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Loyal
The Lord Jesus led me to read John 14 (vv. 1-6 NASB).

“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” V. 1

When we are born into this world, we are born with sin natures, in slavery to sin, separate from God, and we all fall short of attaining God’s divine approval, in our own flesh (Rom. 3:23; Rom. 5:12-19; 1 Co. 15:21-22, 42-49). Our hearts are troubled, because we don’t know God, and thus we are not in fellowship with him. So, we don’t have the hope of eternity with God.

Many people in this condition mimic what they see in the world, they reproduce what they see, and what is patterned before them, and they follow the examples of others. Some of them have the notion that life on this earth is to be one big party filled with self-indulgence and fleshly pleasures. And, thus, they don’t take sin seriously, or judgment, or their futures. So, they just play games with their lives and with their eternal destiny.

Yet, God, who is righteous and holy, sees all of this, and his heart is filled with love, concern and compassion for the people of this world. For, he is not willing that any should die in their sins, but that all should come to repentance by turning away from their sin, and by turning to him, to follow him in surrender and obedience. This is why Jesus Christ, God the Son, came to earth, to die for our sins, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; so that we might no longer live for ourselves, but for him who gave his life up for us (1 Pet. 2:24; 2 Co. 5:15).

But, it is not just those who have made no profession of faith in Jesus Christ about which God is so concerned, but it also about those who have professed him as Lord and as Savior of their lives, but who are still living in slavery (bondage, addiction) to sin; who are still living sinful lifestyles, while claiming heaven as their eternal destiny.

Some of them, in their flesh, and in their own strength, have tried to escape their enslavement to sin, i.e. their chains, but it was on their terms, according to their own will, not truly trusting in Christ to be Lord (owner-master) of their lives. So, they only ended up right back where they began, spinning their wheels, performing, trying to be good enough, in some ways, while still holding on to their own lives, and living for sin and self.

The Lord longs to be gracious to them; to you. Jesus died and was resurrected from the dead to free you from your prison, not to console you in your sin. His grace to us is not a pat on the back for trying in our own flesh to be good enough, for we can never be good enough. His grace to us is also not freedom to continue in willful sinful practices. His grace teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives, while we wait for Christ’s return.

So, belief in Jesus Christ is not a mere profession of faith, words we repeat after someone in a prayer, and a mere acknowledgment of who Jesus is and was, and of what he did for us in dying for our sins. It is also not a mere acknowledgment of his grace to us or an acceptance of his forgiveness of our sins. When we truly believe in Jesus Christ, we die with Christ to sin, and we are resurrected with Christ to new lives in him, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Rom. 6:1-23; Eph. 4:17-24).

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” Vv. 2-3

So, if we want to have this hope of eternal life with God and a home in heaven with our Lord, then we need to realize that God’s grace to us is not merely forgiveness of sins, but it is death to sin. He didn’t die just to give us an escape from hell and the promise of heaven when we leave this earth. He died to deliver us out of slavery to sin, and to put us on the path (the way) of righteousness and holiness, to fill us with his Spirit, and to empower us to walk in his holiness and righteousness from now to eternity.

So, if you are truly in Christ Jesus, by faith in him, you should no longer be enslaved to sin, for Jesus set you free! And, he will give you, and he has given you all that you need to resist Satan, to flee temptation, and to draw near to God in full assurance of faith. This is his grace to us! So, don’t buy into the lies which tell you that you can’t help it, or that it is ok to “struggle” with sin, which often means to regularly and consistently give in to sinful patterns of behavior. For, if we walk according to the flesh, we will die in our sins, no matter how much we mouth that we believe in Jesus.

“’And you know the way where I am going.’ Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’” Vv. 4-6

If you have been a follower of Christ for a short period of time or a long time, you should know the way to God and to heaven. Especially if you claim to have been a Christian for many, many years, you should definitely know the way, not only to heaven, but out of slavery to sin. So, there is no excuse for you to be still walking according to the flesh, doing willfully and consistently what you know is wrong, i.e. what is sinful, and especially that which hurts others, particularly those you are supposed to love.

I am not saying here that we will never sin once we believe in Jesus, but what I am saying is that we should not be walking in sin, living to please our flesh, and being continually entertained by what is wicked and evil, especially if we have known the Lord for any length of time. There is no reason that any of us can’t be walking in victory over sin, not in absolute sinless perfect, perhaps, but consistently resisting Satan, fleeing temptation, and drawing near to God, going forward, and not backward.

I believe one of the main reasons that many people who profess faith in Jesus Christ are still under bondage (addiction) to sin is because they are not willing to go the distance to have that sin eradicated from their lives. They will not adhere to “make no provision for the flesh,” while they put on Christ. They will also not listen to biblical counsel which says we must deny self, take up our cross daily, and follow (obey) Christ, and they will not submit to cutting out of their lives those things which lead them into sin (See: Rom. 13:14; Lu. 9:23-25; Heb. 12:1-2; Matt. 18:7-9).

So, what is the way to eternal life with God and to having heaven as our eternal destiny? It is that we must die with Christ to sin, and we must be resurrected with Christ, in the Spirit, to new lives in Christ Jesus, free from the control of sin, and free to now be under the control of righteousness. We must deny self, take up our cross daily, and follow Christ. We must daily put on the armor of God with which to fight off Satan’s lies and his evil schemes against us. And, we must walk according to the Spirit, and make no provision for the flesh.

This is the way of Christ. This is the way of holiness. And, this is the only path to eternal life with God. For, if we make sin our practice, we will die in our sins, but if by the Spirit we are putting sin to death, we will have eternal life with God, and heaven, where God dwells, will be our eternal home.

Open My Heart / An Original Work / July 2, 2013

“Be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil” (Rm. 16:19b).

Open my heart. Let Your truth in.
Make of me a servant, pure within;
Sing of Your praise all of my days.
Let Your Spirit transform all my ways.
Jesus Christ died on a cross to
Save me from my sin.
“Repent of sin. Be cleansed within.
Obey all of His commands today.”

“Why do you doubt? Why do you fear?
Jesus Christ will wipe away your tears.
He cares for you. He feels your pain.
Die to sin, and life with Him you’ll gain.
Follow Him where’er He leads you.
Talk with Him each day.
Then you will know what He has planned
For your life before your world began.”

“Come unto Me, weary in heart.
Let My love and grace to you impart.
Believe in Me. Trust in My care.
Take your burdens to the Lord in prayer.
He will meet all of your needs,
And give you peace within.
Rejoice in Him! Tell of His love.
He will give you comfort from above.”


Friday, December 8, 2017, 6:25 a.m. – Thank you, Jesus, for your Word, for what it teaches us concerning the way to you and to eternal life with God, which is the way of holiness. I pray we may all walk in your ways. Amen!
 
Active
Sue there was a book that was popular years ago before I was even born called 'mere christianity' and I think that propogated the belief that you could just profess christianity intellectually without really having to walk the talk. Yes that was the name of the book. It was writtem for atheists, for who, christianity can be just a philosophy. It was written so they could understand it.

I dont like to mention it but imagine if someone wrote a book called 'mere Jesus' well anyway, you cannot fake the real thing. People only fooling themselves if they do.

Was watching a movie called 'christian mingle' and in it the character pretended to believe, I mean she believed in God but didnt have a relationship with Jesus. It has a happy ending though!
 
Loyal
Sue there was a book that was popular years ago before I was even born called 'mere christianity' and I think that propogated the belief that you could just profess christianity intellectually without really having to walk the talk. Yes that was the name of the book. It was writtem for atheists, for who, christianity can be just a philosophy. It was written so they could understand it.

I dont like to mention it but imagine if someone wrote a book called 'mere Jesus' well anyway, you cannot fake the real thing. People only fooling themselves if they do.

Was watching a movie called 'christian mingle' and in it the character pretended to believe, I mean she believed in God but didnt have a relationship with Jesus. It has a happy ending though!

Sadly enough, Lanolin, there are probably more people faking their Christianity than we realize, or certainly there are many who believe they can be saved and not have to submit to Christ or to his cross. And, that is of grave concern that so many think they have the hope of heaven, but they are still walking in darkness.

I have heard of the book "Mere Christianity," but I am unfamiliar with its contents. I don't think I ever read it.

As far as believing in God, in his existence, but not believing in Jesus Christ, what comes to mind is what James said about the demons believing, and they shudder. But, they are not saved.
 
Active
I had a few people I used to hang out with, some even came to bible studies but they were just faking. It broke my heart, really hurts sometimes cos they cant share in the joy of the Lord. They were only pretending and once they got what they wanted, they left. Some would complain that God disnt answer their prayer but He always does, not always in the way we want but He does listen and He does care.

They given plenty of warning though but like the foolish virgins they will be shut out.
 
Loyal
I had a few people I used to hang out with, some even came to bible studies but they were just faking. It broke my heart, really hurts sometimes cos they cant share in the joy of the Lord. They were only pretending and once they got what they wanted, they left. Some would complain that God disnt answer their prayer but He always does, not always in the way we want but He does listen and He does care.

They given plenty of warning though but like the foolish virgins they will be shut out.

What makes you think these people were faking their Christianity? Did they admit to this? Although I believe there are people who do fake their Christianity, we must be very careful not to judge that anyone in particular is doing this, because we can't see inside people's hearts. We need to be careful that we make all judgments by the Word of God and not by our own opinions. Just being sensitive that we not assign motivations to people that may or may not be there, because we don't know people's hearts. We can judge by the Word of God what is obvious sin, but motivation is tricky.
 
Active
I do not believe the question is are you truly a believer or are you truly a christian per how they live, because that would take away from the grace of God in how we were all saved by believing in Jesus Christ.

The real question is to believers is are you trusting Jesus Christ as your Good Shepherd to help you to follow Him in walking in the light and not in darkness? Are you trusting Him to help you discern good and evil by the KJV to expose the works of darkness by Him so that with His help, you may depart from iniquity in maintaining that proper fellowship with the Father & the Son? 1 John 3:3,8 KJV 2 Timothy 4:18 KJV Jude 1:24-25 KJV

Saved believers in these latter days needs to know that no matter how far they have gone from Him and no matter what they have done, they can come back to Him for forgiveness ( 1 John 1:9 KJV ) and help ( Hebrews 4:12-16 KJV ) to rest in Him to finish His work in them ( Matthew 11:28-30 KJV & Philippians 1:6,11 KJV ) because He has never left them. Ephesians 4:30 KJV Matthew 28:18,20 KJV 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV

It is better to point out that because they are saved and that Jesus Christ is in them and is with them always is why they should lean on Him to lay aside every weight & sin in order to depart from living in sin. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 KJV

James reference to demons believing that there is a God was to point out the abuse by the church for neglecting the poor in not giving to the poor after church service by professing faith in God's Providence to the poor. It was as if by citing that benediction "to be warmed and to be filled" to the poor after church service will somehow supernaturally have God provide for the poor, but the church was not leading by example in the eyes of the poor by giving from the bounty after church service to meet the immediate needs of the poor that were about to perish from the elements and starvation.

So the church believing in God's Providence was on the same level as the demons believing in God; to no effect. In the eyes of the poor, the church's faith in verbalizing God's Providence was dead.as it will not profit the poor nor save the poor when the church is hardly leading by example and were just citing that faith in His Providence to get out of helping the poor.

Faith in Jesus Christ for salvation is without works, but works are important but in respect to being profitable unto men; not proving that you are truly a christian or truly a believer, but bearing witness that you are His disciple by our faith in Him as our Good Shepherd in helping us to live as His in following Him so that sinners may have that same hope for Him, not just for eternal life, but for deliverance from sin that is destroying their lives.

Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 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; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
 
Loyal
I do not believe the question is are you truly a believer or are you truly a christian per how they live, because that would take away from the grace of God in how we were all saved by believing in Jesus Christ.

It is not our opinion that matters here, but it is what the Word of God teaches. It says if we walk in darkness, according to our sinful flesh, and not according to the Spirit, we will die in our sins. It says that if we hold on to our old lives of sin, we will die in our sins. It says if we make sin our practice, we will die in our sins and not have the hope of eternal life with God, but a fearful expectation of judgment. It says we must remain in Christ and bear fruit and walk in the Spirit and walk in obedience to Christ or we don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ, and we don't have eternal life with God. This is not my opinion. It is what the Word of God teaches, and I am teaching what the Word says.

Faith is action. We must prove our faith by what we do. This is not works-based salvation. Belief in Jesus is death to sin and living to righteousness. It is walking according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh. Paul makes that quite clear, as did Jesus. And, we need to take what they have said very seriously, for many in that day are not going to hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant," but they will hear, "I never knew you. Depart from me."
 
Loyal
Here is a real good test to see if you are practicing sin, I see these versus as what it looks like if you are still a slave to sin. I do not see how a person can consider themselves saved if they are practicing any of the following sins IMO

1 Corinthians 6:9
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,

Galatians 5:21
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.

Galatians 5:19-21
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 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.
 
Active
It is not our opinion that matters here, but it is what the Word of God teaches.

And the word of God teaches it is a done deal. OSAS is true. John 6:39 KJV

It says if we walk in darkness, according to our sinful flesh, and not according to the Spirit, we will die in our sins. It says that if we hold on to our old lives of sin, we will die in our sins. It says if we make sin our practice, we will die in our sins and not have the hope of eternal life with God, but a fearful expectation of judgment. It says we must remain in Christ and bear fruit and walk in the Spirit and walk in obedience to Christ or we don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ, and we don't have eternal life with God. This is not my opinion. It is what the Word of God teaches, and I am teaching what the Word says.

What you are talking about is discipleship; running that race by faith in Him as our Good Shepherd to help us lay aside every weight & sin to be received by Him as a vessel unto honor in His House.

The consequence for not running that race is more than just the loss of reward of crowns, but to become a castaway ( 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 KJV ) at the pre great tribulational rapture event when God will judge His House first ( 1 Peter 4:17-19 KJV )

Faith is action. We must prove our faith by what we do. This is not works-based salvation.

If you believe you have to prove your faith by what you do then how can that not be seen as a works based salvation in keeping oneself saved?

Belief in Jesus is death to sin and living to righteousness. It is walking according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh. Paul makes that quite clear, as did Jesus. And, we need to take what they have said very seriously, for many in that day are not going to hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant," but they will hear, "I never knew you. Depart from me."

The applaud is for having faith in Him to finish what He has started, and the rebuke is for being workers of iniquity as any iniquity is a work that denies Him ( Titus 1:15-16 KJV ) for why He is denying them ( 2 Timothy 2:12 KJV ).

I do believe in the consequences for not abiding in Him and His words : John 15:6 KJV & Luke 12:40-49 KJV But that is about being His disciples in bearing fruit ( John 15:8 KJV ) and that our joy may be full in being of the firstfruits of the resurrection which are the vessels unto honor in His House by leaning on Him to discern ( 1 Thessalonians 5:21-24 KJV ) and lean on Him to depart from iniquity ( 2 Timothy 2:19-21 KJV ) trusting Him to do it ( 2 Timothy 4:18 KJV )

You can only run that race as a saved believer. You can only be in that race having that foundation which was laid by Jesus Christ which can never be removed. You can only have that seal where even the prodigal son may give up his inheritance for wild living, and can never get it back, but he is still son to the Father.

Salvation is separate from discipleship; otherwise you are working FOR your salvation to keep it and thus denying Him as your Saviour when you are saved rather than running that race as a saved believer to be received by Him as a vessel unto honor in His House.

2 Corinthians 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 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. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. KJV

I am not citing my opinion when scriptures clearly separates salvation from discipleship ( Titus 3:4-8 KJV & Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV ), but I do hear you of the warnings about not abiding in Him as we ought to but that is about discipleship in maintaining the fellowship with the Father & the Son as we can only do that by faith in Him because we can only live this reconciled relationship with God thru our faith in Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.....21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.....29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. KJV

Romans 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. KJV

Romans 4:1What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. KJV

We cannot prove our faith in Him for salvation by our works for that would be the same as saying faith in Him is not justified without works.

It is discipleship that saved believers are to call on other saved believers on in seeking their good in the Lord to be received by Him as a vessel unto honor in His House which is the eternal glory that comes WITH our salvation in Christ Jesus..2 Timothy 2:10 KJV for why we are to give the call to depart from iniquity even towards the former believers that have fallen away from the faith.

Jesus cannot lose any one that the Father has given Him ( John 6:39 KJV ) but which last day will the saved believer find himself in? As a firstfruit of the resurrection at the pre great trib rapture or they that be Christ's at His coming as the prodigal son that has given up his first inheritance for wild living. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth over the loss of that first inheritance but God will wipe the tears from the eyes of those left behind saints that come wout of teh great tribulation to help them get past that great loss.

So salvation is a done deal; discipleship to be received by Him as a vessel unto honor in His House is not a done deal which is why we run that race by looking to the author & finisher of our faith to help us lay aside every weight & sin Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV or else risk nit just losing the rewards of crowns but becoming a castaway into the great tribulation as well ( 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 KJV & Revelation 2:21-24 KJV )
 
Active
Here is a real good test to see if you are practicing sin, I see these versus as what it looks like if you are still a slave to sin. I do not see how a person can consider themselves saved if they are practicing any of the following sins IMO

1 Corinthians 6:9
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,

Galatians 5:21
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.

Galatians 5:19-21
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 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.

I agree but as for proving your faith that you are saved which seem to be what the OP is about, that has nothing to do with salvation, but discipleship in running that race. Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV

Those having His seal that do not depart from iniquity ( 2 Timothy 2:19-21 KJV ) will lose out on that firstfruit of the resurrection and become castaways ( John 15:4-6 KJV & 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 KJV & Luke 12:40-49 KJV ) and thus become as vessels unto dishonor in His House after the great tribulation. This is where the vessels unto dishonor comes from; they are the ones that shall be left behind from the pre great tribulational rapture event when God shall judge His House first.

The prodigal sin is still son even though he had given up his inheritance for "wild living" ( or for living in iniquity as heresy is a work of the flesh as well as being a false witness ), and can never get it back. The Lord will have to wipe the tears from their eyes to help them get past that great loss from which there will be weeping & gnashing of teeth when they get left behind.

Revelation 7:13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. KJV

But I agree with you that saved believers need to heed the call to depart from iniquity or risk losing out on being of the firstfruit of the resurrection at the pre great tribulational rapture event when God will excommunicate those not abiding in Him as His disciples in bearing fruit. John 15:8 KJV
 
Loyal
God didn't "lose" any of the Jews wandering around in the desert. He was "with them" every day.
He fed them manna. Gave them light at night, a cloud to protect them in the day. He never..
"left them or forsook them". But even though He didn't "lose" them. Only very few from that generation
made it to the promised land.

During this time, quite a few of them forsook Him... some even made a golden calf. 23,000 of them were
killed in one day. Just because He doesn't leave us... is no guarantee that we won't leave Him.

There are not "two kinds of faith". Faith is faith. Either you have faith in God or you don't. But faith alone
doesn't save anyone. Even the demons believe.

Jesus also "choose" Judas". But where did Judas end up?

Jesus also chose seventy other disciples (besides the twelve).. but the Bible says many of them quit following Him.
Did Jesus "lose" them. No... He knew where they were and what they were doing. Just like He knew where Judas was
and what He was doing. The fact that He is "with us" gives us less excuse to live sinfully.

--- Sealed... what does that mean? Letters are sealed... but they are opened every day. Safes and vaults are sealed...
but they also are opened frequently. In olden times wax seals were put on letter for two reasons... first it verified who
the letter was from... but also (perhaps more importantly).. it showed that no one else had opened the letter.
But still... once you received it... You could open it yourself.
 
Member
I have heard of the book "Mere Christianity," but I am unfamiliar with its contents. I don't think I ever read it.

Written by C.S. Lewis. I picked it up while I was at IHOP earlier this year. Very good read. Believe it or not, it's the first of Lewis' books I've ever read.
 
Active
What makes you think these people were faking their Christianity? Did they admit to this? Although I believe there are people who do fake their Christianity, we must be very careful not to judge that anyone in particular is doing this, because we can't see inside people's hearts. We need to be careful that we make all judgments by the Word of God and not by our own opinions. Just being sensitive that we not assign motivations to people that may or may not be there, because we don't know people's hearts. We can judge by the Word of God what is obvious sin, but motivation is tricky.
Well I knew a few who admitted it, one told me she didnt care what God thought she was going to lust after a guy she liked anyway. Despite me warning her.

Another said was doubleminded and would go through the motions but...there was always a BUT. And accuse God of not catering to her every demand, and it was not only me that she was demanding things of. In her speech her mind was not really on the things of God, and it was frustrating talking to her. You might be praying with her and then her mind would wander off and talk about something else so even in prayer times she wasnt listening. This happened quite a few times not just the odd occasion and so I asked Him what was going on, in every case He gave me proverbs 16:2.

A few didnt fellowship at any church at all. This is not my opinion they did show they didnt truly care for the things of God or their brothers and sisters only themselves. I have had a nasty encounter with one lady who got involved with a brother in Christ she was faking it to be with this fellow...he got very hurt by her and she was taking things out on other sisters in christ, like being super possesive.

We arent all perfect in our walks but there is a difference between those who make the effort, perhaps stumble and pick themselves up again or a bit slow and those who just turn away and deliberately disobey I believe.

We all need to be encouraged in our walks with Christ. The sheep hear his voice, another they will not follow, so what happens when a brother or sister seems to be listening to another voice and going the other way? You cannot go and follow that brother and sister back into sin.

You can warn them or encourage them to keep following Jesus but they still have a choice whether to take heed or not.
 
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Active
God didn't "lose" any of the Jews wandering around in the desert. He was "with them" every day.
He fed them manna. Gave them light at night, a cloud to protect them in the day. He never..
"left them or forsook them". But even though He didn't "lose" them. Only very few from that generation
made it to the promised land.

During this time, quite a few of them forsook Him... some even made a golden calf. 23,000 of them were
killed in one day. Just because He doesn't leave us... is no guarantee that we won't leave Him.

There are not "two kinds of faith". Faith is faith. Either you have faith in God or you don't. But faith alone
doesn't save anyone. Even the demons believe.

A Jewish person can have faith in God to provide and yet not have faith in Jesus Christ for salvation which is why the faith James was talking about in james 2nd chapter was not about that faith in Jesus Christ, but faith in His Providence that if the church is going to bother to verbalize that kind of faith in His Providence, then they need to lead by example in the eyes of the poor rather than verbalizing faith to the poor that God will provide just to get out of helping the poor, themselves.

Jesus also "choose" Judas". But where did Judas end up?

Jesus had prophesied and even mentioned it in a prayer that Judas would be lost, but no one else that the Father has given Him after He has ascended will be lost.

John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 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.
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.

Jesus also chose seventy other disciples (besides the twelve).. but the Bible says many of them quit following Him.
Did Jesus "lose" them. No... He knew where they were and what they were doing. Just like He knew where Judas was
and what He was doing. The fact that He is "with us" gives us less excuse to live sinfully.

--- Sealed... what does that mean? Letters are sealed... but they are opened every day. Safes and vaults are sealed...
but they also are opened frequently. In olden times wax seals were put on letter for two reasons... first it verified who
the letter was from... but also (perhaps more importantly).. it showed that no one else had opened the letter.
But still... once you received it... You could open it yourself.

The seal of adoption cannot be removed just as our Father in Heaven cannot cease to be our Father, but comeuppance will come as any father would give to disobedient children.

Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Hebrews 12:1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 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? 10 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. 11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

So when those saints that did not look to Him for help to depart from iniquity, get left behind into the great tribulation, It is that chastening is why the prodigal son that gave up his inheritance for wild living will be received for he is still son.

It is not a small loss when there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Hebrews 10:30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Salvation is assured, but we are to warn believers that God our Father will chasten us for what we sow towards; the works of the flesh or to the fruits of the Spirit as everything we build on that foundation will be judged.

This is why we can only surrender and trust in the Lord to help us to follow Him when so many things are against us to take our eyes off of Him when He is in us always as He is greater than all of that so we can follow Him. So believe Him for that..
 
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Paul addressed these wicked and unreasonable men that have not faith that do not follow after the traditions taught of us and are disorderly that we are commanded by the Lord as helping us to withdraw from them, not to treat them as the enemy, but to admonish them as brothers still.

2 Thessalonians 3:1Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. 5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. 6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;..........14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Now did Paul say to the church that those professing Him but were not following after the traditions taught of us ARE NOT a true believer in Jesus Christ or not a true christian or not truly born again of the Spirit? No. They are still brethren.

Did Jesus say anything of that sort? He did, in respect to any professing believer that goes astray as they are considered as the little ones.

Matthew 18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. 11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? 13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. 15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Jesus taught the church to excommunicate the unrepentant believer but it goes back to Himself as He earlier stated, He will get that lost sheep even if they get left behind at the pre great trib rapture event when God excommunicates workers of iniquity. Please take confidence that He will finish His work even in those left behind, but while it is still today, let us call every believer and even former believers to look to Jesus Christ for help in departing from iniquity before the Bridegroom comes.
 
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We arent all perfect in our walks but there is a difference between those who make the effort, perhaps stumble and pick themselves up again or a bit slow and those who just turn away and deliberately disobey I believe.

Or they became discouraged because they were trying to follow Him religiously like keeping a promise or a commitment to do so when they really should be resting in Him as their Good Shepherd to help them to follow Him by faith in Him alone.
 
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Or they became discouraged because they were trying to follow Him religiously like keeping a promise or a commitment to do so when they really should be resting in Him as their Good Shepherd to help them to follow Him by faith in Him alone.
Yea that too, some people forget to just rest in Him, they too busy being a Martha not a Mary. Martha was busy cooking etc and complained that Mary wasnt helping her but jesus said Mary chose the better part cos she was sitting at his feet listening to Him.

Although jesus4me I dont know what you think about promisekeepers, whether thats referring to God who always keeps His promises or just encouraging men to keep theirs. Eg to their wives if they married.

If we do make vows, we need to honor them though otherwise we be lying and God holds us to our word cos He does so himself. I think, being human we often fall short simply cos we in the flesh and our spirit may be willing but the flesh is weak.

This is why Paul says reckon yourselves dead to sin, and to die daily. If Jesus is in you, do the things He does even if you might not like it at first cos His way is the best.
 
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