I'm new

[Brock]

Dear Brother Brock, if your brother ever really received Jesus as his Savior he's got nowhere to go other than like the prodigal son did in Lk 15:11-32. The world is rough.

I ask many to read this pamphlet I wrote at the following link titled Salvation with Security. You've got to know your place in Christ to help those you love, and many times your faithfulness and walk with God has more persuasion than all you can say.
Salvation with Security – 1, 2, 3
http://www.christianforums.net/Fell...ds/salvation-with-security-parts-1-2-3.52236/

There is also an armor provided for us to fight the wiles of the devil, and it is God's word; learn it with all your might. The following short post covers it.
The Armor of God
http://www.christianforums.net/Fellowship/index.php?threads/the-armor-of-god.51558/

I pray they are of great comfort and peace to your life in Jesus' name.

Hi I read your pamphlet it was really good but I figured out that I was being self righteous can you give me some bible verses to remind me that I need Jesus to go to heaven and that I can't earn my way thank you and God bless.

 

[Eugene]

Can you give me some bible verses to remind me that I need Jesus to go to heaven and that I can't earn my way thank you and God bless.

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God

It's by His grace that we will do anything. Matthew 11:29-30. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart." You have been freed from the law, so do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage." Don't let anyone pull you into a salvation by works of the law message: just don't get entangled or even listen to it.

Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other (than Jesus): for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Brock, working your way to heaven is impossible as we read of in Luk 10:25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
Luk 10:26 He (Jesus) said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
Luk 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
Luk 10:28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

Notice that there is nothing suggesting that this lawyer could accomplish that task. Who other than Jesus ever did?
Next we can read of the one in Mar 10:17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
Jesus answered in Mar 10:19, Thou knowest the commandments . . . (Don’t do anything wrong?)
Mar 10:20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
Mar 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest (There’s always something lacking in our best efforts): go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

The very ten commandments are called a ministration of death; not life. It only points us to the fact that it shows us we need help, and that is given by grace in Christ only. 2 Cor 3:7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, . . . That is the very revelation of good and evil we read of that Adam and Eve partook of know of as the tree of knowledge of good and evil in Gen 2:9, and confirms it in Gen 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil.

I’ll leave off here lest I write a book and await any questions.

 

[Brock]

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God

It's by His grace that we will do anything. Matthew 11:29-30. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart." You have been freed from the law, so do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage." Don't let anyone pull you into a salvation by works of the law message: just don't get entangled or even listen to it.

Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other (than Jesus): for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Brock, working your way to heaven is impossible as we read of in Luk 10:25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
Luk 10:26 He (Jesus) said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
Luk 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
Luk 10:28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

Notice that there is nothing suggesting that this lawyer could accomplish that task. Who other than Jesus ever did?
Next we can read of the one in Mar 10:17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
Jesus answered in Mar 10:19, Thou knowest the commandments . . . (Don’t do anything wrong?)
Mar 10:20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
Mar 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest (There’s always something lacking in our best efforts): go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

The very ten commandments are called a ministration of death; not life. It only points us to the fact that it shows us we need help, and that is given by grace in Christ only. 2 Cor 3:7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, . . . That is the very revelation of good and evil we read of that Adam and Eve partook of know of as the tree of knowledge of good and evil in Gen 2:9, and confirms it in Gen 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil.

I’ll leave off here lest I write a book and await any questions.

What does take your cross deny yourself and follow me mean and thank you God bless

 

[Eugene]

What does take your cross deny yourself and follow me mean and thank you God bless

Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

An excerpt from a bible study of Matthew makes this following statement:
“The Master not only declares His own path of humiliation, but announces it also as the path of His followers. He warns us all, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it.”
Applicable to Jesus words is the scripture Paul wrote in 1 Cor 11:1. Be ye followers of me (Paul), even as I also am of Christ. Why? Paul’s words were especially revealed to Paul by our risen Savior in Gal 1:12. It’s warning relevant in Rom 2:16? In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

To take this a bit further Rom 8:17 has promise in the cross we bear.
Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; IF so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

 

[Brock]

Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

An excerpt from a bible study of Matthew makes this following statement:
“The Master not only declares His own path of humiliation, but announces it also as the path of His followers. He warns us all, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it.”
Applicable to Jesus words is the scripture Paul wrote in 1 Cor 11:1. Be ye followers of me (Paul), even as I also am of Christ. Why? Paul’s words were especially revealed to Paul by our risen Savior in Gal 1:12. It’s warning relevant in Rom 2:16? In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

To take this a bit further Rom 8:17 has promise in the cross we bear.
Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; IF so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Are you saying its like a burden

 

[Eugene]

What does take your cross deny yourself and follow me mean

Are you saying its like a burden

Php 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (Not win Jesus as my Savior, but as my bridegroom)
Php 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

To what extent did Paul go for the excellencies of promise he pursued of winning Christ?
2 Cor 11:24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
2 Cor 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
2 Cor 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
2 Cor 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
2 Cor 11:28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
2 Cor 11:29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
2 Cor 11:30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

Burden? Yes, but yet again with a goal.
2 Tim 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
2 Tim 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him . . . (the joint heirs of Rom 8:17?)

 

[Brock]

Php 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (Not win Jesus as my Savior, but as my bridegroom)
Php 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

To what extent did Paul go for the excellencies of promise he pursued of winning Christ?
2 Cor 11:24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
2 Cor 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
2 Cor 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
2 Cor 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
2 Cor 11:28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
2 Cor 11:29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
2 Cor 11:30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

Burden? Yes, but yet again with a goal.
2 Tim 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
2 Tim 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him . . . (the joint heirs of Rom 8:17?)

Luke 9:23New International Version (NIV)
23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Jesus say we MUST do this DAILY I think these verses you've shown me are talking about Paul's persecution not him taking up his cross. Now don't get me wrong I'm willing to do anything for Christ but persecution is something that will come naturally and happens to all believers 1 John 3:13
Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. You can't put yourself into suffering in my opinion

 

[Eugene]

Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. You can't put yourself into suffering in my opinion

Just my opinion, but Jesus said it this way concerning Paul in Act 9:16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. In Christ we are Christ's workmanship; a work in progress.
Php 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Luk 21:12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.
AND did this become reality to Paul?
Act 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

What about Job? What had he agreed to that God allowed in his life?
Job 1:8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
Job 1:12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he (Job) hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand.

And yet we read in Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 

[Brock]

Just my opinion, but Jesus said it this way concerning Paul in Act 9:16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. In Christ we are Christ's workmanship; a work in progress.
Php 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Luk 21:12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.
AND did this become reality to Paul?
Act 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

What about Job? What had he agreed to that God allowed in his life?
Job 1:8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
Job 1:12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he (Job) hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand.

And yet we read in Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

I respect your opinion I've heard it means to do whatever life calls for that day complete submission to God I tend to agree with that

 

[Brock]

Dear Brother Brock, if your brother ever really received Jesus as his Savior he's got nowhere to go other than like the prodigal son did in Lk 15:11-32. The world is rough.

I ask many to read this pamphlet I wrote at the following link titled Salvation with Security. You've got to know your place in Christ to help those you love, and many times your faithfulness and walk with God has more persuasion than all you can say.
Salvation with Security – 1, 2, 3
http://www.christianforums.net/Fell...ds/salvation-with-security-parts-1-2-3.52236/

There is also an armor provided for us to fight the wiles of the devil, and it is God's word; learn it with all your might. The following short post covers it.
The Armor of God
http://www.christianforums.net/Fellowship/index.php?threads/the-armor-of-god.51558/

I pray they are of great comfort and peace to your life in Jesus' name.

I don't think video games are sin but what do you think ps im not having doubts whether it's a sin or not just curious

 

[Eugene]

I don't think video games are sin but what do you think ps im not having doubts whether it's a sin or not just curious

Good morning Brother Brock.
When I read the seventh chapter of Romans, and the battle Paul has with the flesh, and then begins Rom 8:1 with THEREFORE. That means that looking back at everything he experienced he could point to Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me, and then Paul says “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus!!”

Next I would ask if a video game was really sinful; I fight enemy forces, the devil, and any manner of other goals as a matter of competing. If it would bother your conscience, it’s time to change the game I suppose. I pass time with a game called Diablo that allows me to win competing to do so with the smallest score possible or largest; it’s entertaining and I suppose many would be devastated at the thought and shouldn't play that game.

 

[Brock]

Good morning Brother Brock.
When I read the seventh chapter of Romans, and the battle Paul has with the flesh, and then begins Rom 8:1 with THEREFORE. That means that looking back at everything he experienced he could point to Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me, and then Paul says “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus!!”

Next I would ask if a video game was really sinful; I fight enemy forces, the devil, and any manner of other goals as a matter of competing. If it would bother your conscience, it’s time to change the game I suppose. I pass time with a game called Diablo that allows me to win competing to do so with the smallest score possible or largest; it’s entertaining and I suppose many would be devastated at the thought and shouldn't play that game.

Games I always stay away from are demonic games but I like a wide variety of games I'm currently playing mass effect andromeda it's fun but I never felt conviction for playing games where you murder people because they're not actually people they have no soul no feelings so to me playing video games is fine except for me I can't play games with demonic symbols an content it bothers me too much

 

[Brock]

Good morning Brother Brock.
When I read the seventh chapter of Romans, and the battle Paul has with the flesh, and then begins Rom 8:1 with THEREFORE. That means that looking back at everything he experienced he could point to Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me, and then Paul says “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus!!”

Next I would ask if a video game was really sinful; I fight enemy forces, the devil, and any manner of other goals as a matter of competing. If it would bother your conscience, it’s time to change the game I suppose. I pass time with a game called Diablo that allows me to win competing to do so with the smallest score possible or largest; it’s entertaining and I suppose many would be devastated at the thought and shouldn't play that game.

Hey, me again, I have a question, is it bad that I feel like I'm only following Christ because I want to go to heaven I love God but I don't feel the love for him any advice

 

[Eugene]

Hey, me again, I have a question, is it bad that I feel like I'm only following Christ because I want to go to heaven I love God but I don't feel the love for him any advice

Good to hear from you. Realization of what God has saved you from comes from experience and you become grateful. For me love is built not only on familiarization, but with having had Jesus in the fires of my life supporting me regardless my stupidity. Love is the product of knowledge many times, and just as we read in 2 Pet 3:18, But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

I see people hear a song at times begin crying, and depending on its application to me I may weep with them. My beautiful wife was what I believed as being someone I wanted most in my youth, but as I drug her around the country, had children, watched and participated with her in the lives she build; including mine, and then went through all the trials normally associated with maturing my love grew. Now after sixty years together, her health failing, and my responsibility increasing there could not be all the others in the world take her place. How does that happen?

In Christ we are in the very family of God, and He will never leave of forsake us as Heb 13:5 tells us, but then we learn to draw neared to Him and a young member on these forums played this hymn on his piano for us, and then I saw this You Tube showing a famous musician bringing part of the audience to tears. I reckon the old cliché “Beauty is in the eye if the beholder” becomes real and heartfelt as memories and love grows. Brother Brock, if I haven’t mentioned the prodigal son of Luke 15:11-32, a certain son went out from his father, found himself in want, and finally returned. He never became less of a son, his father watched for him, had kept a robe, a ring, and shoes for him all the time he wandered, and they rejoiced together.

The Hymn “Nearer, my God, to Thee” can bring tears to some as you’ll observe at around minute 4:00. I reckon I really can’t explain what occurs, but I can feel it.

 

[Brock]

Good to hear from you. Realization of what God has saved you from comes from experience and you become grateful. For me love is built not only on familiarization, but with having had Jesus in the fires of my life supporting me regardless my stupidity. Love is the product of knowledge many times, and just as we read in 2 Pet 3:18, But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

I see people hear a song at times begin crying, and depending on its application to me I may weep with them. My beautiful wife was what I believed as being someone I wanted most in my youth, but as I drug her around the country, had children, watched and participated with her in the lives she build; including mine, and then went through all the trials normally associated with maturing my love grew. Now after sixty years together, her health failing, and my responsibility increasing there could not be all the others in the world take her place. How does that happen?

In Christ we are in the very family of God, and He will never leave of forsake us as Heb 13:5 tells us, but then we learn to draw neared to Him and a young member on these forums played this hymn on his piano for us, and then I saw this You Tube showing a famous musician bringing part of the audience to tears. I reckon the old cliché “Beauty is in the eye if the beholder” becomes real and heartfelt as memories and love grows. Brother Brock, if I haven’t mentioned the prodigal son of Luke 15:11-32, a certain son went out from his father, found himself in want, and finally returned. He never became less of a son, his father watched for him, had kept a robe, a ring, and shoes for him all the time he wandered, and they rejoiced together.

The Hymn “Nearer, my God, to Thee” can bring tears to some as you’ll observe at around minute 4:00. I reckon I really can’t explain what occurs, but I can feel it.

Hey I'm getting bad thoughts about selling my soul to the devil which I would never do any advice

These keep coming back do you have them, is this a test, I have been struggling with what is called intrusive thoughts for a while any advice.

 

[Eugene]

Hey I'm getting bad thoughts about selling my soul to the devil which I would never do any advice
These keep coming back do you have them, is this a test, I have been struggling with what is called intrusive thoughts for a while any advice.

Normally my experience with thoughts is the results of reading or seeing certain stimulus. Prov 4:23 warns us to guard our hearts because everything flows from it. We're given armor against such attacks, and Eph 6:16 says: Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Basically fear is the opposite of faith, and that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Rom 10:17). Brother Brock, get into your bible until you know there is no way God is going to lose you to Satan after the price He paid for you; it cost the very life of Jesus.
Now medically I have no idea what may be the cause of what you term intrusive thoughts, but I've even heard of certain music implanting bad thoughts. Examine what you're taking in.

 

[Brock]

Normally my experience with thoughts is the results of reading or seeing certain stimulus. Prov 4:23 warns us to guard our hearts because everything flows from it. We're given armor against such attacks, and Eph 6:16 says: Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Basically fear is the opposite of faith, and that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Rom 10:17). Brother Brock, get into your bible until you know there is no way God is going to lose you to Satan after the price He paid for you; it cost the very life of Jesus.
Now medically I have no idea what may be the cause of what you term intrusive thoughts, but I've even heard of certain music implanting bad thoughts. Examine what you're taking in.

The stuff I take in is not the cause of it, it's the devil but I have faith that God will take them away

 

[Chopper]

What does take your cross deny yourself and follow me mean and thank you God bless

Good morning Brock. I've been following your posts of questions with interest. I must say that I'm impressed with the quality of your questions. You will certainly grow supernaturally as you focus on growing spiritually in Christ Jesus. I see that a very good friend of mine is helping you with your questions. Eugene is tops in my book. He has a vast amount of study material that he has composed over the years. If you stick with him, you can't go wrong.

I'd like to add one thought to taking your cross and deny yourself. The cross implies "sacrificial death". The following Scripture is what I'm referring to....Romans 8:12 "So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—
8:13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live."

So, to "Take up your cross" means to kill your flesh by saying no to the sins that your flesh desires to do.

Love You Brother, keep asking those important questions.

 

[Brock]

Good morning Brock. I've been following your posts of questions with interest. I must say that I'm impressed with the quality of your questions. You will certainly grow supernaturally as you focus on growing spiritually in Christ Jesus. I see that a very good friend of mine is helping you with your questions. Eugene is tops in my book. He has a vast amount of study material that he has composed over the years. If you stick with him, you can't go wrong.

I'd like to add one thought to taking your cross and deny yourself. The cross implies "sacrificial death". The following Scripture is what I'm referring to....Romans 8:12 "So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—
8:13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live."

So, to "Take up your cross" means to kill your flesh by saying no to the sins that your flesh desires to do.

Love You Brother, keep asking those important questions.

Hey I'm getting bad thoughts about selling my soul to the devil which I would never do any advice

Thanks and any advice on this

 

[Chopper]

Hi there my new friend Brock. The enemy of your soul, Satan, will plant suggestions in your mind, day and night. His tactics are, if he, Satan, can suggest an evil thought in your mind, either by a dream at night or by day in a book or by the internet, if he can suggest that thought over and over without stopping, you might fall for it by abandoning Christ for money, fame, or a multitude of fleshly desires, he will win over Jesus, and capture you, and have a great boast before God.

Does this help?

Love You,
Chopper