My Inward Jesus!
Do you believe Jesus is in you? Now let me begin by saying to you that I believe he resides within every single human being, but the question is "Do you believe?" Many christians today talk about Jesus living in them but it’s based solely on their invitation of Him into their hearts and they really are not sure. Most christians that I have known who are honest live in a constant doubt of their relationship with Jesus. Paul the apostle makes the following statement that speaks to this subject:
2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you — unless, of course, you fail the test?
As you examine yourself, as you test yourself, do you not see JESUS IS IN YOU. He didn’t say Jesus might be in you, he said JESUS IS IN YOU. You may not believe it and fail the test of faith, but let us be clear that whether you pass the test of faith or not JESUS IS STILL IN YOU. Now if you pass the test then by far you are way ahead of this challenging journey we call LIFE because you realize that there is a power within you that is beyond your control to destroy or ignore.
Now it’s also important to define this inward Jesus. For me it’s quite easy for I see him within me as the best part of who I am, a part that has always been with me and never will leave me. I see him as the Perfect Love that speaks to me when my love is imperfect. I also see this same Perfect Love in everyone I meet. Oh, I know sometimes it’s hard to see because of all the garbage that some people have collected into their lives, but if you look deep enough you will always see this Perfect Love I define as Jesus.
The following video is by Rabbi David Aaron on LOVE and even though I don’t know much about him I believe he makes my point in his own way. Whether you see this inward connection as Jesus or by some other name it’s power is the same in all of us. WE ARE ALL CONNECTED. Wouldn’t it be great if we could all see this?
Oh, whoa there, Kimosabe!! I think you been jogging along on ol’ Silver there just a few hours too many. Your brain’s gotten disconnected from both reality and the Holy Spirit at the same time. You need to get down and take a rest and reconsider some things.
There are so many concepts in this article that are absolutely non-Biblical that I don’t even know where to start. And not just this one - the other ones on this page are just as absurd.
You’ve been examining Silver’s droppings, thinking God’s dropped some wisdom on you from above.
Gosh, Richard… I hope you’ll at least take a crack at where Cliff’s disconnect lies. Won’t you help him out?
Yeah please Richard….help me out, I’m so confused now that you have enlightened me with all your wisdom. Please point out just where I am so disconnected.
And while you are at it Richard please leave contact info when you post here. Please don’t hit and run. Or do we already know who you are? Stick around but let us know who we are talking to and what it is that makes you so wise? And please try to be more civil in your comments because NO ONE who post here as been examining any HORSE SHIT THINKING IT IS GOD DROPPED WISDOM! We all have lived with your kind of condescending thinking and talk in the past and I for one will not tolerate it any longer. Again you are welcome here but PLEASE do not insult us anymore!
Peace
Geo
Ahh Richard, you must know of at least ONE place where you can start if it is so obvious. At least we would all know at least a bit of where we have all gone so off base. I must say that my “horse droppings” teaching came when I was involved in the evangelical church. I am now free and the “horse dropping” bondage I was placed under for years and years is gone.
There are so many concepts in this article that are absolutely non-Biblical that I don’t even know where to start. And not just this one - the other ones on this page are just as absurd.
Which ones? Enlighten us, please! Oh, and have the cajones to leave AT LEAST your email address!
Hey we are here because we all came from where you are, but before you jugge Cliff or the rest of us here try to keep and open mind.
We here have all been involed in organized religion since who knows when so just because you are not asking the questions we are or think the way you think does not make us wrong we are just the few who where willing to go out side the camp and really question the things we where taught .
Beleive me I have been taught by who I thought was the best .Even grace teachers don’t have it together but Cliff I know does. He has and know’s his own experience with God and those who know and experience God is what matters to me. You can not tell me how to experience God . What He tells me is not what he is going to tell you, Yes many will say this is God but beleive me from experince I knowthat now what so call beleivers say is not always God. Only our own relationship apart from others can we say is God we are all individuals and God will not tell you what he’s not told you what He has told me . Yes some lesons come hard but He knows what is best for me .So instead of following what the religious leaders say I will question my God to know the truth and so far Cliff has not sia anything i know from my own experience to be true and that I don’t I question God to show me
Richard,i think if you go consider what the apostal paul called dung.It might just set your feet on the journey of grace.
Now cilff my friend,The kingdom of God our father is truely an kingdom of the heart.This is what we are finding day after day,as you and i are growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Mighty savior.The fruit of the spirit of grace is alway’s with us.For he continue’s to reveal to us and in us,our only hope of glory, Christ our Lord and the lord of all,not a select few.You, like us all cliff, are comming into greater revealtion of just how wonderful God’s kingdom of the heart really is.For in your innermost being you will fine the all embracing compassion of christ.
continue in his love cliff alway’s,for love is the fulfilment of all the law,as our savior taught us all.
Your friend,
kenneth
Thanks to all for your warm words of encouragement. I do believe people like Richard are really fighting with themselves and their harsh words are crys of help. I am certain that in their own hearts they know their judgments are inapropriate and they will always feel the constant sting of their own condemnations. I hope his transformation comes quickly, but slow or quick it will come for it is not Richard who is in charge but the great BEING OF BEINGS WE CALL GOD.
Someone said earlier:
“Even grace teachers don’t have it together but Cliff I know does”.
Please do not take this the wrong way but HAHAHAHAHAHA!
No one here at Bold Grace has it ALL together. But HE (Jesus) does have US ALL together in Him. The reason I laughed at the statement Cliff has it all together is that I don’t for a minute think Cliff wants anyone to think he has it all together? Do you Cliff? Although I also know what the writer of the statement meant also. I also know that by making that statement the writer is speaking from the heart and the heart is GOOD!
Peace
Geo
Sometimes I think Christianity is like a game. The better we know the rules, the better we can play the game. And we can even use the rules to overpower our opponent… break them into submission with our expertise. The goal is, as in any game, to win. Winning proves our superiority, and confirms our greatness.
After all, life is about “winning”, isn’t it? To the victor goes the spoils!
Geo, You are right…..I don’t for a minute think I have it altogether, but I do appreciate what Jenn is saying from her heart and she has a wonderful, loving, and good heart……..I truly hope she also believes that!
Bruce, Unfortunately the Christian game is about winning and that’s why I got completely out of that game. Today my game is a solo match between myself and my own thoughts and I am convinced that in that game we all eventually WIN.
My name is Richard Trimble. My e-mail address is thewayfarer@earthlink.net. I do not hide.
First of all, I must apologize for my attitude expressed in my post. It was, in fact, inappropriate, crudely spoken, and far unnecessarily harsh. I ask your forgiveness.
It invited and did what I frequently speak against, which is - becoming involved in arguments and dissensions. Again, I regret that, repent, ask your forgiveness.
However, to respond to your questions - I would like to hear someone’s answer to this: Why does Paul instruct them to test themselves to see whether they are in the faith? And, if they fail the test that they are in the faith, what does it mean?
“Whether you pass or fail the test,” according to you, “JESUS IS STILL IN YOU.” What is there to test, if the answer is irrelevant except for a reason to pat yourself on the back?
I really am curious to read your answers, but I probably won’t engage in discussion about it. It’s fruitless because all it can produce is “I am right and you are wrong.”
Part of the problem is the truth of your statement, “Many christians today talk about Jesus living in them but it’s based solely on their invitation of Him into their hearts and they really are not sure. Most christians that I have known who are honest live in a constant doubt of their relationship with Jesus.” If the New Testament is claimed by anyone to be anything near to expressing the truth about God, please understand that in no place is it stated or implied that one becomes a Christian by inviting Jesus into their heart. Certainly they are uncertain. Certainly they live in constant doubt. Anyone who relies on having said that little prayer is in certain peril and absoposilutively should be in constant doubt.
Even before that issue comes up, you say, “that I believe he resides within every single human being.” What then is the reason that the Lord Jesus was crucified as a propitiation for our sins? What sins? Why a propitiation? If Christ, in fact, resides in each one of us anyway, whether we have ever heard of Him or know about Him or know that He is in us or even care that He is or is not in us, what’s the point of this whole thing. It’s a drama no one needs to watch or even know about.
May God richly bless each one of you. Again, I do regret my attitude.
Richard Trimble
“that I believe he resides within every single human being.” If He does so, then that statement contradicts the clearly revealed Word of God that Jesus Himself was the only BEGOTTEN Son of God. “But what does it say? ‘The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.’ - that is the Word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in righteousness.”
Jesus Himself stated unequivocably that we must be born again. And again Jesus Himself unequivocably stated that to be born again requires that a person believe in Him.
Why is it necessary then that we be born again if we, in fact, have the Christ in us already? If He is in us already, whether we know it or not, then we are also begotten sons of God and that is categorically untrue, if you believe that the Bible comes anywhere near to revealing the Truth to us that is in the Lord Jesus Christ.
What you propound is simply the same gnostic type of horse-swallop that has been shoveled out since satan told Eve that God was afraid that we would become as He is - gods. It’s the oldest lie in the world.
Richard, I accept your apology and thankyou for your questions. You are right that aguments and dissentions are important to stay away from.
As far as Paul’s instruction and the basis of my post let me say that being in the faith is the acceptance or awareness that you always have been and always will be a child of God. It’s kind of like gravity; if you get on top of a house and jump will you fall? Now, if you don’t believe in gravity and you get on top of the house and jump will you still fall? The answer is of course “YES”. It’s the same with Jesus; Believing in him does not cause him to be in you, but believing in him does bring to your consious awareness that you have a great power within that has always been there.
As far as the story of Eve and Satan; Let me remind you that Satan tempted Eve that she needed to do something (eat of the tree of the knowledge of good & evil) to BE LIKE GOD. The fact is she was already like God but Satan was successful in getting her to believe otherwise. Now, just because she believed his lie did that make her less like God? I think not, except in her mind and since that time God has been working his plan to re-new our minds back to the reality of who we are.
I hope this helps and please feel free to come back anytime.
I think, once again, that we’re dealing with “apples and oranges”. One’s understanding of the Bible is at the center of this discussion. Infallibility, inerrancy, one’s belief as to the effacacy of the “entire” collection of what we presently call the Bible, is what’s at stake. Very well spoken, Cliff. I know you are headed in the right direction.
Bruce:
Am I born again? Yes!
Your next question must run something along this line – How do you know?
The answer is: Because the Word of God says that I am. In John 3 Jesus plainly told Nicodemus that unless a person is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God. This obviously confuses Nicodemus, so he asks for clarification. Jesus said that unless a person is born again out of the Spirit (after having been born out of water – does anyone really doubt this means physical human birth?), he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus then equates seeing and entering the Kingdom of God with having eternal life. He then defines that having eternal life means not being judged, escaping the condemnation, and thus being saved. He thus equates all that is in eternal life with seeing and entering the Kingdom of God and with being born again. This really is plain English, folks. All of that, namely being born again et al, results from abandoning all other hope of achieving any of those and committing oneself completely in dependence on the Only Begotten Son of God and what He has done and is doing for us. I have done that.
It is not because I feel or don’t feel something. It is not because of any goodness or virtue in me, before or after the fact. It is entirely because He says so and performs it.
So, back to your question – Richard, are you born again? Yes. Your next question must be of necessity an argumentum ad hominem – that’s Latin for an argument against the person, to deter the thread of the proofs, i.e. attack the person as an unreliable source of information and so attempt to invalidate his argument. It doesn’t work. Or you must return to the thread of the argument and do something to either agree with or disagree with what I have stated. If someone agrees, then there is no more disagreement. If someone disagrees, then there is still no more disagreement, in essence because I do not argue any further – there is no reason to do so. The truth is there in plain black and white. Be certain to actually read John chapter 3, all the way to verse 36.
However, you must answer to yourself and the others who are participating in this discussion and either explain away or deny the Word of God. I do not have to prove the Word of God. It is either true or it is not on its own merits. And neither God nor Satan will permit neutrality. In Matthew 12:30 the Lord Jesus said: “He who is not with Me is against me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.”
Just for the record, though…have I changed any at all in the past 37 years? If one accepts American jurisprudence as at least a minimum standard of behavior, then yes. Before – 2 counts of attempted murder. After – None and diminishing instances of hate and anger which Jesus defines as murder as well. Before – uncountable, multiple counts of disturbing the peace. After – only a very few. Before – addict. After – not an addict – most of the counts of disturbing the peace occurred in withdrawal from the addiction. Before – burglary, theft. After – restitution, no other occurrences. Before – totally rude and arrogant – pissed off almost everyone who knew me. After – still some residue that is being cleaned up, and I sometimes apologize and almost always actually regret when I have displayed my hinder parts. Not nearly as many occurrences of totally rude, arrogant behavior as before. Ask my wife if you should meet her.
Enjoy your discussion. Got to say this has been stimulating. I have rarely responded to anything that is posted on the internet. So, I have either blessed you by participating or have blessed you by leaving the discussion with you. Either way you have been blessed.
Again, may God richly bless you. Maranatha.
Richard
Richard, I suggest you study the difference between being redeemed and being saved. Jesus said: “If I be lifted up I will draw ALL men unto myself.” He also said in John 3 that he was not sent into the world to condemn the world but to save it. According to you he only accomplished it for a few good folks like yourself who saw the light. I happen to believe he did redeem the entire world at the cross and being born again is simply the realization of that fact. Your belief adds nothing to His plan, but it can bring you personal peace. I truly hope you have that peace, but if it is based on you doing something or believing something then I must say I have my doubts that your peace will sustain you.
Richard,
Thank you for your reply and for the humbleness of heart. Let me also say I was harsh in my reply to you and I too ask your forgiveness.
Thank you also for coming back.
Now a question for you?
What did Jesus say the “scriptures” were?
When the Apostle Paul said the Bereans were of more noble character because they went and studied the “scriptures” what was it they were studying?
Cliff,
I really like the passage you quoted. In the original text the word “men” was not in there. It was inserted by the King James Translators. If we read the whole passage in John 12 without that in there it says:
John 12
31Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all unto me.
33This he said, signifying what death he should die.
It said He would draw ALL unto Him.
Now the question is For Richard:
What ALL is Jesus drawing unto Himself?
Peace
Geo
I love your approach, Richard. I held the same belief at one time. I spent a lot of time seeking out, and correcting, bad theology. I took on the responsibility of pointing out the error of their ways. I thought it was my calling. But, the advancing of years brought me to a new reality. And that was… people are more important than theology. And that no man can measure up to the requirements of religion. It is impossible. That’s why God sent us a Savior. He did what none of us ever can. God knew we needed something to show us that His life was within us all, and that if we would only realize it, the possibilities would be endless. It’s too bad that man took that beautiful truth, and in his doubt, turned it into a burdensome religion instead of living in liberty.
And yes, you are born again. That’s the glory of the Cross of Christ. As Paul describes in Ephesians… on the Cross, Christ brought believer and unbeliever into His body. With Him, we all experienced “rebirth”. He said we must be born again, and He saw to it that we all were. We all died, and we all rose into a newness of life… into the Kingdom of God. The only difference between people is that some people know what Christ did, and some don’t. The message of Christ is that we are redeemed to the Father. Salvation comes from knowing that.
All are redeemed, but only some will experience salvation of the mind on this earth. What happens afterward? My guess is that the glory of God will be revealed to all without exception, and salvation will be realized by all.
Hi all, can i just say that jesus said, we all must be perfect,ie born from above.We could never attain to that perfection throught any of our own work’s.he chose twelve tribe’s who all failed,.because they could not attain to the perfecton that the law demanded.Then he chose 12 deciple’s,who told if they just would belive unto the end.that they would enter into the kingdom of God.but we know that they to all failed to belive uunto the end.
So now our focus must be put on christ alone, to fulfill and complete the total work of redemption for us all.Throught his work’s faith and obedence.He did not fail to bring us all to God our father and free us from the law of sin and death,ie our first birth throught the first adam.Christ the last adam alone, throught his death, buriel and ressurection brought about the second birth,ie born now from above with full perfection,throught the law of the spiri of life which is in christ jesus.
yes bruce. the new birth was a requirement that no one could bring about by their work’s faith or obedience nor belief.We all rhwe entire world recieved the new birth as a Gift from our loving father in christ our Lord.
I would just like you to read one of thing’s christ did for us all on the cross and he did it for us all.
colossian’s chp 1 20-22,20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.
God’s kingdom is a kingdom of the heart.
kenneth.
I’m quite protective–and defensive–of those I would consider friends. If I seemed too harsh, I also apologize.
Strong’s has four different words that translate to “redeem” in the NT.
59: agorazo (Revelation 5:9, 13:3,4) ~ to go to market to purchase, specifically to redeem
1805: exagorazo (Galatians 3:13) ~ to buy up, i.e. ransom: fig. to rescue from loss
3084: lutroo (Luke 24:21, 1 Peter 1:18) ~ to ransom
3085: lutrosis (Luke 1:68) ~ a ransoming
As for “saved”, the main entry is #4982, which is “sozo”. “Sozo” means “to heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.
(The other entries are “soteria” (#4991), “diasozo” (#1295), and “phulasso” (#5442).)
All are redeemed, but only some will experience salvation of the mind on this earth. What happens afterward? My guess is that the glory of God will be revealed to all without exception, and salvation will be realized by all. (Bruce)
Well, given there are a plethora of verses that state or suggest that all are going to be saved, I would agree.
Thanks for the info Shelly. It’s unfortuante that many do not see the difference between redeemed and saved.
I do not want to ever live up to the standards of people like Richard. People like Richard believe that the bible is the only truth when clearly the heart of the earth, the child, the animals, the man and the woman hold all the truths. For me the bible is just a guide. All it tells me is how man was so ashamed for making a mistake that he created his own religion out of fear even though God was never ashamed of him. The stories are amazing when you read them yourself rather then follow the cult of what religious people want you to believe which is to fear God. If you sin repent or God will punish you. Believe in him and accept him or God will punish you. Go to Church on Sunday and prove how devoted you are to him.
How about you follow your heart. Be kind and compassionate and true to yourself and simply do the best you can. Listen to your heart. It will lead you. That is where God is. Jesus died on the cross for everyone. He didn’t die on the cross and say, OK, I am going to suffer, but only for those who go to Church on Sunday and only for those who never make any mistakes…oh wait a minute I guess if you ask for forgiveness every time then,well I will forgive you and you can start all over again, but please say a pray before you eat and kiss my rear end because I like brown nosers better? What ever.
Mindy, What an amazing young woman you are!!!!!!!!!
Mindy and Cliff, what an amazing bit of fantasy.
Have you ever read any of the Bible? Such as:
“For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in righteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them…Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four footed animals and crawling creatures….For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, Who is blessed forever. Amen.” That’s in Romans 1.
And apparently neither of you has ever actually heard the true Good News. It is not about going to church. In fact, the church, since about 300 A.D., hasn’t resembled much of anything described in the New Testament about the community of believers.
And speaking of the fear of God:
Ever read? - “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.” (Ac 9:31)
And could it be we have forgotten Whom we should fear? “And do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him Who is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell.” (Mt. 10:28)
And how do you read these? “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries.” (Heb. 10:26-27)
And none of that mentions:
1. The “fear of the Lord” is the beginning of knowledge - Pr 1:7
2. The “fear of the Lord” will cause one to hate evil - Pr 8:13
3. The “fear of the Lord” will prolong life - Pr 10:27
4. The “fear of the Lord” provides strong confidence and is a fountain of life - Pr 14:26-27
5. The “fear of the Lord” prompts one to depart from evil – Pr 16:6
6. The “fear of the Lord” leads to a satisfying life, and spares one from much evil - Pr 19:23
7. The “fear of the Lord” is the way to riches, honor, and life! - Pr 22:4
And we might take some notice of Isaiah 66:1-2 - “Thus says the Lord, ‘Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest? For My hand made all these things, thus all these things came into being,’ declares the Lord. ‘But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit and who trembles at My word.’”
Just some alternative thoughts. Maybe this last one will rattle someone ought of their self-righteousness - “And for this reason [v10-they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved] God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they might believe what is false.” 2 Thess. 2:11
Carl, You are welcome here but we have answered all your scriptures and for every scripture you give we can match plus some. I was where you were at one point and one thing I know for sure is the fear you speak about is truly in your heart and you are not at peace. On the other hand Perfect Love cast out ALL FEAR and I know that God’s love is perfect, unfailing, and redeems us fully.
Here are some scriptures for you to think about, but let me make it clear you have no chance of rattling us out of self-righteousness because we don’t count on anything regarding our performance. The only righteousness that we claim is that of Christ’s.
“1 John 4:14-15
14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. ”
“Rom 5:6-8
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ”
“Rom 5:10-11
10 For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. ”
“Rom 5:18-19
18 Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. ”
“Rom 11:32
32 For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. ”
“2 Cor 5:14-15
14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. ”
“2 Cor 5:18-21
18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. ”
“1 Tim 1:12-17
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. ”
“Rom 8:20-21
20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. ”
“1 Tim 2:1-6
2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men — the testimony given in its proper time.”
“Rom 14:11
11 It is written:
“”‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’”" ”
“John 1:6-9
7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. ”
“John 12:30-33
30 Jesus said, “”This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.”" ”
“1 Tim 4:9-10
9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance 10(and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men , and especially of those who believe. ”
“2 Sam 14:14
14 Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him. ”
“Heb 13:7-8
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. ”
“Heb 2:8-9
In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. ”
“Isa 45:23-25
23 By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity
a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow;
by me every tongue will swear. 24 They will say of me, ‘In the LORD alone
are righteousness and strength. ‘”"All who have raged against him
will come to him and be put to shame. 25 But in the LORD all the descendants of Israel
will be found righteous and will exult. ”
“Eph 1:9-10
9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment — to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. ”
“Eph 2:4-9
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,
5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved.
6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,
7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. ”
“Eph 2:13-17
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,
15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace,
16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. ”
“Rom 11:32-36
32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief , that he might have mercy upon all.
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”
“Heb 9:24
24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:”
“Heb 9:26
26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.”
“Acts 15:10-11
10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?
11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”"”
“Acts 10:28
28 He said to them: “”You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. “
I used to fear God, and my life was miserable. Now, I have been drawn inexplicably into His love, and I trust Him without fear. My life is immeasurably better!
Live where you want, my friend. But know that we can experience an amazing abundance of life when we find ourselves pulled into the heart of Jesus. No amount of fear can ever “push” us into the heart of the Father. But, the pure love He wants us to know will surely and gently “pull” us into Him.
The choice is yours. Live in fear and find out in the end that it was all for naught, or live in love and find salvation from all your fear, guilt, shame, and doubt. Live abundantly! Live in peace! Live in Love!
Carl,
Have you ever really lived life?? Doesn’t sound like it. I would rather live in what you consider to be fantasy then live my life having to point out scriptures. Carl, I will never have the need to prove myself to you and I will never live up to your standards either…Thanks to God.
Peace,
Mindy
I am not one to get into arguments or discussions about points of views on religion or who knows more than whom about the bible and scriptures…but i do know that Carl’s statement..
“Mindy and Cliff, what an amazing bit of fantasy.
Have you ever read any of the Bible?”
..was completely unnecessary and outspoken in a rather harsh way..My grandfather was just simply expressing his mind about what he believes in..My grandfather is an amazing man and has taught me a lot about life lessons..such as he told me to never forget this saying “Love to learn and learn to love” Is arguing over somebody’s points of views really what all this has come down to?
I can only hope that Carl Rainwater enjoys the richness of having a grandson as wise and loving as I do. I truly do hope I get to see the day when men and women of all walks of life can accept each other regardless of their different points of view. God has shown us the pathway to this great goal and it is GRACE, Bold grace that understands the only road to peace will be paved with His Perfect Love. And as my grandson reminded me, the only thing that matters on this earth is to “Love to Learn and Learn to Love.” I still spend each day following this great wisdom.