faithful even when we are faithless.

Revelation 2:10 - Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown.

Gentleness:

Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer turns away wrath.

Galatians 6:1 - Restore others gently when they are caught in sin.

1 Peter 3:15 - In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.

Self-Control:

Proverbs 25:28 - A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

1 Corinthians 9:25 - Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Titus 2:11-12 - For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.

Questions:

Which fruit of the Spirit do you find most challenging to cultivate in your life, and why?

In what ways can you abide more deeply in Christ to bear fruit that reflects His character?

How do the fruit of the Spirit impact your relationships with God and others?

What practical steps can you take to nurture the fruit of the Spirit in your daily life?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit who produces fruit in our lives that reflects the character of Christ. Help us to cultivate these virtues daily, empowering us to love as you love, to bring joy wherever we go, and to walk in peace amidst life's storms. May our lives bear witness to your transformative power and bring glory to your name. Amen.

#faith #christianity #christian faith #jesus christ #bible #faith in jesus #bible scripture #bible verse #christianlife #christ #biblestudy #bible study #bible quote #holy bible #christian #scripture #daily bible study #daily scripture #daily devotionals #Character #Transformation #ChristianLiving #SpiritualGrowth #Love #Joy #Peace #Patience #Kindness #Goodness #Faithfulness

[lionofthegoldsun]

[Maintaining A Clear Conscience]

Believers in Christ must strive to maintain a clear conscience: we must remove any pollution or defilement in our minds, hearts, and souls. That includes being cautious of what we say (Matthew 15:11), what we hear—practically anything NEGATIVE our soul absorbs, which can pollute it. And whatever we absorb can cause us to behave in a not so pleasing way to God (Romans 12:1).

This can happen without us being aware. For instance, if you run to the internet to answer your questions and to solve your problems, instead of God’s truth, you’re not going to have peace because the world is full of lies and ruled by spirits of darkness (Ephesians 6:12).

“We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.”

-1 John 5:19

These are deceiving spirits who want to take our focus off God and drag us down. They want us to feel as if there is no hope. It’s all a distraction.

The devil will use our emotions to toy with us. Therefore, trusting other sources, our hearts, and people instead of God and His word will only birth fear, paranoia, and anxiety, which are not fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Not only that, the human heart is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9). And as Proverbs 28:26 says: “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will escape.”

As Believers, this will only make us stumble and our faith wobble. That is why we need to root ourselves in God and in His word.

“They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

-Jeremiah 17:8

<Extra Verses>

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.”

Psalm 118:8-9

“Don’t put your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath. What good are they?”

-Isaiah 2:22

“Fools believe every word they hear, but wise people think carefully about everything.”

-Proverbs 14:15

<Bonus Verses>

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

-Philippians 4:8-9

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

-Philippians 4:6-7

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

-2 Corinthians 10:5

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

-Isaiah 55:8-9

“Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.”

-Romans 12:2

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”

-Isaiah 26:3

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

-Colossians 3:2

#christian #bible verse #christianity #bibleverse #jesus christ #jesus loves you #faith in god #faith in jesus #follower of jesus christ #god

[10yrsyart]

What does Jesus and the Bible teach about being a “good Christian”?

at the request of @iridescent-glass-bubbles, i wrote some scriptural advice. and i apologize for being long winded, but i wanted the verses to do a lot of the talking 😂🙏

The most important thing in learning to set a good example as a Christian is to continually read God’s Word. 

Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are being destroyed because they don’t know Me,” (NLT). And in the KJV, it says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” It means, how can we know God and His ways if we’re not actively reading about them? It’s much easier to be confused and led astray when you’re not familiar with what He’s said and how He works. (If you can read a novel, you can read Matthew or John or Romans.)

Similarly, what you’re constantly focusing on will affect how you think and act. Jesus says, “But the words you speak come from the heart- that’s what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander,” (Matthew 15:18). This is why Paul says in Colossians 3:2, “Think about the things of Heaven, not the things of earth.” And in Philippians 4:8, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Fill up your heart with things of the Lord, and that’s when your actions will start to follow.

As for how Jesus wants us to act, it’s all through the New Testament, especially His “Sermon on the Mount” speech in Matthew. Among some are: don’t hate anyone (5:21-22), don’t seek revenge (5:38-42), love and be kind to those who hate you (5:43-48), forgive everyone without holding a grudge (6:14-5), and don’t let pride convince you you’re better than everyone else (7:1-5). He says in Matthew 22:37-38, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” The Golden Rule: treat others the way you’d want to be treated, is actually from the Bible (in Matthew 7:12). 

A good summary is found in Colossians 3:12-15 which says, “Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with Love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.” (Also see the fruits of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23). 

Jesus didn’t just teach these things, He lived them. Every account of a situation He was in is an example of how He honored these principles.

It sounds like a tall order, doesn’t it? The truth is we aren’t capable of being perfect examples of Christ. We mess up all the time. But the Holy Spirit can help us with these things. Jesus wants to grow us into bright lights that shine His love on everyone, but we need to be willing. I didn’t see that much change in myself until i started regularly reading the Bible and thinking on how He wanted me to act. And then i started putting in the effort to obey, and He provided the increase.

We can’t be “good Christians” if we’re relying only on our own efforts. But we’re called to listen to and obey the Lord and He will change us more and more into His image. As Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work in you, will continue his work until it is finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” So let God’s promises fill you with peace, stand for the truth, and love others even in difficult situations. 💙

#christianity #jesus christ #God #bible verse #bible scripture #faithstuff #religion #the bible #apologetics #10 asks #my writing

[martyschoenleber]

Four Descriptors of the Man or Woman of God

I have two objectives with this post. To be biblical To not be overly complicated. What are the best descriptors of someone who walks with God?  It would hard to do better than the description of Job given three times in the early chapters of the book of Job. Let’s try them on. “There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job;and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning…

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#1 Corinthians 15:52 #Books #Godly Men #Gospel #J. Oswald Sanders #Job 1:1 #Job 1:8 #Job 2:3 #Philippians 1:6 #Philippians 2:13 #Romans 12:1-2 #Spiritual Leadership

[hiswordsarekisses]

“Imagine standing before a tightrope that stretches across Niagara Falls.

You’ve been given a guarantee by God himself that you’ll make it across safely.

The life he intends for you is on the other side, so remaining where you are is not an option. You have to go.

Still, even with his rock-solid promise, you’re shaking. A nervous wreck. Every step of the way, every downward glance, you’re both exhilarated and terrified.

Finally on the other side, you collapse in joy and nervous exhaustion. You made it. Just as he said.

That’s a taste of what scripture means when it says to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

It has nothing to do with earning it, and everything to do with being aware of how unfathomable it is — how utterly scary your situation was without its promise.

You don’t question the outcome of your journey; like tight-roping across the falls, you walk it out with acute awareness of the magnitude.

You live your salvation with awe.

Aim to live with that sense of sacredness, that exhilaration of the treachery of the journey, on one hand, and the certainty of the promise on the other.

Without God’s guarantee, fear and trembling are only terrifying.

With it, they are a cause for worship and gratitude every moment of the day.”

~ Chris Tiegreen

The phrase “pass the test” is translated from a word that also means “reprobate” “unapproved” “counterfeit” “disqualified” “rejected”

(“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test?” 2ndCorinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭5‬)

So, we are told to examine ourselves “to see that we are in the faith,” and to see that none of those “pass the test” things apply to us!

How can we tell? How do we know if we “pass the test?”

We can definitely know - and will be able to tell, with certainty, if we are consistently reading and studying in the Word of God because He has made these things clear in His Word so that we can have assurance to Know beyond a doubt that we are right with God and headed for heaven. God wants us to have assurance - that’s part of the reason He left us His written Word.

Salvation requires only faith in what Jesus did on the cross - that He died and shed Hos blood as our substitute - in our place - so that we can be forgiven and set free from a life of sin. Yet - Even this we are not required to have on our own, but God will give us this faith if we ask Him. We are required to have it - but not required to produce it. God’s Love always supplies whatever His Love demands.

The following 6 things are just ways that we can know for sure - by symptom - that we have truly passed from death to life - and that we do indeed believe and have this faith that God requires.

These are not ways to “BE saved” - these are ways we can see that we truly do belong to God.

These things will all be happening in our lives as a “result” of this faith.

If we do not find these things in our life, then we can still pray that God will produce faith in us, and with it the “fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3:8)

1)

We have assurance of eternal life if we believe "in the name of the Son of God" (I John 5:13; 4:15; 5.1)

2)

We have assurance of eternal life if we love the Father and the Son rather than the world, and if we depend on God's guidance and power to overcome the world's influence - by resting in HIS ability and not our own - as He writes His Word on our hearts, it literally becomes a part of us, and a part of who we are.

3)

We are brand new creations. The old has gone and the new has come. (2ndCorinthians 5:17)

We are sincerely trying to live by his principles and obey his commands.

“And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says 'I know him' but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him" (1 John 2:3-5; 3:24; 5:2; John 8:31, 51; 14:21-24; 15:9-14; Heb. 5:9).

This “keeping of His commandments” is a FRUIT - and not by a legalistic effort.

It’s a natural fruit - or symptom - of being right with God - if there is change, and we are progressively becoming more like Him and less like our old self, and this is happening sincerely and genuinely BECAUSE of being His.

4)

We consistently and persistently try to do what is right by God's standard.

“If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who “practices” righteousness has been born of him" (1stJohn 2:29

…Whoever “makes a practice” of sinning is of the devil"

1st John 3:7-10

…We have assurance of eternal life if we show true love for others. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him" (1 John 3:14, 19; 2:9-11; 3:23; 4:8, 11-12, 16, 20; 5:1; John 13:34-35).

5)

“Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure.” (1stJohn‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭3‬)

“whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked" (1 John 2:6; John 8:12).

6)

We have assurance of eternal life if we believe, accept and remain in a right relation to the "word of life - We base our lives on His original message.

“As for you, let what you have heard from the beginning remain in you. If it does, you will also remain in the Son and in the Father.” (1stJohn‬ ‭2‬:‭24)

Part 2 - A Note:

It’s still shocking to me in many ways to read all of these words that I never even knew were there the first years that I was saved. I used to rely on preachers and teachers in books, in churches, and on tv in order to learn.

I assumed they knew more than I did, so I never realized the importance of knowing the Word on my own. Many more of them than I ever could have imagined are in error and deception.

As a result I was deceived so many times, and eventually became so confused about Grace and sin and forgiveness and righteousness, and all of it.

I Thank God for putting a deep love for the truth and for His Word in my heart that keeps me digging when things don’t make sense. I want to understand - even if it shakes up everything I think I know.

One thing I have come to know by understanding and revelation of the truth of His Word - is that I am saved. And it’s all His doing, and none of mine.

And when this body I am in dies, I will merely change my mode of transportation into spiritual mode, and I can say with complete God-given faith, with Job, “As for me, I will behold Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied in Your presence.” (Psalms‬ ‭17‬:‭15‬)

Part 3 - A Reminder when the devil tries telling you that you do not belong to God…

First of all, we should absolutely use that as an opportunity to examine ourselves.

2nd of all, read the 6th chapter of The Gospel of John. You will find in there plenty ammunition to fight back with.

You will find there the truth that we cannot even want to be God’s unless He draws us to Himself. So if we want you to be saved it’s only because He deposited that desire into our heart. It says in there, that no one can come to Jesus unless God draws them, it that no one can snatch you out of His hand either. Check it out. ⚔️📖⚔️ The truth will set you free!! Bury His Word down in your heart, it’s your sword because it is the sure weapon against the enemy!!!

[creature-wizard]

Bill Schnoebelen, a man who claimed to be an ex-satanist (of the global satanic conspiracy sort) and has been demonstrated time and again to be a fraud, tries to establish a link between witchcraft (of the modern neopagan sort) and Roman Catholicism in Wicca: Satan's Little White Lie:

Both teach “salvation” through ritual acts and good works.

Both have a god and a goddess (Mary) figure in their pantheon.

Both have a slain and risen god who dies and is reborn in a seasonal cycle of ritual dramas.

Both have magic or thaumaturgy (Transubstantiation in the Mass) as central elements in their theology.

Both make extensive use of incense, statues, candles and ceremonial robes in their devotions.

Both believe in a kind of second chance after death (Purgatory).4

Both believe the rituals of the living can affect the dead.

Both believe in rituals of pain and mortification for purification.5

I'm sorry, Bill, but if you think that three and four are actual problems, then you might as well just give up on Christianity altogether, or at least admit that your version of Christianity regards a good portion of the New Testament as heretical. Because you've literally just declared that both Communion and the Resurrection are unchristian.

Also, if the idea of transubstantiation makes you uncomfy, 1 Corinthians 15:35-55 should have you crawling out of your skin.

Regarding number two, Mary is revered because she's a saint and the mother of Jesus. That doesn't make her a "goddess," because Catholicism has clear distinctions between saints and deities.

Regarding number five, this is because Catholic religion makes use of worship traditions that were widespread throughout the ancient Mediterranean world. Modern neopaganism drew from these same traditions. There's nothing sinister or conspiratorial about it.

Regarding number six, Schnoebelen elaborates on this one in the footnotes:

Catholics offer prayers for the dead, to get them out of Purgatory. Witches believe in communicating with the dead, especially at Samhain; and that they can, through mediumship, help lower level spirits achieve higher areas of growth before they incarnate again.

Loads of people believe you can interact with or affect the dead in some way. This doesn't prove any special connection between modern witchcraft and Catholicism.

He elaborates on number eight with:

Although this self-mortification element has been toned down recently in U.S. Catholicism, wearing of hair shirts, barbed wire corsets and self-flagellation (whipping) were regularly practiced within Catholic monasteries and nunneries until at least the 1960’s. It may still be going on today in the U.S. and is definitely still practiced overseas. Witches believe you must be willing to “suffer in order to learn” and most practice at least ceremonial whipping of each other. Wiccan authors also brag about how they whipped each other into a magical frenzy in order to raise a large enough “cone of power” to turn back both the Spanish Armada and the forces of Hitler.

Bill. Bill, my man. You might be shocked to learn that the New Testament has a lot to say about the value of suffering. Romans 5:3-4, 2 Corinthians 1:5, Philippians 1:29 2 Corinthians 11 and 2 Corinthians 12 - Paul was kinda big on this whole suffering thing, ya know?

So basically, Schnoebelen's made up a bunch of problems where none exist, and in doing so, implied that the very religion he professes to follow is actually invalid, lol.

#william schnoebelen #bill schnoebelen #wicca satan's little white lie #satanic panic

[albertfinch]

ASCENDING TO THE HIGHER GROUND

Higher Ground is the only place where 'Super-grow' soil exists for your spirit to grow (Mark 4: 20). It is the place where you are determined to fulfill the PURPOSE God placed you here for.  Blessings abound in that place......are you willing to go to Higher Ground?

ASCENDING TO THE HIGHER GROUND How do we find God's will for our life?

The answer is -- where His favor is, you will find His PURPOSE for your life.

"I have placed My beauty in the work of your hands, and I will establish it. My beauty is brought forth in your life when you discover and do the work I called you to do...but you must be absolutely convinced that what you are doing is what I called you to do. Uncertainty in your calling will create doubt (and in-effectiveness) in your service to Me. Trust that I will establish your work and the vision I have given you." (Habakkuk 2:2-3)

Some wonder why the implementation of their calling takes years. It is because He is fine-tuning your gifts and preparing your vineyard.

"He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." -  (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

 He will be faithful to complete in you what He promised.

"But God is faithful.....for all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." - (2 Corinthians 1:18,20)

You also must be faithful to take those steps towards the goal even when you cannot see it in front of you (Hebrews 11:1). Take a great leap of faith -- one that will challenge your normal way of thinking.

Paul said, "I have given up everything, that I might obtain that for which I was called to do, that I fulfill the ministry (purpose) on my life..." - (Philippians 3:7-8)

We occasionally experience valleys and dry places (Psalm 23:4), but He leads us to victory and fruit (John 15:16).

Get on the path He called you to and stay faithful.  Even with reservation and doubt from others -- the vision He has given you will come to pass -- you must not quit -- It is His responsibility to bring it to pass.

Once you do make the decision to come the Higher Ground, don't make the mistake of acting like it's a strain or like you have to move a stubborn mountain everyday. See it as a parade and a celebration, and it will turn into one. Attacks will come from the enemy, but the time will come when you will rise up and conquer Goliath. The dogs always bark when the parade comes through town, so keep in mind the critics will always be there.

Seek to please only God who called you, then you will have the joyful conviction that you have done all you can do (2 Timothy 4:7). If others don't see or understand your vision, love them, be patient with them.  (John 12:26). Financial provision is always provided on Higher Ground. (Philippians 4:19)

WHEN YOU'RE ON HIGHER GROUND

There will be a heavenly knowing and constant thankfulness that you're in His will (Ephesians 5:20). You will refuse to allow the enemy to rob you of His joy, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in (1 Peter 4:13). Plus (because you have weathered storms and still remained faithful), He will open doors that were previously closed. The door of deep fellowship (John 14:23) will open, and the door of guidance will seem to ease open, and frustration will seldom be experienced. (Isaiah 26:3)

Victory over self will be easier, and a fresh sensitivity to the Holy Spirit will be recognized and walked in (Romans 8:14).  Blessings will seem to be all around you because, "When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be a peace with him." (Proverbs 16:7)

On Higher Ground His love controls us (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). On Higher Ground, we do not think so much about our own needs, knowing He will take care of them.

Rise up now and get started. That's not a mountain in front of you, it's Jesus waiting for you on Higher Ground.

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY:

[steveezekiel]

GOD'S FAITHFULNESS 1

12 I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help.

13 For you have rescued me from death;

you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light."

Psalm 56:12,13 (NLT)

* The way and the door to God is Jesus Christ (John 10:7,9; 14:6).

- No one can access God through other means apart from Christ Jesus: "AND there is salvation in no one else; FOR THERE IS NO OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN THAT HAS BEEN GIVEN AMONG PEOPLE BY WHICH WE MUST BE SAVED [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation]”(Acts 4:12 Amps).

- That being said, salvation in Christ Jesus does not make one irresponsible in the Kingdom. Becoming intimate with God, As an example, demands a price.

- There are rules, or principles, or ways, through which God can and should be related with.

- In receiving from God, a number of things are expected from the Believer concerned; Although salvation is free, because it has been paid for, through Jesus Christ's substitutionary death.

- Through the Bible, the Word of God, we could learn some things in the lives of those who walked with God and how they got their needs met: "FOR WHATEVER THINGS WERE WRITTEN BEFORE WERE WRITTEN FOR OUR LEARNING, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4 NKJV).

- Vow is one of the principles through which whoever is walking with God can receive from Him (Job 22:27; Psalm 61:5; 66:13; Jonah 1:16).

- Some had considered a vow as unnecessary as If it was not found in the Bible. Some wanted to believe since God could not be bribed, or cajoled to do a thing for one; what then is the need of promising or telling Him of doing one thing or another before your prayers are granted.

- A vow is not a way of trying to bribe God, but rather a commitment, and a way of Honouring God with what you have.

- Someone who made a Vow is reverencing God with what he or she has. Such is making a Sacrifice. He or she is saying to God, through whatever you blessed me with, I would do this, or that, as a Sacrifice, or a pledge, or a way of Acknowledging you, and a gratitude in advance for whatever you wanted to do for me.

- A vow moves God to do, and It expedites whatever He has intended to do in a person's life.

- When you vowed, you provoked God's help. You committed God to work on the matter of your life.

- If a need arises in your life, or you are faced with challenges of life, and you had exhausted all the spiritual principles you know to do; make a Vow to God, which is also known as a covenant, that If the need is met, or you are delivered from the predicament, so and so things would be done by you for Him and His Kingdom.

- Hannah, the mother of Samuel, explored this when she had a delay in having a child. She did promise, If God should give her a male child, the child would be given back or be dedicated to God, to be used as His servant: "AND SHE MADE THIS VOW: “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, IF YOU WILL LOOK UPON MY SORROW AND ANSWER MY PRAYER AND GIVE ME A SON, THEN I WILL GIVE HIM BACK TO YOU. HE will be YOURS for HIS ENTIRE LIFETIME, AND as a SIGN that HE has been DEDICATED to the LORD, HIS HAIR WILL NEVER BE CUT" (1 Samuel 1:11 NLT).

- A Vow should not be made rashly, without careful thought and consideration. Whatever you would not be able to do, that is, the Vow you would not be able to redeem, do not Vow or promise to do It.

* Making a Vow, a pledge, or a commitment, is a way of showing or telling God that you are not selfish, neither are you engrossed with your own needs alone:

3 DON'T BE SELFISH; DON'T TRY TO IMPRESS OTHERS. BE HUMBLE, THINKING OF OTHERS AS BETTER THAN YOURSELVES. 4 DON'T look out ONLY for YOUR OWN INTERESTS, But TAKE an INTEREST in OTHERS, TOO. 5 YOU MUST HAVE THE SAME ATTITUDE THAT CHRIST JESUS HAD" (Philippians 2:3-5 NLT).

- In That, you care and think about God, His Kingdom, and other fellow humans also.

- As a Believer, you should not be selfish in your relationship with God. You should at the time of need always think of what you can do to help others.

- That, in the place of serving others, meeting the needs of others; the Believers, the Needy, or the expansion of God's Kingdom, your own needs also would be met (1 Timothy 6:17-19; Hebrews 13:16).

- Whenever a need arises in your life, think of what to do, what to give, to God, His work, or those who might also be in one need or the other, or how you could help someone, another person, in a predicament.

* When you wanted to ask anything from God, always ask Him, Is there a price to pay? Or What do you want me to do, in order to receive it?

- This is not a way of bribing God. Someone who wants to give to God in order to have his or her needs met, is not bribing God. Such a person is Honouring God with what he or she has.

- Although, the Heart with which you brought a gift, or whatever you brought, matters to God: "THE SACRIFICE OF THE WICKED IS AN ABOMINATION; HOW much more WHEN HE BRINGS it with WICKED INTENT!" (Proverbs 21:27 NKJV).

- If you brought a gift with a wrong Heart, a heart or intention to use God, as in, you are not really interested in walking with Him, all you wanted, and the reason you had made or brought the Vow, or the gift, or whatever, is for you to receive solutions to whatever the problem or challenge your are having.

- God might not honour such a gift, or Vow, or pledge. And you might not receive any answer to your prayers or requests.

TO BE CONTINUED

* You will not fail in Jesus' name.

- Should there be any ailment in your body, I declare you healed now in the mighty name of Jesus.

- And the Affliction will not rise again in Jesus' name.

Peace!

#christianity #gospel #christian living #christian blog #jesus #the bible #devotion #faith #my writing #prayer

[aggressivedaikons]

bc I’m in the Easter service at church and I’ll have to hear it twice I’ve got time to write up a thing on something i’ve come to realize. The Bible is very female-empowering??? Like??? The needless sexism in some churches come from tradition and internalized prejudice.

In the Bible there is a female deacon (a very important role in the church, kind of like a pastor) who preaches and leads a church.

Taken from acts29.com,

Paul writes at the end of Romans, “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae . . .” (Rom. 16:1–2). Phoebe is called a servant, a diakonos, which is the same Greek word used for deacon in 1 Timothy 3 and Philippians 1:1.

Christ welcomed women (Mary of Magdalene is the most significant), and during the Crucifixion, ALL the 12 disciples BAILED, too afraid/guilty to show up. But guess who stood at the feet of the cross while he died??? THE WOMEN? (Mary (the mom), her sister, another Mary who was a follower, Mary of Magdalene.)

John 19:25-27 NIV

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”

And at the empty tomb? A group of women went to lay some kind of offering at the entrance and Mary of Magdalene saw the stone moved (WHICH FOR CONTEXT WAS MOST LIKELY SEVERAL TONS AND THIS WAS LIKE 30~ AD) and his body gone (she assumed grave robbing).

John 20:11-15 NIV

Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.”

Women have always been portrayed as the more faithful and humble followers in the Bible, and have been shown to have positions in power and influence over a body of Christ? And have been very very highly esteemed in faith?? So that means??? it makes no sense when the church silences and shuns women in the church, besides sexism being the cause? Literally in the Bible it tells us that followers of Christ are made equal, and there is no male, female, old, young, black, white, anything in heaven. Just joy and praise, we are all made one. Like? It just doesn’t make sense, and is one of those things I get angry at people of my own faith for. That’s why so many people hate christans :( some Christians hate them. That’s not Christ’s love? Yeah, some love is tough love in confronting patterns of sin and ungodliness, but it’s not out job to condemn them, just to make them aware and let god choose what happens.

—-

this is also has some great examples :) safe link, quora post.

Also, 1 Tim. 2:21, "I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent." is in regards to a church where everyone sucks and the women are very uneducated in the Bible and aren’t even in a position to preach. 1# for reading the Bible, READ WITH HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT, AND LIKE HALF THE BIBLE IS POETRY.

#Women in church #christianity #faith #People use god as an excuse to hurt #It’s stupid and I’m sorry for it :(

[officialyourdailyinspiration]

Saul Becomes a Follower of Jesus

1 Saul kept threatening to murder the Lord’s disciples. He went to the chief priest 2 and asked him to write letters of authorization to the synagogue leaders in the city of Damascus. Saul wanted to arrest any man or woman who followed the way ⌞of Christ⌟ and imprison them in Jerusalem.

3 As Saul was coming near the city of Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”

5 Saul asked, “Who are you, sir?”

The person replied, “I’m Jesus, the one you’re persecuting. 6 Get up! Go into the city, and you’ll be told what you should do.”

7 Meanwhile, the men traveling with him were speechless. They heard the voice but didn’t see anyone.

8 Saul was helped up from the ground. When he opened his eyes, he was blind. So his companions led him into Damascus. 9 For three days he couldn’t see and didn’t eat or drink. — Acts 9:1-9 | God's Word Translation (GWT) God's Word Bible Translation Copyright © 1995, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020 by God’s Word to the Nations Mission Society. All rights reserved. Cross References: Genesis 14:15; 1 Samuel 16:3; Psalm 27:12; Isaiah 6:8; Isaiah 17:1; Ezekiel 2:1; Daniel 10:7; John 12:29; Acts 8:3; Acts 9:27; Acts 10:14; Acts 22:6-7; Acts 22:11; Acts 26:14; 2 Corinthians 11:32; Philippians 3:12

#Saul #Damascus road #conversion #Jesus #persecution #blindness #Acts 9:1-9 #Book of Acts #New Testament #GWT #God's Word Translation #Holy Bible #God's Word to the Nations Mission Society