#Galatians 1:8-9 in context

[mindfulldsliving]

Salvation and Scripture: A Latter-day Saint Approach to Faith, Works, and Modern Revelation

Faith, grace, and works are often hotly debated topics in Christian theology, and Ephesians 2:8–9 and Galatians 1:8–9 have long been central to these conversations. As Latter-day Saints, we affirm salvation through grace but understand that faith and works together reflect true conversion. Critics often claim these verses contradict our beliefs, but with context and revelation, they align…

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

In John 6:63, Jesus declares, "The Spirit gives life [quickens]; the flesh counts for nothing." This statement is a profound declaration about the nature of spiritual versus earthly realities and the source of true life.

When Jesus refers to "the Spirit," He is speaking of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. The phrase "the Spirit gives life" indicates that it is the Holy Spirit who imparts spiritual life, or new birth (John 3:5-6). This life is not merely physical existence, but a deep, transformative relationship with God, characterized by understanding, faith, and obedience.

The term "flesh" in this context represents human effort and the human nature apart from God's Spirit. When Jesus says, "the flesh counts for nothing," He is emphasizing that human effort and physical existence in themselves cannot achieve spiritual life or please God. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that salvation and spiritual understanding are not products of human wisdom or power but are gifts from God (Ephesians 2:8-9).

This statement from Jesus also points to the necessity of spiritual understanding to grasp the truths of God's kingdom. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus' teachings (including His discourse on being the Bread of Life in John 6) will not be truly understood or accepted. This is evident in the context of John 6, where many disciples struggled with Jesus' teaching and some even turned away.

Jesus is contrasting the spiritual perspective, which values the things of God and recognizes the necessity of the Holy Spirit, with the earthly perspective, which is limited to human understanding and effort. This theme is consistent in the New Testament, where the spiritual life in Christ is often contrasted with the natural or fleshly way of life (e.g., Romans 8:5-8).

In summary, Jesus' statement in John 6:63 underscores the critical role of the Holy Spirit in imparting true life and understanding, and it highlights the limitations of fallen human nature and effort in achieving spiritual realities. This teaching invites believers to rely on the Spirit for spiritual insight and life, rather than on their own understanding or abilities.

And if believers need to rely on the Holy Spirit for spiritual insight and life, how much more unbelievers need Him in order to believe.

The New Testament teaches that the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the process of coming to faith. It is the Spirit who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). In the case of unbelievers, the Holy Spirit works to awaken their hearts to their need for God, to the truth of the Gospel, and to the reality their need of Jesus Christ as Savior. This awakening is essential because, as Scripture teaches, the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Since faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8), the initial and continuing belief in the Gospel is made possible only through the Holy Spirit’s work. For an unbeliever to come to faith, the Spirit must open their heart to respond to the Gospel (Acts 16:14). This demonstrates that salvation is not a result of human effort or wisdom but is a supernatural work of God. For believers, the Holy Spirit is the source of ongoing spiritual growth and understanding. He guides into all truth (John 16:13), helps in weakness (Romans 8:26), and produces spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). This ongoing work of the Spirit is essential for living a life that is pleasing to God and for growing in spiritual maturity.

The necessity of the Holy Spirit's work both in bringing unbelievers to faith and in sustaining believers highlights the grace and sovereignty of God in salvation. It shows that no one can come to Christ unless the Father grants it (John 6:65), and it underscores the idea that salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace from beginning to end.

In conclusion, the Holy Spirit's role is indispensable both for unbelievers to come to faith and for believers to continue in their spiritual pilgrimage. This understanding fosters a sense of humility and dependence on God, recognizing that both the initiation and the sustenance of faith are the works of His Spirit.

[threeangelscry]

Why Did God Give the Commandments? Why Did Jesus Call Us to Self-Denial?

1. Why Am I Posting This?

A question that has been haunting me, even in my sleep: Why has Jesus not returned yet? What is delaying His coming?

I know He is merciful and does not want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9), but then it struck me like a thunderbolt — there are over 40,000 Christian denominations, all divided. Many tolerate false gods and religions, and even embrace sin to align with the world’s standards. Out of all these churches, only a handful preach the uncompromised Gospel.

Perhaps it's because churches have strayed from the truth — teaching that the Lord’s Prayer is obsolete, that self-denial is “legalism,” and that faith should be personalized for self-benefit rather than a call to discipleship. The consequences of these false beliefs are grave, and we must confront them.

It is primarily the feel-good churches that wield Scripture as a weapon to justify their doctrines, calling those who actually follow Jesus’ words “Pharisees” for preaching self-denial — even though the Old Testament never even speaks of self-denial! Jesus was the One who revealed that obedience to God is a matter of the heart, not just outward actions.

2. The Illusion of Self-Righteousness

Many believe they are good because they do good works for the church — whether singing in the choir, ushering, tithing, or volunteering — assuming their service earns them favor with God. They mistakenly believe that God counts their works as righteousness simply because they are active in ministry.

Yet, works alone do not save (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Some even believe they already have a guaranteed seat at the right hand of God, quoting Ephesians 2:6 out of context:

“…and raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”

They claim that because they are already "seated in heavenly places," they do not need to do anything else—as if salvation is a one-time event rather than a daily surrender requiring perseverance, self-denial, and ongoing sanctification.

Yet Scripture warns against this false assurance:

• Philippians 2:12 – We must work out our salvation with fear and trembling, proving our faith through obedience.

• James 2:17 – Faith without works is dead—but works alone do not replace true surrender.

• Matthew 7:21-23 – Many will claim to have done works in Jesus’ name, yet He will declare, "I never knew you."

True salvation is not about a position — it is about transformation. Those who are truly seated in Christ will walk as He walked (1 John 2:6), bearing the fruit of repentance (Luke 3:8) and continually denying themselves (Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, and Luke 9:23).

Many modern churches "invite" people to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior, as if He is a life enhancement option rather than the King of Kings. But nowhere in Scripture does Jesus say, "Accept Me into your heart." Instead, Acts 17:30-31 declares that God commands all people everywhere to repent because a day of judgment is coming.

Yet modern Christianity has embraced a self-centered gospel, believing that because they prayed a prayer, received a title, or serve in a church, they are already secure—without realizing that salvation is a daily surrender, not a one-time ticket to heaven (Luke 13:24, Hebrews 3:14).

3. The Law Revealed Our Need for a Savior

God gave the commandments, knowing that man could not keep them — not just in outward actions, but in the heart (Romans 3:20, Galatians 3:24). The Law was never meant to be a way to salvation — it was given to expose sin and reveal our desperate need for a Savior.

Jesus said that to be His disciple, one must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, and Luke 9:23). This is not a casual commitment, but a profound call to true discipleship that we must take seriously.

True discipleship is only possible by abiding in Him (John 15:4-5), being transformed by the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2), and walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16).

4. The Lord’s Prayer: What Jesus Really Taught

Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, yet many churches today reject this prayer as “Old Testament” because it is not self-focused — it is selfless.

• "Our Father" – Only those born again can truly call God their Father (John 1:12, Romans 8:15).

* Many churches encourage personalized prayer (e.g., "My Father"), but Jesus intentionally said "Our Father" to remind us that faith is both individualistic but corporate.

* Paul also used "us" and "we" throughout his prayers (Ephesians, Galatians, Colossians), showing that faith was never meant to be self-focused but Christ-centered.

• "Who art in Heaven" – Jesus makes clear which God we pray to.

* Satan is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4), and many unknowingly align their prayers with his kingdom, not God’s.

* When prayers are focused on earthly prosperity, power, or recognition, they serve the ruler of this world, not the God who reigns in Heaven (John 12:31).

* Jesus also reminds us that the earth is God’s footstool (Isaiah 66:1), meaning everything here is temporary and under His final authority—not ours.

• "Hallowed be Thy Name" – Prayer should begin with glorifying the Father, not asking for personal gain.

* His name is holy, perfect, and above all names (Philippians 2:9-11).

* Yet today, many use His name casually, selfishly, or in vain—treating God as a divine ATM rather than the King of Kings.

• "Your will be done IN (not on) earth" – Many modern translations weaken the meaning.

* God’s will is done THROUGH surrendered vessels, not through worldly systems.

* Jesus prayed, "Not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42)—yet modern Christianity has twisted this into, "God, bless MY will."

• "Give us this day our daily bread" – This is both physical and spiritual provision.

* Spiritually, it reminds us to feed on the Word daily (John 6:35, 63).

* Physically, it teaches us to depend on God—just as Israel relied on daily manna (Exodus 16:4).

• "Forgive us" – Many cry out for God’s mercy but refuse to forgive others.

* Jesus warned, if we do not forgive others, we will not be forgiven (Matthew 6:15).

• "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" – A plea for deliverance from Satan and our own sinful nature.

* Jesus told His own disciples, "You, being evil, know how to give good gifts" (Luke 11:13).

5. The Condition of Modern Churches

Many churches no longer preach self-denial. Instead of teaching people to die to self, they teach them how to improve themselves — as if Jesus is a tool for personal success.

Churches today sell Christianity as a lifestyle upgrade, not a death to self. They fill buildings they built (not God) with entertainment-driven services—worship bands that look like rock concerts, children’s programs that teach fun, not faith, and messages that focus on what God can do for you rather than what it costs to follow Him.

They twist Scripture to justify this:

• Malachi 3:10 – Used to demand tithing under threat of curses, despite New Testament grace-based giving (2 Corinthians 9:7).

• Luke 6:38 – Misused as a wealth formula, rather than about generosity.

• Philippians 4:13 – Repackaged as a self-empowerment slogan, rather than about enduring suffering.

6. The Narrow Road

Jesus said the road is narrow (Matthew 7:13-14). The "narrow road" is not simply believing in Jesus — it is denying yourself, taking up your cross, and obeying His commands.

Many seek salvation, but few surrender.

Few recognize that the cross is for redemption and the path they must walk.

Are we truly following Jesus, or just admiring Him from a distance?

🔥 Final Thought: If someone accuses this post of being "harsh" or "legalistic," it only confirms that many today cannot endure sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Truth be told, I was probably told this decades ago, but I rejected it. Instead of listening, I accused the messenger of being a Pharisee, old-fashioned, obsolete, or too extreme — just as many do today.

I wasn’t ready for the truth until a few years ago, when God opened my eyes — showing me the tragic consequences of following a false gospel, a different Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:4).

I know this message is hitting home because many who profess Christianity but reject the cost of discipleship either unfriend me, ignore the message, or reject it outright.

But I guarantee this — if it is biblical, the seed is sown, and it will come back to them when things don’t go their way, when their version of Christianity fails them, or when tragedy strikes. Just like it did for me.

The truth convicts before it heals — and this post is a wake-up call to a modern church that has strayed far from the narrow road.

~~~~~~~~

Additional thoughts:

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether it is good or whether it is evil."

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

"He who is unjust still, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still."

Revelation 22:11

"And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last."

Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.

Revelation 22:12-15

The Scriptures always show that before Christ returns that the judgment is done in heaven at the throne of God, where Jesus is High Priest, our Advocate and Judge. Each person determines their eternal destination by their words, thoughts, decisions and actions. It is clear in Rev. 22:11, that Jesus will declare (whenever that is) that each person is finally sealed as to whether they are redeemed or lost. Those words indicate a finalization of each person's character. They are either fit to dwell in heaven, or not.

Jesus' return shows people being changed physically - not spiritually, not their character. They are fit spiritually and in character BEFORE He comes back.

The Word is replete, in every book, with God pointing to His true people keeping His Ten Commandments.

This last generation is the polarizing generation. People will be righteous and ready for heaven, or be unrighteous and lost.

Time limits me to give all the verses to back up all that I've said here, but all anyone has to do is get an Exhaustive Concordance and find all the OT and NT verses with the words "commandments" and "law" to find these truths.

Lastly, no one is saved by keeping the Commandments. We are only saved by believing on the name of Jesus, and proclaim our belief that He is the Lord, that He died on the cross for our sins, and resurrected from the dead on the 3rd day.

We then keep His commandments because we are saved, and obey Him out of loving obedience. If we do not, we are not truly His followers.

"Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.

He who says, 'I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know we are in Him."

1 John 2:3-5

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven."

Matthew 7:21

[psalmonesermons]

Lessons from Galatians Part 6

Chapter 6:1-18 How to restore someone from sin

6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

There is in the original Greek an element of being caught out by surprise! However we know from other scriptures that we do not fall into sin in some way without giving our consent. It is a hallmark of our love that we can restore a brother or sister. If it, was you, how would you like to be dealt with? Restoring a brother or sister is like setting a bone back into place so that the body is fully functioning again. But we are warned to be careful unless we fall into the same as the person who has sinned.

2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Let us be there for each other the stronger giving their strength to the weaker.

Place a steadying hand on your brother arm. That is what love is all about and should be what church is about.

3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

Pride comes before a fall.

4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

If you must compare yourself to another then compare yourself with Jesus Christ. Only when your eyes are on Christ can you see clearly to monitor your own life and walk. All flesh is grass!

5 For every man shall bear his own burden.

At the end of the day each one of us are accountable to the Lord and to him alone. We will stand in a moral and spiritual sense naked before him, so now is the time to get our lives sorted out before judgement day.

6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

Anyone receiving instruction in the Word of God must share all good things with their teacher. Our teachers bless us in a very tangible and godly way, and it is right we should bless them in every way. There is a strong hint of finance in this verse.

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Do not make excuses!

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 life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.

We need to hang in there in life!

10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Let your light shine before men. Remember to bless your Christian family just as much as your natural family. If we give to the poor, then do not forget the poor in the church. Remember the widows and orphans especially those in the church.

11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with my own hand.

The meaning here is a 'grand' letter in the context of he he had personally laboured over this letter. It is nothing to do with bad eyesight!

12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

The Judaizing teachers wanted converts to their own erroneous teaching and gain brownie-points from their friends.

14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

The only thing that delighted Paul was when someone had a revelation of what Jesus Christ did at the cross. Paul was dead to the world, including all its so-called pleasures, honours, and temptations and like the world had nothing in common with Paul.

15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availed anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

It is the new birth that is the important thing. A new heart and a new mind and having been given a new life for the old sinful one.

16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

The new birth is the model or pattern to follow. This includes all the spiritual children of Abraham (Jew or Gentile) through faith in Jesus Christ.

17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

Literally stigmata! Paul's suffering and injuries on his body were proof that he was in the master’s service.

18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Note Paul calls them brothers!

Amen

Your Prayer

[mysteriesofmarcy]

Genuine question. Please explain to me, why is being queer a sin? Neither consensual homosexuality nor transgenderism hurts anyone. It does no harm and there are a lot of peer reviewed scientific studies (which I cannot currently link because of media links being turned off but I would be happy to find for you if you are interested) that show queer people who are accepted by themselves and their community tend to live longer and happier lives than people who are not accepted. I am admittedly not christian (although some of my family is) so I don't have the best grasp on religion as a whole and I'm genuinely curious to hear your perspective. Why is something that only seems to benefit humanity as a whole considered a bad thing?

NOTE: I'm going to jump around a bit here, so bear with me.

First, yeah, you don't have to prove that people who are accepted by themselves and their communities tend to live much longer and happier lives than people who aren't. That's true of anyone, regardless of who they are or what they believe.

But contrary to popular belief, you are not "born gay/lbt-whatever else". Nobody is. Why? That's not how God designed us.

Here is a little background information on that last point:

God designed marriage to be a union between one man and one woman for as long as both of them are alive. The relationship between a husband and a wife is meant to be a mirror of God's own relationship with the church: God protects His church, just like a husband protects his wife. God gave His life for us, just like a husband is supposed to give his life for His wife if the need arises. And God went to prepare a home for us, just like in ancient times a man would go prior to his marriage to prepare a home for his bride.

But you asked specifically why being queer is a sin. Although homosexuality is mentioned numerous times in the Bible, including

Romans 1:18-32

Leviticus 18:22

Genesis 18:20-19:24

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

1 Timothy 1:9-11

Galatians 5:19-21

Revelation 21:8

Revelation 22:14-16

Matthew 15:19

Mark 7:21

And many more,

The reason that it's a sin is more the fact that it is intellectually dishonest to consider yourself as such. Because like I said, God created humans to be male and female, and to mate one man to one woman. That is what's in our nature.

You may note that some verses only refer to "sexual immorality." In this case, the context of the other verses tells us that this term includes any sexual relations outside those of "one man and one woman married to each other for life."

P.S. in case you don't feel like looking up all those verses above, I've linked this handy explanation for you.

And, I will add that I'm not an expert by any means. This is just a simplistic version of my views.

[gracefortheday]

DAILY GRACE: Generosity, Submission, Healing

FEBRUARY 25, 2025 TUESDAY

Entry: 8:18am, Fairview, Quezon City

VERSE OF THE DAY: PROVERBS 19:17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deeds.

Giving is a privilege, Caring for the poor is a posture and position of heart it requires a new perspective and a hopeful heart.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT POVERTY? What does the Bible say about faith in the context of giving? About God’s heart for the poor? The Bible is rich in wisdom about God’s love for people living in poverty — and about our responsibility to help. We love the way Jesus showed us how to care for vulnerable and marginalized people. Reflect on these Bible verses about giving and pray for children, families, and communities in need. Here’s what the Bible says about poverty.

"Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to." Deuteronomy 15:10 (NIV)

"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done." Proverbs 19:17 (NIV)

"The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor." Proverbs 22:9 (NIV)

“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” Isaiah 58:10 (NIV)

“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Luke 14:13–14 (NIV)

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 (NIV)

In reflecting on what the Bible says about faith, let these Scriptures on giving guide our actions and hearts toward compassion and generosity.

Lord Jesus, help us follow You to the edges of society, where people are lonely, suffering, and in great need. Let us give freely with appreciation for all You've given to us at no charge. In Your name, Amen.

SHARE YOUR FAITH Kindness is in God's heart. Who in your life can experience His love through your kindness?

God, You are righteous, honorable, trustworthy, and true. You crush darkness and shatter despair. You heal people and restore relationships, and You continually invite people to know You personally. You are so great and mighty and worthy to be honored! In Jesus' name, Amen.

GALATIANS 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone and especially those who are of the household of faith.

Think about the people God has placed in your life. How can you come alongside them right now?

1 THESSALONIANS 2:13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

How is God at work in your life right now?

DAILY BIBLE READING: NUMBERS 12-14 MARK 5:21-43 MIRIAM AND AARON OPPOSE MOSES because Moses married a Cushite woman. Moses was very meek. the Lord said: "If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make myself known to him in a vision; in a dream. Not so with Moses, He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, not in riddles, he beholds the form of the Lord. Why were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?" Miriam became leprous. Moses cried to God to heal her. "Let her be shut out for 7 days, then she may be brought in again" The people did not set out to march until Miriam was brought in again. SPIES SENT INTO CANAAN One spy per tribe. "See the land, whether people are strong, many, camps or strongholds, whether rich or poor, with trees or not. Be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land. REPORT OF THE SPIES after 40 days, they returned. "it flows with milk and honey, they are strong, fortified, large, with descendants of Anak, Amalekites in Negeb, Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites in the hill and Canaanites by the sea." Caleb quieted the people "Let us go up at once and occupy it, we are able to overcome it" THE PEOPLE REBEL the people wept and grumbled, they wanted to choose a leader and go back to Egypt. Joshua said: "If the Lord delights in us, He will bring us into this land and give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord and do not fear the people of the land. The Lord is with us, do not fear them." the glory of the Lord appeared. "I will strike them and disinherit them, and I will make of you a nation greater and mightier than they." MOSES INTERCEDES FOR THE PEOPLE "The Egyptians will hear of it, please let the power of the Lord be great as you have promised saying, the Lord is slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the 3rd generation and the 4th generation. please pardon the iniquity of this people." GOD PROMISES JUDGEMENT "I have pardoned according to your word, the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord, none of the men who have put me to test these 10 times and have not obeyed shall see the land that I swore to give to their fathers but my servant Caleb and Joshua, and your little ones. Your children shall be shepherds and shall suffer for your faithlessness for forty years according to the number of days you spied the land. ISRAEL DEFEATED IN BATTLE the people mourned and went up the hill country. Moses warned them not to transgress the command of the Lord. "Because you have turned back from following the Lord, the Lord will not be with you." JESUS HEALS A WOMAN AND JAIRUS' DAUGHTER Jairus fell at Jesus' feet. "My little daughter is at the point of death, come and lay your hands on her so that she may be made well and live." Jesus went with him. There was a bleeding woman for 12 years who followed "If i touch even his garments, I will be made well" immediately she was healed and felt it, Jesus felt power gone out from Him. "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and he healed of your disease." Jesus said to Jairus: "Do not fear, only believe." Peter, James and John went with Jesus in the house: "Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping" Jesus took her hands and said "Talitha, cumi," "Little girl, arise." Immediately the girl got up and began walking (12yo) they were amazed.

LUKE 6:31-38 as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. Even sinners love those who love them, even sinners lend to sinners to get back the same amount. but love your enemies, do good, lend, expect nothing in return, your reward will be great and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Judge not and you will not be judged; condemn not and you will not be condemned; forgive and you will be forgiven; give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."

Insight The teaching of Luke 6:31-38 is similar to that of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:38-48, which Jesus taught “up on a mountainside” (v. 1). Christ taught the sermon in Luke 6—the Sermon on the Plain—on another occasion: “on a level place” (v. 17) or “in the plain” (kjv). Here, Jesus taught about unconditional love for others, including enemies, so that we can be “children of the Most High” (v. 35). God “is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (v. 35); we’re to be merciful in the same measure that the “Father is merciful” (v. 36). In this sermon, Christ articulated a maxim popularly known as the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (v. 31), espousing the principle of “a man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7). Christ spoke of reciprocal treatment, “for with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38). By: K.T. Sim

RESPONDING TO GENEROSITY When Lydia was gifted $10,000 by anonymous donors, she spent little of it on herself. Instead, she gave generous gifts to coworkers, family, flood victims, and charities. Lydia, unbeknownst to her, was part of a study following how two hundred people responded to a no-strings-attached gift of $10,000 through a bank transfer. That study found that more than two-thirds of that gifted money was given away. Sharing this story, Chris Anderson, head of the TED nonprofit media organization, reflected, “It turns out that . . . we human beings are wired to respond to generosity with generosity.” In Scripture, we find that when people live generously, they reflect the heart of the God who made them. God is generous, merciful, and kind, not just to some but to all—even “to the ungrateful and wicked” (Luke 6:35). So Jesus instructed those who desire to reflect God’s character to “love,” “do good to,” and “lend to” even enemies “without expecting to get anything back” (vv. 32-35). When we give without expecting anything back, we’ll find that it’s never a way of life that harms us. Jesus pointed this out too, saying, “Give, and it will be given to you. . . . With the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (v. 38). When we respond to God’s generosity by living generously, we find we’re enriched in countless ways. By: Monica La Rose

REFLECT AND PRAY How have you found joy through giving? How have the gifts of others enriched your life?

Gracious God, thank You for the joy of giving. In Jesus' name, Amen.

PRAYING LIKE JESUS: Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors

As Christ followers, we're called to keep in step with the Holy Spirit. One major way we do this is by quickly turning to God in prayer, confessing and turning away from the trap and temptations of sin, and continually releasing others from their offenses against us through forgiveness. Living this way produces the fruit of the Holy Spirit, like love, joy, peace and faithfulness. But this is easier said than done. It requires humility. Let's face it, We really don't liek to admit it when we're wrong. Believing we're right feels really good, and being corrected feels awful and embarrassing. But the person who won't confess, seek forgiveness and change or refuse to forgive others, is in a self-made prison. The good news is that we don't have to be that person. Jesus provided a rescue plan. Jesus' mission and ministry was and is about setting captives free from the bondage of sin. This comes through repentance and forgiveness. Let's remember our best example. AS God in human form, Jesus lived completely blameless, without any wrongdoing, and became the ultimate model for grace and forgiveness when He took our punishment by suffering and dying on a cross. In the final moments before His last breath, He called out to the Father among a mocking crowd with the most compassionate and undeserving words, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Imagine this moment when the Savior of the world offered forgiveness in the very moment of deepest offense.

PAUSE AND REFLECT Take a moment to enter into a time of stillness before God. When you're ready, begin to respond to what you've studied today. Have you made confession a regular part of your daily prayers? What can you do to make a confession more of a habit? Ask God to show you any areas in your life where you need to change or extend forgiveness, just as you have been forgiven by Him.

Gracious Father, thank You. You are a good, good Father. Thank You for allowing me to come to You at anytime, just as I am. I humble myself before You. Continue to transform my heart to look more like Christ Jesus, My Lord. Shine Your light on the areas of my life that need to change. Thank You for empowering me to forgive others' sins and hurts against me. I praise You for Your ultimate act of forgiveness on the cross, and the grace You extend to me every moment of my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

MATTHEW 6:12 …and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

MATTHEW 6:14-15 For if you forgive others their trespass, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespass, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

MATTHEW 5:43-45 You have heard it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy, but I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.

MATTHEW 18:21-22 Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times."

MARK 11:25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

LUKE 23:32-34 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with Him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on His right and one on His left. And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments.

EPHESIANS 4:22-32

JAMES 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer if a righteous person has great power as it is working.

1 JOHN 1:5-10

[jdgo51]

When You Jump into a Pit Today's inspiration comes from: Get Out of That Pit by Beth Moore You Can Jump In "Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression." — Psalm 19:13 "'You can jump in. Before you take the plunge into that pit, you can be well aware that what you’re about to do is wrong, probably even foolish. But the escalating desire to do it exceeds the good sense not to. You had time to think, and then you did exactly what you meant to do even if the pit turned out to be deeper and the consequences higher than you hoped. You, like me, probably do what you do because you want to. You like the trip. You don’t necessarily like the cost but, like all vacations, a great trip can be worth the expense. God does all these things to a person — twice, even three times — to turn them back from the pit, that the light of life may shine on them. — Job 33:29–30 Personal Application Each of us will ultimately do what we want to do. Christ asks, “What do you want, Child?” How will you answer that question? Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and He has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem. — Ezra 9:9 Motive is huge to God. And so is character. Primarily His character, which we are created to emulate. Dangerous Territory Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. — Galatians 6:7–9 The problem with us pit-jumpers is that we don’t want to hear God’s warnings when we get close to a pit. We want what we want. So we stick our fingers in our ears before we jump. This is by far the most dangerous and supremely consequential way to get in a pit. Motive is huge to God. And so is character. Primarily His character, which we are created to emulate. And He will not be mocked. The very segment of Scripture where we’re told God won’t be mocked is strategically centered in the context of reaping what we sow (see Galatians 6:7–9). God looks intently not only at what we’ve done and how, but also why we did it. Reflection Question Why is “jumping in” the most dangerous and supremely consequential method of getting into a pit? Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right. — Isaiah 1:16–17 Personal Application The psalmist said, I delight to do Your will, my God; Your Law is within my heart. — Psalm 40:8 NASB On a continuum between “not at all” to “yes, I’m there,” how true is this for you today? As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do. — 1 Peter 1:14–15"' Excerpted with permission from Get Out of That Pit: A 40-Day Devotional Journal by Beth Moore, copyright Beth Moore.

[walkswithmyfather]

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” —1 Timothy 6:12 (NIV)

“We have to fight to keep our faith. Try as hard as you can to win that fight. Take hold of eternal life. It is the life you were chosen to have when you confessed your faith in Jesus—that wonderful truth that you spoke so openly and that so many people heard.” —1 Timothy 6:12 (ERV)

“What does 1 Timothy 6:12 mean?” By Bibleref.com:

“Verse 11 commanded Timothy to flee from sin and temptation, and gave a list of positive character traits to pursue, instead. In this verse, Paul provides two imperatives. First, Timothy is to, "Fight the good fight of the faith." This wording closely resembles words Paul will use regarding himself in his second letter to Timothy (2 Timothy 4:7). The metaphor of our spiritual warfare as a boxing match is not unusual for Paul, who also spoke of the Christian faith as a boxing match or fight in 1 Corinthians 9:26: "… I do not box as one beating the air," referencing the idea of shadow boxing.

Paul's second command in this verse is for Timothy to live as if he has eternal life already. Paul mentioned eternal life earlier in 1 Timothy 1:16 and often spoke of it in his letters (Romans 2:7; 5:21; 6:22, 23; Galatians 6:8; Titus 1:2).

Timothy's profession of faith, mentioned here, had clearly happened among other believers in Lystra before he set out to travel with Paul as a missionary.

Context Summary: First Timothy 6:11–21 provides a contrast to the errors and temptations exhibited by false teachers. Paul delivers a strong, unmistakable mandate to Timothy: maintain your testimony, maintain your faith, fight for what is true and right. As a church leader, Timothy's primary weapons against false doctrine and sin are keeping himself on God's path and refusing to waver in his instruction of fellow church members. At the same time, Paul warns Timothy not to be distracted by the pseudo-intellectual debates in which some false teachers engage.

Chapter Context: This chapter completes Paul's highly practical instructions to his friend and student, Timothy. The major focus of this passage is proper Christian conduct, and the avoidance of evil. Paul gives several character flaws common in those who teach false doctrine. He also provides a stark warning about the dangers of greed and materialism. Those who become obsessed with wealth open themselves to virtually any other sin one can imagine. Timothy is given a clear mandate to uphold his faith and testimony, along with Paul's blessings and encouragement.”

[coffeeman777]

Christians and Obedience

This is a long post, so here's the TL;DR -- The Bible clearly, explicitly states that genuine, born-again Christians who have God's Spirit in them will abandon sin and lead holy lives, and this is not optional. The Bible also clearly, explicitly states that there will be fake Christians who claim Jesus but live in and advocate open, deliberate sin. If you subscribe to a theology that suggests God doesn't care about sin anymore, or that Chrisitans don't have any call to obey God, or that anyone who claims Jesus is genuinely saved regardless of how they live, you need to repent and line up with the Word of God.

Onward.

Christians have an obligation to turn from their sins. As popular as it is among various groups of Christians to believe that because of Jesus God doesn't care about sin anymore, that idea is at odds with Scripture and anyone who embraces it is in extreme spiritual danger.

There are two basic Biblical truths at play here:

1) Christians are saved by grace through faith. No one can earn God's gift of salvation. No one's works can merit salvation. Salvation is complete in Christ Jesus, from start to finish. We are completely saved immediately after we confess and believe, and once saved, our works cannot add to or take away from that salvation, nor do they maintain it. We are kept completely by God's grace for the entire duration of our lives. Salvation is perfect through Christ, and permanent (John 5:24; Acts 2:21; Romans 1:16-17, 3:21-31, 8:1-4, 31-39, 10:9-13; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:4-9).

2) Repentance from sins, obedience to God's commands, holiness and righteousness are not optional; they are necessary traits that must be found in everyone who is truly saved. The Scripture is abundantly clear that those who are in Christ will turn from sin, seek to obey God, and strive to live genuinely holy lives (2 Timothy 2:19, Romans 6, 12:9, 1 Peter 1:14-19, Galatians 5:19-24, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 John 2:4-6, 15-17, 3:4-10). (Note: This does NOT mean that you must be instantly perfect to be a real Christian, and it does NOT mean that you can't struggle with sin. Each of us is an individual, with our own individual backgrounds, personality traits, and circumstances. We learn and mature at different rates. Some of us develop slower than others. Taking more time to progress in holiness after coming to Christ does not mean your faith isn't real. But regardless of how fast or slow we progress in holiness, the progression will be present. And that's the point to remember: there will be progress, a steady change from who you were outside of Christ to who you are called to be in Christ.)

At first glance, it may seem like these two Biblical truths are at odds with one another. Indeed, it's easy to find examples of Christians undermining, explaining away, or outright ignoring one of these truths in order to over-emphasize the other. Some want to exaggerate the second truth and turn Christianity into a works-based system where our salvation is earned by rule-keeping. And a great many more want to exaggerate the first truth and make Jesus into a get-out-of-Hell-free card, holding that God's grace through Christ Jesus means that repentance and obedience are purely optional, and that God no longer cares whether we sin or not. I've even seen some teachers in this vein saying that God has no more wrath, and that He doesn't judge at all anymore. Both of these twists on the Biblical message are grievously wrong. The fact of the matter is that both of these truths interlock like two puzzle pieces, and flow one to another without any conflict.

If we believe that the Bible is the infallible Word of God, we must treat it as such and be faithful to Biblical text, keeping all passages in context while reconciling them with each other. If we fail to do this, we can easily deceive ourselves and everyone who listens to us.

The truth is that salvation is a gift of God's grace, received by faith, that cannot be earned by works; and that once a person is really and truly saved, the Holy Spirit indwells them and necessarily changes them from the inside out, leading to genuine repentance and obedience.

The born-again Christian develops a strong desire to please and worship the Lord with their whole life. Worship is ever so much more than just singing songs; it is faithfully studying and applying God's Word; it is forsaking sin and obeying God's commands; it is doing selfless good works for the glory of Jesus Christ.

The Scripture is clear that to love God means to obey Him (John 14:15, 1 John 5:3).

Real Christians do not repent of sins and strive for holiness because they're scared of going to Hell; they realize that salvation is complete in Christ, that it can't be lost, that God gives them more grace than they'll ever need, that mercy and forgiveness are granted by God through Christ for all sins past and future, and that the Father loves them as much as He loves Jesus. Real Christians repent and strive for holiness with everything in them, with all their might every day, for no other reason than because they love God and they want to do what honors and pleases Him while avoiding evil behavior, which God hates (Psalm 5:4-5, 11:5, Proverbs 6:16-19, 8:13, Zechariah 8:17).

The thought of intentionally sinning becomes repugnant to them, like the thought of deliberately betraying a loved one, or intentionally harming an innocent person. And it is exactly this attitude that proves that a person really is saved (Matthew 7:15-23, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Galatians 5:16-24, 1 John 2:4, 3:4-10, 5:1-3, 18).

So, to be clear: salvation is not earned; it can't be gained with good works, it isn't maintained with good works, and it can't be lost due to sinning. And the one who is saved and secure in Christ, who has the Holy Spirit in them, will reject and avoid sin like the plague, and genuinely seek with real, grace-enabled effort to live a lifestyle in obedience to God's commands, full of the fruit of the Spirit. Good works cannot save you, but if you're really saved, you will do good works; it cannot be otherwise.

Furthermore, fake Christians (also called false converts) exist. They are the wolves in sheep's clothing, the ones who say to Jesus "Lord, Lord," but will be rejected for their lawlessness (Matthew 7:15-23), the ones who have a form of Godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3:5), the ones who fall away (1 John 2:19). The Bible gives explicit instructions on how to recognize these people, and on how to deal with them when they are recognized (Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 5). In the case of Christian leaders who are engaging in deliberate sin, we're explicitly commanded to rebuke them publicly (1 Timothy 5:20-21).

Here I must point out the difference between real Christians who struggle with sin, and fake Christians who embrace a sinful lifestyle.

Real Christians can and do struggle with various sins (operative word here is "struggle"). The path from who we are when we are first saved to true Christlikeness is long and difficult; this process is called "sanctification," whereby we are stripped of the sinful behaviors and addictions that we whole-heartedly embraced while we were still outside of Christ, while being molded and shaped by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to fit the image of Jesus. We discover areas of sin in our lives, overcome it by the power of the Holy Spirit and grace-enabled effort, then grow a little bit only to discover more sinful areas, and the process repeats. This goes on until we are taken home. Throughout the process, real Christians hate the sin they find in themselves and take action against it. They long to be free of it. We should all acknowledge our own sin, help each other, and give grace to each other.

The fake Christian, the false convert, claims the name of Christ but doesn't repent. They don't hate their sin, and they don't take any meaningful action against it. Although they may say that they do hate their sin and they do want to be rid of it, the way they live their lives will betray them and reveal the truth. Often, they don't live any differently than they did before they got saved. They will commit intentional, deliberate sin and think nothing of it. They will live in sin and aren't bothered by it. They may hide their sinful lifestyles behind a facade of Christianity, or they may openly live in sin while claiming to be saved. They may get angry and defensive if someone calls them out, or they may acknowledge their sin but remain unwilling to change.

In either case, it is the attitude of the heart towards sin that reveals whether a person is actually in Christ or not. And as mentioned above, the Bible shows us how to tell who the false converts are, and what we should do about it: we are to confront them, and if they refuse to repent, put them out of the Church (1 Corinthians 5). Of course, if they repent and turn to the Lord sincerely after the fact, we should be gracious and take them in again, while being very careful to follow the relevant commands from Scripture.

Here are the objections I commonly get after explaining all this to people (almost always from other Christians):

"God is love; you can't tell people they can't sin because that's not loving!"

Jesus, Paul, and all of the Apostles told people to repent as part of the presentation of the Gospel. Sin separates people from God; both false converts as well as straight-up unbelievers must be warned so that they can repent and turn to the Lord to escape the wrath to come. That is exactly what the Bible teaches.

The love we are commanded to have for others is "agape," which is a love of the will. This isn't an emotional, warm fuzzy feeling kind of love. This is a choice to do the highest good possible for others, regardless of how we might feel, regardless of whether that makes them uncomfortable, and regardless of what it costs us.

"By saying that Christians have to obey God, you're saying that they must be sinlessly perfect, and that they have to earn God's grace! Christians still sin, including you!"

Sinless perfection is not possible for any of us on this side of eternity, because the fallen nature will always be with us here, and we are therefore always susceptible to temptation. Christians can and do mess up, and when they do, the grace and mercy of God is there for them.

But the sin of the Christian is the exception, not the norm; they do not live lifestyles of premeditated, intentional, deliberate sin. Real Christians with the Holy Spirit inside of them live to please God, even if they do it imperfectly; they seek always to obey and honor the Lord and hate to disobey. Christians mature at different rates, some faster, some slower, but regardless of their level of development in Christ, this attitude will be present in anyone/everyone who is truly saved.

"You can't say who's a false convert! If a person claims to be a Christian, then they are, it doesn't matter how they live!"

Jesus, Paul, and the Apostle John were all quite explicit about how to tell false converts from genuine Christians:

Matthew 7:15-23

"15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’"

Galatians 5:16-24

"16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."

1 John 2:4, 3:4-10, 5:1-3, 18

"4 Whoever says “I know [Christ]” but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in Him...

...4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother...

...Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments...

...18 We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him."

"There's never a reason to call someone out on their sins! The Bible only says that we're to love others! If you call someone out on their sin, you're being judgmental and self-righteous!"

The Scripture is explicit on this point as well; it isn't judgmental or self-righteous to simply obey God.

Hebrews 3:13

"13 You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God."

1 Corinthians 5:9-13

"9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church[b] whom you are to judge? 13 God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”"

The truest expression of self-sacrificial love for anyone is offering them a sincere warning when they're in sin; to do so places that person's well-being above yourself. This warning may make things awkward, it may make them not like you and break fellowship with you, but it's also often the only way to wake them up to the reality of their situation so that they can get right with God.

"Obedience is trumped by love! Loving God is all that matters! Emphasizing obedience is just being religious!"

You can't love God without obeying Him. You may have warm fuzzy feelings about God, you may love to sing worship songs, and go to church, and maybe read a carefully selected handful of Bible verses that reenforce your preconceived notions about God, but the Scripture explicitly says that if you aren't obeying God, you do not love Him.

John 14:15

"15 “If you love Me, obey My commandments.""

1 John 5:3

"3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome."

It can't be dismissed as mere outward religion to love God enough to obey Him, anymore that love and devotion to a spouse shown in your behavior can be dismissed as empty gesture. If you love others, it will show in how you behave towards them. And it's no different with God.

Please, fellow Chrisitans, think and pray over these things. The Bible could not be more clear. If we hold that the Bible is God's inspired Word, we ought to listen and be true to what it says.

There's so much grace afforded to us in Christ; we have abundant mercy and forgiveness for all of our faults and flaws. But this grace, this kindness from God, is not meant to keep us in our sin; it's meant to lead us out from it (Romans 2:4). We have all the power we need to lay our sin down and live genuinely holy lives (Romans 6). It is not good, or kind, or loving, or wise for us to remain in sin and teach others to do likewise; it is the exact opposite. While we should be as compassionate, and gracious, and gentle as we possibly can be in every situation, we can't ignore God's express commands to not become friends with the world (James 4:4); this does not please God at all, and if we think it does, we delude ourselves to our own detriment.

Please, I beg you, go to the Scriptures and study this out. Obey the Lord. Do things His way. Seek genuine holiness with everything you have in you; rest in the knowledge that God's grace covers you as you do all you can to obey Him from the heart. Don't pervert the Bible's message of grace to permit sin.

[psalmonesermons]

God can make a little go a long way

God wants your 'littles'

Some years ago, whilst working in my role as a biomedical scientist, I heard about a patient who had a kidney transplant. Such patients need to take a type of medication called immuno-suppressive drugs. These drugs prevent the patient’s immune system from rejecting the transplanted organ. The doctors were able to gradually reduce the patient’s tablets from several a day at first, over a year or two right down to a half tablet each day. This worked fine and for something like 14 years the half tablet did the job. However, one day the patient forgot to take the half tablet and sad to say, he went into graft rejection and lost the kidney. Although he was only taking a tiny dose it went a long way and unfortunately as soon as he stopped the entire benefit was lost.

This story made me think of a recurring theme in the bible of how God can make a little go a long way. Let us bring these stories to mind…

Elijah’s tub of flour and jug of oil never ran out during the famine (1 Kings 17:8-16).

Elisha prayed that the widow’s jar of oil would keep flowing and she was able to clear all her debts (2 Kings 4:1-7). God filled every vessel of the widow which c.f. with us being filled with the Spirit but he is never diluted or diminished.

Jesus prayed and the loaves and fishes were multiplied to feed a multitude (Matthew 14:17-21) and had lots of leftovers too.

Again, Jesus tells us (Matthew 17:20) that if we have the tiniest measure of faith, then we can move mountains!

God certainly can make a little go a long way! And he does time after time, again and again,

Let us now focus specifically on a little going a long way in the context of prayer. Sometimes we think that for certain types of prayer to be effective, then the prayer must be nice and long. But could God act on us merely mentioning someone in our prayers? Well, here are 5 biblical examples from the Apostle Paul, who clearly thought mentioning someone in prayer was very worthwhile.

Romans 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention [1] of you always in my prayers.

Ephesians 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.

1 Thessalonians 1:2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers.

Philemon 4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

So, what does it mean to mention someone in prayer? A dictionary definition of the word ‘mention’ -a brief comment or remark, or, to remember briefly.

As we get older in the faith our daily prayer lists get longer and longer! Paul’s prayer list must have been very extensive (he prayed for the Galatians, Colossians and many other churches, families, and individuals). But he felt that it was important to continually be mentioning his fellow believers in prayer to the Lord.

Sometimes, we think that for a prayer to be effective that it must be long! As an older car battery charger gives a trickle charge, so our making mention of others in prayer is constantly bringing them before the throne room of grace.

Sad to say, from my own experience, for several years I used to briefly mention each day two children with serious health problems. They always seemed fine. But I unintentionally forgot them for a year or two. When I next saw them, I was surprised how much they had deteriorated, and I decided that I had to start mentioning them before God each day again.

Beloved, God can make your little go a long way. So, give God your littles:

(your little prayer, your little time, your little finance and little resources, your little strength, your little capacity to care for others, your little faith can move mountains), and know this that even mentioning someone in prayer to the Lord is positively making a difference in their lives.

Let us pray:

Father God in Jesus name, we offer to you the ‘littles’ in our lives, our time, our strength and energy, our finance and resources, and all other areas of our lives where we feel ‘little’, asking that that you make each one of them go a long way in the building your kingdom.

Amen

[1] 3417. mneia, mni'-ah; from G3415 or G3403; recollection; by impl. recital: --mention, remembrance.

[wesenschau]

Israel, Pharaoh, The Tents of Kedar and Mary

In Deuteronomy 32:21 we are told what happens when Israel deviates from God’s hierarchical prescriptions:

“They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.”

It is in God that all things have their being/existence, it is in God’s mind that all things are sustained. This means, when man turns away from the cosmic hierarchies which God operates in creation by, they are turning towards non-being/non-existence/disintegration/exile. We can see a typological pattern throughout the Old Testament of Israel failing to fulfill the torah, tending towards non existence, being exiled and then being reunified through the gentiles. This article from James Jordan explores this concept more in-depth. What it means for Israel to move God to jealousy with that which is not God, is to turn away from divinely established meanings and names of reality and try to name/bring meaning to things on your own account (it is the attempt to make a name for oneself [gen. 11:4]). This is the fundamental sin which divides us from God/where God wants us to be. Of course there is always a redemptive aspect to this pattern. This can be seen most clearly in Christ’s redeeming the sin of Adam. 

Whenever Israel turns from God, they face exile -- they are sent to the wilderness; God then turns his attention to the wilderness and shows Israel how the wilderness/unknown aspects of reality are to be reconciled into the grand cosmic structure of things. The books of Isaiah and Jeremiah shed much light on this. For Jeremiah, as a mosaic-type prophet, Israel has become the new pharaoh. Note Israel disobeying God’s commandment to  “not . . . return the people to Egypt . . . , since the LORD has said to you, ‘You must never return that way again” (Deut 17:16) in Jer. 31, and Israel committing the sin of pharaoh in Jer. 34 (the refusal to release slaves/the presumption that man can account for all aspects of reality). Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help! (Is. 31:1). For Isaiah Israel is as a barren woman requiring a kinsman redeemer. At the end of Daniel we are told from the time of the book till redemption is 1290 days, which is 430*3. 430 years is the time from Abraham till the time of the exodus (Gal. 3:17)/ the time of sojourn in Egypt (Exodus 12:40). There is a triplet “exile” from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up (Dan. 12:11). In order these three sojourns are under: Antiochus Epiphanes -> the Maccabean dynasty -> Herodian dynasty + Jewish priesthood. The little horn of Daniel 7 corresponds with the 2-horned land beast of Revelation 12 and has a twofold operation of Herodian and corrupted priestly power structures. This two horned beast is the same beast that crucified Christ and is described in Revelation as the whore of Babylon, who “in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints” (Rev. 18:24). This is the same Jerusalem whom Jesus laments over in Mt. 23:17 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!“.

This brings light to the passage in Matthew 2:3 where God calls His Son out of Egypt -- Egypt, being Israel. It is no wonder that Ishmael, son of an Egyptian, is shown by Saint Paul to be a symbol of Israel/the law in Galatians 4.

Now that we have established the pharaonic nature of Israel at the time of Christ, we can open up a prosopological reading of Psalm 120:5. In Psalm 120:5 we see Christ sojourning in Meshech and dwelling in the tents of Kedar. Meshech is a son of Japheth and one of the surrounding nations in the battle of Gog and Magog. Kedar is a son of Ishmael and is associated with the nomadic wilderness (Ezk. 27:21; Jer. 2:10). Ps. 120:5 is Christ mourning over the apostasy of the Jews -- the giving up of their wings of holiness (Num. 15:37-41) and their taking up of wings of abominations (Dan. 9:27). “Woe is me!” cries Christ, “that my people have rejected me! Woe is me! That the temple has become desolate, like a wild desert! Woe is me! That I dwell in the temple which has been transformed to a foreign tent of nomads!” The consequence of Israel’s rejection of Christ is that he is to bring light to the nations, which, although obviously good, is not good that it needs to be done under the pretext of Israel’s disobedience. Christ’s mourning over the temple in Luke 19:41-44 (note verse 42 and Ps. 120:7) comes from the same place as Jonah’s mourning over the conversion of Nineveh under the gourd plant. The conversion of gentiles meant the disobedience and demise of Israel; thus Christ laments: “Woe is me! that I sojourneth in a foreign nation, that I have been forced out into Egypt, even unto the tents of Kedar, to find someone to share my love with!”

A mariological reading is also, in my opinion, applicable -- particularly in light of Sg. 1:5-6. Mary, like Isaiah, comes from a people of unclean lips (Is. 6:5) (note the solution to this uncleanness is sacrificial/eucharistic in nature [Is. 6:6-7 -> Ps. 120:4]). In a mariological reading of song of songs we see a Holy Bride seeking nothing but to serve and love her Bridegroom. We see that Mary desires to bring Christ into her mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived her (Sg. 3:4) and to lead Christ, and bring him into her mother’s house who would instruct her (Sg. 8:2). I believe this is fulfilled in Luke 2, in the presentation of the Lord in the temple (and continues to be fulfilled by many faithful Christians bringing Christ into the various profane institutions/structures in which they were raised. On a grander scale the Church has never failed to take profane philosophy/worldly knowledge and baptize it and consecrate it to the Lord).

[Side note: Sg. 8:3 provides an interesting insight into the Marian aspect of the Eucharist -- demonstrating her inseparability from the Church, which I would like to develop/explore further, God willing].

In my opinion, Mary’s confession of being black, but comely and being likened unto the tents of Kedar, and the curtains of Solomon is possibly twofold in its allegorical indications:

1) Mary is in a temple which is stained -- where the curtains of Solomon have become like the black tents of Kedar. Why did this happen? because Israel failed to keep their own vineyard and was subjected to enslavement under foreign rule (Sg. 1:6). Because of Mary’s identification with the temple and her people, which are of an unclean lip (Is. 6:5) she mourns over their uncleanness, but shows that there is still hope in the whittled down, comely line of David, which is a sign of God’s faithfulness. Because the Jews have become like Egypt, the children of Mary’s mother (meaning: the benefactors of second temple corruption) force Mary and her Bridegroom out unto the real tents of Kedar, where Christ transforms them into curtains of Solomon (Sg. 1:5-6). It is interesting to note Kedar’s connection to Egypt -- Kedar being a son of Ishmael and his Egyptian bride (Gen. 25:13) (Ishmael was also born of an Egyptian woman [Hagar, Gen. 16:1]). (The fact Ishmael had an Egyptian mother and an Egyptian wife further solidifies the association of bride and mother in this context. Also note the comparison of the Bride to a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariots in Sg. 1:9).

2) This next idea is ultimately connected to the concept of original sin and the story of Adam being installed as the priest/keeper of his garden/vineyard but he failed to do so, and because of that, God had to put barriers/mediators between Adam/man and Himself in order that the sun may not burn them (sg. 1:6). Mary, although sinless, carried the burden of original sin. It is because Mary had original sin but was sinless that she perfectly fulfilled her place in the arc of salvation as new Eve. (Eve did not have original sin but still sinned -- Eve was like the curtains of Solomon but voluntarily brought upon herself exile out of the garden into the wild tents of Kedar. Mary, however, although stained by the blackness and burns of original sin remained altogether comely.) 

The antimonies of black, but comely and the tents of Kedar / the curtains of Solomon (as well as the multitude of twofold descriptions throughout the song of songs) definitely call back to the two goats in the day of atonement, in which all of reality is accounted for by God and the prescribed participation in that reality by Israel -- although, this is a concept I need to explore more in-depth. 

[The unknown/wild aspects of reality, represented by the tents of Kedar, are not inherently evil and will ultimately be reconciled within God’s total account of all things within His cosmic structure of reality. It becomes evil, however, when man attempts to structure reality and account for these wild/unknown things within his own naming/reasoning.]

Many of these ideas are drawing heavily upon concepts I’ve been introduced to by Kabane/Seraphim Hamilton, who never fails to provide inspiring, edifying and brilliant content.

This was a jumbled together mess of ideas but I hope some level of coherency was achieved and that someone can learn something from this. 😄

[nerdygaymormon]

Collection of scriptures useful for queer people to understand

Over the past year I have shared some thoughts on scriptures related to homosexuality or queer people. I plan to add to this, but here is a collection of the posts I’ve made so far. 

It’s important to understand these verses because many people use scriptures to justify their bigotry, but much of what they think they know about what the scriptures say just isn’t there, or is a mischaracterization. Their prejudice is not what God says about you. 

Genesis 1 & 2 – Adam & Eve, AND Adam & Steve : The purpose of these verses is not to discount homosexuality or being transgender

Genesis 19:1-11 – Sodom & Gomorrah : It’s ironic that this story is used to justify treating LGBTQ+ individuals inhospitably. Homosexuality had nothing to do with this story and such an interpretation was not added until over a thousand years later.

Leviticus 18, 20 – Lie with a man as with a woman : These verses forbid Jews from engaging in male-male sex done as part of pagan worship. 

Deuteronomy 23:17 – whores and sodomites : These verses are about prohibiting prostitution

Ruth & Naomi : 2 women who made vows, lived together for life, loved each other deeply, adopted each other’s extended families as their own, and relied on each other for sustenance. And the Bible celebrates their relationship. 

Jonathan & David : The text suggests this is more than two men who became friends. The possibility this is a same-sex relationship blessed by God is why the story of Jonathan and David has been a favorite of queer Christians. 

1 Kings 14:24 – sodomites in the land; 1 Kings 15:12 he took away the sodomites; 1 Kings 22:46 the remnant of the sodomites; 2 Kings 23:7 brake down the houses of the sodomites : Every time the Old Testament condemns homosexual acts, it is because they’re part of worshiping a different god. Worship of any other god is what is forbidden, it’s one of the 10 commandments.

Esther : While they don’t fit our modern definitions of LGBTQIA, eunuchs were definitively considered “other” in their time and offer us a chance to discuss otherness and non-gender conforming people in the Bible. They’re the unsung heroes of this story. 

Isaiah 3:9 - declare their sin as Sodom : Isaiah calls out the people of Judah and Jerusalem for not taking care of the poor or visitors. For having no guilt about the sins they commit. Not for being gay.

Isaiah 56:3-7 : Eunuchs welcomed by God: God’s way is radical inclusiveness, God doesn’t marginalize people. 

Daniel : In my opinion, the best example in the Old Testament to suggest God supports same-gender loving relationships. 

Socially queer Jesus & disciples : Queerness fits naturally with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 8:5-13 – The centurion and his “servant” : Jesus restores a gay relationship by a miracle of healing and then holds up a gay man as an example of faith for all to follow. 

Matthew 19:5-12 – Marriage & Eunuchs : Jesus is discussing marriage and he mentions eunuchs (which, in context, seems clear he’s speaking of men who don’t have a desire or attraction for women) being an exemption from male-female marriage. 

Matthew 25:31-46 : Christ determined “the righteous” were people who welcomed the stranger, fed and clothed people in need, visited the sick and those in jail. Doing these things builds the kingdom of God, regardless of the belief or faith of the individual. 

Acts 8:25-40 An apostle baptizes a eunuch into the church : I see the eunuch’s journey mirrored in the unfolding path of modern-day LGBTQ+ people. as step-by-step we’re on the way to being accepted in the Church. 

Romans 1:26-27 : Like most every verse on same-sex activity in the Bible, this one is about behaviors in relation to idol worship, which is forbidden in the Ten Commandments. Possibly it’s about lust and one-time encounters, perhaps even straight people engaging in sexual behaviors that can’t result in pregnancy. It isn’t about loving committed relationships between people who have a same-sex orientation.

I Corinthians 6:9-10 : Paul is speaking against prostitutes or random hook-ups, where sex is being pursued for sex, not love or as part of a relationship. No one believes he is condemning sex between heterosexual married individuals. We likewise shouldn’t assume he’s forbidding relationships between people of the same gender.  

1 Corinthians 7 :  If you’re ace/aro, great! God has work for you. However, if you don’t have the “gift of celibacy,” then channel your sexual desires within marriage. Paul is adamant that celibacy should NOT be forced on people. To do so endangers their spiritual well being! Is there a better argument than Paul’s for why Christians should accept and celebrate same-sex marriage? 

Galatians 3:28 : The human distinctions of race, social rank, and sex are in some sense nullified in Christ. This scripture says the gender binary disappears in Christ. 

1 Timothy 1:8-10 : While many Christians like to point to this passage in 1 Timothy as an example of the Bible condemning homosexuality, it actually is referring to boy prostitutes, the male customers who used them, and the slave dealers who procured them and sold them into prostitution. 

Doctrine and Covenants 49:15-17 : The purpose of these verses is to say that marriage is good and rejecting a requirement of life-long celibacy. 

[creepymagickshop]

Soldiers of Christ- How to spot a retard satanist trying to preach or quote your Holy Bible. This could even be your very own pastor or elder- gasp!

Oracle Penelope with the love of Jesus Christ our Savior, to the Christian Soldiers ready to defend the real body of Christ, greetings on this beautiful Mother’s Day!

As we learned from a previous lesson, you are not to take everything for granted, you decern through the Holy Ghost, which only Christians have, to the truth of a statement about and for God. The Lambs will be speaking with the Dragons voice! Those are fake Christians and will be thrown into the abyss also! Walk away from those teachers, they are satanists. (Revelations)

We will take a simple verse misquoted a lot. If you ever heard someone quoting this to shut someone up, you may give them a verbal lashing as the moronic satanist they just proved themselves to be. (We give you permission)

Christians listen through the Holy Spirit and also read in context, with understanding of cultural reference and time period root-word meaning (cough cough, retards who have problems with the term Witch of Christ, you just marked yourselves are morons on a public stage).

One shining example of a moron misunderstanding our Holy Scripture is “Women should be silent in church!” They are of course misquoting our beloved Paul in one of his letters to a struggling new Christian church surrounded by moron cockroaches. We REAL Christians, all know he was speaking to one group of women who were yelling over the preacher, and also speaking to a group of men causing problems. So simply solved by actually reading the whole letter.

Anyone who preaches the true version of the Word of God, preaches the Good News without perversions. Otherwise they are false messengers, backed by the dragon, who is Lucifer. If you are misquoting the Bible, you are a crony of the devil. We don’t want you near us, and don’t go claiming our Christianity. You ARE NOT ONE OF US (you need a good punch to the throat).

Galatians 1: 1 (YLT1898)

1 Paul, an apostle — not from men, not through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who did raise him out of the dead —

Galatians 1: 6- 9 (YLT1898)

6 I wonder that you are so quickly removed from Him who did call you in the grace of Christ to another good news [fake Christian teachings];

7 that is not another, except there be certain who are troubling you, and wishing to pervert the good news of the Christ;

8 but even if we or a messenger out of heaven may proclaim good news to you different from what we did proclaim to you [subgroup of “Christians” with extra fake holy books or misquoting the Bible] — anathema let him be! [vehemently disliked]

9 as we have said before, and now we say again, if any one to you may proclaim good news different from what he did recieve — anathema let him be!

Do not fall into the grasp of a greedy devil by listening to teachers who misquote the Holy Bible. Listen to their teachings, is there wisdom in the lesson? Is there understanding of context in the preaching? If they lack these things, they have not been initiated into the secret of the Christ, they have not received the Holy Ghost.

If someone has been brought up by a devil who has been teaching falsely the Bible, in such a perverted manner, the Holy Ghost will have them ( the listener) swerve away from following the footsteps of their predecessor. Meaning- they will not want to repeat such vile degrading things to other people. They may believe that it is in the Bible, because they have been taught this, but the Holy Ghost will speak to their spirit and have them back away from such things. They definitely will not be running around screaming it and throwing it into people faces to try and hurt others. Those people have no wisdom and are cockroaches claiming the name of our Christ. (A good verbal punch to the throat will sort them out)

If you have been raised and are now within a church that is misquoting the Bible- RUN.

The judgment seal has been broken (Revelations) and those fake churches will be judged harshly just like all the other moron satanists.

You are never to believe anyone’s teachings about our Jesus Christ without doing your own footwork to make sure it is good sound doctrine.

What do we do with lukewarm Christians who hear a messenger from God and poo-poo them, turning away pretending no one is speaking?

Oh! If it’s a woman, they don’t have to listen? Or if it’s not someone of their skin color, they don’t have to listen?

Listen up EVERYONE!

When God sends a messenger to speak to you, He, your own God, is speaking to you through someone’s mouth, and you are to show respect and value Gods words.

You with the Holy Spirit are filled with His truth. Your spirit will discern a servant of Christ. You will know they are from God.

The moment a lukewarm Christian turns away from a messenger of God, He your God, vomits them out of His mouth. (Revelations)

There are no do-overs. 

If Gods messengers are starting to call for war, for action, it is your OWN GOD who is telling you this. Lukewarm Christians stand with Satan the moment they turn their backs on the call. Don’t get it twisted- you do not get to choose the mouthpiece of God that you want to listen to. Those people are arrogant fools who will be knocked from the high places they have set themselves up in. Just watch our God work, His curse is upon the world, it is judgment time. (This is not new information from me, Oracle of Christ, I have prophesied over a year ago, to which you yourself can look up on my feed, that God has been sounding the breaking of the seal of judgment)

The next seal to break will be Death and Hades, you WANT Gods holy seal of protection on you for what’s coming.

- Penelope

[skystonedclouds]

What I’m taught is Hebrews 10:26, Galatians 5:16, 1 Corinthians 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:17, be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect. Crucify the flesh, kill sin, dead to sin. All terms the Bible uses to support that a Christian who sins is not of God, all sin is willful because of you sin it means you aren’t walking in the spirit. Why do Christians ask people who quote this “do you not sin?” Like they get defensive and want to justify their own sin? God hates sin and sinners is what I’m told.

Dear anon,

I can’t speak for every context where people say “do you not sin?”. It kind of depends on the nature of the conversation. I think they may be referring to…

1. Habitual Sin vs Sin.

1 John 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

This is because all of us have sinned and even continue to sin after being saved. Not sinning is referring to habitual sin or practicing sin.

1 John 3:9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.

2. Gently convicting.

The point to remember is Christians will still sin and all passages must be reconciled. They shouldn’t make excuses for sin or defend it. It might be hard for them if they are put on the spot in front of everyone or the rebuke is not gentle in nature. We are supposed to encourage each other in doing good works. Encouragement includes remembering positive reinforcement not just negative ones. Things like “I saw you doing better keep it up and soon you’ll be rid of this sin” or something soft lol. Let the word of God convict not the tone of voice or use of harsh words. Many are more sensitive than they can come off you know,

Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

3. Marks of a true Christian.

The Christian life isn’t sinless perfection but continuous repentance from sin. A true Christian will be sensitive to the sin in their life and turn away from it. The bigger essential is the inward heart change of hating sin and loving God that leads to greater and greater sanctification.

4. God hates the sinner.

God does hate the sinner outside of Christ and the false professing Christians. Once saved his attitude towards us is always love as if we were Christ. We receive Christ righteousness for current and future sins (unless we prove to have never been saved). He does discipline us out of love but not to destroy us. I would be worried if God does not discipline someone. It’s not a good sign if God is not disciplining the person and working on them (they may not be saved). God disciplines his own children to help them like a parent disciplining their own child.Discipline implies his children will sin but not without cost.

Hebrews 12:6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.

There is hope for a Christian who sins. Christ advocates their case with his blood. It implies a Christian will sin but does not make a habit of sinning or a practice of it. In their practice they are continuously fighting, turning away and repenting from their sins. Their heart has been changed so they no longer see sin as their desire but God. A war wages between the flesh and the spirit but there must be a war. Only someone alive can wage a war. Someone dead never gets up to fight. The righteous man may fall seven times but every time he must get back up. We should not be passive about destroying sin.

1 John 2:1-2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

Proverbs 24:16 For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.

That is to say the righteous keep fighting while the lost stay down never standing back up to fight. A dead man can’t get back up to fight and needs reminded of the gospel and go back to elementary doctrines. They must understand salvation is a free gift not by works but that produces works as a byproduct. The lost must be saved and born again before they can fight. 

God bless!

[davidrmaas]

After chastising the Galatians for exchanging the liberating Spirit for the bondage of circumcision (Galatians 3:1-8), the Apostle Paul then makes an argument based on the example of Abraham (3:6-14). He links Abraham to faith, righteousness and the promised blessing for Gentiles, then introduces the subjects of the “sons of Abraham,” the ingathering of the Gentiles and the curse of the Law.      Abraham was reckoned righteous on the basis of faith (“just as Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him for righteousness”), therefore those who are from faith are true “sons of Abraham.” God promised that in Abraham “all the Gentiles will be blessed”; from the beginning His purpose was that “the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Jesus Christ, in order that the promise of the Spirit might be received through the faith.” Paul equates the “blessing of Abraham” with the “promise of the Spirit.”      In contrast, those “from the works of the Law” place themselves under the Law's curse. The Law pronounces that those under it are obligated “to continue in ALL the things written in the Book of the Law” (Deuteronomy 27:26). The Law is not a pick-and-choose menu but an all-or-nothing proposition.     Gentile believers that subject themselves to circumcision must understand that much more is involved than just the removal of foreskin. Torah requires covenant members to do all that is written in it; failure to do so will place one under its curse. Circumcision is just a first step and entry point to something much larger.      Paul next presents an argument based on the nature of a covenant (3:15-18). The covenant with Abraham represented God's original intent and irreversible will. A covenant once ratified “no one voids or appends,” therefore the Law that “came into being four hundred and thirty years later does not invalidate or nullify” the earlier promise.      The Promise was given not just to Abraham but to “his seed,” singular, and that seed is Jesus. The promised inheritance with its blessings for Gentiles is therefore not from the law, but rather through “the promise to Abraham.” Paul's line of reasoning is covenantal.  The Purpose & Duration of the Law:  (Galatians 3:19-22) - “Why, then, the Law? It was added because of the transgressions until the time when the seed came for whom the promise was given, and it was given in charge through angels by the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not mediator of one, yet God is one. Is then the law against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given which was able to make alive, then righteousness would be from the law. But the scripture confined all things under sin, in order that the promise from the faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them who believe.”      If God gave the Law at Sinai, if right standing with God is based on faith not deeds of the Torah, and if the inheritance promised to Abraham is received through faith, not Law, what was and is the purpose of the Mosaic Law?      Paul responds first that the Law was “added” after the original promise to Abraham. It is subsequent and subsidiary to the promise. It is also distinct from it in regards to its era in salvation history.      By “added” Paul does not mean that the Mosaic legislation did add something to the original covenant. He identifies the Law given at Sinai to be a covenant confirmed by God (“a covenant confirmed beforehand by God, the law…does not void the promise”). Paul views the Mosaic legislation as a distinct covenant, a covenant that was “added” after the original Promise.      The Law was given “until the seed should come.” This means there was a temporal limitation on the Law. “Until” translates the Greek preposition achri. When used with a place it connotes “as far as”; with time the sense is “until” or “up to” a termination point. Paul thus places the Law under a time constraint. Throughout his argument, Paul consistently refers to the “law” in the singular, to the Mosaic Law in its entirety. He never subdivides the Law into separate categories (e.g., moral, civil, ceremonial). It is not a part of the Law that has a termination point, but the whole Law.      Paul identifies the promised “seed” as Christ and the arrival of this “seed” is the Law’s termination point. The Torah was to be in effect until the seed arrived. Paul sees two distinct eras of Salvation History. The first ends when the second begins.      Paul does not argue that the function of the Law is now added to or integrated with the promise; he argues the opposite when he says no one adds to or annuls an existing covenant. Paul sees the Abrahamic covenant and the Mosaic legislation as two separate covenants, not two parts of one. One is added to Israel’s story after the other.      The Law became necessary “because of transgressions.” Transgression (parabasis) means an “overstepping, a trespass, a transgression.” It refers to deliberate or conscious acts of disobedience. Sin has existed since Adam but law turns it into “transgression” by making known God’s standard.      The sense of the preposition “because of” or charin can be understood in one of two ways: either the Law was given to identify transgressions or to increase them. The first option fits the immediate context and Paul’s theology elsewhere (e.g., Romans 3:20). The idea of increasing sin makes little sense in light of his next statement, “until the seed should come to whom the promise was made.” Identifying transgression better fits the analogy of the Law’s role as a “custodian” in verse 24-25.      The Law “was given in charge through angels by the hand of a mediator.” This thought reflects a later Jewish tradition that angels delivered the Law into the “hand of” Moses, one seen elsewhere in the New Testament (cp. Deuteronomy 33:2; Acts 7:38; 7:53; Hebrews 2:2). “The hand of a mediator” likely refers to Moses (the Septuagint frequently states the Law was “by the hand of Moses” (e.g., Leviticus 26:46; Numbers 4:37; 4:41, 4:45, 4:49; 9:23; 10:13; 15:23).      To claim the Law was given by angels does not disparage it. A law given directly by God or by his appointed agents is valid. Possibly Paul’s opponents cited the angels’ presence at Sinai as evidence of the law’s glory. But Paul turns this tradition against them.      The Law was given by the angels into “the hand of a mediator”; it was delivered into the hands of Moses who in turn mediated it to Israel. But “a mediator is not mediator of one, yet God is one.” A mediator implies a plurality of persons involved in a transaction. With Abraham God acted directly and unilaterally. He does not need an intermediary; God gave the promise directly to Abraham. This stresses the promise’s priority over the Torah. Paul does not disparage Moses, the Law, angels or the function of a mediator, but is stressing the priority of the earlier promise over the Law, which was given later and through intermediaries.      The Law is not contrary to the Promise; “is the Law against the promises of God?” Since there are discontinuities between the Law and the Promise, and since the Law was added later and is subsidiary to the Promise, it is necessary to demonstrate the Law is not contrary to the Promise.      “If a law had been given that was able to make alive, then righteousness would have been on the basis of law.” The Law is incapable of imparting life, therefore, righteousness cannot be based on the Law. The purpose of the Law was for something other than the impartation of life. Moreover, if the Law could make alive or acquit sinners before God, “then Christ died in vain” (2:21). Paul equates the impartation of life with the being set right with God. The Law is not contrary to the Promise but the Law lacks the necessary means to deliver the Promise.      The “Scripture confined all things under sin” so that the promise from the faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them who believe. “All things” is in the neuter gender and may here be a broader category than “all persons” (i.e., the entire creation under the dominion of sin). Paul is expanding his target to include all humanity. All those “under the Law,” that is, Israel, are under its curse, and all humans are confined under sin.      Paul does not say the Law confined all things but “the Scripture,” singular. Elsewhere when Paul uses “the Scripture” in the singular with the definite article he refers to a specific passage (Galatians 3:8, 4:30, Romans 4:3, 9:17, 10:11, 11:2). Most likely he means the key proof text cited in the letter’s proposition (Galatians 2:16) quoted from Psalm 143:2 (“because by the works of the law shall no flesh be acquitted”). No flesh can be acquitted by the works of the law because all are confined under sin.      “Confined” translates a Greek verb, sungkleiō, meaning to “shut together, to confine, hem in, imprison.” The idea is something shut up together on all sides, such as a school of fish caught in a net. A similar idea is expressed in Romans 11:32, “For God has confined them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.” The same verb is used in the next verse, “But before the faith came we were kept under the law, confined until the faith”. All flesh is under sin and unable to be set right before God.      Verse 22 reads, “from the faith of Jesus Christ,” which points either to the “faith” of Jesus or to his “faithfulness.” Probably this is a cryptic reference to the faithful obedience of Jesus demonstrated in his death (2:20-21). The source or basis of the promise now available to all who believe is the faithfulness of Jesus.

http://finishedword.blogspot.com/2019/07/provisional-nature-of-law.html

[coffeeman777]

What I’m taught is Hebrews 10:26, Galatians 5:16, 1 Corinthians 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:17, be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect. Crucify the flesh, kill sin, dead to sin. All terms the Bible uses to support that a Christian who sins is not of God, all sin is willful because of you sin it means you aren’t walking in the spirit. Why do Christians ask people who quote this “do you not sin?” Like they get defensive and want to justify their own sin? God hates sin and sinners is what I’m told.

So, you're correct in that Christians are supposed to avoid sin.  We are obligated to abandon sin and observe the commands of God as given to us in the New Testament (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:19; 1 John 2:3-6; etc).  We should zealously push deliberate sin from our lives, and earnestly pray that the Lord would deliver us from any deep-seated habitual sins and sinful ways that we may as yet not be aware of.   But does this mean that true Christians never fall, and that any sinning after coming to Christ means a professing Christian isn't genuinely born again?  No, it doesn't. 

When the Bible makes statements like the one in Hebrews 10:26, or in 1 John 3:9, it's important that we understand the immediate context of the verse(s), as well as the wider context of the rest of Scripture.  We must reconcile these statements with statements like 1 John 1:9-10, 2:1;  2 Corinthians 3:18, 7:1; and Philippians 1:6, 2:12.  Sanctification is a process, not an instantaneous thing.  Once we're born again, we begin to live out our repentance day by day, putting off sin as we become aware of it, growing in maturity, holiness, and Christlikeness.  This will go on for the rest of the time that we're on this side.  

As we learn and grow, sometimes we fall.  Sometimes we make bad choices that in the moment seem right; consider when Peter played the hypocrite and Paul had to correct him (Galatians 2), or when Mark abandoned Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13).  There is plenty of grace available to us for our failures.  As Charles Spurgeon said, "If we deal seriously with our sins, God will deal gently with us."  Remember that our works didn't save us, and our works don't keep us saved.  Our obedience doesn't contribute at all to our salvation.  Our salvation was purchased by Christ alone; we are justified in Him, and clothed with His righteousness (Romans 3:21-26; 5:1-2).  Obedience, good works, the fruit of the Spirit, these are evidence we've been saved, and central to the Christian life; but they do not save us.  We obey because we love God.  

God hates sin, emphatically.  He is angry with the wicked (Psalm 7:11), and He will not fail to judge and punish unrepentant sin.  But God doesn't hate sinners. On the contrary, He loves them (Romans 5:8).  And we should be very glad that He does!  All of us were at one time lost in darkness.  Thank God that He doesn't hate us!  

There are many who claim Christ and are living in open, impenitent sin.  And they are wrong for doing so.  Practicing deliberate sin is a big red flag indicating they probably aren't genuinely born again.  But we must remember the difference between practicing sin, and struggling with sin.  Many truly born-again Christians are struggling with sin, and while they should be held accountable, they must also be dealt with with grace and mercy, the same grace and mercy God grants to us.