The following is adapted from the “Growing in the Grace of God” course, a free theology course taught by Pastor Bob Hoekstra available at the Blue Letter Bible Institute.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
(Gal 2:20 NKJV)
You and I, who know Jesus Christ, have been crucified with Him. That person we were— that man of nothing but sin and guilt, nothing but alienation and separation—died on the cross with Jesus Christ when we were granted the faith to believe by the grace of God our Father. Here is the simple truth of the believer’s life: “It is no longer I who live.” It is no longer just I in this life. The life that I had, died on the cross. The life I live now is no longer me living—so much better, it is Christ who dwells in me.
This is a mystery; this is a great truth unveiled at last by the words of the Apostle. “Christ lives in me.” Love to meditate on that. Be more encouraged and come to greater wisdom and greater revelation, apprehending the extent of Christ’s influence on the believer. The Creator of the universe, the Redeemer of men’s souls, lives in me!
“And the life that I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God.” We get up each morning trusting in Him. We face the things that confront us, trusting in Him. We go through the obvious and the perplexing and the unexpected, the routine and the impossible, all the while, trusting in Him. The Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for our lives grows and develops us so that we might trust him daily and work unto righteousness by our knowledge of him.
The intimacy of these truths are staggering, mind-renewing, and faith-building. Christ lives in and through us. What riches of grace that is! It defies imagination that God would come to live in and through a person like any of the sons of Adam! Words to describe our joy for our position in Christ slip and slide from our grasp. There is nothing like our relationship with Christ save for the Godhead itself: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Kim says
May 11, 2012 at 11:27 amThank you for this! I often marvel at the fact that I am a living temple of the Holy God! I’ve been meditating upon these verses most recently:
“For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:21-25
George says
May 11, 2012 at 12:51 pm“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith- 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” – Phil 3:7-12 -ESV
I have been redeemed! Me a worthless sinner. All Glory to GOD
Teresa says
May 11, 2012 at 1:41 pmJust last night I read this on this same topic in my current read (which happens to be addressed to Christian women, esp. pastor’s wives): “I have read that when God changed Sarah’s name from Sarai to Sarah, it was done to indicate a change in her character. I have also read that Sarai means ‘contentious’ while Sarah means ‘princess.’ You know what made the difference? God took the ‘i’ out of her name and put the last two letters of Jehovah into her name. I like that. When the ‘I’ is out of our lives–when we’re dead to self–then we change from being contentious women to being the King’s princesses.” – from “The Privilege” by Kay Smith
MESSENGER - 2 says
May 11, 2012 at 4:31 pmShalom to all , Excellant post brother Chris … !!! … Rev.21:1-4 … Jesus Said the Kingdom of God is Within you … If you are * Born Again * … John3:3-8,33-34…Back to God !!! … John4:19-26 … Christ that lives in me … will guide us into Eternal Life … !!! God and his Christ gave us Their Word … Their Holy Word … Thanks be to God through Christ for all things … bless everyone amen shalom !!!
Goh K Y says
May 11, 2012 at 4:37 pmPraise God for this spiritual fact and reality in Gal 2:20
Paul speaks this through his experience…
Reveleation of Christ to me…Gal 1:12…For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ
Revelation of Christ in me…Gal 1:16…To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood
Glorification of Christ in me…Gal 1:24..And they glorified God in me.
This reality in Gal 2:20 must be expressed by all believers as the case of Paul in Gal 1:24!
Halleluyah, what a Saviour!
steve morrow says
May 11, 2012 at 10:50 pm2 Timothy 2:11
It is a faithful saying
for if we be dead with HIM
we shall also live with HIM
Psalm 119:86
All THY commandments are faithful
they persecute me wrongly HELP THOU ME
Psalm119:138
Thy testimonies that THOU hast commanded
are righteous and faithful
Proverbs 14:15
The simple believeth every word
But the prudent man looketh well to his going
Proverbs 14:18
The simple inherit folly
But the prudent are crowned with knowledge
Psalm 119:130
The entrance of THY words giveth light
It giveth understanding unto the simple
Psalm 19:7
The law of the LORD is perfect CONVERTING THE SOUL
the testimony of the LORD is sure MAKING WISE THE SIMPLE
Psalm 14:5
A faithful witness will not lie
But a false witness will utter lies
Psalm 106:39
Thus were they defiled with their own works
and went a whoring with their own inventions
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are you saved through faith
And that not of yourselves it is the gift of GOD
Ephesians 2:9
Not of works lest any man should boast
Luke 10:2
Therefore HE said unto them
The harvest truly is great
But the laborers are few PRAY ye therefore the LORD of the harvest WOULD SEND FORTH LABORERS INTO HIS HARVEST
Psalm 33:4
For the word of the LORD is right
And all HIS works are done in truth
John 3:21
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light
That his deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in GOD
Isaiah 8:20
To the law and the testimony
If they speak not according to this word
It is because there is NO LIGHT IN THEM
2 Timothy 2:13
If we believe not YET HE ABIDETH FAITHFUL
HE cannot deny HIMSELF
2 Timothy 2:19 (NIV)
Nevertheless GODS solid foundation stands firm
Sealed with this inscription
THE LORD KNOWS THOSE WHO ARE HIS
AND EVERYONE WHO CONFESSES THE NAME OF THE LORD
MUST TURN AWAY FROM WICKEDNESS
1 John 2:29
If you know that HE is righteous
You know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of HIM
1 John 3:10
In this the children of GOD are manifest
and the children of the devil
whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of GOD
neither he that loveth not his brother
Proverbs 8:8
All the words of my mouth are in righteousness
There is nothing froward or perverse in them
John 17:17
Sanctify them through thy truth
THY WORD IS TRUTH
2 John 1:4
I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth as we have received a commandment from the FATHER
2 Thessalonians 2:10
And with all deceiveableness of unrighteousness in them that perish
Because they received not the love of the truth
THAT THEY MIGHT BE SAVED
Galatians 5:7&8
You did run well who did hinder you
that you SHOULD NOT OBEY THE TRUTH
(8) THIS PERSUASION COMETH NOT OF HIM THAT CALLETH YOU
1 Corinthians 5:8
Therefore let us keep the festival
not with the old yeast
The yeast of malice and wickedness
But with bread without yeast
THE BREAD OF SINCERITY AND TRUTH
LOVING THE LORD JESUS
Maciek says
May 12, 2012 at 2:39 amSo if man sin who lives in him than? If man claim to believe in Christ, to be a new born, child of God, new creation in God and have inside of him jelousy, selfishness, greed, lust and so on or one of these things only. Who lives in him?
Patricia Anderson says
May 12, 2012 at 3:07 amMaciek, we will have double occupancy until we go home to be with the Lord. When we were saved, He took up residency in us in the Person of the Holy Spirit. That blessed event didn’t cancel our fleshly nature which we continue to battle with until we are taken home to glory. Galatians 4: 4-7 Romans 12: 1-3
Maciek says
May 12, 2012 at 4:45 amwhat is apostole Paul saying about death of inner man? If one man die and the other new is born how could be two of us in the same body?
Barbara LeFevre says
May 12, 2012 at 6:56 amMaciek~
When people are born again from above, they are no longer sinners by nature because they are a new creature in Christ (II Cor. 5:17) and have been given a new heart and spirit (Eze. 36:26). Believers are still sinners by choice, but with the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, we grow in Christ, and He grows in us so that we increasingly crucify our flesh, becoming ever more like Christ Himself. Read Romans 6:6, 17-20; Ephesians 422-24; and Colosians 3:1-10.
I hope this has helped.
Barbara
Maciek says
May 12, 2012 at 7:18 amSo being new born if I am no longer slave of sin I should expect myself to be not bound to sin anymore. I should have in myself only goodness, love and all this things which were or are in Christ. You have said that believers sin by choice. I understand that them are believers like these demons who believe and tremble. They are not a new born children of God because new born children have light of God in themself and there is no darkeness in it and in them and they do not chose to sin anymore.
Barbara LeFevre says
May 12, 2012 at 8:56 amMaciek~
Being born again, we have the light of God in us, and He guides us into all truth and goodness (Jn. 16:13). We are not immediately perfect. That is what our walk with Christ is all about, to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (II Pet. 3:18). Although we submit ourselves to God when we are born again, that is only the beginning of the race. We are to die to ourselves daily, allowing the perfect work of God to have its way in us.
Through His death and resurrection, it is now possible, if we accept Him as Lord and Savior, to overcome the world and our flesh by the power of the Holy Spirit. Just because we are still sinners by choice doesn’t mean that we are like the demons who believe and tremble because their belief is nothing but head knowledge. They believe only facts about Jesus; that’s why they tremble. We have both head and heart knowledge and the Holy Spirit’s witness inside us that we are children of God (Rom. 8:6). Just as our human parents help us to learn and grown, so does our heavenly Father.
As you said, we are no longer slaves to sin. Through our new birth, we are now enabled by God working with our new spirit to cleanse and perfect us because we are now His children. Yes, the goal is to have only goodness and that is what each of us should strive for. As Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” However, we are works in progress, and although we should be daily growing in Christ to be closer to the Father by the power of the Holy Spirit, it won’t be until the end in which His glory will be fully realized in us.
Barbara
Maciek says
May 13, 2012 at 4:52 amYou have said: That blessed event didn’t cancel our fleshly nature which we continue to battle with until we are taken home to glory. So why Paul said about our old man that he is dead. How could we continue to battle with the dead man? I appreciate the fact that beeing born anew could be a process. But i don’t understand how could we be born already and than we go through a process. I understand also that child when is going through the process of being delivered and process is not finish child is not born only lost. This seems to me simple and naturall way of seeing it.
Barbara LeFevre says
May 13, 2012 at 7:14 amMaciek~
Just as the Israelites in the Old Testament called upon the Lord for salvation and were delivered from physical bondage and given the physical promised land, when we call upon the Lord we are delivered from spiritual bondage and are given the spiritual promised land of heaven. However, even though they had been given this land, God still tested them in the wilderness. They still had to engage in battle with the people who occupied the land in order to fully possess it, and it is the same with us.
As Paul wrote in II Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith.” Although God accepts us as we are in our sinful condition, He cannot leave us there. As a holy God, He cannot abide in our sin, so we go through a time of cleansing and testing to see if our initial commitment to the Lord is true. We have to battle our flesh, the world, and Satan. What has died is the old spiritual man, the one who was literally governed by the ruler of this world, Satan (Jn. 8:44). We now have a new spirit from God, one that now has the ability to do that which is pleasing to God because it is God working in us. Here are a few scriptures that explain it further:
“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Rom. 6:6).
“[This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 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. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 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. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16-25).
“And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others” (Eph. 2:1-3).
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Eph. 4:22-24).
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Tts. 2:11-4).
We live in a sinful, fallen world, and we have been conditioned in thought and deed to do that which is contrary to God. Being born again, we begin a new season of conditioning. We have been rewired to a different source to unlearn and undo all the things we thought and said and did that led to death. What we are battling are the forces that are working against us to prevent us from obtaining the “the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phl. 3:14b).
I hope this has answered your question.
Barbara
Maciek says
May 13, 2012 at 9:58 amDear Barbara
Paul Apostle said once about himself “There is not me ho live any more but Christ lives in me”. I do know that he said this, but I do now also about quality of his life. I know that he said once that he know nothing on himself concerning sin and once put himself as a model to follow as He followed his master Jesus. These things I know about Paul. I know I would like to be like him, more I would love to be like his Master. And here is my concern: Am I able to say to anybody that Christ lives in me. Because if I say so I suppose to be like Christ, to speak like Him, to act like him. If I say Christ lives in me people will watch me and they supose to see Christ. And if I inside of me am not like him, if I do not speak like him (only truth) and do not act like him being able to put my life out of love for my friends and for my enemies I shame Him and shame myself and wrath of God is upon me. So I am very careful there listening to this cheerfull talk about all of us having Christ inside, because what I see in churches to be honest is just shame, shame! What I see on wilderness is just a lot of people who didn’t obey and some fiew just two who went through all the way. All of them were the shadow of new born children of God…? So do not be suprise that I am looking for answers and digging deep because I know who I am and I want to inherit ethernal life. I do not want to be suprise at the and when Master will say I do not know you. This is why I realy want to know Him. Not my imagination of Him but real Him.
My best regards Barbara. And I really appreciate your effort to explain me about being born again and i am very grateful for that
Maciek
Barbara LeFevre says
May 13, 2012 at 1:42 pmMaciek~
You make some very wonderful and true points. Each one of us who claims to have the indwelling Christ needs to live a life worthy of that claim. None of us is perfect, but we need to “work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phl. 2:12). We need to display to our friends and enemies alike that Jesus is truly Lord over our lives and not just Savior.
I agree with you that there is much that is going on in the body of Christ that is all about being “cheerful” rather than being humble and repentant before the Lord, and we need to change if we are going to inherit our final salvation as well as being the witness we are supposed to be to a dying world.
Thank you for your kind comments. I also appreciate your bringing some real concerns to the forefront so that we can judge ourselves rather than God judging us (I Cor. 11:31).
God bless you as you seek a deeper relationship with our Savior!
Barbara
Maciek says
May 12, 2012 at 6:18 amwhy do you say green grace. I don’t want any green grace. Do you give blessing to me?
What blessing is that? do you make fan of me?
Patricia Anderson says
May 12, 2012 at 2:55 amGalatians 2:20 in the KJV renders ‘and the life I now live in the flesh, I live by FAITH OF THE SON OF GOD, who loved me and gave himself for me. Does this original translation from the Greek language, render the meaning as being HIS FAITH (granted to me at salvation) and not my faith I have in the flesh? Having been granted HIS FAITH which is supernatural and which I didn’t have prior to salvation, gives this verse a whole new meaning to me here. Am I right to interpret this verse so? Thank you for your response.
Maciek says
May 12, 2012 at 4:49 amwhould that mean that he had faith during his earthly life and now we should have or are given the same kind or quality of faith as he had?
Lover of Jesus says
May 15, 2012 at 2:41 amGod bless you brother Maciek,
I have been reading the post and I would just like to add something that will help a lot. If you would like to get closer to Christ and be more like Jesus than LOVE is your answer. Love the way Christ Loved you, as you fall deeper in love with Jesus your walk in Christ will improve!No one can say they are without sin, only Jesus was and He was our perfect sacrifice. In Jesus ministry we can see how Jesus manifested love until his last breath, resurrection and still today! Let’s put aside the topic of sin and doctrine, although we cant ignore it but if people…Christians focus more on loving instead of finding and pointing other peoples faults then the world will know that we truly serve a loving God. Jesus came to the world to save it not condemn it, we as believers and followers of Christ she be like Him in this area! I hope this was helpful. When you get a chance look up all the things the WORD of God says about love… you may type in the word love BLB bible /dictionary search engine. God bless you!
John 13:36 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.
Jhn 13:35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.
Maciek says
May 12, 2012 at 6:06 amHow could it be that He had faith. Did He had to believe in God? that God is his father? and that He will rise him from grave?
Jim Schultz says
May 12, 2012 at 9:30 amI Love your questions, they get you to think and your trying to get these guys to think. Good Questions,
My question, what is faith? Is there different kinds of faith? Yes, their is.
What faith is this one?
See the problem is people mix all kinds together and it becomes confusing.
This is great, I’m going to keep reading on.
Thanks
Maciek says
May 12, 2012 at 1:38 pmIn letter to Hebrew is stated that without faith it is impossible to please God. And is said that faith is a conviction of things which cannot be seen. Nobody have seen God so we are expected to have conviction of his existence without seeing him. But not only existence also we are expected to be convicted about his attributes, qualities, indentity and that Jesus fro Nazaret killed by Jews about 2000 years ago is Son of Living God. In letter to Romans is stated that them who didn’t believe are without excuse like it would be our responsibility to acquire that conviction. It seems not to be so easy and that obvious because if it would that man who asked Christ to save his son wouldn’t have been praying in his desperation ” I believe but help my unsbelief.”
Jesus said also that nothing is impossible for one who believe. Do we really have that faith of Christ? Is that faith so obvious to acquire and so common to have?
MESSENGER - 2 says
May 12, 2012 at 4:11 pmBrother Jim Schultz : Shabbat Shalom …to all , Jim God our Father is Not a God of Confusion … the Devil is …Matt.16:23 …!!! Here is an Example of Faith that is available to all … if they Put God and his Christ FIRST …in their Lives … Isaiah58 all … Christ that lives In You and makes you grow in him is to Help the Widows and Orphans , the Homeless , Etc. , to LOVE your Neighbor … Matt.22:36-40 … you Jim as others Are My Neighbor …Plain and Simple to all !!! Glory to God through Christ amen shalom !!! bye 🙂 !
Maciek says
May 13, 2012 at 4:14 amHi Patricia
I like your observation that faith in Jesus Christ may be something different than faith of Jesus Christ. I don’t understand what do you think could be this supernatural faith. But I think that in our conforming to image of God’s Son we supose to look to all aspects of nature of man Christs Jesus and his faith as well if he had one. So we are supose to investigate his faith and seek for it to be like him. How other way would we know him? We should not to be afraid to pose questions. Because questions brings answers. My best regards to you Maciek
steve morrow says
May 12, 2012 at 6:24 amPhilippians 1:27
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of CHRIST
That whether I come and see you or else be absent I may hear of your affairs
That you stand fast in one spirit with one mind
striving TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH OF THE GOSPEL
1 Peter 4:1&2
For as much then as CHRIST hath suffered for us in the flesh
arm yourselves likewise with the same mind
For he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin
(2) That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men
BUT TO THE WILL OF GOD
Acts 22:14
And he said The GOD of our fathers hath chosen thee
That thou shouldest know HIS will And see that JUST ONE
and shouldest hear the voice of HIS mouth
O LORD there is so much to learn
HELP US O LORD TO WAIT UPON YOU TO TEACH US
OUR ONE AND ONLY MASTER OUR LORD OF LORDS
WE PRAY JESUS AND ASK IN YOUR NAME AMEN
LOVING THE LORD JESUS
Jim Schultz says
May 12, 2012 at 9:44 amChrist in YOU!
So I have Christ in me, what now?
What’s available now?
How do I renew my mind to this Christ with in ME?
Renew to what? God’s Word. How? Put in on. HOW?
See what I’m getting at, we have this Christ in us, and lives with in us, so what do I do with it?
I understand it’s a gift, what’s the benefit to the gift of God. How Do I us it?
Isn’t this the main thing in life, get the gift(born from above), now we have it, what do we do with it? Simple question, should have a simple answer, I would think.
Jim
Good Day
Barbara LeFevre says
May 12, 2012 at 12:41 pmJim,
It IS simple! After we are born into the kingdom of God, we are to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ ourselves as well as partnering with Christ to redeem the world back to God by preparing a way for our Lord and making disciples of all nations.
Have a blessed day!
Barbara
MESSENGER - 2 says
May 12, 2012 at 1:47 pmShabbat Shalom ( Sabbath of Peace – Heb.4:1-8 !! ) to all , Brothers Jim Schultz and Maciek … Micah4:1-2 … Excellant Questions … !!! Sister Barbara covered It Well … and It*s Not a Mistake for you to ask … HOW ??? the Next Step is Why you came Here … !!! Elohim ( God of Abraham , Issac , Israel ! ) Created all things … By his Spoken Word … Gen.1:1-3 , John1:1 ,14 … and He Created Adam in his Image and Likeness ( Like Us ! ) !!! TO CREATE as God Creates … Daily …? !!! Is everyday the Same …?? !! Cloudy , Sunny , Rainy , Etc. ??? God is Still Creating … 24/7 … !!! * Faith * Comes BY HEARING … the Word Of God * on EAR – TH … Why God Gave Each of US * TWO EARS * to Listen to the Small Voice Within Us ( Spirit – Breath of Life from God …Gen.2:7 …to Each of Us Here on Earth ? ! ) Not to Our Rational Thinking ( Human Nature – Proverbs16:25 = Me , Myself , I and NOT Willing to * Be Led By Christ * for the * Born Again * Spirit Person inside of You to Grow with your Relationship with Elohim and Yeshua Jesus Christ ? !!! … Please Read All of Hebrews11 to See Of things HOPED FOR … Your Next Step … To HOW of FAITH ??? * NOTE * : Come to God and His Christ as a * Child * … Crying out to God from our Mother*s Womb … we Instinctly … TRUST … Our Parents to Nurture Us …and Supply all our Needs …Like God Does for all of Us …??? !!! The * BIBLE * is NOT JUST A BOOK … like Most People think it Is … It*s a Book Of Prophecy of God Revealing Himself to * Mankind * … and his ETERNAL KINGDOM … AWESOME IS ADONAI …Psalms139:1-18 … !!! Faith to Faith in Jesus Christ and by hearing the Word of God is How we Grow In God and His Christ … Faith Hope Peace Mercy Love from Mount Zion , B – Less You More Like Christ … amen Shalom 🙂 Bye !!! P.S. If I told you that I Love You All ; Would you Hold that Against Me ??? God Loved Us First …1John4:1-8 … It*s God*s Love for Us all amen !!!
Maciek says
May 12, 2012 at 4:57 pmDear Messenger -2
Prov 16:25 doesn’t speak against rational thinking. Prov 16:25 says that man is very often convinced about his way that it is right but it very often lead him to death. Like in one Psalm is written “you did things and I was silent so you thougt I was like you.” But man was obviously wrong in his thinking about God so God punished him. It is a warning to us to be careful and to judge and thorougly examin our ways to be not deceived. And to be thorough in our seeking for Him to be not deceived. How can we be thorough in our understanding of him if we don’t use rational mind?
God gave us our senses to see and listen and smell and touch. He gave us our mind to judge and determine does he exist first, and after that to trust him and be saved from death.
MESSENGER - 2 says
May 12, 2012 at 7:48 pmBrother Maciek : Shalom to all , Please look at my last two posts and the End , bless you and your loved ones … Thanks be to Elohim through Yeshua … amen !!!
Maciek says
May 13, 2012 at 4:16 amwhat do you understand about faith Jim?
steve morrow says
May 12, 2012 at 12:37 pmProverbs 25:14
Whoso boasteth himself a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain
John 4:10
JESUS answered and said unto her if thou knewest the gift of GOD and who it is that saith to thee give me to drink
THOU WOULDEST HAVE ASKED OF HIM AND WOULD HAVE GIVEN THEE LIVING WATER
Proverbs 1:22
HOW LONG YOU SIMPLE ONES WILL YOU LOVE SIMPLICITY
AND THE SCORNERS DELIGHT IN THEIR SCORNING AND FOOLS HATE KNOWLEDGE
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them REPENT and be baptized every one of you in the name of JESUS CHRIST for the remission of sins
AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE THE —GIFT— OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
John 6:63
It is the spirit that quickeneth the —FLESH—profiteth—
nothing—
The words that I speak unto you
THEY ARE SPIRIT
AND THEY ARE LIFE
Proverbs 10:2
Treasures of wickedness —PROFIT—nothing
But righteousness delivereth from death
2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of GOD
and is —PROFITABLE—for doctrine for reproof
for correction —for instruction in RIGHTEOUSNESS—
Romans 5:17
For if by one mans offense death reigned by one
How much more they which receive abundance of grace
AND OF THE GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
shall reign in life by one JESUS CHRIST
Romans 6:18
Being then made free from sin
YOU BECAME THE SERVANTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Romans 6:20
For when you were the servants of sin
YOU WERE FREE FROM RIGHTEOUSNESS
Proverbs 8:8 All the words of MY mouth are in righteousness
There is nothing froward or perverse in them
Psalm 119:172
My tongue shall speak of thy word
For all thy commandments are righteousness
Psalm 119:144
The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting
Give me understanding and I shall live
Titus 2:11&12
For the grace of GOD that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men
(12) TEACHING us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts
we should live soberly—RIGHTEOUSLY— and godly in this present world
Romans 5:21
That as sin hath reigned unto death
EVEN SO MIGHT GRACE REIGN THROUGH RIGHTEOUSNESS
UNTO ETERNAL LIFE BY — JESUS CHRIST —
2 Peter 2:1
Simon Peter a servant and an apostle of JESUS CHRIST
TO THEM THAT HAVE OBTAINED LIKE PRECIOUS FAITH WITH US
THROUGH —THE RIGHTEOUSNESS—OF GOD AND OUR SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST
Romans 10:3
For they being ignorant of GODS RIGHTEOUSNESS
and going about to establish their own righteousness
HAVE NOT SUBMITTED THEMSELVES UNTO THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD
James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to GOD
resist the devil and he will flee from you
Ephesians 2:8&9
For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselvess—IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD—
(9) not of works lest any —man—should boast
Luke 4:22
And all bare HIM witness and wondered at the—gracious words—
that proceeded out of HIS mouth and they said is not this Josephs son
Psalm 45:2
THOU art fairer than the children of men
GRACE is poured into THY lips
Therefore GOD hath blessed thee forever
Isaiah 26:10 NIV
Though Grace is shown to the wicked
they do not learn —RIGHTEOUSNESS—
Even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil
and regard not the majesty of the LORD
Proverbs 8:20
I lead in the WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
in the midst of the paths of judgement
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue
and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof
Proverbs 18:2 ESV
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding
But only in expressing his opinion
Psalm 106:39
Thus were they defiled with their own works
And went a whoring with their own inventions
Matthew 12:36&37
But I say unto you that every idle word that men shall speak
They shall give account thereof in the day of judgement
(37)FOR BY THY WORDS THOU SHALT BE JUSTIFIED AND BY THY WORDS THOU SHALT BE CONDEMNED
HELP US LORD TO UNDERSTAND
LOVING YOU LORD
MESSENGER - 2 says
May 12, 2012 at 5:59 pmShabbat Shalom to all , … Time to * Take Up My Cross * … Matt.16:24-28 … !!! The Cross was a * Roman Instrument of Torture and a Slow Death * … But Represents Yeshua-Jesus*s Taking the * Sins of Mankind * on Him … The Slain Lamb of God Atonement for all … !!! … Jesus Said to take up * your Cross = Your Sins and be Baptized in full submersion under * Water * for the Cleansing of OUR SOULS = Mind , Will , Emotions … To Christ Jesus to Get to God our Father !!! * My Cross * … Instead of Putting on My Game Face like People Do at Churches … Like This … ??? !!! How Are You Doing ??? Great , Fabulous , Magnifiscent … Etc. … !!! Here is My Cross … to bring All People to Mount Zion … Micah4:1-2 … O K ??? … I was born in a Dysphuntional Catholic Home … My Dad was an Alcoholic , My Mom was Stubborn to My Dad … allways looking to Control him … Me as a Little Kid looking out the window at night and asking God …WHY ??? … Going to Church on SUNDAY … with my 4 sisters … and playing the Part of Church … but my Parents Fighting like Cats and Dogs … throughout the Week … ??? !!! I grew up with Secular Teachings in * Public Schools * ( 1960: Creation is Outlawed , Evolution is Mandatory ??? !!! ) and Excelled in learning , got into Peer Pressure to do Drugs … as an Escape from Family Life … Got into Cocaine … snort here … led to Smoking Rock Cocaine … ( Don*t Forget to wear your Sunday Best ? ! ) … Led to Fornicating with Girlfriends … Then Married Women … What a Wretched Sinner i had Become … a * Beast * Like King David Said of Himself about Bathsheba … Putting her Husband in the front lines of Battle to have him Killed , so David Could have his Wife??? Why the Prophet Nathan spoke to King David about the EwE Lamb ( Bath-sheba ) … 2Sam.12:1-9 … Prov.16:25 …!!! … But God Looked to My Broken and Humble Heart … !!! I am Posting this to Help Countless Others … and to Give them HOPE … as God Has Given Me … HOPE … !!! I have Crucified the Flesh Minded Man … with Christ … and I NO LONGER Want to Please the Desires of My Flesh … But to Come to Grow * Daily * to the * Mind of Christ …. Acts5:28-33,38-42 … Your and My Rewards for Suffering for Christ … Rev.21:1-4,7 …Eternal Life … No Pain or Sorrows … Micah4:1-2 … Faith Hope Peace Mercy Love from Mount Zion …bless everyone amen shalom bye !!!
MESSENGER - 2 says
May 12, 2012 at 8:25 pmShalom to all , For those that want to Judge Me of my past … I have been Washed by the Body and the Blood of Jesus … John6:53-56 … Not In Mere Words … But by Faith to Faith in Jesus … By Keeping the Passover Feast … I Have Washed others Feet , and had Unleavened Bread and Wine ( or Grape Juice , or Water if you can*t afford it , Jesus Turned Water into Wine … John2:1-11 ? ! ) thus my sins have been Atoned For … NOT LIP SERVICE … !!! Like an Etchascetch … shaken by the Power of God to Heal … by the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ !!! A Child learns from Dad and Mom by Example … My Parents Tryed to Do the Best they could … back to Their parents … to Adam and Eve … So I have Forgiven my parents … as God Has Forgiven ME … Matt.22:29 … Our Human Nature is Flawed …with Sins from the Parents to the Children … Luke6:35-38 … Luke7:43-48 … !!! A Believer in Jesus LOVES MUCH … when he Has Been Forgiven OF MUCH … AWESOME IS ADONAI … Bless everyone amen shalom !!! bye !!! P.S. I Boast in the Lord !!!
Maciek says
May 13, 2012 at 3:57 amDear Messenger-2 As you have rightly said about The Bible that it is a word of profesy, a witness of God’s actions toward us witness of His Word being spoken to create all universe. We study it seeking God and His Christ. We do it to grow, to change our life, to be conformed into image of His Son. But how can we be fed by this word if we don’t understand it. Word without understanding is just an empty sound. In todays Christian teaching is a lot of emotions, lot of crafty art to stir out our fillings but very small understanding. I have never involve myself in such kind of communication – speaking myself out on such a medium like this. This is a very strange experience like kind of dance like manuet with all of you. We speak up and than listen and in the and i am not sure do we really understand each other. I pose this question about faith because I like Patricia’s observation and expected that we maybe will discuss them to understand. Patricia didn’t answer and really nor of you. The other question was about being born again this phenomenon is also under my researching and I would really appreciate conversation on this topic. There is nothing about showing off or being right it is about parsuing truth and seeking others to be companions on this way. I really appreciate your openness and I also believe that the story of David who murdered husband of Bet-Sheba is there to give us hope that we too will be forgiven. My best reagards. Maciek
MESSENGER - 2 says
May 13, 2012 at 5:17 amBrother Maciek : Shalom to all , I Understand Myself Fully …By God*s Holy Spirit … to Understand You and the 7 Billion plus People that are Looking for Truth … As it is Stated in God*s Holy Word … Not by Power , or By Might , But By My Spirit says the Lord … !!! That is How I Know … and I as Others here are Looking By Faith … to Enter into God*s Kingdom … Forever … into Eternal Life … as Jesus Promised … !!! I as Others Full of God*s Infinite Love … would be tickled to share with you and others what Faith Is and what to Do with It … To God*s Glory … Not our Own … !!! God is Faithfull to Finish the Work in Progress that he is Doing to All that Believe in Jesus Christ Holy Name , Bless everyone … Come to Christ with an Open Heart to Learn of God*s Plan for Humanity … Micah4:1-2 … Peace and Love from Mount Zion … Psalms2:6-7 … Duet.12:11 … amen shalom bye !!!
Maciek says
May 13, 2012 at 10:15 amI am very glad that you understand yourself and me and other seven million people. I see that this understanding is very deep in your heart but I am sorry to not beeing able to be enlighten by it. Because unfortunately your talk is for me incoherent and I cannot even know what you think. I just do not understand your mesage Messenger-2. I am sorry.
MESSENGER - 2 says
May 14, 2012 at 11:58 pmMaciek my and our Brother … Understanding Takes Time …??? !!! Jesus Christ Spent over 3 Years … with the Disiples … !!! … Please spend some time here on BLB*s Blog … Follow what Believers Post … even if you don*t Post … Study like school for your Soul – Mind , Will , Emotions … O K ??? … One World , One Love , United with our Maker … Awesome is Adonai the Lord … !!! … Fish go in Schools … and Work together ??? And they carry No Books … God*s Spirit shows them HOW … blessings from Mount Zion amen shalom !!! …
MESSENGER - 2 says
May 13, 2012 at 4:49 amBrother Mathew , Shalom to all , Mathew this one is for You … blessings from Mount Zion … !!! … * Melchisedek * King of Salem * Brought Forth *** Bread and Wine *** to Bless Abraham from the Battle of the Kings and to Rescue his Brother Lot … Gen.14:18-24… !!! Jesus Christ Brought *** Bread and Wine *** to the Passover Feast and the Last Supper with the 12 Disiples …John6:32-35,47-51,53-56… !!! … Heb.7:All … Jesus Christ Came from the Seed of David from the Tribe of Judah … Not from the Tribe Of * Levi * … Vs.14 and Vs.27-28… But Ties into …Gen.49:10 … !!!… Please Look at …Heb.9:all … Jesus Christ in the * Order Of Melchisedek * Awesome is the Lord of Host , bless everyone amen shalom 🙂 bye !!!
MESSENGER - 2 says
May 13, 2012 at 6:32 amPhilip and the Eunuch … NOT Understanding Scripture … ? !!! Shalom to All , as * Living Waters * come from the Throne of God and the Lamb … Ezek.47:1-13 … Rev.22:1-7 … to God*s ELECT … !!! … Acts8:26-35 …Vs.30-31 … Is KEY … How Can I * Understand * UNLESS Some * Man * ( Or Angel ) Guide Him Or Her … ??? !!! … Prov.1:3 … Psalms119:98-100 … Faith Hope Peace Mercy Love from Mount Zion blessings of Hope and Love from our Father through Christ …amen shalom !!!bye !!
MESSENGER - 2 says
May 13, 2012 at 7:18 amHey Mathew and Steve Morrow , Shalom Are You Both * UnderCover Brothers * for God when you Go to Sleep ?… Hee Hee !!! Under the Covers or Blankets …zzzzzzzzz Paul knew a Man that went to the * 3 rd Heaven *… ENOCH … !!! zzzzzzzzzzzz good Day M8*s … Isaiah58:7-11 …Peace and love from Up Above amen shalom !!!
steve morrow says
May 13, 2012 at 3:39 pmHelp us O LORD to not have a haughty spirit
Help us O LORD that we would have understanding
and then when you give it to us help us that we
would not ignore it in favor of mans opinions
and imaginations Help us O LORD that we would obey you
and not be children of disobedience Help us O lord that
we would be your children children of righteousness
not children of unrighteousness We ask in prayer
according to the will of HIM who sent you
IN YOUR NAME JESUS I PRAY
Ephesians 4:4-6
There is one body and one spirit
EVEN AS YOU 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
Luke 8:24
And they came to him saying MASTER MASTER we perish
Then HE arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water
and they ceased and there was calm
Luke 8:25
And HE said unto them where is your faith
and they being afraid wondered saying one to another
what manner of man is this for HE commandeth even the winds
and the water AND THEY OBEY HIM
Psalm 119:138
THY TESTIMONIES THAT THOU HAST COMMANDED
ARE RIGHTEOUS AND VERY—-FAITHFUL—-
Psalm 119:86
ALL THY COMMANDMENTS ARE—-FAITHFUL—
they persecute me wrongfully help thou me
John 15:9&10
As the FATHER has loved ME so have I loved you
CONTINUE IN MY LOVE
(10)—-IF YOU KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS—-
you shall abide in MY love even as I have kept MY FATHERS
COMMANDMENTS and abide in HIS love
John 14:14&15
IF YOU SHALL ASK anything in MY name I will do it
(15) IF YOU LOVE ME KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS
Luke 6:46
And why call ye ME LORD LORD
AND DO NOT THE THINGS WHICH I SAY
Mark 7:9
And HE said unto them full well you reject the commandments
of GOD that you may keep your own tradition
Colossians 1:5
For THE HOPE which is laid up for you in heaven
whereof you heard before
IN THE WORD OF THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL
Colossians 1:23
IF YOU CONTINUE IN THE FAITH
grounded and settled and be not moved away from
—-THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL—-
which you have heard and which was preached to every creature
which is under heaven wherefore I Paul am made a minister
Philippians 1:27
Only let your conversation be as it becometh
—THE GOSPEL of CHRIST—
That whether I come and see you or else be absent I may hear of your affairs that you stand fast
IN ONE SPIRIT WITH ONE MIND
STRIVING — TOGETHER — FOR THE —FAITH—OF THE GOSPEL
Romans 15:1&2
More over brethren I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you which also you have received and wherein
you stand
(2) BY WHICH ALSO YOU ARE SAVED
—IF YOU KEEP IN MEMORY— what I preached unto you
unless you have believed in vain
2 Corinthians 4:3&4
But if our gospel be hid
IT IS HID TO THEM THAT ARE LOST
(4)In whom the god of this world hath blinded
the minds of them that believe not
LEST THE LIGHT OF THE GLORIOUS GOSPEL OF CHRIST
who is the image of GOD should shine unto them
Psalm 119:130
The entrance of thy words giveth light
IT GIVETH UNDERSTANDING UNTO THE —SIMPLE—
Psalm 119:133
Order my steps in thy word
and let not any iniquity have —dominion—over me
Isaiah 8:20
To the law and to the testimony
IF THEY SPEAK NOT ACCORDING TO THIS WORD
IT IS BECAUSE THERE IS NO LIGHT IN THEM
1 Peter 1:23
Being born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible
BY THE WORD OF GOD WHICH LIVETH AND ABIDETH FOREVER
1 Peter 1:24 For all flesh is as grass and all the glory of man as the flower of grass
THE GRASS WITHERETH AND THE FLOWER THEREOF FALLETH AWAY
John 6:63
It is the spirit that quickeneth
THE —FLESH— PROFITETH nothing
The words I speak unto you
they are spirit
They are life
1 Peter 1:25
BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURETH FOREVER
AND THIS IS THE WORD
WHICH BY THE GOSPEL IS PREACHED UNTO YOU
James 1:2&3
My brethren count it all joy
when you fall into diverse temptations
(3) Knowing this that the TRYING OF YOUR FAITH WORKETH PATIENCE
James 1:4&5
But let patience have her perfect work
That you may be perfect and entire wanting nothing
(5) IF ANY OF YOU LACK WISDOM LET HIM—ASK—of GOD
that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not
and it shall be given to him
James 1:6
But let him ask in—faith—nothing wavering
For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea
Driven with the wind and tossed
James 1:7&8
For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing
of the LORD
(8)A DOUBLE MINDED MAN IS UNSTABLE IN ALL HIS WAYS
1 John 5:14
And this is the confidence that we have in HIM
That –IF– we ask any thing according to HIS will
HE HEARETH US
1John 5:15
AND IF WE KNOW that HE HEAR us whatsoever we ask
we know that we have the petitions that desired of HIM
Revelation 19:10
And I fell at his feet to worship him
Ans he said unto me see thou do it not
I am thy fellow servant and of the brethren
That have the testimony of JESUS WORSHIP GOD
FOR THE TEASTIMONY OF JESUS IS THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY
Matthew 23:8
But be ye not called Rabbi
For one is your master EVEN CHRIST
and all ye are BRETHREN
Luke 8:14
And that which fell among thorns
are they which when they have heard
go forth and are choked with —cares—and riches—and
pleasures—- of this life
and bring no fruit to perfection
Luke 8:21
And HE answered and said unto them
MY mother and MY brethren are these which
HEAR THE WORD OF GOD AND DO IT
1 Timothy 4:6
IF THOU PUT THE BRETHREN in remembrance of these things
Thou shalt be a good minister of JESUS CHRIST
NOURISHED UP IN THE—-THE WORDS OF FAITH—-
and of good doctrine where unto thou hast attained
1 Timothy 6:3&4
IF—ANY MAN— teach other wise
and consent not to wholesome words
EVEN THE WORDS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
AND TO THE DOCTRINE WHICH IS ACCORDING TO GODLINESS
(4)HE IS—PROUD—KNOWING NOTHING……………..
Psalm 94:4
How long shall they utter and speak hard things
And all the workers of iniquity boast themselves
Psalm 44:8
In GOD we boast all the day long
and praise thy name for ever… Selah
LOVING THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
MESSENGER - 2 says
May 15, 2012 at 12:30 amAMEN Brother Steve Morrow : Awesome Post …!!!…Bless you and your Loved ones … amen shalom !!!…