THAT which WAR against the SOUL

 

1 Peter 2:11

King James Version

11 Dearly beloved, 

I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, 

abstain from fleshly lusts, 

which war against the soul;

The world is steeped in sin.

But we're mostly in denial.

Of the fact, that we sin at all.

Or if we're aware, we continue to defy the laws of GOD.

But SPIRIT, and SCRIPTURE, correct us all.

Romans 8:1-14

King James Version

8 There is therefore now 

no condemnation to them 

which are in Christ Jesus, 

who walk not after the flesh, 

but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life 

in Christ Jesus 

hath made me free

 from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do, 

in that it was weak through the flesh, 

God sending his own Son 

in the likeness of sinful flesh, 

and for sin, 

condemned sin in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness of the law 

might be fulfilled in us, 

who walk not after the flesh, 

but after the Spirit.

5 For they that are after the flesh 

do mind the things of the flesh; 

but they that are after the Spirit 

the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; 

but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: 

for it is not subject to the law of God, 

neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh 

cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh, 

but in the Spirit, 

if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. 

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, 

he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you, 

the body is dead because of sin; 

but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of him 

that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, 

he that raised up Christ from the dead 

shall also quicken your mortal bodies 

by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

12 Therefore, brethren, 

we are debtors, 

not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

13 For if ye live after the flesh, 

ye shall die: 

but if ye through the Spirit 

do mortify the deeds of the body, 

ye shall live.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, 

they are the sons of God.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10

King James Version

9 Know ye not that the unrighteous 

shall not inherit the kingdom of God? 

Be not deceived: 

neither fornicators, nor idolaters, 

nor adulterers, nor effeminate, 

nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, 

nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, 

shall inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6:13

King James Version

13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: 

but God shall destroy both it and them. 

Now the body is not for fornication, 

but for the Lord; 

and the Lord for the body.

1 Corinthians 6:15

King James Version

15 Know ye not 

that your bodies 

are the members of Christ? 

shall I then take the members of Christ, 

and make them the members of an harlot?

God forbid.

1 Corinthians 6:18

King James Version

18 Flee fornication. 

Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; 

but he that committeth fornication 

sinneth against his own body.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

King James Version

19 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?

20 For ye are bought with a price: 

therefore glorify God in your body, 

and in your spirit, 

which are God's.

Galatians 5:16-21

King James Version

16 This I say then, 

Walk in the Spirit, 

and ye shall not fulfil 

the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, 

and the Spirit against the flesh: 

and these are contrary the one to the other: 

so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, 

ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, 

which are these; 

Adultery, fornication, 

uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, 

variance, emulations, wrath, 

strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, 

drunkenness, revellings, 

and such like: 

of the which I tell you before, 

as I have also told you in time past, 

that they which do such things 

shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

1 John 2:16

King James Version

16 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.

Related material:

AWARENESS of sin

Image: 25fps

CHEERFUL climb

 

Hebrews 11:6

King James Version

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.

You've got to be excited, when you're looking for God.

You've got to keep going, and never give up.

You've got to keep bugging God, to please show up.

You've got to be a child, eager to see the LORD.

You've got to look at all the signs, if you want to see Him.

You've got to pay attention, to all the details of your life, if you are to find the LORD.

Only to find out, He's been there, all along.

Just that, you weren't.

But the cheerful heart doesn't mind.

It's all part of the fun, of finding God.

A bit of hide, and seek.

That He leaves clues for you to find.

That He shows up in your dreams.

That He's never really left you.

You did.

But GOD never leaves us.

If there's one steady thing in life, it's GOD.

If there's real love, it's GOD.

If there's honest truth, it's GOD.

If you seek stability, seek God.

If you seek love, seek God.

If you seek truth, seek God.

If you seek peace, seek God.

If you seek life, seek God.

If you seek happiness, seek God.

Only GOD -- JESUS -- the HOLY SPIRIT, can give us the LOVE, and TRUTH, we need.

When He made me born again, over two years ago, my life radically changed for good.

I became a better person.

Even as there's a long way to go.

I only had interest in doing right, by God.

I cannot be the way I was.

Grossly imperfect, unaware, or careless.

Now, my life is lived through SCRIPTURE.

I live by GOD's WORD now.

I live, and breathe it.

It is balm, for my soul.

It is light, for my mind.

It is home, for my heart.

It is joy, for my being.

Consider every step to God, a step up the ladder to heaven.

Yes, do look up, and look for JESUS.

Focus on Him alone.

Colossians 3:1-2

King James Version

3 If ye then be risen with Christ, 

seek those things which are above, 

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, 

not on things on the earth.

Any day now, any moment now, God can decide to send back His Son.

And believers -- the dead, and the living -- will meet Him up in the air.

And we don't have to go through the tribulation.

We have to get right with God now.

We must seek Him sincerely, not because of rewards, but because we honestly wish to know Him, love Him, listen to Him, learn from Him, believe in Him, and follow Him.

There is no other path to take in life.

But to follow the path paved by the LORD JESUS.

John 14:6

King James Version

6 Jesus saith unto him, 

I am the way, 

the truth, 

and the life: 

no man cometh unto the Father, 

but by me.

JESUS has already made it so simple for us.

Why do we look for complicated?

Even a child could get it.

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BORN AGAIN articles

The TRUE BORN AGAIN

 

Ephesians 4:4-6

King James Version

4 There is one body, 

and one Spirit, 

even as ye are called 

in one hope of your calling;

5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 One God and Father of all, 

who is above all, 

and through all, 

and in you all.

The TRUE BORN AGAIN, is not an occasional Christian.

His life, work, and thoughts, are constantly on JESUS.

His mind is constantly on SCRIPTURE.

His heart is perpetually on GOD.

His life is happily glued on SPIRIT.

You won't find him honoring men, when he should be honoring GOD.

He is not a confused person.

His heart is in EXACTLY in the right place, with God.

His reasoning comes from SCRIPTURE alone.

His life is lived, through Scripture.

The WORD of GOD is his ONLY reference.

Ask him anything, and he will search Scripture.

Testing the integrity of your question, versus what GOD says of it.

His thinking belongs to GOD.

His will, his life, his work belongs to GOD.

His home is where JESUS is.

SPIRIT is his only teacher, for EVERYTHING God would want him to know.

SPIRIT lives in him so much, there is no doubt.

Only certainty of the TRUTH of CHRIST in SCRIPTURE.

The WORD is his word.

God's counsel is all he cares about.

Man cannot twist that counsel.

God's counsel holds the pillars of his heart.

For that's where JESUS lives.

That's where SPIRIT lives.

That's where GOD is.

Right in his heart, where God's counsel stands.

Proverbs 19:21

King James Version

21 There are many devices in a man's heart; 

nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, 

that shall stand.

Mammon can't tempt him.

He knows, where he's going, there's no use for such.

He has no use for what the world dictates to be important.

He is not distracted from the task, of sharing GOD's commandments.

He has nothing to prove to man.

His heart is permanently glued to CHRIST.

He has no use for the world's follies, wiles, and alibis.

No way will he make room for the devil.

Ephesians 4:27

King James Version

27 Neither give place to the devil.

His complete focus is on JESUS alone.

Colossians 3:1-2

King James Version

3 If ye then be risen with Christ, 

seek those things which are above, 

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, 

not on things on the earth.

He has simplified his life, work, and thinking, to the bare minimum.

Only because GOD lives in his home.

He wants God to have charge of everything.

He cannot dishonor God, with things of the world.

Ambition, greed, vanity, lust, and wickedness don't interest him at all.

His creed is holiness.

His path is perfection.

He follows the path paved by the LORD JESUS.

His ears tuned to every command.

His eyes watch for every sign.

His heart leaps at the sound of the LORD's voice.

His days are filled with delight, at SPIRIT's teachings.

Can you live such a life?

A life so rich, and yet so spare.

All you have is the BIBLE.

I have, for over two years now.

It's the only way to be.

To be authentic, in the eyes of GOD.

To truly love Him, and adore Him.

To truly believe in the LORD JESUS.

And commit your life to Him.

To have no excuses, but only opportunities, to know more about God.

To understand Scripture, and to share it.

To be acceptable in the eyes of God.

As one who has been given much, and nothing was wasted.

As one who only cares to serve the Lord.

As one who cares what happens to others.

As one who now sees clearly, and is grateful for the LOVE.

As one who has no pride, only gratitude.

As one who waits for the LORD's return, when GOD says, "It's time!"

As one who'd be ready, by then.

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The RAPTURE

The DAY the ANGEL resheathed his SWORD

 

1 John 2:16

King James Version

16 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.

This is a story about GOD, the Father; David, the king; Joab, the captain; Gad, the seer; God's avenging angel; and Ornan, the Jebusite.

David had sinned greatly against the Lord again.

We've written about his other sin committed against one of his faithful soldiers.

All because of lust.

Now, he sins because Satan caused him to sin.

This time, it's of pride.

1 Chronicles 21:1-2

King James Version

21 And Satan stood up against Israel, 

and provoked David to number Israel.

2 And David said to Joab 

and to the rulers of the people, 

Go, 

number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; 

and bring the number of them to me, 

that I may know it.

To which, Joab replied:

1 Chronicles 21:3

King James Version

3 And Joab answered, 

The Lord make his people an hundred times 

so many more as they be: 

but, my lord the king, 

are they not all my lord's servants? 

why then doth my lord require this thing? 

why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?

Nevertheless, he served the king, and had to obey.

But one thing Joab wouldn't do:

1 Chronicles 21:6

King James Version

6 But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: 

for the king's word was abominable to Joab.

It was abominable to Joab, for the tribe of Levi, were appointed priests by God. meant to serve Him.

The tribe of Benjamin, came from Jacob -- patriarch of the Israelites -- who God renamed Israel.

It shows how Joab's heart was right with the Lord, even as he served a king appointed by God.

So, how did God respond to David's numbering of Israel?

Exactly as Joab feared.

1 Chronicles 21:7

King James Version

7 And God was displeased with this thing; 

therefore he smote Israel.

Repentant, David sought the Lord.

1 Chronicles 21:8

King James Version

8 And David said unto God, 

I have sinned greatly, 

because I have done this thing: 

but now, 

I beseech thee, 

do away the iniquity of thy servant; 

for I have done very foolishly.

God responded through Gad, the seer.

1 Chronicles 21:9-12

King James Version

9 And the Lord spake unto Gad, 

David's seer, 

saying,

10 Go and tell David, 

saying, 

Thus saith the Lord, 

I offer thee three things: 

choose thee one of them, 

that I may do it unto thee.

11 So Gad came to David,

 and said unto him, 

Thus saith the Lord, 

Choose thee

12 Either three years' famine; 

or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, 

while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; 

or else three days the sword of the Lord, 

even the pestilence, 

in the land, 

and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout 

all the coasts of Israel. 

Now therefore advise thyself 

what word I shall bring again 

to him that sent me.

David just asked one thing:

1 Chronicles 21:13

King James Version

13 And David said unto Gad, 

I am in a great strait: 

let me fall now into the hand of the Lord; 

for very great are his mercies: 

but let me not fall into the hand of man.

God did as he asked.

1 Chronicles 21:14-15

King James Version

14 So the Lord sent pestilence upon Israel: 

and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men.

15 And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: 

and as he was destroying, 

the Lord beheld, 

and he repented him of the evil, 

and said to the angel that destroyed, 

It is enough, 

stay now thine hand. 

And the angel of the Lord stood 

by the threshingfloor of Ornan 

the Jebusite.

Seeing the consequences of his sin, David repents, and appeals to God to spare his people.

1 Chronicles 21:16-17

King James Version

16 And David lifted up his eyes, 

and saw the angel of the Lord 

stand between the earth 

and the heaven, 

having a drawn sword in his hand 

stretched out over Jerusalem. 

Then David and the elders of Israel, 

who were clothed in sackcloth, 

fell upon their faces.

17 And David said unto God, 

Is it not I that commanded the people 

to be numbered? 

even I it is that have sinned 

and done evil indeed; 

but as for these sheep, 

what have they done? 

let thine hand, 

I pray thee, 

O Lord my God, 

be on me, 

and on my father's house; 

but not on thy people, 

that they should be plagued.

This time, the angel speaks through Gad.

1 Chronicles 21:18

King James Version

18 Then the angel of the Lord commanded Gad 

to say to David, 

that David should go up, 

and set up an altar unto the Lord 

in the threshingfloor of Ornan 

the Jebusite.

Which David accomplished.

1 Chronicles 21:26

King James Version

26 And David built there an altar 

unto the Lord, 

and offered burnt offerings 

and peace offerings, 

and called upon the Lord; 

and he answered him from heaven 

by fire upon the altar of burnt offering.

And God commanded His angel to resheath his sword.

1 Chronicles 21:27

King James Version

27 And the Lord commanded the angel; 

and he put up his sword again 

into the sheath thereof.

In repentance, David offers a sacrifice at the altar.

1 Chronicles 21:28

King James Version

28 At that time when David saw 

that the Lord had answered him 

in the threshingfloor of Ornan 

the Jebusite, 

then he sacrificed there.

But one thing David wouldn't do, for great fear, and possibly, shame.

1 Chronicles 21:29-30

King James Version

29 For the tabernacle of the Lord, 

which Moses made in the wilderness, 

and the altar of the burnt offering, 

were at that season 

in the high place at Gibeon.

30 But David could not go before it 

to enquire of God: 

for he was afraid 

because of the sword 

of the angel of the Lord.

God sends His angels to punish pride, and wickedness.

Nearly two months ago, we wrote of the destruction ONE angel is capable of, as commanded by God.

Angels serve God, and they are not to be worshiped.

One angel admonished apostle John, himself:

Revelation 19:10

King James Version

10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. 

And he said unto me, 

See thou do it not: 

I am thy fellowservant, 

and of thy brethren 

that have the testimony of Jesus: 

worship God: 

for the testimony of Jesus 

is the spirit of prophecy.

What do we get from this post?

-- GOD is REAL.

-- Sin is real.

-- Punishment is real.

-- Angels are real.

-- Angels have swords.

-- One angel can wreak great destruction.

-- Angels do the will of God.

-- We are to please God.

-- We are not to number His people.

As the LORD JESUS once told apostle Peter:

John 21:20-22

King James Version

20 Then Peter, 

turning about, 

seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; 

which also leaned on his breast at supper, 

and said, 

Lord, 

which is he that betrayeth thee?

21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, 

Lord, 

and what shall this man do?

22 Jesus saith unto him, 

If I will that he tarry till I come, 

what is that to thee? 

follow thou me.

Pretty much how JESUS admonished his parents, when they looked for Him, and He was at the temple:

Luke 2:49

King James Version

49 And he said unto them, 

How is it that ye sought me? 

wist ye not 

that I must be about my Father's business?

All tantamount to saying, we are not to be concerned with such things, which only the LORD should be concerned about.

We are simply to TRUST Him COMPLETELY.

In everything.

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It's TIME we ACCEPTED these THINGS

The LORD JESUS said:

John 16:33

King James Version

33 These things I have spoken unto you, 

that in me ye might have peace. 

In the world ye shall have tribulation: 

but be of good cheer; 

I have overcome the world.

We can resist all we want.

But some things are inevitable.

For they have been prophesied.

They are God's commandments.

Jesus taught, and lived God's laws.

The Holy Spirit teaches God's own.

There is no going around God's laws.

His laws are PURE, PERFECT, and PRECISE.

Psalm 18:30

King James Version

30 As for God, 

his way is perfect: 

the word of the Lord is tried: 

he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

No matter the resistance, no matter the defiance, no matter the rebellion, GOD's WILL be done.

EVERYTHING will be in FULFILLMENT of SCRIPTURE.

It's all been prophesied.

Proverbs 19:21

King James Version

21 There are many devices in a man's heart; 

nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, 

that shall stand.

Now, you'll probably ask -- what things are inevitable?

What's been prophesied?

What must we accept?

What are we required to do?

It is these things, dear friends:

-- The Rapture is imminent.

-- We have to become born again.

-- We have to seek God.

-- We have to believe in His Son.

-- We have to listen to the Holy Spirit.

-- We must live by grace, and faith, alone.

-- We must live by Christ alone.

-- We must live by Scripture alone.

-- We need to live by Spirit, not flesh.

-- We must focus on Jesus alone.

-- We must focus on God's Word, and live by it.

-- We must become aware of sin, repent, and believe the Gospel.

Only by God's grace, are we not consumed.

Lamentations 3:22-23

King James Version

22 It is of the Lord's mercies 

that we are not consumed, 

because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning: 

great is thy faithfulness.

Man's wealth, pride, lust, vanity, and earthly desires will hinder him from getting into the kingdom of heaven.

We cannot take our good works, and accomplishments to the Lord.

We will always fall short of GOD.

Romans 3:23

King James Version

23 For all have sinned, 

and come short 

of the glory of God;

We live by grace, and faith, not good works.

Ephesians 2:8-9

King James Version

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.

Only God is good.

Luke 18:19

King James Version

19 And Jesus said unto him, 

Why callest thou me good? 

none is good, 

save one, 

that is, 

God.

We must live by the BIBLE.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

King James Version

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, 

and is profitable for doctrine, 

for reproof, 

for correction, 

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, 

thoroughly furnished 

unto all good works.

How to start on the path, back to God?

The obvious.

Seek God.

Matthew 6:33

King James Version

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, 

and his righteousness; 

and all these things 

shall be added unto you.

Become born again.

John 3:5-7

King James Version

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.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; 

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, 

Ye must be born again.

Believe in Jesus.

John 14:1

King James Version

14 Let not your heart be troubled: 

ye believe in God, 

believe also in me.

Repent, and believe the Gospel.

Mark 1:15

King James Version

15 And saying, 

The time is fulfilled, 

and the kingdom of God is at hand: 

repent ye, 

and believe the gospel.

Obey God's will.

1 Thessalonians 4:3

King James Version

3 For this is the will of God, 

even your sanctification, 

that ye should abstain 

from fornication:

Focus on Jesus, every single moment.

Colossians 3:1-2

King James Version

3 If ye then be risen with Christ, 

seek those things which are above, 

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, 

not on things on the earth.

Listen to the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:26

King James Version

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: 

for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: 

but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us 

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

The world -- because it serves a different god -- has made sure our thinking is clouded, that we are forever distracted, making sure we know nothing about GOD, or His GOSPEL.

The world makes sure we follow false prophets, and doctrines.

It is up to each one of us, to search our hearts, and aspire for something real.

There's only ONE REAL THING.

GOD's WORD.

Strive to know Scripture.

THROUGH SPIRIT.

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The ONLY THING that will REMAIN

WORD of GOD

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ETERNAL LIFE

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FAITH

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The ENGRAFTED WORD

 

James 1:21

King James Version

21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness 

and superfluity of naughtiness, 

and receive with meekness the engrafted word, 

which is able to save your souls.

Has the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST ever been shared with you?

How have you received it?

Who shared it?

How did you feel about receiving it?

Did it sit well in your heart?

Perhaps, a PARABLE would help.

Here's how the WORD of GOD is received, as told by JESUS.

Some seeds fell by the WAY SIDE.

Matthew 13:4

King James Version

4 And when he sowed, 

some seeds fell by the way side, 

and the fowls came and devoured them up:

The LORD's explanation:

Matthew 13:20

King James Version

20 But he that received the seed into stony places, 

the same is he that heareth the word, 

and anon with joy receiveth it;

Some seeds fell upon STONY PLACES.

Matthew 13:5-6

King James Version

5 Some fell upon stony places, 

where they had not much earth: 

and forthwith they sprung up, 

because they had no deepness of earth:

6 And when the sun was up, 

they were scorched; 

and because they had no root, 

they withered away.

The LORD's explanation:

Matthew 13:21

King James Version

21 Yet hath he not root in himself, 

but dureth for a while: 

for when tribulation or persecution ariseth 

because of the word, 

by and by he is offended.

Some seeds fell among THORNS.

Matthew 13:7

King James Version

7 And some fell among thorns; 

and the thorns sprung up, 

and choked them:

The LORD's explanation:

Matthew 13:22

King James Version

22 He also that received seed among the thorns 

is he that heareth the word; 

and the care of this world, 

and the deceitfulness of riches, 

choke the word, 

and he becometh unfruitful.

Other seeds fell into GOOD GROUND.

Matthew 13:8

King James Version

8 But other fell into good ground, 

and brought forth fruit, 

some an hundredfold, 

some sixtyfold, 

some thirtyfold.

The LORD's explanation:

Matthew 13:23

King James Version

23 But he that received seed into the good ground 

is he that heareth the word, 

and understandeth it; 

which also beareth fruit, 

and bringeth forth, 

some an hundredfold, 

some sixty, 

some thirty.

Don't you love how the LORD teaches?

And how SPIRIT makes SCRIPTURE clear?

Let the WORD of GOD sit well upon your heart.

Become BORN AGAIN, to understand things of the SPIRIT.

May you be HIS.

Related material:

WORD of GOD

PARABLES of JESUS

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