Mon, Feb 28th - 12:52PM

Dear saints (G40 hagios), I turned on the tv. one day to find media cameras  slowly panning the inside and outside of the idol. The idol was lavishly garnished inside and out with varied and ornate works. The cameras panned slowly up to the idol's lavish roof; and seemingly gloated as it came to rest on the cross at the roof's apex. The voice over came on mockingly, sonorously declaring that for three generations hundreds of church goers had worshipped there, now there remained only a few old members, too few to support the idol; and could no longer provide the fianances to keep up the ornate building.

A glorious building had been built, windows like jewels, decked with rare and expensive wood, etc. Those who worshipped the idol church found that over time members died,  or just left and NO new members came to the "church". They also did not go out to seek any. A few of the last members wistfully noted that several of their generations had worshipped at the "church", and they did not know what they would do or where they would go!  Lastly the "pastor"  came on, a sad pathetic figure, who tearfully said that the "church" would have to be sold, as it cost too much money to support, especially in these harsh economic times. He said it made him sad to see the "church" go! Nothing of God or Jesus was ever mentioned, by him or the members, just the "church".

The godless media just loves presenting the true church in this way; as nothing more than a man-made building, filled with hapless, weak kneed, spineless dopes, who just fade away. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

The true church is not a building at all and never has been.  It is made, Kept and guided by the power of the Triune God. The true church is the people of God, the body of Christ. Despite all the dire predictions and polls of the ignorant and ungodly. God gives the true condition of His everlasting, eternal church:

 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. Rev. 7:9-10.

love

serola

Sat, Feb 26th - 12:32PM

Praise God, who does ALL things well. There was an article in the news detailing the various works that Many Christians have and are doing in the last one hundred years. The various labors of the brothers and sisters were staggering through- out the world, and greatly out numbered the works of secular organizations. Now, I never doubted this was so even before I read the article. To God be the glory through whom we can do all things.  The works that we do out of love for God, even in our private lives is counted with our Lord.

There is no need for any saint (G40 hagios) to fear their own flesh. I once saw a "science"  demonstration of frogs legs that continued to move, after being taken from a poor dead frogs body. Now in a sense our carnal nature, AKA old man, old nature; the flesh etc. is to be considered dead, although it continues to wiggle around. Thankfully our God has told us everything that is in it, so that when it shows up we know what it is and how to deal with it. 

We are to crucify the flesh, it cannot be "fixed" for out of it comes wrongful affections and lusts.  No matter if you or any saint has struggled with being overweight, you can and will overcome, subdue, and get the victory through obedience to Lord Jesus out of love. No it will not be easy, but it will happen in the Lord's timing, as you patiently continue in obeying Him out of love.

We attack on all levels, first spiritually; and then naturally, not sabotaging ourselves but gaining understanding of what is sound moderate nutrition. No food need be off limits, except those that perpetuate old habits of over eating. Some foods that trigger over eating can be handled by limiting what is brought to store in the home; finding more healthful substitutes. God has placed food here for out enjoyment. Even in the world to come we shall feast with our King. All things are lawful to us, but all things are not good for us, and we must not allow ourselves to be brought under the power of any of it. We should engage in sensible activities such as exercise or just walking as we are able, which is helpful in maintaining weight.

 I grew up eating a lot of sweets daily, and continued to do so in my adult life. When I came under God's conviction that this was sin-wrong; I wanted to change for all the wrong reasons. Oh I read books by brother "A" on how he lost a hundred pounds, and had CD's; flash cards and diet plans for others to buy so that they could lose weight too and be happy.  yes, I read Sister "B's" books too which was pretty much the same thing.

None of it helped me, as well as my wrongful motivation. I finally turned to the Holy Bible, and began to study and saw that the only right reason I had for doing what was right was out of love for God; and that He would greatly help me to do so.  It was not easy nor quick; but by the grace of God; I did things His way and gained the victory. Do I still eat sweets? Yes, but rarely, for the taste and desire for it fell away. I discovered God's love, was sweeter than any thing on this earth and He is Faithful to all those who love Him. Children of the Living God, He has given you all things freely, be encouraged, patient, and love Him proving your own love out of obedience; and you too shall be richly rewarded. Feel free to use anything you find here that you feel is helpful, brothers and sisters, only not for gain, for freely you have received-freely give.

love

serola

1Co. 10:31 Whether therefore you eat or drink, or whatsoever you do , do all to the glory of God.

Fri, Feb 25th - 10:10AM

James goes on to exhort us, children of the Day:Jas. 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.(See this whole chapter).

Perfect: Teleios ( G5046) Complete in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.; completeness:- of full age, man, perfect.

Entire: Holokleros (G3648) Complete in every part, i.e. perfectly sound (in body):-entire, whole.

Holy brothers and sisters, our God encourages us in His word to see the big picture in the midst of any temptation: Jas. 1:12

12 Blessed is the man that endureth  temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

 Endureth:  Hypomeno, (G5278) remain, figurative to undergo, i.e. bear trials, have fortitude, persevere; abide, endure, take patiently, suffer, tarry behind.

love

serola

Thu, Feb 24th - 10:08AM

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1: 2-4.

Dear friends of Jesus let us look closely at what our Lord is telling us in how to spiritually act, or what to do, our attitude; stance, outlook, frame of mind;  and in what manner we are to consider temptation; the purpose of temptation; and what results for us when we obey God out of love in any and all temptation.

Firstly we are to count ( consider) it ALL- (PAS-(G3956) Including all forms of declension; all, any, every, the whole:-all (manner of, means), alway (-s), any (one),x daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as,,+ thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever,) and this ALL in-JOY- Chara (G5479), cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight:-gladness, x greatly, (x be exceeding) joy (-ful,-fully,-fulness,-ous).

Obviously because we trust the complete and eternal truthfulness of our Living God without ANY doubt, we are absolutely not to go through any temptation with an angry, self pitying, hopeless and defeatest attitude. We can be cheerful and exceedingly glad because we know God's power is backing us up, all the way, for His glory and our good, ALL the time. Certainly this does not mean we will not have discomfort, nor does it mean we will quickly get through any temptation. Nevertheless, with the right godly joyful attitude, we will not be a hindrance to God's work in us, nor delay  his rewards for us.

These temptations do not come from God; see Jas. 1:13; but He allows them to try our faith: try- Dokimion (G 1383) a testing; by implication trustworthiness:- trial, trying. Our consistent, unwavering attitude and behavior in obeying God or- or not; will show the nature of our faith-its  absolute quality and quantity of our trust in His love, and the eternal  holiness, and truthfulness of His nature and character. (I have aforementioned in earlier posts the sources of temptation.)

To the faithful; God tells us that the testing of our faith works- Katergazomai (G 2716) to work fully, i.e. accomplish; by implication to finish, fashion:-cause, do ( deed), perform, work (out) PATIENCE: Hypomone (G5281) cheerful ( or hopeful) endurance, constancy:- enduring patience, patient continuance (waiting).

If we love Him, dear children of Light, we will obey His commandments, which are NEVER hurtful to us in ANY way fashion or form. If you have ever had any dealings with a toddler or infant you know how, due to their immature development, they will put any and every thing in their mouths.  I observed a lady walking with her toddler one day, and suddenly, very swiftly, he picked up an filthy, dirty,  totally unidentifiable piece of trash off of the street to eat it.

Fortunately the mom wrested it from his resistent little hands. The little one was very angry with her, and loudly screaming and protesting;  tried unsuccessfully to get loose from her to go and get that trash back. OBVIOUSLY, while this is understandable in a toddler;  holy brethren;it is  a totally unacceptable stance for any saint (G40 hagios).  Our God is holding the hand of each and every one of us His children, ALL the time, and we are to walk with Him for He wants BETTER for us than we want for ourselves ALL the time, and will faithfully lead, guide, correct, and mature us in His eternal love and wisdom.

love

serola

Wed, Feb 23rd - 10:03AM

Dearly beloveds, we must follow God through His word, correctly understood.   We can and do know the truth through the unchanging standard of the Gospel of Lord Jesus Christ. We must lean on and rely upon the scriptures, correctly taught, understood, and so live thereby. There are many cults, and those promoting heresies of many kinds. Our sure foundation, is to study, believe and live God's word out of love for Him. His word is more than sufficient to expose false teachings on every hand, so that we will not be blown about by every wind and doctrine, but to be rock steady in our Triune God, who always wants the best for us all the time. God loves us so lavishly, generously, fully and completely, holding NOTHING of it back. Moment by moment He is pouring, raining down on us and in us, an unquenchable, unconquorable, unfailing love. In every situation, circumstance or condition, He is right there with us, to help us, always for our good and His glory.

The Gospel is not just something to be read on occasion, as I am sure you well know and agree, brothers and sisters; NO, it is the final, finished, and complete standard by which we are to live, out of love, faith and belief in our God. God is our help, we can depend on Him always. Through patient endurance, we can win over any sin, out of love for God. When we agree with Him that NO sin is good,  change our minds to agree with Him, and determine to do what is right, in His sight; He guides, strengthens, and takes us step by step to the victory He has already prepared for us. Out of love for us, His children, He releases the benefits of obedience to those who do His will, over their own. Our Lord has something to say even about our motives in eating: 1Cor: 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Until the day of our Lord Jesus' return to take us up we will endure temptations, tests and various trials. He allows these things to come to us for His purposes. The benefit to us in these things is that it proves to us that our faith is genuine ( he already knows these things, for He is Omniscient, Omnipresent and Omnipotent). We are strengthened not to follow our own emotions, and the pressures of any sin from any source-we understand and maintain personal integrity. Just as gold is assayed for quality and quantiy; God also allows these things as a measure of the quality and quantity of our faith, which determines our reward in the world to come.

We gain a fuller understanding of the awesome scope of God's love and power through whom we have been given the victory. We gain increased intimacy with God, and fuller worship of Him, having experienced the power of His love, faithfulness and truth. Dear saints (G40 hagios) we come to Him with the correct spirtual motive and attitude, and willingness to put our trust in Him, and cheerfully obey Him out of love in full confidence that He is well able to help us. As many other Christians, we then come to know the pleasure of enjoying a meal, and not destroy our health through making an idol of a meal.

Remarkably, we come to understand that NO DIET CAN WORK AND NEVER HAS! We gain, temperance, self-control, unshakeable confidence, trust, and assurance that: Phil. 1: 6 That he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. He was not just speaking to the Phillipians but to all the saints. Jude 1:24;Heb. 12:2 States ABSOLUTELY that Jesus is both the AUTHOR, AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH, to those who have received His Salvation.

love

serola

Mon, Feb 21st - 4:29AM

When we know and understand God’s word, holy brethren, we know Him and the freedom we have in Him to love, serve and obey Him. 1John 8:36 IF THE SON THERFORE SHALL MAKE YOU FREE, YE SHALL BE FREE INDEED.

Dearly beloveds, throughout the Holy Bible, God carefully and fully spells out His  commands to  us to love, AND BELIEVE, and follow Him: Mk. 16:16;John 3:15-16; Jn.3:18- He that BELIEVETH on him is not condemned: but he that BELIEVETH not is condemned already, because he hath not BELIEVED in the name of the only begotten son of God. Jn. 3:19-20; Jn. 3:36; Jn. 6:47; Jn.10:26-30;Jn.11:25;Jn.12:46;Acts 10:43-44;Ro. 1:16;Ro. 10:10; Ro. 15:13;1Ti. 2:1, HEB. 10:30 BUT WE ARE NOT OF THEM THAT DRAW BACK UNTO PERDITION; BUT OF THEM THAT BELIEVE TO THE SAVING OF THE SOUL; and many, many more passages, feel free to look up on your own saints (G40hagios).

Finally in the book of Revelation Jesus our Lord warns  that: Rev. 21:8 But the fearful and UNBELIEVING, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

So when we read this passage: James  2:19 Thou that believest that there is one God, thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.  When this passage is taken as a stand alone passage ripped out of the gospel message as a whole it is often presented  falsely as that believing in Jesus is not important. Nothing of the kind is true.The Bible does not contradict itself and In fact confirms its previous passages in that we do WELL to believe. James in noting that the devils also believe and tremble emphatically TELLS US, THAT DEVILS,  INTENTIONALLY NEVER HAVE ANY OUTWARD EVIDENCE OF ANY GOOD WORKS, AND NEVER INTEND TO HAVE ANY, OUT OF HATRED FOR GOD. CONTRARIWISE, EVERY CHRISTIAN MUST HAVE INTENTIONAL OUTWARD EVIDENCE OF INNER BELIEF, OUT OF LOVE FOR GOD.

It is essential to note this reminder from 1 Co. 13:2-3  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge: and though I have ALL FAITH, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. The person who does not love is considered as NOTHING in the sight of God. NOTHING that such a person claims that he or she has done or given for God is accepted by Him.

Dearly beloveds, we obey God out of love for Him, and desire to do what pleases Him. We must put God first in everything, for He alone is worthy. He gives us complete confidence and assurances that all that we produce out of love (agape) for His sake is acceptable, pleasing and received by Him, who first loved (agape) us.

love

serola

Sat, Feb 19th - 10:48AM

While it is true, dear friends of Jesus, that a great source of temptation is satan, he is not the only source; we cannot blame him if we carry it out. It is true that old serpent (who is a defeated foe), can tempt us with chocolate cake, etc. we cannot blame him, if instead of a slice of chocolate cake, we choose to eat the whole cake.   OBVIOUSLY, GOD HIMSELF NEVER TEMPTS ANYONE.

The excuse " the devil made me do it" will not work with God. Our Lord does not get mad with us when we are tempted. All the saints (G40 hagios) will face some sort of temptation, until the day our Lord returns. Satan can only bring the temptation; but absolutely has no power to force a saint (G40 hagios) to carry it out.  In fact we ought humbly obey God and resist (oppose- stand against) the devil, and the devil will flee- run from us. The temptations derived from our OWN LUSTS, are the ones we willingly carry out.

We have to face the truth before God about our OWN wrongful choices, decisions, actions, thoughts and behaviors. That's right, beloveds, the temptations that arise from our OWN lusts are the ones we willingly carry out ( Jas. 1:13-14). Nevertheless, God  is faithful to help us as we yield to HiS WILL and not the temptation, in the ways that have been aforementioned. Importantly too, beloveds, is that our Lord sets limits on what we can bear, and through obedience to Him out of love, He will help us to get out of ANY temptation. As aforementioned, being overweight, through consistently eating more than we should and / or also not exercising is  how we get fat. 

 Refuse to see this as some overwhelming, difficult or even impossible sin to overcome. No, beloveds, it is just like any other sin-common to man. We have a merciful, compassionate God, who has valuable lessons to teach us as we obey Him out of love, without doubting. So rather than complaining, pouting,blaming or resisting the truth of how things got the way they are-obesity, and perhaps a host of other ills, instead we ought to agree with God, and faithfully follow the narrow path of righteousness, wherein all the faithful are continously directed.

1 Cor. 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

A while back, a dear friend of mine was doing something that was really wrong, for a while I hesitated to talk to her about it, because I  loved her and feared losing her friendship. Yet the reverent fear of offending God, was greater.  Nevertheless, I could not risk offending our Lord, out of love for Him. I also did not want to fail to help my friend, if possible, to turn away from what she was doing. I strongly admonished, and rebuked my sister in love. She told me (yes, I was pleasantly surprised), " now I know you love me, because you risked telling me the truth". Our friendship advanced to a higher level that day, and she changed her behavior.

Now, beloveds, God has no fear, nor hesitancy to tell us the truth in love. We must NEVER question His motives, for God is good ALL the time, and All the time God is good. Let us quickly and consistently obey Him IN LOVE, for His glory and our good. God wants better for us than we do for ourselves All the time. GOD'S WAY IS THE ONLY RIGHT WAY AND THE ONLY RIGHT WAY IS GOD'S WAY.

love

serola

Thu, Feb 17th - 9:30AM

Holy brothers and sisters, I know for some (but never all), being overweight has appeared to be a losing battle. Some ponder if they should not just accept that they will never gain any victory in this area. Nevertheless, NO Christian is ever justified to give up, there is NO excuse for this. God always has a valuable lesson for us, and is working some good in it for us Ro. 8:28, see this whole chapter also. Dear children of the Living God, let us seek to understand further how God wants us to deal with sin in relation to Himself:

REPENT!!  God commands, and rightfully expects that each and every one of us will repent TO HIM FIRST. If we do not repent to Him first, repenting to anyone else is meaningless ritual. What we will not do for God, we will not do for anyone else either. Now repenting to him saints (G40 hagios), is not about promising  to do better. It's common for men ( and women too) to promise to( "do better"). Many promise to ("do better") around the new year, and wind up making the same vows or promises year after year to no avail.  Well some may ponder, if we have mutually confessed our sins and prayed for one another what more is needed? These mutual confessions are what God commands,wants us to do in the body in  relation to one another, in love, and is effective for any sin that we present to one another.

Repentance, brothers and sisters, is how God wants it-NO commands it, in relation to Him, understanding that through the final, finished and completed work of His Son, our Saviour, Lord Jesus Christ in His shed blood, death on the cross, burial, and resurrection, we are completely forgiven forever. We come to Him knowing this, and are not coming for further forgiveness, for this is done for us forever. Neither are we coming to Him as someone who is condemned, or a sinner; Ro. 8:1. We come to God in fullest sense of understanding who He is and who we are in Him; that He is love, truth, faithful and unchanging in nature, completely Holy and incorruptible in character. We come to Him in full and complete agreement with Him from the heart, that ALL sin is wrong to Him and therefore wrong to us also.

 We also come to Him, beloveds. and change our minds from accepting and thinking any sin as good, and bring our minds, our way of thinking in line with God and in full agreement with Him. For underlying EVERY sin is the thinking in the mind and believing in the heart that something about it is good, but God's standard is that NOTHING IS GOOD ABOUT SIN, and we are to have this same mind from the heart out of love for Him. We are to bring our minds and hearts in line with our God Himself- NOTHING IS GOOD ABOUT ANY SIN FOREVER. This is true love, honor and worship to our God. Our love is to be a hot love, He receives nothing else. He wants it All from us, and He is worthy.

love

serola

Mt. 22:38...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the great and first commandment.

Wed, Feb 16th - 7:38AM

Know and understand holy brothers and sisters that God Himself will not allow any sin to go unchallenged and unchecked in us, and we are to co-operate with Him, as He chastises, corrects and guides us to go in the narrow path that He consistently shows us.
We have touched on how we are to deal with sin in relation to one another; but most importantly let us look at how God deals with our sin in relation to Himself. Obviously we are a forgiven peoples through the final, finished and complete work of our Saviour Jesus Christ. So we cannot lose our Salvation nor fellowship with God, seeing The Triune God indwells each and every one of His Saints in a permanent unbreakeable fellowship, through Jesus, in whom is NO lie, NO darkenss, and NO shadow of turning of any kind, for ever:

He tells us in His word:

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 
 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Heb 12:5-8 

Chastisment of God; the Father of spirits to His sons and daughters; for correction; for our profit; that we might live; be partakers of His holiness. NO chastisement of the Lord makes us happy or seems good at first. Nevertheless  the end of God's chastening; although it stings and hurts and makes us sad at first; through it, as we endure it, He rewards us with the fruit of peace and righteousness and ultimately healing to those whom He trains in this way.

Therefore God tells us despite feeling down upon His chastisement; and even feeling sick about what sin we have done,  to come on now, lift up our heads , walk in the path He has shown us, co-operate and obey Him, let ourselves be healed-cured; made whole.

Obviously He says in His word:

Heb. 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement whereof all are partakers then are ye bastards and not sons.

Chastisment means: G3809 paideia: tutorage, i.e. education or training; by implication disciplinary correction:-chastening, chastisement, instruction, nurture. God will be in our face up close and personal, He will not compromise, negotiate, or cut any deals. Even so His commands are not hurtful, even though we are hurtful to ourselves at times; we can trust that God IS ALWAYS GOOD, ALL THE TIME, AND ALWAYS WANTS TO HELP US FOR HIS GLORY AND OUR GOOD. GOD'S WAY IS THE ONLY RIGHT WAY AND THE ONLY RIGHT WAY IS GOD'S WAY. So if we believe in the character, and nature of God, we will not be pouting, or resistant to His will. He has given us food to enjoy, not make of it an idol and the focal point of our existence, for He will not give His glory to another, or His praise to idols. God commands us to put Him first, to serve Him out of love, as well as to love others. His chastisement leads us to relish, delight, and to serve Him in truth, with joy, and to turn away from an self absorbed, self indulgent life style. Neither are we speaking here of going to the other extreme of the ascetic; for through obedience to  God out of love we gain a proper understanding of balance in our lives.

love

serola

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Mon, Feb 14th - 7:12AM

Psalms 37:28 For the Lord loveth judgment and forsaketh NOT his saints, they are PRESERVED FOREVER; but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

Saints (G40 hagios) I was passing by a sports stadium, and you could hear the fans yelling and screaming in joy for their winning team for blocks away. Now there is nothing wrong with fans enjoying their winning team. My point beloveds is, that kind of joy is only temporary-until their team loses, but how much MORE joy we have in our God, who can NEVER lose, and there is NONE who can stand against His mighty eternal power. How much MORE joy we have in our God who has secured our future, given us purpose in the present, and has overcome our past. For Heb 10:9-10 we are forever CLEANSED, FORGIVEN; santified through Jesus; who has perfected us FOREVER HEB. 10:14. 

 In this tenth chapter of Hebrews God makes it abundantly clear, and ABSOLUTE that after a person has heard the Gospel and understands salvation and continues to refuse to believe in the saving blood of His Son, Jesus Christ; ALL such persons are wilful- willingly-voluntary adversaries and covertly, contrary opponents against God. God will destroy such in fiery indignation. God wants us to be perfectly clear about this, and understanding this prevents us from being subverted by such.
Therefore if somebody comes to us claiming Christ's blood is not important, only His death, we know immediately that we are dealing with God's adversaries. But He also makes it abundantly clear beloved to you and me that we are NOT of them that draw back unto perdition-eternal damnation; but of them that believe-  unto the saving preservation of the soul.

God loves us and pours out His love upon us lavishly, fully, generously, holding back nothing. Jesus our High Priest does the same and He too has great compassion for us. The Holy spirit too the same, and continually bringing forth strength to help us. We are not to allow our old nature to go unchallenged and unchecked. God has given us a great many weapons and helps so that we will not be overcome by any sin. For this reason we ought hold back nothing in prayer, but boldly come to Him and pour out our hearts to Him, laying down our heavy burdens, trusting in God's counsel, help and mercy.

We are not alone in our struggles: Heb. 12:6 For whom the lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth EVERY son whom he receiveth. God Himself is with us, He is not idly sitting by watching from afar off, as though our struggles were a sink or swim proposition. He is a hands on, up close and personal and yes-in our face Lord. The Triune God owns us, we belong to our Triune God, and our Triune God belongs to us, and indwells us- think on this brethren.

love

serola

Sun, Feb 13th - 12:59AM

Brothers and sisters we must look to the scriptures and seek to love and live God's way out of love for Him. No matter what sin comes into our lives, we have strong assurances and complete confidence that sin shall NOT have dominion over us. Unfortunately, some, but NEVER all, preach a watered down weak, man- centered Gospel that keeps a person  weak and unstable in the faith.The Holy Bible is clear that sin shall NOT have dominion over us that means No sin whatsoever. The question posed previously what is the overweight Christian to do? Beloveds, we can maintain prayer to our Lord to over come in this area or any area or sin, out of love for all that our God has done for us. We can find a mature brother or sister in the faith and mutually confess and pray for each other for healing and restoration. Now, these prayers are not to be taken lightly. The scriptures tell us the power that these mutual prayers pack: Jas. 5:16.......For the  effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

God's word gives us an example through Elias, who was  a follower of God, such as we are, whose ernest prayers stopped rain from falling on the earth for a certain period of time, then he prayed again for rain to return again to the earth and it brought forth it's fruit. In like manner brethren, God commands us to pray to mutually stop sin dead in it's tracks, and to pray for recovery and the bearing of the fruit of righteousness in place of that sin in our lives. Also BOLDLY come before Lord Jesus to keep knocking, asking, and seeking through prayer always for your needs. Our motivation is to obey God's commandments out of love for Him, this is primary. I pray that we understand here, we are not trying to get further forgiveness for sin, for Jesus has completely finished this for all time through His shed blood, death, burial and resurrection on  the cross.

Now He has freed us to obey Him out of love for Him. No study can be exhaustive, and feel free to look up on your own the many scriptures regarding dealing with sin. Saint's(G40hagios) if we do what God says out of love for Him, we will receive those spiritual things he desires for us to have, according to His sovereign will: 2 Ti. 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Sound mind meaning: sophronismos G 4995, discipline, i.e. self-control:-sound mind.

Our attitude during these temptations and trials are not of clenched teeth grim determination, NO but counting it ALL joy: James 1:2-8. So if we be of any other mind, this is the attitude adjustment that God requires, for our good and His glory.

love

serola

Tue, Feb 8th - 7:47AM

When we know and understand God’s word, holy brethren, we know Him and the freedom we have in Him to love, serve and obey Him. 1John 8:36 IF THE SON THERFORE SHALL MAKE YOU FREE, YE SHALL BE FREE INDEED.

Dearly beloveds, throughout the Holy Bible, God carefully and fully spells out His  commands to  us to love, AND BELIEVE, and follow Him: Mk. 16:16;John 3:15-16; Jn.3:18- He that BELIEVETH on him is not condemned: but he that BELIEVETH not is condemned already, because he hath not BELIEVED in the name of the only begotten son of God. Jn. 3:19-20; Jn. 3:36; Jn. 6:47; Jn.10:26- 30 Jn.11:25;Jn.12:46;Acts 10:43-44;Ro. 1:16;Ro. 10:10; Ro. 15:13;1Ti. 2:1, HEB. 10:30: BUT WE ARE NOT OF THEM THAT DRAW BACK UNTO PERDITION; BUT OF THEM THAT BELIEVE TO THE SAVING OF THE SOUL; and many, many more passages, feel free to look up on your own saints (G40hagios).

Finally in the book of Revelation Jesus our Lord warns  that: Rev. 21:8 But the fearful and UNBELIEVING, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

So when we read this passage: James  2:19 Thou that believest that there is one God, thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.  When this passage is taken as a stand alone passage ripped out of the gospel message as a whole it is often presented  falsely as that believing in Jesus is not important. Nothing of the kind is true. In fact we do WELL to believe. James in noting that the devils also believe and tremble emphatically TELLS US, THAT DEVILS INTENTIONALLY NEVER HAVE ANY OUTWARD EVIDENCE OF ANY GOOD WORKS, AND NEVER INTEND TO HAVE ANY. CONTRARIWISE, EVERY CHRISTIAN MUST HAVE INTENTIONAL OUTWARD EVIDENCE OF INNER BELIEF.

James goes on to affirm and address  all that the Gospel has said throughout: FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD. James 1:22 encourages the beloved brethren: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. The book of James goes to great lengths to absolutely confirm that NEITHER OUR BELIEF OR FAITH IS MERELY DECLARATIVE, but is ALWAYS accompanied, undergirded,  and inseparably intertwined by  good works, and these out of love for God, through the Holy Spirit. Wonderful examples of works are given in Abraham and Rahab.

It is essential to note this reminder from 1 Co. 13:2-3  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge: and though I have ALL FAITH, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. The person who does not love is considered as NOTHING in the sight of God. NOTHING that such a person claims that he or she has done or given for or to God is accepted by Him.

Dearly beloveds, we obey God out of love for Him, and desire to do what pleases Him. We must put God first in EVERYTHING, for He alone is worthy. He gives us complete confidence and assurances that all that we produce out of love (agape) for His sake is acceptable, pleasing and received by Him, who first loved (agape) us.

love

serola

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Fri, Feb 4th - 10:27PM

And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain, ye are yet in your sins. 1 Cor. 15:17

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth  all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you being dead in your sins and uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 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.

Col. 2:8-14

Dear saints it is truly wonderful that we are complete in Jesus. We must never tire of giving out the whole Gospel of God. I thank my God for the countless saints that do so. Sadly there are some who have never told someone else about the Gospel. We must never tire of telling others about Salvation, and always be ready to answer those seeking to know the faith.  Now if somebody comes to tell you that ONLY the death of Christ is important  you can see how quickly the Holy Bible defends itself from this lie, from the above scriptures. Our Lord's work is complete, final and finished, in His shed blood; death, burial, AND resurrection or His rising from the dead.

The foundation of God stands sure beloveds, and there is No creature in All creation that can overthrow it. Some having their consciences seared as though with a hot iron, no longer feel any shame in blaspheming the Gospel, seeking to deceive and overthrow the faith of some, but vengeance belongs to God and He shall repay them. But you beloveds, and all saints continue to hold fast to the truth of the Gospel.

Wed, Feb 2nd - 4:18AM

Dear friends of Jesus, as I mentioned earlier regarding weight loss, the prior postings have been preparatory. I know, this may seem strange to some, but  it is not.The critical issue here is that if a person has not made this first confession (G3670) to salvation, no other confession can gain one entrance into God's kingdom. It is this first confession (G3670) of the believer in Lord Jesus that authenticates the (G1843) confession. Even unbelievers will and can make this (G1843) confession without the slightest intent to worship God or even believe in Him. No study can be exhaustive, feel free to study further on your own and other sources.

You see today, dearly beloveds, it is common by some (but never all) to preach entrance into God's kingdom, so that people can live a better life, have riches, gain better relationships, happiness, overcome alcoholism, drugs etc., emotional and/ or sexual abuse, loneliness, grief, heartache, inferiority, depression,obesity-you name it. Those that preach a secular gospel are nothing more than modern day sooth- sayers; deceivers; false teachers; promoters of seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. God does not negotiate, make bargains, or exceptions, anyone coming to Him as anything other than a lost sinner in need of Salvation will be rejected. God has set the eternal standard that NO man ( or woman) can come to Him except through His Son, Jesus Christ.

False Salvation is presented in this way as how God can serve a person, and not HOW GOD CAN SAVE SINNERS AND GIVE THEM ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH THE FINISHED, FINAL, AND COMPLETE WORK OF LORD JESUS CHRIST'S SHED BLOOD, DEATH ON THE CROSS, BURIAL AND RESURRECTION.

In reading the prior posts on Salvation, if you have believed on the name of Jesus you shall be saved, if you or ANYONE rejects Jesus, you (they) shall be eternally damned and burn forever in the lake of fire prepared for the devil and his angels. See Rev. 20:15; Rev. 21:8.

Believe means (G4100) Pisteuo to have faith (in,upon, or with respect ot , a person or thing, i.e. credit; by implication to entrust (especially one's spiritual well being to Christ) :-believe(r), commit ( to trust, put in trust with.

love

serola