Sat, Dec 24th - 10:38AM
Beloveds, we are all commanded by God to study His word. Bible study is not a mere pursuit of knowledge at all 1Co. 8:1. When we study God’s word out of our love for Him, He engages us on every level of head, heart and spirit. He teaches and speaks to us on every level of our need. We need God, and we need to understand Him from His view point and not our own.God protects and keeps us from error, and being deceived by false preachers etc. I so enjoy fellowship, and prayer with my brothers and sisters in Christ. However it is telling when a brother or sister continually prays in an unscriptural way, that more and careful Bible study is needed. A young man praying for a senior saint (G40 hagios), prayed that she would “recover”, due to aging. She explained to Him that she was not sick, that she was aging. She further explained and gave Biblical examples that all people age, and that some weaken during the aging process. The young man had more enthusiasm than any understanding of the Bible, that it notes nature follows a certain course for all human beings-aging with some declining in natural strength/health unto death. Beloveds, some even lack the understanding that their personal preferences, style of worship or preferred position during prayer must not be made a command for others to follow. Whether a person stands, sits, raises his or her hands etc. during prayer/worship, as long as they are in order is nobody’s business. God looks on the heart, where true worship takes place. We must vigorously lay aside the doctrines, traditions, and commandments of men (Mk. 7:6-10). A lot of mess could be avoided amongst the saints (G40 hagios) if we would study the Bible and do what it says. Children of light, let us examine our Lord Jesus’ parable of the sower: 18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19 When ANY ONE heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. Matt 13:18-19 (KJV) This verse (18) absolutely cannot be interpreted to include any believer. The Bible interprets itself and backs up itself. The Bible focuses like a laser beam on the reasons why a person does not understand the Gospel, and that it is neither accidental nor a coincidence, that he or she does not understand it. 17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. Eph 4:17-19 (KJV)
9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11 Whereas
angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. 12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 2 Peter 2:9-12 (KJV)
Continuing on to look at vs. 18, it is also not addressing a believer who understands Salvation, but little else, but who are open to and will grow in their understanding. Understand this beloveds, while there are multitudes of faithful leaders, among them you also have children of the devil, who use this verse to preach a false Gospel or the doctrine of devils. These children of the devil (yes some can be found in the pulpit), preach falsely that the scriptures can be snatched out of a believers heart, and use this to jump to preaching that a Christian can be a murderer etc. after Salvation. Of course these satanic preachers promote murder, as they are like their father the devil, who was a murderer from the beginning as well as a liar and a thief.
The Bible, God’s inerrant word teaches us the truth saying: 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. 1 Peter 4:15 (KJV) And backs itself up: 15 WHOSOEVER hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that NO murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 1 John 3:15 (KJV) The word NO in vs. 15 means G3756 ouk, the absolute negative, and reads as: ABSOLUTELY NO murderer has eternal life abiding in him. It is very important ot note that our Lord is not addressing only the unbelieving Jews who willfully reject Him, but ANYONE who rejects the Gospel. This is evident in that He gives the same parable in Luke 8:14-16, meaning the persons who rejects HIm are all seen as wicked, whether they be Jew or Gentile. Rejection of the Gospel by ANYONE is both indefensible, and inexcusible. Love serola
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Fri, Dec 16th - 4:07AM
THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER Brethren, holy and complete through Lord Jesus, some, but never all, come up with absurd, foolish, preposterous, nightmarish and even wacky interpretations of this parable of Jesus our Lord. Some of this is borne out of ignorance and some of it is willful. There is no need to have a study within a study here, as the Bible tells us that we can admonish one another, and keep each other from error; but a heretic will never change no matter how much he or she is admonished. The sow returns to her wallowing in the mire; and the dog returns to his vomit.( See Titus 3:10-11; Mt. 7:6.) Some, but never all, preach that this parable teaches that the devil can snatch God’s word out of a Christians heart. This is an absolutely wrongful and false interpretation. Scripture teaches scripture, and scripture backs itself up. Let us go into this parable of Lord Jesus our eternal and everlasting Saviour. See Mt. 13:3-9 where Lord Jesus tells this parable to His diciples. Next our Lord Himself gives the meaning of this parable: 18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Matt 13:17-23 (KJV) Let’s continue on, God willing, next time. Love serola
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Tue, Dec 13th - 9:34PM
I do not know why, brothers and sisters, but it seems at this time of the year, someone tries to convince me not to celebrate Christmas. The reason they cite is that it is not in the Bible, and comes out of pagan origins. Brethren, I respect anyone's right to celebrate, or not, any holiday. But many celebrate their birthday or that of others, and other dates or special events in their lives. Although they do not know the origins of these celebrations such as if they can be found in the Bible or whether they arise out of paganism; they are usually celebrated without a twinge of conscience, and infact most enjoy them. This ignorance arises out of not knowing that the Bible gives the correct spiritual perspective regarding holidays: 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you ALL trespasses. 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon or of the sabbath days: 17 which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Col 2:13-17 (KJV) Freedom from legalism Notes for 2:16 "What you eat or drink" probably refers to the Jewish dietary laws. The festivals mentioned are Jewish holy days celebrated annually, monthly (New Moon), and weekly (the Sabbath). These rituals distinguished the Jews from their pagan neighbors. Failure to observe them could be easily noticed by those who were keeping track of what others did. But we should not let ourselves be judged by the opinions of others, because Christ has set us free. 2:16,17 Paul told the Colossian Christians not to let others criticize their diet or their religious ceremonies. Instead of outward observance, believers should focus on faith in Christ alone. Our worship, traditions and ceremonies can help bring us close to God, but we should never criticize fellow Christians whose traditions and ceremonies differ from ours; as long as they do not conflict with the inerrant Bible. More important than how we worship is that we worship Christ. Don't let anyone judge you. You are responsible to Christ. —Life Application Bible Notes love serola
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Sun, Dec 11th - 3:54AM
Some of the biggest problems, and prolonged struggles with temptations I have had in my life arose out of not knowing or understanding the scriptural standard for living in those matters. I thank God for the multitudes of godly leaders and saints (G40 hagios) who labored with me to show me how to live according to God’s eternal standard and not my own. I praise God that I too have had the privilege of reciprocity towards other children of light. All of us work together through our Triune God to help each other to grow in living our lives according to God’s will and not our own.
One of the great tragedies today are those who are under false teachers. I have met persons who think the scriptures teach that it is a curse to be poor. One lady I know was taught that it was a curse to have to work for a living. She promptly left her job at an early age. In order to live she continually refinances her home, and is perpetually in debt.I assured her that only through believing in Jesus Christ can anyone be saved and become a child of God. Jesus alone is the final, and complete standard not how much money is in our possession. Our Lord warns:How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Mark 10:23-25 (KJV).
Here again our Lord warns:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Luke 12:15-21 (KJV) It goes without saying brothers and sisters that God is not against people having money-but money having people to the extent that they put it and themselves first rather than God.Loveserola
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Tue, Dec 6th - 4:11PM
I thank God through Lord Jesus Christ for my Salvation. Although it has been many years, my joy of being a Christian has never diminished-thanks be to God. After becoming a Christian and helped to grow through study, prayer and practice of God’s word. Dearly beloveds, I fondly recall the pastor of my local church announcing to the whole church, something that made me uncomfortable at the time, that all of us were expected to witness, and go out and tell others about the Gospel. Furthermore we were told that each of us had to read the Bible for ourselves, and not expect church leaders to do all of the work.
Whaaaat! I thought, what more did we need? I had become quite comfortable in the church. I knew just about everyone, fellowshipped, prayed and worshipped with other believers, whom I considered dear friends also. We shared our lives together, hardships and victories; cried together, laughed together, became just as close to one another as the families we were born into.
Now, saints (G40 hagios) I did not quite understand this seemingly strange new thing we were being strongly encouraged to do. After all, things were so comfortable, why bother to change? These leaders, as many others, made it clear that they wanted us to grow beyond the boundaries of the church building, and understand more about working as members of God’s greater kingdom.
One day, shortly after worship began, the pastor and church leaders announced that the whole church was to go out to witness in the community. Promptly with church leaders also, we gathered as a group and set out to (gulp) witness. Broken up into small groups, each of us were sent out in various directions. Brethren, I freely admit, I was more than a little anxious. All of which disappeared in the doing, and the joy of seeing many souls believe on the name of Jesus, and become children of God.
After this, the church leaders did not have to literally force us to, or take us to go out to witness, because we wanted to do so for the joy of the opportunity of bringing the words of life to as many as possible. I thank God for the many helpers of my faith, who encouraged me and many others not to just be content to be a pew sitter.
It was never God’s intention for any of His people to be only pew sitters hanging around just to be fed, sang to etc., but along with it to keeping growing in grace to be an active participant in carrying out the message of the gospel to others, along with our good works.
Praise God, that through godly church leaders and all brothers and sisters, we all grow, through the Holy Spirit, but at different rates and times. I pray that many will be encouraged to witness of this great Salvation given by the Son of the Living God, Lord Jesus Christ.
36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Matt 9:36-38 (KJV)
Love
serola
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Fri, Dec 2nd - 7:36PM
God shows us in His word there is a good or righteous kind of addiction: 15 you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) Again the scriptures notes: 1 Cor 16:15 (KJV) 18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. Gal 4:18 (KJV)
THE LAW OF THE FARMGalatians 6:7-9. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (God’s guarantee to His children). These scriptures, dearly beloveds, show us that to reap eternal treasure-we will reap ONLY if we plant. We can only reap what is sown. These SPIRITUAL LAWS of sowing and reaping are evident in the natural as well, except what we reap in the Holy Spirit also has eternal spiritual value through Lord Jesus Christ. We note all around the farm whatever is consistently fed grows. Not only does the farmer plant seed, he feeds his animals and consistently maintains all that he has. Of course we can feed the WRONG thing, or plant bad seed, and these too will become a harvest of terrible disappointment and grief. So we must be careful to plant good seed, and feed only what is good, to reap what is good. Anyone who fails to plant in due season, and then expecting a harvest, will find none. Only those who plant and tend the seed consistently can expect a harvest. We reap ONLY if we plant- has broad application in everyday life via thoughts, actions, deeds. The thoughts we consistently think will result in outward actions because they arise out of what we actually believe in our hearts to be true. Therefore arrest every wrongful thought and every belief that contradicts God’s word with the truth of God’s word.
Intent-produces action, either pure unto God or impure unto corruption. See. Prov. 22: 8; Luke 6:38. ; Jas 3:18; Jas. 4:3; Jas 5:17. If you want to reap love, sow love etc. More about the harvest: The harvest is not reaped immediately-WAIT PATIENTLY FOR THE HARVEST. Jas. 5:17. Do not be discouraged if the harvest does not come right away, it rarely does. See psalm 126: 5-6. Do not try to hurry the harvest. Again brethren, wait patiently for the harvest. Luke 8:15; James 1:4 The stand of the Christian is to be found in Ephesians 6: 15-20. God has provided the power, defensive and offensive weaponry, whereby every Christian shall have victory, as we persevere patiently in obedience to God out of love and trust in Him. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:4-5 (KJV) We humbly and thankfully co-operate with God through love and willing obedience to Him, as He works within us to bring forth fruit of the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Holy Spirit has eternal value, not only in heaven, but manifests in our everyday life. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is for every saint (G40 hagios) today. To any brother or sister desiring fruit, through love, faith, trust and obedience, the holy Bible says: 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Gal 5:22-23 (KJV) 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Eph 5:8-10 (KJV) 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. James 3:18 (KJV) I pray beloved that each and every one of us will with all trust and confidence in the everlasting eternal, unwavering goodness of God sow, the scriptures deep in our hearts and minds with all our strength to live them daily, and we will surely reap in this world and the world to come. Love serola
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