BORN AGAIN goals

 Ephesians 4:1

King James Version

4 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, 

beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation 

wherewith ye are called,

It's fun being born again.

We know how to live.

We know who to follow.

We know what to believe in.

We know past, present, and future.

All because JESUS told us everything.

His Bible tells us His commandments.

He assigned us this work:

Ephesians 4:11

King James Version

11 And he gave some, apostles; 

and some, prophets; 

and some, evangelists; 

and some, pastors and teachers;

With such work, we are expected to accomplish the following:

Ephesians 4:11

King James Version

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Ephesians 4:11

King James Version

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Ephesians 4:11

King James Version

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Ephesians 4:11

King James Version

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Ephesians 4:11

King James Version

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Ephesians 4:11

King James Version

17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Ephesians 4:11

King James Version

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Ephesians 4:11

King James Version

25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Ephesians 4:11

King James Version

26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Ephesians 4:11

King James Version

27 Neither give place to the devil.

Ephesians 4:11

King James Version

28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Ephesians 4:11

King James Version

29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Ephesians 4:11

King James Version

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

Ephesians 4:11

King James Version

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

Ephesians 4:11

King James Version

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

In SUMMARY, our born again goals are:

For the perfecting of the saints

for the edifying of the body of Christ

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God

unto a perfect man

unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness

speaking the truth in love

may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ

increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love

walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind

put off concerning the former conversation the old man

be renewed in the spirit of your mind

put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness

putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour

sin not

let not the sun go down upon your wrath

Neither give place to the devil.

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

grieve not the holy Spirit of God

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice

be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you

Related posts:

The JOY of being BORN AGAIN

BORN AGAIN articles

BORN AGAIN classics

Sin AWARENESS

HOLINESS

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JESUS was CONSISTENT

 

John 5:43

King James Version

43 I am come in my Father's name, 

and ye receive me not: 

if another shall come in his own name, 

him ye will receive.

What do you think was one of the most important teachings of JESUS?

What was He consistent about?

What did He kept asking us to do?

I let the idea simmer in my heart last night.

And this morning, SPIRIT gave the defining verses.

Let JESUS tell us, Himself:

Luke 11:1-2

King James Version

11 And it came to pass, that, 

as he was praying in a certain place, 

when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, 

Lord, teach us to pray, 

as John also taught his disciples.

2 And he said unto them, 

When ye pray, say, 

Our Father which art in heaven, 

Hallowed be thy name. 

Thy kingdom come. 

Thy will be done, 

as in heaven, 

so in earth.

Luke 22:42-43

King James Version

42 Saying, 

Father, if thou be willing, 

remove this cup from me: 

nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, 

strengthening him.

Luke 22:29-30

King James Version

29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, 

as my Father hath appointed unto me;

30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, 

and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Luke 23:46

King James Version

46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, 

he said, 

Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: 

and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

John 5:19

King James Version

19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, 

The Son can do nothing of himself, 

but what he seeth the Father do: 

for what things soever he doeth, 

these also doeth the Son likewise.

John 5:26-27

King James Version

26 For as the Father hath life in himself; 

so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, 

because he is the Son of man.

John 5:30

King James Version

30 I can of mine own self do nothing: 

as I hear, I judge: 

and my judgment is just; 

because I seek not mine own will, 

but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

John 5:36

King James Version

36 But I have greater witness than that of John: 

for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, 

the same works that I do, bear witness of me, 

that the Father hath sent me.

John 6:37-38

King James Version

37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; 

and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

38 For I came down from heaven, 

not to do mine own will, 

but the will of him that sent me.

John 6:39

King James Version

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.

John 6:40

King James Version

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.

John 6:44

King James Version

44 No man can come to me, 

except the Father which hath sent me draw him: 

and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 6:57

King James Version

57 As the living Father hath sent me, 

and I live by the Father: 

so he that eateth me, 

even he shall live by me.

John 17:2-3

King James Version

2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, 

that he should give eternal life 

to as many as thou hast given him.

3 And this is life eternal, 

that they might know thee the only true God, 

and Jesus Christ, 

whom thou hast sent.

John 17:4

King James Version

4 I have glorified thee on the earth: 

I have finished the work 

which thou gavest me to do.

John 17:6-7

King James Version

6 I have manifested thy name unto the men 

which thou gavest me out of the world: 

thine they were, 

and thou gavest them me; 

and they have kept thy word.

7 Now they have known that 

all things whatsoever thou hast given me 

are of thee.

John 17:8

King James Version

8 For I have given unto them 

the words which thou gavest me; 

and they have received them, 

and have known surely that I came out from thee, 

and they have believed that thou didst send me.

John 17:12

King James Version

12 While I was with them in the world, 

I kept them in thy name: 

those that thou gavest me I have kept, 

and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; 

that the scripture might be fulfilled.

John 17:14

King James Version

14 I have given them thy word; 

and the world hath hated them, 

because they are not of the world, 

even as I am not of the world.

John 17:17

King James Version

17 Sanctify them through thy truth: 

thy word is truth.

John 17:18

King James Version

18 As thou hast sent me into the world, 

even so have I also sent them into the world.

John 17:19

King James Version

19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, 

that they also might be sanctified 

through the truth.

John 17:22

King James Version

22 And the glory which thou gavest me 

I have given them; 

that they may be one, 

even as we are one:

John 17:23

King James Version

23 I in them, 

and thou in me, 

that they may be made perfect in one; 

and that the world may know 

that thou hast sent me, 

and hast loved them, 

as thou hast loved me.

John 17:24

King James Version

24 Father, 

I will that they also, 

whom thou hast given me, 

be with me where I am; 

that they may behold my glory, 

which thou hast given me: 

for thou lovedst me 

before the foundation of the world.

John 17:25

King James Version

25 O righteous Father, 

the world hath not known thee: 

but I have known thee, 

and these have known 

that thou hast sent me.

John 17:26

King James Version

26 And I have declared unto them thy name, 

and will declare it: 

that the love wherewith thou hast loved me 

may be in them, 

and I in them.

JESUS was entirely devoted to GOD.

And He taught us that, consistently.

It's always been about the FATHER's will.

All that JESUS did, conformed to that.

All that He taught us, was to obey GOD's will.

Man continues in rebellion, defying that.

But GOD's will be done.

A true born again knows that.

And never challenges it.

That's how you know if you are GOD's own.

We are in complete obedience to GOD's will.

Just as the LORD JESUS taught us.

Related material:

JESUS is the SAME forever

GOD is STEADY

GOD's WILL

STEADINESS of GOD

BORN AGAIN articles

GOD's GLORY blogs

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NONNEGOTIABLE gospel

 

Proverbs 30:5-6

King James Version

5 Every word of God is pure: 

he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

6 Add thou not unto his words, 

lest he reprove thee, 

and thou be found a liar.

The Bible is the ONLY source of truth.

At least, for a true born again.

We don't look to anything else.

GOD's Bible is nonnegotiable.

Merriam-Webster defines "nonnegotiable" beautifully, and precisely:

"not open to discussion or reconsideration"

The gospel of CHRIST doesn't compromise.

It can NEVER conform to the ways of the world.

It is in total opposition to it.

Isaiah 55:8-9

King James Version

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, 

neither are your ways my ways, 

saith the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, 

so are my ways higher than your ways, 

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Scripture is holy, for it was inspired by GOD:

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.

Scripture is holy, for GOD gave JESUS the words to speak:

John 17:8

King James Version

8 For I have given unto them 

the words which thou gavest me; 

and they have received them, 

and have known surely that I came out from thee, 

and they have believed that thou didst send me.

JESUS warned believers what to expect:

Matthew 10:35-37

King James Version

35 For I am come to set a man 

at variance against his father, 

and the daughter against her mother, 

and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.

37 He that loveth father or mother more than me 

is not worthy of me: 

and he that loveth son or daughter more than me 

is not worthy of me.

Luke 9:23

King James Version

23 And he said to them all, 

If any man will come after me, 

let him deny himself, 

and take up his cross daily, 

and follow me.

Luke 16:15

King James Version

15 And he said unto them, 

Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; 

but God knoweth your hearts: 

for that which is highly esteemed among men 

is abomination in the sight of God.

John 15:18-19

King James Version

18 If the world hate you, 

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world, 

the world would love his own: 

but because ye are not of the world, 

but I have chosen you out of the world, 

therefore the world hateth you.

John 15:23

King James Version

23 He that hateth me 

hateth my Father also.

John 18:36

King James Version

36 Jesus answered, 

My kingdom is not of this world: 

if my kingdom were of this world, 

then would my servants fight, 

that I should not be delivered to the Jews: 

but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Thus, we are warned:

1 Corinthians 10:21

King James Version

21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, 

and the cup of devils: 

ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, 

and of the table of devils.

Colossians 2:8

King James Version

8 Beware lest any man spoil you 

through philosophy and vain deceit, 

after the tradition of men, 

after the rudiments of the world, 

and not after Christ.

Revelation 22:18-19

King James Version

18 For I testify unto every man 

that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, 

If any man shall add unto these things, 

God shall add unto him the plagues 

that are written in this book:

19 And if any man shall take away 

from the words of the book of this prophecy, 

God shall take away his part out of the book of life, 

and out of the holy city, 

and from the things 

which are written in this book.

Scripture is for guidance.

SPIRIT is the guide.

He teaches us JESUS' words.

He is how we got GOD's WORDS right.

John 16:8-11

King James Version

8 And when he is come, 

he will reprove the world of sin, 

and of righteousness, and of judgment:

9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, 

and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world 

is judged.

John 16:13-15

King James Version

13 Howbeit when he, 

the Spirit of truth, is come, 

he will guide you into all truth:

for he shall not speak of himself; 

but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: 

and he will shew you things to come.

14 He shall glorify me: 

for he shall receive of mine, 

and shall shew it unto you.

15 All things that the Father hath are mine: 

therefore said I, 

that he shall take of mine, 

and shall shew it unto you.

This article you're reading now is a result of such teaching from SPIRIT.

Which I welcome with ALL my heart.

That all may know GOD's laws.

And live by it.

Related material:

GOD is STEADY

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The Simplicity of SCRIPTURE

Championing the BIBLE

Simplicity of Scripture

SOUL-saving WORD

GOD's WORD forever

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John Macarthur: The Nonnegotiable Gospel

The Perpetuity Of The Law Of God (Matthew 5-18) - Charles Spurgeon Message

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COMFORT from affliction

 

Psalm 34:22

King James Version

22 The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: 

and none of them that trust in him 

shall be desolate.

What does affliction mean?

Who gives us comfort?

Where can we find hope from?

Who can we turn to?

First, the meaning of "affliction".

Merriam-Webster defines it as "great suffering".

That, in itself, says a lot.

Let these Psalm 34 verses give comfort to all of us:

Psalm 34:4

King James Version

4 I sought the Lord, 

and he heard me, 

and delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:6

King James Version

6 This poor man cried, 

and the Lord heard him, 

and saved him out of all his troubles.

Psalm 34:7

King James Version

7 The angel of the Lord 

encampeth round about them that fear him, 

and delivereth them.

Psalm 34:15

King James Version

15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, 

and his ears are open unto their cry.

Psalm 34:17

King James Version

17 The righteous cry, 

and the Lord heareth, 

and delivereth them 

out of all their troubles.

Psalm 34:19

King James Version

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: 

but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

More helpful posts here.

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GOD of COMFORT

SPIRIT of COMFORT

The PURPOSE of the HOLY SPIRIT

Comforting the afflicted

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JESUS as PARADOX

 

Mark 2:16-17

King James Version

16 And when the scribes and Pharisees 

saw him eat with publicans and sinners, 

they said unto his disciples, 

How is it that he eateth and drinketh 

with publicans and sinners?

17 When Jesus heard it, 

he saith unto them, 

They that are whole have no need of the physician, 

but they that are sick: 

I came not to call the righteous, 

but sinners to repentance.

Do those things puzzle you?

The words of CHRIST?

The way He lived His life?

The way He showed up on earth?

The way He conducted His ministry?

Wonder no more, for we shall look into it here.

Merriam-Webster defines "paradox" as:

: one (such as a person, situation, or action) having seemingly contradictory qualities or phases

: a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true

: a self-contradictory statement that at first seems true

: an argument that apparently derives self-contradictory conclusions by valid deduction from acceptable premises

: a tenet contrary to received opinion

The LORD JESUS was a mystery in Himself.

He was "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS", and yet He chose to come as an ordinary man.

Isaiah 53:2

King James Version

2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, 

and as a root out of a dry ground: 

he hath no form nor comeliness; 

and when we shall see him, 

there is no beauty that we should desire him.

He did not come to be ministered unto.

Mark 10:45

King James Version

45 For even the Son of man 

came not to be ministered unto, 

but to minister, 

and to give his life a ransom for many.

He took on sin, despite His not having any sin.

2 Corinthians 5:21

King James Version

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, 

who knew no sin; 

that we might be made the righteousness of God 

in him.

How about the mystery of salvation?

Wherein:

Romans 11:25

King James Version

25 For I would not, brethren, 

that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, 

lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; 

that blindness in part is happened to Israel, 

until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

But it becomes clear here:

Romans 11:11

King James Version

11 I say then, 

Have they stumbled that they should fall? 

God forbid: 

but rather through their fall salvation is come 

unto the Gentiles, 

for to provoke them to jealousy.

Such is GOD's magnificence, mystery, and magnanimity.

2 Peter 3:9

King James Version

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, 

as some men count slackness; 

but is longsuffering to us-ward, 

not willing that any should perish, 

but that all should come to repentance.

And we've barely touched the surface.

John 21:25

King James Version

25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, 

the which, if they should be written every one, 

I suppose that even the world itself 

could not contain the books that should be written. 

Amen.

Related post:

Paradoxes

GOD's PLAN of SALVATION

JESUS

REPENTANCE

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