The Crucified Flesh

[Jim B]

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◄ Romans 8 ►

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Berean Standard Bible Par ▾ Walking by the Spirit (Ezekiel 36:16–38; Galatians 5:16–26) 1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.a2For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set youb free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin.c He thus condemned sin in the flesh, 4so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace,7because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the fleshd cannot please God. 9You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alivee because of righteousness. 11And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the deadf will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you. Heirs with Christ 12Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation, but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him. Future Glory (2 Corinthians 5:1–10) 18I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. 19The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God. 20For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time. 23Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently. 26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. 27And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. God Works in All Things (Ephesians 1:3–14) 28And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. 29For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified. 31What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us. More than Conquerors (Psalm 44:1–26) 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”g 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I already own several Bibles, but thanks anyway.

 

[Jim B]

You didn't ask me but I'll tell you what I think. I think all the parts of the body are needed, as the word says. Remember JESUS going into the temple and turning their tables upside down and driving out all the money changers with a whip? Yeah. He sure did accuse them right and proper, didnt' He. Well, that needs to happen again.

Why do you think that? Has the temple been rebuilt?

 

[Johann]

You didn't ask me but I'll tell you what I think. I think all the parts of the body are needed, as the word says. Remember JESUS going into the temple and turning their tables upside down and driving out all the money changers with a whip? Yeah. He sure did accuse them right and proper, didnt' He. Well, that needs to happen again.

1Co 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
1Co 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many.
1Co 12:15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
1Co 12:16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
1Co 12:17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
1Co 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
1Co 12:19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
1Co 12:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
1Co 12:21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
1Co 12:22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
1Co 12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
1Co 12:24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
1Co 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
1Co 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
1Co 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
1Co 12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
1Co 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
1Co 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

 

[Lizbeth]

Why do you think that? Has the temple been rebuilt?

Yes, we are His Temple, and Jesus was and is no milque-toast snowflake Christian. We all better make up our minds whether we are going to get behind HIM, the real Jesus, or be one of the ones He drives out of His Father's house. Have a look at what the two witnesses are doing in the book of Revelation.....do they look like snowflake Christians to you?

 

[Jim B]

Yes, we are His Temple, and Jesus was and is no milque-toast snowflake Christian. We all better make up our minds whether we are going to get behind HIM, the real Jesus, or be one of the ones He drives out of His Father's house. Have a look at what the two witnesses are doing in the book of Revelation.....do they look like snowflake Christians to you?

That is up to Jesus. He (not you or "amigo") is the shepherd. You two set yourselves up as being righteous judges of others, and you will have to pay for your arrogance when you are confronted by Jesus. He drove the money changers and animal vendors from the temple. He didn't employ a "goon squad" to do His work.

You are just bullies! Jesus said to love your neighbor, not kick him! You need to read the parable of the good Samaritan if you can't understand appropriate Christian behavior.

 

[Johann]

That is up to Jesus. He (not you or "amigo") is the shepherd. You two set yourselves up as being righteous judges of others, and you will have to pay for your arrogance when you are confronted by Jesus. He drove the money changers and animal vendors from the temple. He didn't employ a "goon squad" to do His work.

Hi @Jim-

What about- Chaverim, do not believe every ruach. [YIRMEYAH 29:8] But test the ruchot (spirits), if they be of Hashem, because many nevi'ei sheker have gone out into the Olam Hazeh.


Beloved (agapētoi). Three times in this chapter (1Jn_4:1, 1Jn_4:7, 1Jn_4:11) we have this tender address on love.

Believe not every spirit (mē panti pneumati pisteuete). “Stop believing,” as some were clearly carried away by the spirits of error rampant among them, both Docetic and Cerinthian Gnostics. Credulity means gullibility and some believers fall easy victims to the latest fads in spiritualistic humbuggery.

Prove the spirits (dokimazete ta pneumata). Put them to the acid test of truth as the metallurgist does his metals. If it stands the test like a coin, it is acceptable (dokimos, 2Co_10:18), otherwise it is rejected (adokimos, 1Co_9:27; 2Co_13:5-7).

Many false prophets (polloi pseudoprophētai). Jesus had warned people against them (Mat_7:15), even when they as false Christs work portents (Mat_24:11, Mat_24:24; Mar_13:22). It is an old story (Luk_6:26) and recurs again and again (Act_13:6; Rev_16:13; Rev_19:20; Rev_20:10) along with false teachers (2Pe_2:1).
Are gone out (exelēluthasin). Perfect active indicative of exerchomai. Cf. aorist in 1Jn_2:19. They are abroad always.


False prophets (ψευδοπροφῆται)
The term is applied in the New Testament to rivals of true prophets under the old dispensation (Luk_6:26; 2Pe_2:1), and to rivals of the apostles under the gospel economy (Mat_7:15; Mat_24:11, Mat_24:24; Mar_13:22). In Revelation to “the embodied power of spiritual falsehood” (Rev_16:13; Rev_19:20; Rev_20:10).

The false prophet supports his claims by signs and portents (Mat_24:24; Act_13:6; Rev_19:20) and is thus distinguished from the false teacher. See 2Pe_2:1, where the two terms occur together.
Are gone out (ἐξαληλύθασιν)
The perfect tense indicates that the influence of their going out on their false mission is in operation at the present.



1) "Beloved, believe not every spirit " (Greek agapetoi) "beloved ones", an affectionate address to all ages of believers. (pisteuete) trust ye-(me) not. (Greek panti pneumati) (just) any or every spirit. John warns that some spirits should not (must not) be trusted. There are "seducing spirits", 1Ti_4:1.

2) "But try the spirits" (Alla) but, strong contrast - (Greek dokimozete) "test ye or prove ye," the spirits. Put the spirits on trial, on examination; Do they speak and cause men to act according to the revealed Word of God? If not they are to be rejected as emissaries, servants, agents of Satan. 1Ti_4:1-3; 2Ti_4:3-4; 2Co_11:13-15.

3) "Whether they are of God": Fallen, deranged, demon spirits - enemies of God, work through men - depraved men, to oppose God and Holiness. Note the maniac of Gadara, Mar_5:1-20; Mar_7:24-30, and deceptive miracle workers. Rev_16:13-14.

4) "Because many false prophets are gone out into the world." 1) Our Lord warned of "false" or lying prophets. Mat_7:15-23; Matthew 2) Paul did, 2Co_11:13-15; Act_20:27-31; Acts 3) Peter did, 2Pe_2:1-3; 2Pe_3:1-7. These false prophets have (Greek ekseleluthasin) "Gone out of their own accord -, or will". They were not (Greek stello) sent or authorized of the Lord.

Don't you think we should dokimazo the spirits? If they are from YHVH?
And allow ourselves to be tested-by others, to see IF we are not pseudo ministers parading in having a form of godliness, denying it's power?

Having an outward form of chasidus but the ko'ach having denied. Turn away from these.

You know the ol' saying-iron sharpens iron-and the Japanese saying-The nail that sticks out is hammered.

Not being facetious.
J.

 

[Johann]

The context for the "baptism with fire" makes it clear that this is about damnation. It has nothing to do with either John's baptism or the baptism with the Holy Ghost.

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. (Mt 3:10-12).

What is "unquenchable fire" other than the fires of Hell -- the Lake of Fire? "Trees" bringing forth evil fruit (people living in sin and wickedness) are cast into the fire. "Purging" means cleansing. "Chaff" means that which is useless.

This "fire" has been taken out of context and made into something good when it is in fact eternal damnation.

Correct-

(ho ischuroteros mou). Like Mar_1:7, “the one mightier than I.” Ablative case (mou) of comparison. John would not turn aside for the flattery of the crowd. He was able to take his own measure in comparison with the Messiah and was loyal to him (see my John the Loyal). Compare Luk_3:16 with Mar_1:7. and Mat_3:11. for discussion of details. Luke has “fire” here after “baptize with the Holy Ghost” as Mat_3:11, which see note. This bold Messianic picture in the Synoptic Gospels shows that John saw the Messiah’s coming as a judgment upon the world like fire and the fan of the thrashing-floor, and with unquenchable fire for the chaff (Luk_3:17; Mat_3:12). But he had the spiritual conception also, the baptism in the Holy Spirit which will characterize the Messiah’s Mission and so will far transcend the water baptism which marked the ministry of John.

 

[Lizbeth]

That is up to Jesus. He (not you or "amigo") is the shepherd. You two set yourselves up as being righteous judges of others, and you will have to pay for your arrogance when you are confronted by Jesus. He drove the money changers and animal vendors from the temple. He didn't employ a "goon squad" to do His work.

You are just bullies! Jesus said to love your neighbor, not kick him! You need to read the parable of the good Samaritan if you can't understand appropriate Christian behavior.

Jesus is a Person and thus His Body has many gears, not just one. And we should apply whatever is appropriate to the situation, of course. But I have to disagree on this point.....He does employ His servants, His Body, to do His work.

 

[Johann]

Jesus is a Person and thus His Body has many gears, not just one. And we should apply whatever is appropriate to the situation, of course. But I have to disagree on this point.....He does employ His servants, His Body, to do His work.

God use members to do his work, through the Holy Spirit, in members with distinct, diverse characteristic natures, all for His glory, not ours.

‘Fought’ is an awfully strong word, but these two did have a sharp encounter. We see it unfold in Galatians 2:11-19, where Paul rebukes his fellow apostle for caving in to the prejudice of a group who said that people from all ethnic backgrounds had to satisfy the Jewish ritual law before they could become proper Christians. This meant, for instance, that men had to be circumcised and that no one could eat pork.

Paul was livid at this perversion of the gospel. They were piling on superfluities, making salvation a matter of performance instead of a gift of mercy and grace on the basis of faith alone. If there’s any doubt over how upset Paul was at this heresy, one should read verse 5:12, where he says, “I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!” In other words, as long as they have the knife out, why stop with circumcision? They could be even more “holy” if they kept on cutting.

In the fire of Paul’s righteous indignation, Peter got scorched. He was doing just fine with the brothers in Antioch – until, that is, some Jewish church members came up from Jerusalem. Before they arrived, he was eating happily with uncircumcised non-Jews in the local fellowship. But when these “legalists,” these Old Testament Law police, showed up, he caved in and pulled away from the Gentiles. Paul spotted his craven behavior and let him have it in front of these judgmental visitors. His rebuke and doctrinal lecture make for great gospel reading.

You might think that after such an embarrassing showdown, the two apostles would have had a parting of the ways. Certainly, hurt feelings have wrecked many a relationship. Yet Christianity is not all about feelings, but also and necessarily about truth.

And Peter knew that Paul had truth on his side – so much so that in one of his own letters, he commended Paul’s writing as “scripture” (2 Peter 3:15-16). Though he’d been stung by the criticism, he’d been able to “rejoice with truth” in love (1 Corinthians 13:6) instead of nursing a life-long grudge, which would have hindered his own spiritual development, as well as the witness of the church.

We are all in need of correction
Shalom
J.

 

[Lizbeth]

That is up to Jesus. He (not you or "amigo") is the shepherd. You two set yourselves up as being righteous judges of others, and you will have to pay for your arrogance when you are confronted by Jesus. He drove the money changers and animal vendors from the temple. He didn't employ a "goon squad" to do His work.

You are just bullies! Jesus said to love your neighbor, not kick him! You need to read the parable of the good Samaritan if you can't understand appropriate Christian behavior.

I was just trying to make a point, not bullying anyone.....just to toughen us up a bit in case we need it. But listen, I don't think you are a snowflake, since you have no trouble rebuking the heck out of us here when someone says something you don't agree with. The thing is why don't you turn some of that loose on those in the church sometimes who need it because of preaching false doctrine or who are actually sinning and behaving badly? When someone else does it you get mad, but then you have no trouble doing the same thing to the ones you are mad at for doing that same thing. Scratching my head here, brother.

 

[Behold]

Amen, it's a gift-one question.
There is a lot of talk re "sinless perfectionism" -can a believer sin, in word, thought and deed?
Before you answer, this is what I am experiencing-sinning-mostly in words and thoughts.
Thanks

You are experiencing "sin consciousness"., which is the mind realm.

Your born again Spirit, that is "in Christ", is the real you., so your mind is at war with the real you.

"i see another law in me, warring against my mind""

So that is the Law of Grace fighting the Old man.
That's the war.
And it wont stop until you get that old man of the flesh, that wrong mind, back on the Cross, as "the old man is crucified with Christ".

Or as Paul teaches..>>"Reckon the old man DEAD"/

Your mind has to be renewed into that reality, so that it comes into THE correct faith alignment regarding God's perspective of your Born again Spirit, as the real you.
God does not see your body or your "thinking" as who you are "in Christ", because A born again SON of God is not your mind, feelings, or behavior.
This is why Paul teaches us that we have to "renew" our mind so that it reflects the mind of Christ, and that mind isn't the old man of the flesh's mind.

When you are in the old man mind, you are not walking in the Spirit, which is the "renewed mind".

See this issue = "that which i would do i can't, and that which i hate i do"...

See that?
That is Paul's old mind, trying to live holy.

We have to renew our minds into the understanding that we exist as "made free from sin"..."made righteous"......as a "new Creation in Christ'.

This is BELIEF deliverance.... its the "renewed mind", and when its not in charge then its the mind of the flesh which is driving your sin consciousness.

Remember how it was....... when you are not saved.
You think about sin.

So, if you are thinking about that same, as a Christian, then that it the old mind.
You have to get out of it.

"Behold, are you saying that if i try to be good i will be bad,....... but if i rest in the knowledge of who i have become in God's redemption, then i find deliverance into....>"Christ always gives me the Victory".

A.) yes

 

[Lizbeth]

God use members to do his work, through the Holy Spirit, in members with distinct, diverse characteristic natures, all for His glory, not ours.

‘Fought’ is an awfully strong word, but these two did have a sharp encounter. We see it unfold in Galatians 2:11-19, where Paul rebukes his fellow apostle for caving in to the prejudice of a group who said that people from all ethnic backgrounds had to satisfy the Jewish ritual law before they could become proper Christians. This meant, for instance, that men had to be circumcised and that no one could eat pork.

Paul was livid at this perversion of the gospel. They were piling on superfluities, making salvation a matter of performance instead of a gift of mercy and grace on the basis of faith alone. If there’s any doubt over how upset Paul was at this heresy, one should read verse 5:12, where he says, “I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!” In other words, as long as they have the knife out, why stop with circumcision? They could be even more “holy” if they kept on cutting.

In the fire of Paul’s righteous indignation, Peter got scorched. He was doing just fine with the brothers in Antioch – until, that is, some Jewish church members came up from Jerusalem. Before they arrived, he was eating happily with uncircumcised non-Jews in the local fellowship. But when these “legalists,” these Old Testament Law police, showed up, he caved in and pulled away from the Gentiles. Paul spotted his craven behavior and let him have it in front of these judgmental visitors. His rebuke and doctrinal lecture make for great gospel reading.

You might think that after such an embarrassing showdown, the two apostles would have had a parting of the ways. Certainly, hurt feelings have wrecked many a relationship. Yet Christianity is not all about feelings, but also and necessarily about truth.

And Peter knew that Paul had truth on his side – so much so that in one of his own letters, he commended Paul’s writing as “scripture” (2 Peter 3:15-16). Though he’d been stung by the criticism, he’d been able to “rejoice with truth” in love (1 Corinthians 13:6) instead of nursing a life-long grudge, which would have hindered his own spiritual development, as well as the witness of the church.

We are all in need of correction
Shalom
J.

Ouch! And here's me trying to toughen up the church, not emasculate it, lol.

I agree.....we're allowed to be "real" and straight up in the Holy Ghost....."speak truth to your neighbour". Rebuke, admonish, exhort, correct as well as encourage, comfort and be kind etc when it is called for. And I notice by experience of the Lord that He doesn't spoil and molly-coddle us with too much kindness and encouragement, just when we truly need it to be strengthened or comforted, etc.. The churches today are often way out of balance, too much of the one and not enough of the other. "Spare the rod and spoil the child" I believe has spiritual application and isn't just about family life. The opposite is true as well, though.

 

[Johann]

You are experiencing "sin consciousness"., which is the mind realm.

Your born again Spirit, that is "in Christ", is the real you., so your mind is at war with the real you.

"i see another law in me, warring against my mind""

So that is the Law of Grace fighting the Old man.
That's the war.
And it wont stop until you get that old man of the flesh, that wrong mind, back on the Cross, as "the old man is crucified with Christ".

Or as Paul teaches..>>"Reckon the old man DEAD"/

Your mind has to be renewed into that reality, so that it comes into THE correct faith alignment regarding God's perspective of your Born again Spirit, as the real you.
God does not see your body or your "thinking" as who you are "in Christ", because A born again SON of God is not your mind, feelings, or behavior.
This is why Paul teaches us that we have to "renew" our mind so that it reflects the mind of Christ, and that mind isn't the old man of the flesh's mind.

When you are in the old man mind, you are not walking in the Spirit, which is the "renewed mind".

See this issue = "that which i would do i can't, and that which i hate i do"...

See that?
That is Paul's old mind, trying to live holy.

We have to renew our minds into the understanding that we exist as "made free from sin"..."made righteous"......as a "new Creation in Christ'.

This is BELIEF deliverance.... its the "renewed mind", and when its not in charge then its the mind of the flesh which is driving your sin consciousness.

Remember how it was....... when you are not saved.
You think about sin.

So, if you are thinking about that same, as a Christian, then that it the old mind.
You have to get out of it.

"Behold, are you saying that if i try to be good i will be bad,....... but if i rest in the knowledge of who i have become in God's redemption, then i find deliverance into....>"Christ always gives me the Victory".

A.) yes

Thank you brother.
Johann.

 

[Behold]

Thank you brother.
Johann.

God bless you.

remember..

CHRISTianity....is all SPIRITual.

Its not mental.
Its not intellectual
Its not trying to understand how to do it, analytically.

We walk by Faith, "in Christ".... "one with God"..... You can't see it, yet its more real then what we see.....

If a believer tries to "figure it all out", like its a blue print or a schematic or some math proof, then that is the wrong mind.

CHRISTianity, is really simple.

1.) God took us and keeps us forever because we ONCE took Christ by faith.

THen.

God comes to live inside, as "Christ in you the hope of Glory"..... and says....."ok, turn yourself off, put your mind away, and let me DRIVE".

When we work... God rests..... When we rest in God, .. Then God WORKS.

Christianity, is to REST in God's Ability to Perform HIS power through us.

"i can do all things THROUGH CHRIST"......means....>"i stopped, i let go, and Now Christ is the Power in me to LIVE the life of Christ".

Or as Paul teaches... "I die daily'. so that Christ becomes more and more and more, of me.


"""""" I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me."""""

 

[Johann]

Ouch! And here's me trying to toughen up the church, not emasculate it, lol.

I agree.....we're allowed to be "real" and straight up in the Holy Ghost....."speak truth to your neighbour". Rebuke, admonish, exhort, correct as well as encourage, comfort and be kind etc when it is called for. And I notice by experience of the Lord that He doesn't spoil and molly-coddle us with too much kindness and encouragement, just when we truly need it to be strengthened or comforted, etc.. The churches today are often way out of balance, too much of the one and not enough of the other. "Spare the rod and spoil the child" I believe has spiritual application and isn't just about family life. The opposite is true as well, though.

Lol! Emasculation, the whole trip and trod-
As usual, you have a gift in in expressing yourself so eloquently, here, where I am, there is no molly-coddle/-ling at all, I think the remnant/elect ekklesia have gone "underground" and a lot of "social Christian Churchianity" is the norm.
To be frank, we are sitting with a huge problem here and fellowship with the saints is not easy, a problem for me.
As to the rest of your post, I am in full agreement.
Stay strong and rooted in Christ Jesus.
Just a thought-I think persecution is much needed, and if we can't find encouragement here, at least we can encourage ourselves in the Lord.
Johann.

 

[Johann]

God bless you.

remember..

CHRISTianity....is all SPIRITual.

Its not mental.
Its not intellectual
Its not trying to understand how to do it, analytically.

We walk by Faith, "in Christ".... "one with God"..... You can't see it, yet its more real then what we see.....

If a believer tries to "figure it all out", like its a blue print or a schematic or some math proof, then that is the wrong mind.

CHRISTianity, is really simple.

1.) God took us and keeps us forever because we ONCE took Christ by faith.

THen.

God comes to live inside, as "Christ in you the hope of Glory"..... and says....."ok, turn yourself off, put your mind away, and let me DRIVE".

When we work... God rests..... When we rest in God, .. Then God WORKS.

Christianity, is to REST in God's Ability to Perform HIS power through us.

"i can do all things THROUGH CHRIST"......means....>"i stopped, i let go, and Now Christ is the Power in me to LIVE the life of Christ".

Or as Paul teaches... "I die daily'. so that Christ becomes more and more and more, of me.


"""""" I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me."""""

Much, much food for thought, to chew the cud, and to slowly ingest.
You wouldn't mind if I should share with you, on occasions, my inner struggles?
Bless you my brother in Christ-at least with you I can be transparent without fear of being belittled and that I am not born from above.
Lately-reading the testimonies of others I am starting to doubt my own born again experience-I am aware I shouldn't entertain the thought-but for me, the battlefield is in my mind brother.
In my mind.
Shalom to you and family
Johann.

 

[Behold]

You wouldn't mind if I should share with you, on occasions, my inner struggles?
Bless you my brother in Christ-at least with you I can be transparent without fear of being belittled and that I am not born from above.

Absolutely.

WE are all part of the same born again "body". "all fitted together through the Head".

WE are all the same "temple" built on the ROCK and "that Rock is CHRIST".

We are connected, and are always connected to the Father, through the Son.. John 14:6

Salvation is not for us to finish, its for us to behold to the World.

2 Corinthians 5:19

Behold and see the goodness of the Lord, in the hearts of His redeemed.

The JOY of the Lord....the Lord's very JOY, is our peace, is our strength.

 

[Ritajanice]

When we work... God rests..... When we rest in God, .. Then God WORKS.

Amen!.....it’s taken years to get to this place, but once you have arrived, it’s amazing!....I still have to remind myself at times though.

Rest in the Lord, ...no need for me to work, the Holy Spirit is in control...I’ve been on a mission these past 3 yrs for the Lord and he’s shown me exactly what you say here.....it all takes time to understand and only God can teach us through the Holy Spirit.....my eyes, ears and heart are to focus on him, that is what he has taught me......Praise God.

And most definitely YES being born again is all about being spiritual, we have been birthed in the Spirit and we know it from day one, no doubt whatsoever.

We are adopted children of God , we also have an amazing “ living spiritual “ relationship with the Holy Spirit...which takes my breath away at times, ...this is my own belief and testimony.

John 15:5
"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

My take on this verse is, ...it has taken years and years to understand what it means to abide in him, and when we do, YES. We bear much fruit......as Behold said.....it’s the renewing of our minds and my opinion of that is, it doesn’t happen overnight.......it’s been a very long hard road to get to this place.....and still I have SO much to learn!!.....

We are forever learning in Christ.

 

[amigo de christo]

Absolutely.

WE are all part of the same born again "body". "all fitted together through the Head".

WE are all the same "temple" built on the ROCK and "that Rock is CHRIST".

We are connected, and are always connected to the Father, through the Son.. John 14:6

Salvation is not for us to finish, its for us to behold to the World.

2 Corinthians 5:19

Behold and see the goodness of the Lord, in the hearts of His redeemed.

The JOY of the Lord....the Lord's very JOY, is our peace, is our strength.

The only we that are connected is the WE WHO PREACH , BELIEVE IN and teach others to BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST .
there is no we for any other religion or mindset . The wicked have no rest and all other religoins are wicked .
ONLY FAITH IN CHRIST saves . If any other comes and preaches another love , another way , another mindset to God
they lie and dont heed them for a second . IF even i came and said to you
that JESUS is my way and yet muslims and buddist and atheist have their own way to GOD , THEN LET ME BE ACCURSED .
ITS ALL A LIE . EITHER we POINT TO CHRIST , TO BELIEVE YE IN HIM , HAVE ALL FAITH AND TRUST IN HIM
or we preach nutting but vainity and vainity cannot save a soul .

 

[amigo de christo]

The sooner the church learns that the better off its gonna be .