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Posted by practicalbibleteaching (Member # 7755) on :
 
You can know you are going to heaven! This is why
Most people have wondered at one time or another how this Universe and this world we call Earth came into existence. There are basically two theories. 1. It emerged from the big bang and evolved to be what it is now. 2. God created it. As do the majority of people in America, I believe number two. It stands to reason that if an Almighty God created the heavens and the Earth He would make a way for us to know Him. This is what He has done by giving us the Bible or Word of God. Many dispute the accuracy and authority of the Bible, but no other book has survived the centuries and attacks against it as has the Bible. Mark it down, the Word of God is here to stay! The reason: God wants us to know Him. Dr. Adrian Rogers once said, "You can know there is a God by looking around at what He has made, but if you want to know Him you must know the Bible."
Three important things God wants us to know:
1. We have sinned against Him.
Because God is the Creator He gets to set the rules. There was only one thing God told the first man he could not do. The man did that one thing and all of us have followed in his footsteps. God has set many other rules which we all have broken many times over. Romans 3:10-11 ...There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. Romans 3:23 ...all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. I am not calling you a sinner, your Creator is and it is Him we must answer to. Because we have sinned we have earned a penalty. Romans 6:23 ...the wages of sin is death. This is not just a physical death, though that is part of it. It is also a spiritual death. One of the meanings of the word death is separation. We have earned separation from God. This separation is both now and after this life in Hell and The Lake of Fire. This sounds cruel to many and they say a loving God would never do such a thing. They say that because they do not know Him. He could have left us in this terrible state, but because He loves us, He made a way for us to be saved.
2. He has paid for our sins.
God came to this Earth He created to reveal Himself and become a sacrifice for our sins. John 1:10-12 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. The He in these verses is Jesus Christ. The Bible declares Him to be God, Creator, and Savior. Many who believe in God are struggling trying to please Him, hoping in the end they will be good enough to make heaven. These have missed the importance of why Jesus came. John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Jesus came because we needed to be saved. If we could save ourselves He would not have come. 1st John 2:2 ...he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. Propitiation means the substitute sacrifice. Jesus did for us what we could not do for ourselves, He paid for our sins. He shed His blood, laid down His life, and rose from the dead so we might be saved. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. God asks from us that we agree with Him about our sin and its penalty, then believe on Jesus Christ as our Savior. Salvation is a gift of God. You can not earn it. This is why we can know we are saved. Jesus described salvation as being born again. Consider this illustration: I have three children. They were born to my wife and I. They have made many mistakes and may even commit crimes, but one thing will never change, they are my children and I am their father. My friend salvation is a gift of God and you must receive it as such.
3. Judgment is coming.
Because God is the Creator of us all, we will answer to Him. Rich, poor, famous, and unknown, all will stand before God to be judged. Hebrew 9:27 ...it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. Revelation 20:12-15 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. To have your name written in the book of life you must have in this lifetime accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.
God created us. We have sinned against Him. He has paid for our sins. Judgment is coming. You can lay your head on the pillow tonight knowing you will go to heaven. The choice is up to you!
 
Posted by Found in Him (Member # 7596) on :
 
Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. [also see Joh 3:7 below]

Joh 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Joh 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Joh 3:7 Marvel not that I [Jesus] said unto thee, Ye must be born again

This without a doubt is the bottom line is it not???? You must be born again! The child of God at new birth will be "known" by God and recognizable and evident to His children.. We will "know" them by their fruits and their love for one another
 
Posted by practicalbibleteaching (Member # 7755) on :
 
Everlasting Life (John 3:16-18) The Word everlasting means continuing unlimited in time. Everlasting life is forever life, there is nothing temporary about it. Many today either through ignorance or choice don't believe in everlasting life. Let's look at some reasons why we should believe in it.
I. The Nature of Sin. Let's begin by looking at what sin is. 1. 1 John 3:4 ...sin is the transgression of the law. It's God's Law John is speaking of. Rom 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. If not outwardly then in our hearts we have broken God's laws many times over. God looks on the heart, it's the most important place to Him. 1 Sam 16:7 ...the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. 2. Prov 24:9 The thought of foolishness is sin. foolishness = senselessness or stupidity. To entertain senseless or stupid thoughts is sin in the sight of God. 3. James 4:17 ...to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. Knowing to do good and not doing it is sin. We all have one thing in common, we have all sinned. Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. A failure to understand the consequences of our sin against God leaves us believing we can save ourselves. Sin carries a penalty and we can do nothing to change it. Rom 6:23 ...the wages of sin is death. The death Paul speaks of is physical, spiritual, and eternal.
II. The Helplessness of Man. Man on his own is in a terrible state. 1. Man is in slavery to sin. Isa 64:6 ...we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. 2. Man on his own would not seek God. Rom 3:10-12 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Man on his own does not understand God, does not seek God, and does not fear God. According to John 16:7-11, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit into the world to reprove the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. It is the Holy Spirit who draws men to the Savior, Jesus Christ. Without that help of God no one would even want to be saved. John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. God is always faithful. Jesus said in John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
III. The Sacrifice of The Savior. 1 Cor 15:3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. Heb 1:1-3 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Heb 9:12 ...by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. The sacrifice of Jesus was enough to purge man's sins and provide eternal redemption. God Himself coming to Earth and paying for man's sin was something man never would have devised.
IV. Good Works Cannot Bring Salvation. Rom 4:2-8 ...if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Eph 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Titus 3:5-7 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The grace of God and the works of man can not be mixed. Speaking of the election of grace, Paul said in Rom 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
V. Justification before God is by Faith in Christ Alone. Rom 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Some have supposed that James in James chapter two was teaching justification by faith plus works when he said in James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. James in his writing was concerned about what men say and what men see, in other words he was concerned about what justifies us before men. Consider the following: James 2:14 ...a man say; James 2:16 ...one of you say; James 2:18 ...a man may say...shew me; James 2:22 Seest thou; James 2:24 Ye see then; Works are the only way others can see our faith. Without good works we can't be justified before men. However, what justifies us before men will not justify us before God. Rom 4:1-2 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. The writings of Paul and James are not contradictions they compliment one another. Paul in Romans is writing about what justifies us before God, James in his writing is concerned about what justifies us before men. Faith in Christ alone is what brings justification before God.
VI. The Saved are Kept by the Power of God. 1 Pet 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Some would say what about verses such as Heb 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end. Verses like this are to warn us that there are those who will believe in vain, in other words make a profession and then draw back. Paul said in Heb 10:39 ...we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. It's not said of those that draw back that they ever had real faith. There are others who would say just because you have faith now doesn't mean you will have faith five years from now, but a statement like that shows they have faith in their faith not faith in Christ. Having faith in your faith is the same as having faith in yourself. It's faith in Christ that brings everlasting life. He is eternal, faithful, and never changes.
VII. God Will Never Leave or Forsake His People. Some would say what about verses in the Old Testament like Jer 23:29 Therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of my presence. In verses like this God is speaking to a nation not to an individual. In the following verses God is speaking to His people as individuals. Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. John 10:27-29 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. There are still others who would say God will never forsake us but we can forsake Him or turn away from Him. First, consider that God's children have been bought with a price, 1 Cor 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. Second, consider that God's children can not go their own way without Him intervening in their life, Heb 12:6-9 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? If someone can turn away from God and not come under His chastening then they don't belong to Him.
VIII. Sin Cannot Cause the Saved to be Lost Again. First, Christ has already paid the sin debt of mankind, even of those that will reject Him. Second, if sin can cause the loss of everlasting life then what sin, all sin, or just certain sins? If we could loose everlasting life through sin then it would have to be all sin not just certain sins. That means if we break a commandment, if we have a foolish thought, or if we know to do good and don't do it then we've lost our everlasting life. Consider what God said to David about Solomon in 2 Sam 7:14-15 I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. Consider what a wise woman said in the presence of king David in 2 Sam 14:14 For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him. Consider what Paul wrote of Christ in Heb 7:24-25 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. As a child of God we do not loose our salvation when we sin. Still others would say what about the unpardonable sin. Matt 12:31-32 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. To understand what the unpardonable sin is we must understand why Jesus sent the Holy Spirit into the world. John 16:7-11 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. The unpardonable sin is rejection of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
IX. Everlasting Life is a Present Possession. There are some that would say they have the answer to all the arguments for everlasting life I have presented today, that is, that everlasting life is something we will not have until after we depart from this life and are judged by God. Their thinking is that if we have kept the faith and served God, one day in the future He will give us everlasting life. But consider John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. Hath is a present tense word which means now or at this present time. Everlasting life is something we have the moment we truly believe on Jesus Christ as our Savior.
 
Posted by practicalbibleteaching (Member # 7755) on :
 
Simple Faith (Heb 11:1-3) Faith is trust, persuasion, conviction, reliance or dependence upon. In verse one Paul tells us faith is the assurance of things expected and the conviction of things not seen. We are saved by faith. Eph 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. We are to live by faith. Prov 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. We can have peace through faith. Phil 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. We can not please God without faith. Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Where does faith come from? God has placed in every person the ability to believe in something or someone they have not seen. Rom 12:3 ...God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Measure = a limited portion. Faith in God is based on and comes from the Word of God. Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
There are very many wonderful things to be gained by faith in God and His Word. Let's look in Hebrews chapter eleven. 1. 11:3, A correct understanding of where the universe came from. 2. 11:4, A good testimony. 3. 11:7, Salvation. 4. 11:11, Strength. 5. 11:23, Boldness. 6. 11:24-27, Separation from the world unto Christ. 7. 11:29-31, Deliverance. 8. 11:32-35, Victory, courage, miracles, and grace to suffer. All these things are available through faith in God.
Is faith complicated? Matt 19:14 ...Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Matt 18:3-4 ...Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Faith comes easy for children, they have the ability to unconditionally trust. Faith is not complicated it's something a child can exercise before they can even define what it is.
Faith in Christ for salvation illustrated. Numbers 21:5-9 And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. Any one bitten and dying that looked upon the brass serpent was given life. John 3:14-18 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. Jesus makes reference to this event in the Old Testament to show Nicodemus how he can be saved. John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. The more time we spend trying to define faith the more we will complicate it. The reason so many don't have true faith is not because it hasn't been defined properly, but because they haven't themselves in the condition of those bitten by the fiery serpents in the wilderness. They haven't seen Jesus as their only hope.
Daily faith in God illustrated. Heb 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. Abraham simply believed God and acted accordingly. Faith is not a leap into the dark, it's stepping into the light. To many today are in bondage and darkness, plagued with anxiousness and worry. What they need to do is step into the light through faith. 1 John 1:5 ...God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. Faith in God saves our soul and brings confidence and assurance into our life.
 
Posted by practicalbibleteaching (Member # 7755) on :
 
Relationship With God Relationship is connection by blood, marriage, or kinship. Just because we have been created by God doesn't mean we have a relationship with Him. God has set forth simple terms through which we can have a relationship with Him. It's important that we understand them.
I. The Problem of Sin and Separation. 1 John 3:4 ...sin is the transgression of the law. Rom 3:23 ...all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Rom 6:23 ...the wages of sin is death. The death Paul speaks of is separation from God. Gen 2:16-17 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Adam did die a physical death after living 930 years, and that was a result of his sin. However, God was speaking to Adam of a spiritual death. We are all sinners and we have all been separated from God by our sin.
II. The Birth. When someone is born they have a relationship to their parents by birth. John 3:1-6 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. We must be born again. How does it happen? 1. I must repent. Luke 13:1-5 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. I must stop thinking I'm okay and understand I'm separated from God because of my sin. 2. I must believe on Jesus Christ as my Savior. Acts 13:38-39 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Why will believing on Him save me? 1 Pet 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness. Heb 1:3 ...when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Those believe on Jesus Christ for their salvation are secure in Him. John 6:38-40 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
III. Fellowship With God. Fellowship is possible because of relationship. Fellowship is communion, which means mutual sharing. It's fellowship with God that brings us peace and joy. What are the keys to fellowship with God? 1. I must begin to let God speak to me through His Word. 1 Pet 2:2-3 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. We should read study and meditate upon the Word of God. It will identify our sin and help us to live right. Ps 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Ps 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 2. I must begin a practice of talking to God regularly. 1 Thess 5:17 Pray without ceasing. 3. I must be willing to be honest with God about my sin. 1 John 1:3-10 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
IV. When Children of God Sin. How does God deal with His children when they sin? Heb 12:5-10 ...ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. How can we escape severe chastening? 1 Cor 11:31-32 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
Can you honestly say that you have a relationship with God? If you are a child of God, do you have fellowship with Him or are you under His chastening?
 
Posted by practicalbibleteaching (Member # 7755) on :
 
The Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17-27) The man spoken of here is commonly referred to as "The Rich Young Ruler". He was a young man who possibly gained his riches by inheritance. This account of him coming to Jesus gives us the opportunity to see the great problem of all mankind.
10:17 there came one running, and kneeled - The fact this man came running shows that he had an urgent matter on his heart. The fact he kneeled shows that he had some reverence for Jesus. He must have felt that at the feet of Jesus he would find the answer to his question.
Good Master - Good here describes someone who, being "good" in character and behavior, is beneficial to others. Master means teacher or instructor. This man did not address Jesus as Lord, Savior, or God but as a good teacher.
what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life - This is the question that was on his heart. What made him so interested in this subject at this point in his life we don't know. Maybe it was the opportunity to talk to Jesus, perhaps he felt sure Jesus would answer him truthfully. It's an important question this young man asked. Having it answered wrong has great eternal consequences.
10:18 Why callest thou me good? - Because this man did not address Jesus as Lord, Savior, or God we know that he viewed Jesus just as a man who he perceived to be good.
there is none good but one, that is God - The response of Jesus was to help this man see that there is no good in man. Mark 7:20-23 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. Rom 3:10-18 There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes. A man at his best is a hopeless and helpless sinner who is separated from God. A failure to understand or accept that fact will keep a man from seeing his true need before God.
God is the only individual who is good without the help of someone else. He is perfectly righteous and holy in His thoughts, His feelings, His appearance, and His actions. 1 John 1:5 ...God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. The apostle John recorded what he saw around the throne of God in Rev 4:6-8 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. A failure to understand or accept the absolute holiness of God can keep a man from seeing his inability to help himself.
10:19 Thou knowest the commandments - This man had asked Jesus what he could do to inherit eternal life. His question is the question of many throughout history. People want to know how they by their own ability can make it to heaven. If a man wishes to find salvation by his own efforts the answer is simple, keep the law of God perfectly, never break it, and you will gain eternal life. However, there is a big problem with trying to get to heaven like that. Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. And according to Rom 6:23 ...the wages of sin is death. We have already sinned and we are already separated from God. We will not be able to find salvation through keeping the law of God. To that the scriptures agree, Rom 3:20 ...by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. The best the law can do for us is show us we are sinners against God.
The purpose of Jesus answering this man the way He did was to bring the man to the place where he would acknowledge his sin. There is a requirement for salvation that is often overlooked, it is the requirement of repentance. Repentance is a change of mind toward God which always includes a change of mind about sin. It was preached by John the Baptist, Matt 3:1-6 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. It was preached by Jesus Himself, Mark 1:14-15 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. Luke 13:1-5 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. It was preached by Peter, Acts 2:36-38 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was preached by Paul everywhere he went, Acts 20:17-21 And from Miletus he (Paul) sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Man has sinned and his sin has separated him from God. He must agree with God about it if he is to believe on Christ and be saved. Without repentance, belief in Jesus Christ will gain a man nothing but a false hope.
As Jesus quotes the commandments to this young man He mentions five of the ten commandments and one of two which Jesus Himself had said were the greatest of all. Most of us know the ten commandments, but what about the two that Jesus said were the greatest. Matt 22:37-39 ...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
10:20 all these have I observed - Here we see something that is common among men, self-righteousness. This man believed he had kept the commandments. Jesus taught on this subject in Luke 18:9-14 ...he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. All men are the same in that all have sinned and all are condemned.
10:21 Jesus beholding him loved him - This man was deceived and self-righteous yet Jesus loved him and desired to save him from his sins.
one thing thou lackest - Jesus is about to bring this man face to face with the sin that dominated and controlled his life. Two of the commandments Jesus had not quoted earlier are, Ex 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. And, Mark 12:30 ...thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.
sell whatsoever thou hast - This man had another god, it was his riches. In his self-righteousness he had asked how by his own abilities he could inherit eternal life. Jesus now tells him he must repent, forsake his riches and his way of thinking, stop trusting in himself and trust in God. 1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
10:22 he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved - When it came down to it this man was not willing to do what it would take for him to inherit eternal life, he was not willing to have a change of mind toward God, he had his riches to think about. Many today are grieved when they hear the truth concerning salvation because they are unwilling to repent.
10:23-25 The plan of salvation is very simple, so much so that a small child can understand it. However, it is something that is nearly impossible for most. People would much rather trust in themselves or the traditions handed down by their fathers than to agree with God about their helpless condition and trust solely upon Jesus Christ for salvation. In other words, people will not repent.
10:27 all things are possible - There is hope, with God all things are possible. Anyone who is willing to acknowledge their sin and place their faith in Christ alone can be saved.
 
Posted by practicalbibleteaching (Member # 7755) on :
 
The Judgment Seat of Christ. Paul wrote in 2 Cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. The all in this verse refers to all that have received salvation in Christ. This judgment of Christian ministers is described by Paul in 1 Cor 3:13-15 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. I would like to make a couple of important points here. First, what is the fire that shall try every man's work? Answer: John described the glorified Christ in Rev 1:14-15 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. His eyes were as a flame of fire. When Christ looks upon something everything except the truth is burned away. Second, in 1 Cor 3:15 Paul clearly states that if a man's work is burned up at the judgment seat of Christ he himself, that is the man, shall be saved. How can a man still be saved if all his works are burned up at the judgment? Because he is not saved by works, but by faith in Jesus Christ. This judgment is different than The Great White Throne Judgment and is not to determine whether we get into heaven, it is to determine if we have done anything worthy of reward.
 
Posted by practicalbibleteaching (Member # 7755) on :
 
2 Cor 5:17 if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature - Creature here literally means creation. We that are saved are different from what we used to be. We used to perceive only after the flesh, but now we have true insight from the one who created us, saved us, and is providing for us. The old man condemned by sin and the old way of perceiving only after the flesh are passed away. Now we are a new person with a different perception and a new outlook on life.
Romans 6:6-7 our old man is crucified with him - The old man is not the sin nature. The nature to sin will be present with us as long as we live in this mortal body. The old man is the man that was in bondage to sin, under its penalty and under its power. This old man was crucified with Christ and he is dead.
that the body of sin might be destroyed - Body = Slave. When a believer is baptized into Christ (1 Cor 12:13) their slavery to sin is broken. Death is separation. If we are separated from sin in Christ then we are freed from sin's penalty and free from sin's power to follow Christ. Our problem many times as born again believers is that we choose not to avail ourselves of this power and serve the old nature. A disciple of Christ is a learner and a follower of Him. Many who are saved are not disciples and many who are not saved are trying to be disciples.
 
Posted by becauseHElives (Member # 87) on :
 
quote:
Many who are saved are not disciples and many who are not saved are trying to be disciples.
Totally false statement!
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
Many who are saved are not disciples and many who are not saved are trying to be disciples.
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I agree with this statement. There are some who are saved just want to be saved just good enough to get out of hell. Then there are those who are trying to work their way to Heaven, who have never been saved. The aim of a child of God should be to grow in discipleship in Jesus.
bety
 




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