WHAT IS THE TRUE CHURCH LIKE

 What is the true church like, how is it different from the churches in the world?  

1. The true church is not trying to fulfill the great commission.

2. All the saints are scattered to various places on Earth and they do not know each other unless there is a small fellowship of them in a particular area.

3. Only the true church knows the truth of GOD.

4. The world does not know of the existence of the elect saints. 

5. The true church has no human ministry as was in the first century church. The true church today is not a building or place of worship to attend. It is people, GODS people.

6. GOD and Jesus control and operate the true church.  There is no human ministry.

7. Only GOD determines who will be in HIS church.

8. The total number of saints in the true church is 144,000 composed of people from all walks of life beginning with righteous Able and ending with whoever it is that will be the last one called and chosen.

9. There will be in the future a small remnant of the 144,000 alive and remaining on Earth when Jesus returns. 

10. The true church existed before Jesus was born and is symbolized in Leviticus 23:17 by two loaves of bread baked WITH LEAVEN. Leaven is symbolic of spirit good or evil.  Jesus used this symbol of leaven in Matthew 13:33 where the three measures of meal, separately leavened with the Holy Spirit, represented the saints before Jesus and afterwards up to his return, the millennium and second resurrection. 

11. All of the true church saints, converted after human ministry was removed by GOD, receive the Holy Spirit first then are baptized in the name of Jesus only. 

12. Because there are no human ministers GOD teaches HIS saints through Jesus. This is done by revelation, GODS spirit, through Jesus to our human spirit.  The saints hear a voice in their minds or thoughts that guides them into the truth. That truth they had no knowledge of before.  It is by epiphany, a sudden profound realization of clarity about the truth of GOD that the saints of GOD receive from GOD.  This means that all of GODS saints are prophets and prophetesses.

13. The elect saints of GOD do not participate in the political affairs of nations because they have been called out of this world spiritually and their citizenship now recorded in heaven. They are ambassadors for the kingdom of GOD on Earth, lights in a world of darkness. Once led to the light the saints never go back to darkness.

14. Self defense or the defense of others is part of loving your neighbor even if you must use force and even if that force causes the death of the attacker. GOD judges us by the thoughts and intents of our heart (minds or human spirit) and HE knows that it was not our desire to harm or kill but rather we were expressing GODLY love to protect and defend others from evil. To do nothing and stand by while people are being hurt or killed by an evil person is not love. 

15. The true church understands the origins of pagan traditions and holidays celebrated today by false churches in the guise of a holy event.  The true church keeps no days at all for spiritual reasons.

16. Members of the true church realize that all good works come from GOD. They yield their will to GOD so that HIS will is done.  Jesus did the same thing.

17. The true church strives to follow the 2 great commandments - Love GOD and love your neighbor as yourself. Matt 22:36-40.

18. The true church is not under the Ten Commandments but is saved by Jesus from their condemnation because of sin unto death.  Jesus took our place and died for us. The rest of the carnal world, Jew and Gentile alike,  are yet under the Ten Commandments and condemned to death.

There are more things that identify GODS elect saints but these 18 listed above show how different they are from the carnal world.  

If any of you elect saints have something to add please make a comment……..

GOD IS …

 GOD is…

GOD is an eternal spirit.  Human beings are not, we do have the hope of everlasting life, we have a beginning but GOD had no beginning.  HE is omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient.  HE is the creator of all things seen and unseen.  Because all things exist by HIS will all things belong to HIM.  It is GODS right to do whatever HE desires with what HE has created.  GOD gave all and if HE wills HE can take all away.  There are human beings that think they can judge GOD by saying how cruel HE was in the Old Testament writings and pointing to the slaughter of many people including the flood of Noah among other things.  In this they demonstrate their ignorance.  There is no fear of GOD in their eyes.  As the supreme being GOD has the right to do whatever HE does and it is not evil or wrong.  If HE was as evil or unfair as some may think then why are these blasphemers still alive?  The same GOD they falsely accuse is the GOD that gave them life.  GOD knew in eternity that they would do this but created them anyway.  GOD does not create life evil, those HE creates choose evil.  Free will is an absolute necessity in GODS will for humanity.  If HE created us in HIS image and HE has free will then we do also.  The scriptures declare that GOD is love and this is the image HE desires to be in us.  GOD wants us to love HIM by our free will choice.  If love is not by free will then it is not genuine.  This type of love can’t be forced or demanded by law it must be freely given between GOD and us.  You cannot legislate love.   We love GOD because HE first loved us.  Rather than judging GOD in ignorance you should love HIM , even in ignorance. 

Job 34:14-15  Elihu knew his GOD and that men are unwise and ignorant to judge the MOST HIGH.

Paul also understood,  Romans 9:14-20   King David understood, Psalm 104:29-30  and James, James 4:14 

Your next breath is in GODS hands and it is HIS right as the CREATOR to do as HE wills with HIS creation. 

 

 

 

Trusting A.I. to Tell You the Truth is a Serious Error

SRB 29 Jan 2026​

Will you belief that a computer program will always provide a total and complete true response? As you can see in the following responses to six questions that I posed to A.I. at Grok.com, the “truth” in scripture is blended with the opinions of man.

If I had not asked the other questions, I would not have received the important truths it finally provided.

What must I do to have everlasting life with God?

According to the Bible (primarily in the Christian New Testament), everlasting life with God is received as a gift of God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not earned through human effort or good works alone.

Your question closely echoes inquiries posed to Jesus in the Gospels, such as the rich young ruler's: “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get everlasting life?” (Matthew 19:16 NIV). Jesus first directs him to the ten commandments (do not murder, commit adultery, steal, give false testimony; honor parents; love neighbor as yourself). The man claims compliance, but Jesus tells him: “Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” The young man leaves sad because of his great wealth. This illustrates the impossibility of perfectly fulfilling God's requirements through personal merit or wealth-reliance; Jesus later notes it's hard for the rich to enter God's kingdom, but “with God all things are possible.”

In a parallel account (Luke 10:25-28), a lawyer asks the same question, and Jesus affirms loving God fully (heart, soul, strength, mind) and loving one's neighbor as the summary of the law that leads to life—but this points to the need for heart transformation beyond rule-keeping.

The clearest direct response from Jesus to “What must we do to do the works God requires?” is in John 6:28-29 (NIV): “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

The foundational promise is John 3:16 (NIV): “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

The New Testament consistently teaches salvation by grace through faith, not works: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast”

(Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV). Verse 10 adds that believers are “created in Christ Jesus to do good works,” which God prepared in advance—meaning works are the fruit/outcome of genuine faith, not the root or means of salvation.

In practice, according to Christian teaching (especially Protestant/evangelical emphasis on sola fide or “faith alone”):

Recognize your need: All have sinned and fall short (Romans 3:23); no one is good enough on their own (echoing Jesus' reply that only God is good).

Repent: Turn from sin and self-reliance toward God.

Believe/trust in Jesus: Accept His death on the cross as payment for your sins and His resurrection as victory over death; believe He is the Son of God and Lord.

Confess: Romans 10:9 (widely cited) links confessing “Jesus is Lord” with heartfelt belief in His resurrection to salvation.

Receive the gift: Everlasting life begins now in relationship with God through Christ (John 17:3) and continues forever.

Genuine faith produces good works, obedience, love for God and others, and perseverance (James 2:14-26 emphasizes that “faith without works is dead,” meaning dead or nonexistent faith lacks evidence; works demonstrate living faith).

Christian traditions differ slightly: Many Protestants stress faith alone (grace + faith, works as evidence).

Catholic and Orthodox teachings often describe justification as involving faith cooperating with works/grace and sacraments (e.g., baptism, Eucharist) as channels of grace. The core across orthodox Christianity remains: everlasting life is in Christ, not self-achieved merit.

This is not about religion or ritual checklists but a personal relationship restored through Jesus. Pray directly to God, confess your need, ask for forgiveness through Christ, and commit to following Him (reading the Bible—start with the Gospel of John—prayer, fellowship with believers). Many recommend talking with a pastor or trusted Christian mentor for guidance. If exploring, other faiths (e.g., Islam emphasizes submission to God, five pillars, good deeds weighed on Judgment Day) have different paths to the afterlife.

The biblical Christian answer centers on faith in Jesus as the way to God (John 14:6)

Can one who is not a disciple of Christ Jesus have everlasting life?

According to the Bible and mainstream Christian teaching, eternal life with God is exclusively through Jesus Christ, and no one can have it apart from Him. Jesus Himself declared: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NIV). This is reinforced in Acts 4:12: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

These passages emphasize that Jesus is not merely a way but the way—His atoning death and resurrection provide the only basis for forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God. Without connection to Christ (through faith in Him), there is no everlasting life with God; instead, Scripture describes separation from Him (e.g., John 3:18, where unbelief leads to condemnation already).

Key Biblical Principles

Faith in Christ is required for everlasting life (John 3:16; Romans 10:9–10).

All people are sinners and fall short (Romans 3:23), so no one earns everlasting life through good works, moral living, or other religions apart from Christ's work.

Those who reject or do not believe in Jesus remain under God's wrath (John 3:36).

Variations in Christian Interpretation

Christian traditions differ on exactly how this exclusivity applies, especially for those who never hear the gospel (e.g., people in remote areas or before Christ's coming):

Exclusivism (common in evangelical Protestant circles): Salvation requires personal, conscious faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Hearing and responding to the gospel is necessary. Those who never hear face judgment based on their rejection of general revelation (God's existence shown in creation and conscience—Romans 1:18–20; 2:12–16), but they are not saved without explicit faith in Christ. No one is saved apart from Christ, even unknowingly.

Inclusivism (held by many Catholics, some mainline Protestants, and others): Salvation is only through Christ's redemptive work—no other means exists. However, God can apply Christ's atonement to those who, through no fault of their own (invincible ignorance), never hear the gospel but sincerely seek God, follow their conscience, and respond to the light they have (e.g., Vatican II teachings; some appeal to Romans 2). They are saved by Christ without explicit knowledge of Him in this life, though all who are saved are ultimately united to Him.

Pluralism (less common among orthodox Christians): All religions lead to God equally—this view is generally rejected as incompatible with Scripture's clear claims about Jesus' uniqueness.

The core across nearly all orthodox Christianity (Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox) is that no one has everlasting life with God apart from Jesus Christ—His is the only name and work that saves. Even in inclusivist views, people are not saved by their own religion or goodness but by Christ's grace extended in ways known only to God.

Ultimately, the Bible urges response to the gospel: everlasting life is offered freely through faith in Jesus. If someone asks this question sincerely, the invitation remains open—repent, believe in Christ, and receive everlasting life (John 5:24). For those wrestling with the fate of the unevangelized, Scripture stresses God's justice, mercy, and desire for all to be saved (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4), while calling believers to share the good news.

Must a person have God's spirit within in order to be saved?

Yes, according to the Bible and mainstream Christian teaching (especially in evangelical Protestant traditions), a person must have God's Spirit (the Holy Spirit) dwelling within them to be truly saved. The presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer is not optional or a later "second blessing"—it is an essential mark and reality of genuine salvation.

The clearest statement comes from the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:9 (NIV): "You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ."

This verse draws a sharp line:

If the Spirit of God (also called the Spirit of Christ) lives in you → you belong to Christ (you are saved).

If anyone does not have the Spirit → they do not belong to Christ (they are not saved).

Paul equates lacking the indwelling Spirit with not belonging to Christ at all.

Supporting Scriptures

Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIV): "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance..."

The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee given at the moment of believing—proof and assurance of salvation.

1 Corinthians 12:13 (NIV): "For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink."

This "baptism" by the Spirit unites believers into Christ's body at conversion.

Titus 3:5 (NIV): "...he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit..."

Salvation involves regeneration (being born again), accomplished by the Holy Spirit's renewing work (echoing John 3:3-8, where Jesus says one must be "born of water and the Spirit" to enter God's kingdom; spiritual birth requires the Spirit's agency).

The Holy Spirit's role is central: He convicts of sin (John 16:8), enables faith, regenerates the heart (making spiritual life possible where there was spiritual death), and indwells permanently as God's presence in the believer (1 Corinthians 6:19—"your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit").

Important Clarifications

The indwelling Holy Spirit is universal for every true believer from the moment of salvation—not something earned later through works, deeper commitment, or a separate experience (though being "filled" with the Spirit is an ongoing command for obedience and power—Ephesians 5:18).

No one can be saved without the Spirit's work: He draws people to Christ, regenerates them, and seals them. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9), but that faith and new life are applied by the Spirit.

Evidence of the Spirit's presence includes conviction of sin, love for God and Scripture, growing fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and assurance (Romans 8:16—"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children").

In short, you cannot separate true salvation from having God's Spirit within. If someone has genuinely trusted in Christ for forgiveness and everlasting life, the Holy Spirit has already come to dwell in them. If you're questioning this in your own life, the Bible invites simple, sincere faith in Jesus—He promises the Spirit comes with that faith. Pray, confess your need, trust Him, and rest in His promise. Many find assurance grows as they walk with Him through Scripture, prayer, and fellowship.

Who are the "Elect" of God?

In the Bible, the "elect" (or "chosen") of God refers to those whom God has sovereignly selected for salvation, relationship with Him, and everlasting life. The Greek word eklektos (and related terms) means "chosen," "selected," or "picked out," often implying a purposeful divine choice. This concept appears throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament (where Israel as a nation is frequently called God's chosen people—e.g., Deuteronomy 7:6-8; Isaiah 42:1) to the New Testament (where it applies to believers in Christ).

Key Biblical Descriptions

Ephesians 1:4-5 (NIV): "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will."

This highlights election happening "before the foundation of the world," rooted in God's will and love, not human merit.

Romans 8:28-30 (NIV): This "golden chain" links foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification—showing God's initiative in salvation for the elect.

1 Peter 1:1-2 (NIV): Peter addresses believers as "elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father," emphasizing God's advance knowledge and purpose.

Other references: Jesus speaks of "the elect" in contexts like end-times deception (Matthew 24:24—"if possible, even the elect") and prayer (Luke 18:7—"his own elect who cry out to him"). Paul endures hardship "for the sake of the elect" (2 Timothy 2:10), and they are described as those who will obtain salvation in Christ.

In the New Testament, the elect are ultimately believers in Jesus Christ—those redeemed by His death and resurrection, indwelt by the Holy Spirit (as we discussed earlier), and destined for everlasting life. They are God's chosen people, the true "Israel of God" (Galatians 6:16), including both Jews and Gentiles who come to faith.

Main Christian Interpretations of Election

The Bible clearly teaches that God elects/choses, but Christians differ on how this election works, particularly regarding human free will and God's sovereignty:

Calvinist/Reformed view (unconditional election): God sovereignly chooses specific individuals for salvation based solely on His good pleasure and will, not on foreseen faith, works, or merit (Romans 9:11-16 emphasizes this—election before birth, not based on anything good or bad). Faith is the result of God's electing grace; the elect will inevitably believe and persevere.

Arminian/Wesleyan view (conditional election): God elects based on His foreknowledge of who will freely respond to the gospel in faith (1 Peter 1:1-2; Romans 8:29—"those God foreknew he also predestined").

Election is conditioned on foreseen faith; God's grace enables all to respond, but people can accept or reject it. The elect are those who choose to believe.

Other perspectives: Some (e.g., corporate election views) see election primarily as God choosing Christ and then the group "in Christ" (the church), with individuals entering by faith. Catholic teaching often aligns closer to a cooperative view (grace + free response). Across orthodox Christianity, however, the elect are those saved through Christ—no one is saved apart from Him.

Practical Assurance

A common pastoral answer (shared across many traditions) is: If you have genuinely trusted in Jesus Christ alone for forgiveness of sins and everlasting life—repenting, believing in His death and resurrection, and following Him—you are one of the elect.

The doctrine isn't meant to cause endless introspection or doubt but to give glory to God's grace and assurance to believers (Romans 8:33-34: "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? ... Christ Jesus who died... is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us").

The Bible urges focus on responding to the gospel rather than speculating on hidden decrees: Believe in Jesus, and everlasting life is yours (John 3:16; 5:24). If this resonates with your ongoing questions about salvation, the Holy Spirit, and everlasting life, know that God's invitation is open—come to Christ, and He will not cast you out (John 6:37).

Is obedience to the teachings of Christ Jesus necessary to be a disciple of Christ?

Yes, according to the Bible, obedience to the teachings of Christ Jesus is necessary to be His disciple. Jesus Himself ties true discipleship directly to abiding in (continuing in, holding to, obeying) His word and commands, not merely professing belief or initial interest.

Here are the clearest statements from Jesus:

John 8:31-32 (NIV): "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"

Jesus addresses people who already "believed" in Him, yet He qualifies true discipleship with the condition of abiding/continuing in His word. This abiding involves ongoing obedience and perseverance in His teachings—not a one-time decision but a sustained life response.

John 14:15 (NIV): "If you love me, keep my commands."

Jesus links love for Him (a core mark of discipleship) directly to obedience.

John 15:14 (NIV): "You are my friends if you do what I command."

Friendship with Jesus (intimate discipleship) is conditioned on doing His commands.

Luke 14:27 (NIV): "And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."

Carrying the cross symbolizes self-denial, sacrifice, and costly obedience—Jesus says without it, one "cannot be" His disciple.

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) (the Great Commission): "...make disciples of all nations... teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

Making disciples inherently includes teaching obedience to Christ's commands—discipleship is defined in part by this obedience.

Broader Biblical Perspective

Discipleship is not optional for followers of Christ; Jesus never invited people to a casual belief without commitment. Being a disciple means being a learner who imitates and obeys the Teacher (Luke 6:40; 9:23—"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me").

Obedience is evidence of genuine faith and regeneration, not the means of earning salvation. Salvation remains by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), but true faith produces obedience (James 2:17-26—"faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead"; 1 John 2:3-6—"We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands").

No one obeys perfectly in this life (Romans 7), but true disciples show a pattern of growing obedience, repentance when failing, and reliance on the Holy Spirit's power (Ezekiel 36:26-27; Galatians 5:22-23). Persistent, unrepentant disobedience calls genuine discipleship into question (1 John 3:6-9).

Practical Implications

Obedience flows from love and gratitude for Christ's saving work, not legalistic fear. It's empowered by the Spirit within believers (as we discussed earlier). If someone claims to follow Jesus but consistently rejects or ignores His clear teachings (e.g., loving enemies, forgiving others, making disciples, sexual purity, generosity), Scripture challenges whether that person is truly His disciple.

The invitation remains: Come to Jesus in faith, receive forgiveness and new life through Him, and then follow in obedience as a disciple. If you're examining your own walk, focus on abiding in His word daily (reading the Gospels, praying for strength to obey), repenting where needed, and trusting His grace covers your growth. Many find community with other believers helps in this lifelong journey of discipleship.

One you reach this point, if you still trust A.I., go to Grok.com and ask “Does the Bible Say that Jesus is God?” Did you get the truth or the opinions of man?

HEBREW 6:1

 Hebrews 6:1 contains in only a few words a great message.  “Therefore, let us set aside, without forgetting them, the basic principles or the elementary doctrines of a babe in Christ, and go forward into maturity and not retreat backward into the works of darkness requiring again repentance from those dead works and rebuilding faith to GOD.”   Hebrews 6:2  “these being instructions about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead and everlasting judgment. We can do this if GOD permits.” 

In the years since we received the Holy Spirit of the FATHER we have grown in HIS spirit, the Elijah spirit that guides us into all truth. John 16:13  This spirit of the FATHER will restore all things to us, the truth lost to the carnal world.  Matthew 17:11  If this did not take place GOD would destroy the Earth. Malachi 4:6   The first Elijah was the Tishbite, the second Elijah was John the Baptist who prepared a people for the first advent of Christ and the final Elijah to prepare a people for the second advent of Christ.  Neither of the first two Elijah’s restored the truth of GOD to the church over the centuries since it was perverted by Satans  churches.  The first two Elijah’s were empowered by the last Elijah, the spirit of GOD and the last Elijah is the spirit of GOD.  Notice it says, “HE shall restore all things” this means the truth was lost over the centuries since Jesus and the Apostles preached it.  In each generation since in the seven churches listed in Revelation the spirit of this Elijah was working but was not always as successful in all of them.  There have been chosen and elected saints from all the time after Christ in these seven churches.  There has always been a few in every generation because the gates of hell would never prevail over the church. Matthew 16:18  In the end time there will be two churches of GOD coexisting but separated because the Laodiceans have become lukewarm but the Philadelphians are true and faithful to their election.  GOD set an open door before the Philadelphians, a door to truth in doctrines and guidance by the spirit of the FATHER. The only one who can open or close this door is the FATHER.  None of GODS elect saints should become so involved with this world to seek its pleasures or riches as the Laodiceans have but keep themselves unspotted from all this and remain in GOD and Christ.  This is why it is important to listen to Hebrews 6:1-2 and not remain a babe but rather become a mature saint growing in the spirit.  The carnal world teaches a gospel about the person of Jesus but is ignorant of his gospel and part of the proof of that ignorance is their belief that Jesus is GOD, the second person of a trinity.  We saints are not of this world just as Jesus was not of this world.  The Laodiceans knew these things but the allure of the world seduced them and now in order for them to be in the kingdom they must suffer martyrdom.  

Combine this article about growing in the spirit with the previous article about spiritual warfare to acquire a firm grasp of what our spiritual condition should be.  Jesus said, “He who has ears let him hear”, the spirit says to us, “He who has an ear let him hear what the spirit says to the churches.”  

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

 The scriptures describe our struggles against our sins as warfare. This warfare does not involve fleshly weapons but are of the power of GOD and are capable of destroying sins stronghold over us. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5  The goal is to take captive our evil thoughts and destroying them and all remaining thoughts are obedient to GOD.  

Our warfare is not against the Satanic human puppets of this world but against their puppeteers, the rulers of darkness in this world.  We wrestle against these spiritual forces of wickedness with the spiritual armor of GOD.  This armor is GODS truth, GODS righteousness, the gospel of peace and the gift from GOD of our faith that we can know Satans devices, realize when his evil thoughts come into our minds and extinguish his flaming arrows before we are enticed by them which is sin. We stand our ground with the hope of our salvation promised to us in the word of GOD.    Ephesians 6:10-17  James 1:2-3,12   James 1:13-15   GOD does not tempt us, Satan is the tempter.  Satan knows our weaknesses and GOD uses Satan as a tool to bring out these weaknesses so that we are forced to deal with them using all the weapons of spiritual warfare that our FATHER has given us. GOD ALMIGHTY, is purging our human spirits of sin.  This is the spirits of justified humans being made perfect. Hebrews 12:23 

The ancient holy days of unleavened bread symbolized this process in the physical act of removing yeast or leaven from the Israelites homes. The lesson the Israelites were to learn was that they cannot deleaven themselves but in ignorance they remained in the unleavened bread of malice and wickedness while casting out the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.  1 Corinthians 5:8  Remember, leaven is a symbol for spirit, good or evil.  The saints fulfill these days by casting out Satans leaven , 2 Corinthians 5:7 , and becoming a new lump, that first measure of meal leavened by the woman, Matthew 13:33   

Our trials and tribulations we experience is us fulfilling the symbolism of the days of unleavened bread .  Rather than being depressed or anxious about this we should rejoice as James told us because we know GOD is in us working in us to overcome.  We will contend with sin and engage in spiritual battles the rest of our lives but we know that Jesus Christ has already won the victory for us all.  Satan wants us to grow weary, cause us to doubt and be depressed so that we think , “GOD never chose me look at how I sin, I might as well give up.”  When you begin to have these thoughts remember the things that Jesus the Apostles and Lee says, “If GOD is for you, who can be against you ?”  Remember, “HE that began a good work in you is able to COMPLETE IT IN THE DAY OF CHRIST JESUS.”  We rejoice in our trials knowing GOD is with us in them and as long as we do not desert the battle and go AWOL we will be victorious.  This too is using the talent given us and not burying it.  “He who is faithful in little is faithful in much.”  

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, hold your head high, you are already called the sons of GOD.  ENDURE TO THE END AND YOU WILL HAVE SALVATION, THE CROWN OF LIFE.

ANOTHER CLOSER LOOK AT SIN

 Sin for carnal people is breaking the Ten Commandments but for the true church of GOD its breaking the two greatest of all commandments Jesus gave of loving GOD and neighbor. Mark 12:31 Romans 13:9   Whatever is not of GODS love is sin.   Anything that an elect of GOD allows or permits themselves to do must be rooted and grounded on these two commandments of love.

  The law of Moses contained other prohibitions that were considered by ancient Israel as sin.  In the new covenant the Apostles wrote a letter to the Gentiles informing them that they were no longer under the yoke of the Ten Commandments or law of Moses. Acts 15:10  Yes, Gentiles just like all people sin and sin is the transgression of the law. Romans 3:9  Circumcision was not required but to do so with spiritual intent was actually a denial of what Jesus accomplished for us as well as efforts to keep the Ten Commandments.  Galatians 5:4  The old covenant, the Ten Commandments could only address outward actions or speech, they could not address our thoughts and intents of the heart/human spirit.  In the new covenant it is the thoughts and intents of the human spirit that GOD will judge us by.  Hebrews 4:12  Proverbs 16:2   Jeremiah 17:10 

Sin we know begins with evil thoughts and intents that defile us and is worthy of death.  Matthew 15:11   Mark 7:20-23   The outward actions or speech is only the effect of how we think.  To grow as an elect of GOD our thoughts must be brought under control but we are not able to do this by our own efforts.  Proverbs 20:9  “Who can say, I have kept my heart (thoughts and intents) , pure; I am clean and without sin ?”  Solomon understood that sin begins in our thoughts and words and our deeds are only a manifestation of our thoughts. King David knew this too. Psalm 10:4 “GOD is not in all his thoughts.”  This agrees with the Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 10:5 “bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”  Our minds must be renewed our thinking patterns changed to test and approve what is pleasing  to GOD.  Then there is Jesus as the example, “let this MIND be in you that was also in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 2:5  1 Corinthians 2:16  1 John 2:6 

An example would be the use of alcohol.  Jesus drank wine as did other true Christians and wine was used in the remembrance of the sacrifice of Jesus therefore drinking any alcoholic beverage is not a sin.  It is the misuse  of these to the point of drunkenness that is sin by habitual drinking.  The same is true in the use of tobacco. Tobacco use is not a sin but improper use of it is.  It is not showing love to blow smoke in someone’s face or light up in their home and it’s not love to be a drunkard either.  Deliberately offending people is not love therefore it is sin.  Even eating unclean food in the presence of an Orthodox Jew or a new convert should not be done.  In Acts 15:29 was not for the reason Jehovahs Witnesses say but because these things offended others and the Gentiles they were writing to practiced these things. The Gentile practices were of themselves not sin, except for sexual immorality, as long as they did not offend others.  If you want to drink a cup of blood, eat a pork chop, work on the Sabbath day it is not sin, but if you offend someone else by doing so it is sin.  Remember, nothing entering from the outside defiles you, it’s what comes out of you.

The Apostle Paul listed many things that if practiced would disinherit you from the kingdom of GOD , 1 Corinthians 6:9-10  Ephesians 5:5  Galatians 519-21 and also in Revelation 21:8 and 22:15   There are numerous scriptures by the Apostles that address sinful behavior but we must always remember what the true source of this behavior is, our human spirit.

When king David prayed in Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a clear heart O GOD.”  He was asking GOD to change his way of thinking so that he would not sin.  David had committed adultery and murder because he LUSTED in his mind for another man’s wife. The sin began there in his mind and his actions were driven by his lust. James 1:13-15  Jesus magnified the law to include the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Isaiah 42:21KJV  The tenth commandment is the only one in the law that could never be punished if broken because no human witness can know the thoughts and intents of another’s mind, but GOD does.  This is why we must partake of the divine nature of GOD as demonstrated to us by Jesus Christ.  2 Peter 1:4  We need more than just immortality we need a complete overhaul of how we think.  In the resurrection we will receive both immortality and impeccability.   GOD will not give everlasting life to sinners.  

While we are yet human we will still sin and to deny this is fooling ourselves and calling GOD a liar. GOD has provided the program of grace to cover these sins that DO NOT LEAD TO DEATH by the sacrifice of Christ. 1 John 5:17  Matthew 12:31-32 

While we wait for our change to come we obey GOD and Christ in all things and overcoming, as much as we are able, some of our sins to bear fruit to GOD.  If we truly yield ourselves to the working of GOD in us progress can be made.  None of us are spiritual giants we will always need grace.  Hebrews 12:1  Hebrews 4:16  Where sin abounds grace abounds much more. 

Thanks be to GOD through our lord and savior Jesus Christ that by abundant grace makes it so that it is no longer I that sin but sin that dwells in me. Romans 7:9-25    GOD knows our spirit and that we greatly desire to do HIS will but our flesh wars against our spirit and causes us to go against our own will ,  Matthew 26:41  Psalm 19:13 ,   that wants to do GODS will and GOD sees this, the true thoughts and intents of our spirit, and HE has mercy triumph over judgment and grace abound much more.  

FREE WILL

 Free will is when a sentient being has the ability to make decisions apart from any other influence. The decision made is completely their own. 

In the garden of Eden Adam disobeyed GOD. Adam by his own free will chose to obey Satan rather than GOD. This act invokes a spiritual principle; “whoever you render your self a servant to obey, that is who you will obey.”  Romans 6:16 Adam rendered himself a servant to obey Satan rather than GOD. Adam made a free will decision to do this. 1 Timothy 2:14  The fact that GOD in eternity knew Adam would sin but yet gave Adam this choice is proof of free will. GOD did not force HIS will on Adam.  

When a third of the angels under Satans command rebelled against GOD this too was their choice by free will.  GOD knew in eternity this would happen too.  All of these events would fit in completely with what GOD always knew would happen and GOD also knew that HE could use these events to complete HIS will for humanity.  

There are people that say man has no free will and that GOD forced both angles and Adam to sin and this because GOD wanted to show HIS great power by offering salvation to angels and humanity. They say GOD created evil as well as good.  Well, if you believe that you have been deceived along with anyone else who believes this garbage.  

If what these carnal people say is true it would make GOD the cause of all evil and sin. It would make GOD HIS own worst enemy.  It makes GOD the Devil.  This is spiritually insane thinking.  

We are told by Christ and the Apostles to submit our will to GOD. James 4:7  Hebrews 12:9  Ephesians 4:27  Jesus submitted his will to GOD.  Jesus said, “not my will but your will be done.”  Jesus had his own will but submitted it to his GOD. We must do the same.  How then can we do this if we have no free will to submit ?  Jesus said, “You are of your father the devil and the desires (will) of your father you will do.”  They rendered themselves servants of the Devil.  All unconverted humanity does this. 

 The Ten Commandments gave all humanity a choice again, to obey GOD or the Devil but even for people that tried to keep them were condemned to death by them because no one can keep them.  The lesson of these Ten Commandments has never been learned by humanity except for GODS elect saints. GOD forces no one to do anything with respect to salvation but has forced certain carnal people to do things HE wanted them to do, like hardening Pharos heart or inspiring the high priest when Jesus was crucified to say, “Consider that it is expedient for us that one man die for the people and not that the whole nation should perish.” John 11:49-52  and there are other examples.  

The Almighty GOD is love and is a righteous GOD and never tempts anyone to sin.  James 2:13. The tempter is Satan and Satan is not some imaginary spirit, he is very real and wanders about seeking whom he may devour.  

It is impossible for anyone to escape doing the will of the Devil unless GOD gives you HIS spirit.  Acts 26:15-18   Then by GODS spirit we are given both the will and the ability to do GODS will.  Philippians 2:13  2 Corinthians 3:5  1 Corinthians 12:6  We surrender our will to GOD just as Jesus did and all the works of righteousness and love are done in us by GOD. 

 So you see, we have free will, we can choose but not all people choose to follow Jesus, like the rich young ruler. GOD elects, selects, calls and chooses only people who will repent and submit their wills to HIM.  This is why so many have been called but very very few are chosen.