"Except a man be born again...

"A NEW HEART also will I give you, and A NEW SPIRIT will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. AND I WILL PUT MY SPIRIT WITHIN YOU..." Ezek 36:26,27.

Jesus answered and said unto him (Nicodemus) Verily, verily I say unto you, EXCEPT A MAN BE BORN AGAIN, HE CANNOT SEE THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

Nicodemus saith unto Him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb and be born?

Jesus answered, Verily, verily I say unto thee, EXCEPT A MAN BE BORN OF WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT, HE CANNOT ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN.

Religion will not give you eternal life...You must have His Spirit within you to enter into the kingdom of God.

First, take Jesus as your Savior from sin, and invite His Spirit to live within you, and you will have eternal life - because He is eternal life.

sscr01 copied...

"A NEW HEART also will I give you, and A NEW SPIRIT will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. AND I WILL PUT MY SPIRIT WITHIN YOU..." Ezek 36:26,27.

Jesus answered and said unto him (Nicodemus) Verily, verily I say unto you, EXCEPT A MAN BE BORN AGAIN, HE CANNOT SEE THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

Nicodemus saith unto Him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb and be born?

Jesus answered, Verily, verily I say unto thee, EXCEPT A MAN BE BORN OF WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT, HE CANNOT ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN.

I was shown a picture of John Wesley addressing a crowd, with the words, 'You must be born again' underneath them.
I wonder if anyone in that crowd was confused as to whether that was a command on their part or a statement that God must do a work in them.

The quote from Ezekiel is similar to Jer 31 and contains the OT promise of the New Cov't. The New Cov't is contrasted with the Mosaic in that, instead of God saying, 'if you... then' type statements, He instead simply asserts the 'I wills' of the New Cov't.

When you look at the wording of the above verses, it seems to show a work of God, one that I can't do myself.

Was Jesus simply stating again that what was impossible with men is possible with God?

(EDIT: I wrote before I saw the addition to the bottom of your post. Good one)

The Old Testament Saints looked forward to the Messiah, and we look backward.

They were justified by faith as we are.

My point is that 'being born again' I would see in scripture as being 'quickened' or 'made alive', or regeneration as most term it. I don't see it as something you can do to yourself anymore than a baby can born itself.

I'm not disagreeing with you, just pointing out that what some would deem a command, is actually a statement of what God Himself must do, as was quoted from Ezekiel.

I agree with you, it is an act of God. But, "So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." Rom 10:17. God does His part, and we respond in faith.

Who's Faith?

Galatians 2:16-21 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Or as much to say, if righteousness comes by anything I do, then Christ is dead in vain and Christ is of none effect to us.

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

Even worse words, if I have anything to do with my salvation or keeping it.

Galatians 5:1-4 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

Circumcision and the Law are by man exercising his abilities in the flesh, which is of none effect to us if Christ be our justification and righteousness.

1 Corinthians 1:30-31 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Not my works lest any man should boast. Not my faith lest I should have anything to do with my salvation. So how are we saved?

Ephesians 2:4-9 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

We know we have no Grace, we know we have a measure of faith, so "that not of yourselves" is pertaining to Faith, which unto salvation has no measure in ourselves, but is of Jesus Christ by Grace through His Faith. Gal 2:16 and 20

Oh boy, I opened a can of worms now, for we only respond to The Father by the Faith of His Son, Jesus Christ given to us by the Grace of God and birthed in us by Incorruptable Seed and quickened by the Holy Spirit. Lest how can we see the things of the Kingdom of God, only by the Christ that is in us.

Colossians 1:27-29 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Who's working?

In Christ: Phillip

The, only law that was fulfilled was the Ceremonial law, which was nailed to the cross.(I hope, that, I will not have to post concerning the Ceremonial law again.) If the Ceremonial law had not been fulfilled, we would, still sacrifice animals.

In Psalm 119, the word, "Word," is used interchangebly with, "law," "commandments," "precepts," "judgments," "statutes," "testimonies."

HIS WORD IS HIS LAW.

Jesus said, "Not every one that SAITH, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that DOETH the will of My Father which is in heaven.

MANY will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I NEVER KNEW YOU: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity." (lawlessness) Mt 7:21-23.

"And hereby we do know that we know Him, IF WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. He that saith, I KNOW HIM, and keepeth not His commandments is a LIAR and the Truth is not in him: But whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected." 1 John 2:3-5..

And why did Jesus say, "He that rejecteth Me and receiveth not My Words, hath one that judgeth him, THE WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN, THE SAME SHALL JUDGE HIM IN THE LAST DAY." John 12:48.

HIS WORD/HIS LAW shall judge each one of us, on the day of judgment.

So, why did the Apostle John write, "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: FOR SIN IS THE TRANSGRESSION OF THE LAW.

And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin.

Whosoever abideth in Him (walks in His Spirit) sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, NEITHER KNOWN HIM.

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.

He that committeth sin is of the Devil; for the Devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose was the Son of God manifested, that He might destroy the works of the Devil.

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the Devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

So, why did the Apostle Paul write, "For as many as have sinned in the law SHALL BE JUDGED BY THE LAW; For not the hearers of the law are just before God, BUT THE DOERS OF THE LAW SHALL BE JUSTIFIED." Rom 2:12,13.

Jesus said, "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." John 14:15.

Jesus said, "He that hath My commandments and keepeth them, HE IT IS THAT LOVETH ME: and He that loveth Me SHALL BE LOVED OF MY FATHER, AND I WILL LOVE HIM, and will manifest Myself to him.' John 14:21.

"And this is love that we walk after His commandments." 2 John 6.

When Jesus gave us the "Two Greatest Commandments," He was quoting the law. Deut 6:5;Lev 19:18.

"Then one of them which was a lawyer, asked Him a question, tempting Him, and saying, Master which is the great commandment IN THE LAW?

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.Deut 6:5. This is the first and great commandment.

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Lev 19:18. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous." 1 John 5:2,3.

"As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions ("of the law" 1 John 3:4) from us...TO SUCH AS KEEP HIS COVENANT AND TO THOSE THAT REMEMBER HIS COMMANDMENTS TO DO THEM." Ps 103.

Why does the Apostle John write, "Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have RIGHT to the tree of life, AND MAY ENTER IN through the gates into the city." Rev 22:14.

"But be ye DOERS of the Word, and not hearers, only, DECEIVING yourselves." Ja 1:22.

Rom 15:26 refers to "the obedience of faith."

"By faith Abraham...obeyed." Heb 11:8.

"Even so faith if it hath not works is dead, being alone.

Yea a man may say, Thou hast faith and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe and tremble.

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Was not Abraham our father (Ga 3:7,29) JUSTIFIED BY WORKS, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? (In response to the command of God)

SEEST THOU HOW FAITH WROUGHT WITH HIS WORKS, AND BY WORKS WAS FAITH MADE PERFECT?

And the Scripture was fulfilled which saith Abraham believed God (faith & works), and it was imputed to him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

YE SEE THEN HOW THAT BY WORKS A MAN IS JUSTIFIED AND NOT BY FAITH ONLY..For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." James 2.

There is no true faith without obedience to the Word of God.

I have people challenging me all the time about being born again. There are atheists in the Christian forum on one Canadian website. There are, also, Catholics who do not think, that, they need to be born again.

My desire is to give them a choice - choose life or choose death.

That is what we are all about, isn't it?

Jesus answered, Verily, verily I say unto thee, EXCEPT A MAN BE BORN OF WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT, HE CANNOT ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN.

I was shown a picture of John Wesley addressing a crowd, with the words, 'You must be born again' underneath them.
I wonder if anyone in that crowd was confused as to whether that was a command on their part or a statement that God must do a work in them.

Even though it is true that God does the work in us, this does not nullify our responsibility to obey the call to repent (Mark 1:15; Luke 13:3; Rev 2:22; etc.), believe (John 1:12; Mark 1:15; etc.), and be baptized (Mark 16:16; Rom. 6:3).

And yet still, we must continue in obediance that requires a concious "joint effort" between God and us. We must continually die to self (Luke 9:23-24), practice biblical doctrine (1 Tim. 4:16), and endure unto the end (Rev. 21:7; Matt. 24:13), be holy (2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Pet. 1:15) and do good works (James 2:24; Rev 22:12; Mark 13:34).

Here is what the primitive Christians said:

Justin Martyr – “For neither would a man be worthy of reward or praise if he did not of himself choose the good, but was merely created for that end. Likewise, if a man were evil, he would not deserve punishment, since he was not evil of himself, being unable to do anything else than what he was made for” (Cyprian on the Unity of the Churches sec. 5).

Clement of Alexandria – “Neither praise nor condemnation, neither rewards nor punishments, are right if the soul does not have the power of choice and avoidance, if evil is involuntary” (Clement Maximus, Sermon 55 ).

Archelaus – “All the creatures that God made, He made very good. And he gave to every individual the sense of freewill, by which standard He also instituted the law of judgment…” (M. Felix Octavius chaps. 8, 12; Tertullian the Shows chaps. 20, 24).

Methodius – “Those [pagans] who decide that man does not have free will, but say that he is governed by the unavoidable necessities of fate, are guilty of impiety toward God Himself, making Him out to be the cause and author of human evils” ( Tertullian Apology chap. 39).

Origen - "He makes Himself known to those who, after doing all that their powers will allow, confess that they need help from Him."

Clement - "To save the unwilling is the act of one using compulsion; but to save the willing, that of one showing grace."

Brother, be careful not to head down the path of fatalism. Remember the reply of the new owner of the John Wesley picture, "it's a joint effort". Our effort is to die; God still gets all the glory.

Was it a command or statement?
I say it was a command and a statement.

When Adam sinned, we were in his loins, and were born sinners, that, is why we need a Savior.

Let me ask you, do you tell people how to be born again?

How about visiting www.canadiancontent.net, and help me to bring them to Christ.

Philippians 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:

Law is Law, be it Federal, State, Local, Judicial, Ceremonial, or any other way of doing any works to make ones own self righteous.

If I think by anything I do in the Law or works, which is what makes Law the principle of works in me doing something to keep myself righteous by my own effort, then, "Christ profit you nothing".

2 Thessalonians 3:1-4 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

By whom that is faithful, do we have Faith?

The Faith of the Son of God is the only Faith that establishes us and keeps us from evil. Not works lest any man should boast. My Works will show the Faith that I have and that is the Faith of the Son of God, or as scripture says it; Faith Son of God.

Galatians 2:16-20 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, ((((but by the faith of Jesus Christ,)))) even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might ((((be justified by the faith of Christ,)))) and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

The Law has killed me, that is circumcision Law or uncircumcision Law. How was I killed with Christ? "I was crucified with Christ", yet I live, (how can this be?) By the Faith of the Son of God, in the "the life I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith Son of God. Loving and giving Himself for me.

God does not reckon this Faith to me because of a small amount of obedience, for I am still learning obedience by the Faith of Christ and the quickening of the Holy Spirit and the things I still suffer in the Flesh, is how I learn obedience, Just as Christ learned obedience.

I am truly crucified with Christ, dead to sin and alive unto God by the Incorruptable Seed of the Word of God in me, given birth over my natural birth and born again, unto God my Father.

What has God done with my old life? He killed it, and not only that, He buried it, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me".
My stinking corpse is no more. For my new live is in the Son of God. Born of God, never to commit sin again. That is my new birth right. I as a man, not having a flesh body like Christ, can commit a sin and then I have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ. How can God be so faithful and just to forgive me sin that I as a man in the old flesh commit and then cleanse me from all unrighteousness? By the Faith, life, righteousness, sanctification, justification and redemption of Jesus Christ birthed in me.

1Jo 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
1Jo 5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His Seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

Who's Seed remaineth in us?

Now if a man sin; not he who is born of God, for He cannot sin.

1 John 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Who is the we? Any man or woman.

1 John 2:1-6 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. ((((And if any man sin,)))) we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

I will not walk perfect and some days I still smell of the old deadness of my flesh, But the Christ in me is now my life and by His Faith I will confess my sin and learn obedience by the things I suffer and God Is Faithful and Just to forgive all my sin and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.

What a Savior.

I will not say anymore on this subject, I could talk forever, but unless the Holy Spirit reveal the Life of Christ in the believer, all this is nonsense using scripture out of context and any other contrivance man can muster to say this is untrue.

In Christ: Phillip

Again, In Psalm 119, the word,"Word," is used interchangeably with, "law," "commandments," "judgments," "precepts," "statutes," "testimonies."

HIS WORD IS HIS LAW.

"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you...And I will put My Spirit within you and CAUSE YOU to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments and do them."

Again, The Apostle John wrote, "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: FOR SIN IS THE TRANSGRESSION OF THE LAW." 1 John 3:4.

"Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: YEA, WE ESTABLISH THE LAW." Rom 3:31.

The, only, law that was fulfilled was the Ceremonial law, which pointed to Calvary. Circumcision is now of the heart, washings are baptism, the Sabbath Feast Days were fulfilled:

Passover: Our Passover Lamb
Unleavened Bread: He was without sin
Tabernacles: "He tabernacled among us"

If the Ceremonial law had not been fulfilled, we would, still, sacrifice animals.

CEREMONIAL LAW:

1. Is called, "the law contained in ordinances." Eph 2:15
2. Was spoken by Moses. Deut 31:24-26
3. Was written by Moses in a book. 11 Chron 35:12
4. Was placed in the side of The Ark. Deut 31:24-26
5. Was nailed to the cross. Col 2:14
6. Was abolished by Christ. Eph 2:15

THE TEN COMMANDMENT COVENANT:

1. Is called, the "royal law" Ja 2:8
2. Was spoken by God. Deut 4:12,13
3. Was written with the finger of God. Ex 31:18
4. Was placed inside The Ark. Ex 40:20;Heb 9:4
5. Is to "stand forever and ever" Ps 111:7,8.
6. Was not destroyed by Christ. Mt 5:17,18.

James 2:10,11 tells us, that, if we break any of the Ten Commandments, we are transgressors of the law and are guilty of breaking all of them.

A sign of The Antichrist is "...he thinks to change times and laws." Dan 7:25. There is, only, one time in His Covenant - the Sabbath.

Rome says, "Of course the Catholic Church claims the change was her act...and the act is a MARK of her ecclesiastical power and authority in religious matters." Thomas, H.F., Chancellor of Cardinal Gibbons, in answer to a letter regarding the change.

Again, Rome says, "It's (Sunday's change for Saturday) the MARK of our authority to overrule God's law." Father Enright, C.S.S.R., President of Redemptorist College, History of the Sabbath, p. 802.

"Sunday is our MARK of authority...The church is above the Bible, and this transference of Sabbath observance is proof of that fact." The Catholic Record, Sept 1, 1923.

"The Bible says, 'Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.' The Catholic Church says, 'No! by my divine power I abolish the Sabbath day, and command you to keep holy the first day of the week. And,lo! The entire civilized world bows down in reverent obedience to the command of the holy Catholic Church." Father Enright.

Have you heard of St. Malachy's prophesy, posted on the web by the Catholic Church? He was an Irish Catholic Bishop who visited Rome in 1139. He had a vision of all the popes until the time of the end. He said, that, the last pope would "reign amidst many tribulations, and then the dreadful judge would come and destroy the city." If this was a vision from God, there will be, only, one more pope. Jesus is coming back as a judge.

Jesus said, "Whosoever rejecteth Me and receiveth not My Words, hath one that judgeth him, THE WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN, THE SAME SHALL JUDGE HIM IN THE LAST DAY." John 12:48.

The Apostle Paul wrote, "For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: AND AS MANY AS HAVE SINNED IN THE LAW SHALL BE JUDGED BY THE LAW; FOR NOT THE HEARERS OF THE LAW ARE JUST BEFORE GOD, BUT THE DOERS OF THE LAW SHALL BE JUSTIFIED." Rom 2:12,13.

His Word/His law shall judge each one of us.

"But be ye DOERS of the Word, and not hearers, only, DECEIVING yourselves." Ja 1:22.

If you do not believe His Word, then, there is nothing else I can say.

sermonindex wrote:

Let us simply preach, teach and believe how the scriptures state things clearly. Paul the apostle simply preached salvation for all and asked people to respond. Men believed and were baptized in the same hour. We can't get around the simple faith and belief in the book of Acts. My question is then are we simply sharing this gospel or sharing theology with people? I would like to say also that theology has and will damn souls (though not all theology is bad) but the gospel offers life!

Amen and Amen
How have we managed to take the simple gospel of Jesus and turned it into something to intellectually debate. Jesus came to set the captive free.
The thought that also comes to mind is that we are to share this glorious simple gospel with love and compassion. Getting along side people just where they are at and seeking to love them to Christ.

Rom 16:26 refers to "the obedience of faith"
By faith Abraham...obeyed." Heb 11:8.

There is no true faith without obedience to the Word of God.

"Bu be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers, only,deceiving yourselves." Ja 1:22.

That is Scripture...if you have true faith, you will obey the Word of God. Otherwise, you are lawless, as Jesus said in Matt 7:21-23.

A sign of conversion is obedience to the Word of God. If one is not obedient to the Word of God, he will not make it in to the kingdom of heaven.

The Apostle John wrote, "Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." Rev 22:14.

That seems clear enough to me.

God's Word is His law.

The Apostle John wrote, "He that committeth sin transgresseth also the law: FOR SIN IS THE TRANSGRESSION OF THE LAW."

Jesus said, "He that rejecteth Me and receiveth not My Words, HATH ONE THAT JUDGETH HIM, THE WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN, THE SAME SHALL JUDGE HIM IN THE LAST DAY." John 12:48.

The Apostle Paul wrote, "...AND AS MANY AS HAVE SINNED IN THE LAW SHALL BE JUDGED BY THE LAW: For not the hearers of the law are just before God, BUT THE DOERS OF THE LAW SHALL BE JUSTIFIED." Rom 2:12,13.

Obey His every Word.

His Word/His law shall judge each one of us. So, be doers of His Word, and He will say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

The Old Testament Saints looked forward to the cross, we look backward...We,all are justified by faith in the Word of God.

In the Greek, 2 Tim 3:16 reads,"Every Scripture is God breathed..."

Our Creator Spoke the Worlds Into Existence: "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God..." Heb 11:3

"Who (Jesus) being the brightness of His glory and upholding all things by the Word of His power..." Heb 1:3.

The Word = The law. Psalm 119.

We Are Born Again By His Word: "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth FOREVER." 1 Pet 1:23;Ja 1:18;John 15:3;Eph 5:25,26.

Obeying His Word Keeps Us From Sin: "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against Thee." Ps 119:11.

His Word Guides Us: "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Ps 119:105,67,103.

His Word Is Bread To Our Spirit: Jesus said, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread, alone, but by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matt 4:4.

"...I have esteemed the Words of His mouth more than my necessary food." Job 23:12.

"Thy Words were found and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart..." Jer 15:16.

Faith Comes By His Word: "So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." Rom 10:17

The Roman Centurion...said...but, speak the Word, only, and my servant shall be healed." Mt 8:8.

Jesus responded, "Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." Mt 8:10.

Healing And Deliverance Come By His Word: "He sent His Word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions." Ps 107:20.

Tradition Renders The Word Of God Useless: Mt 15:1-9.

Those Who Obey God's Word Are More Blessed Than Mary: "...a certain woman...said unto Him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee and the paps which Thou hast sucked." But, He (Jesus) said, Yea, rather, blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it." Lu 11:27,28.

We Are To Tremble At His Word; "...but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My Word." Isa 66:2.

Jesus Quoted Scripture In Spiritual Warfare With Satan: "It is written..." Mt 4:4,7,10.

"And take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." Eph 6:17.

"For the Word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Heb 4:12.

We Are To Search The Scriptures To Verify What We Are Taught: "The Bereans were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11.

The Disciples Spoke The Word Of God: "...ye received the Word of God, which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in Truth, the Word of God..." 1 Thess 2:13.

Men Are Martyred For The Word Of God: "And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar, the souls of them that were slain for the Word of God..." Rev 6:9.

Would you be martyred for the Word of God?

And Jesus is THE WORD OF GOD. John 1:1;1 John 1:1; 1 John 5:7.

"And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and HIS NAME IS CALLED THE WORD OF GOD." Rev 19:13.

"But be ye DOERS of the Word, and not hearers, only, DECEIVING yourselves." Ja 1:22.

It's not what I say, it's what the Word of God says.

Greg wrote

My question is then are we simply sharing this gospel or sharing theology with people? I would like to say also that theology has and will damn souls (though not all theology is bad) but the gospel offers life!

We are to share the complete gospel from Genesis-Revelation.

Theology does not damn souls. Many atheists have read the Scriptures, and become Christians.

"Every Scripture is God breathed..." 2 Tim 3:16.

That is true...know the Word of God, before you can share it!

Be like the Bereans: "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11.

Our allegiance must be to the Word of God, alone...not to the traditions of our denomination.

"But be he doers of the Word, and not hearers, only, deceiving yourselves." Ja 1:22.

sscr01 wrote:

Our allegiance must be to the Word of God, alone...not to the traditions of our denomination.

You mean like the Adventist denomination whose literature you're always cutting and pasting from?

No...I do not agree with everything that the Adventists teach, but I can learn from them, as well as other teachers from different denominations.

My allegiance is to the Word of God, alone.

I am Pentecostal for forty years, I do not believe in unclean meats - Jesus told Paul there was nothing unclean of itself.

Although, I come from an extended family of six (soon to be seven) doctors, five nurses, one veterinarian, and one chemical engineer, Jesus has been my Healer for forty years. I do not put my trust in any doctors, or medical practice, but in the promises of God.

The Adventist hospitals practice abortion...I cannot go along with that.

One of my favorite preachers is a Baptist - Dr.Adrian Rogers, who is passed on, but, they, still have his programs on SkyAngel.

I have SkyAngel and listen to pastors from different denominations...but, they all have their strengths and weaknesses. That is why I get my theology from the Scriptures.

ceedub wrote in the beginning of this thread...

The quote from Ezekiel is similar to Jer 31 and contains the OT promise of the New Cov't. The New Cov't is contrasted with the Mosaic in that, instead of God saying, 'if you... then' type statements, He instead simply asserts the 'I wills' of the New Cov't.

Gen 17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

In this section of Scripture we do not find the word "if" but "will." Just like that in the famous Scriptures of Ezekiel and Jeremiah.

Just a thought for the berean....

In Christ
Jeff

No. I came out of the Hippie movement, and my friends told me about the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Before they could finish, the Lord baptized me in the Holy Ghost.

One day, we were all doing drugs, living immorally, and the next, we were living holy lives...that, is what Jesus does when He converts the soul.

I went to the Assemblies of God, the Foursquare church, and Berean Bible School in Dallas Texas.

Yes...but we need to search the Scriptures daily, whether what we are taught is so. There is no substitute for His Word - that is how we know what He has planned for us. Obedience to the Scriptures demonstrates, that, we serve Him.

Our Creator Spoke The Worlds Into Existence: "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God..." Heb 11:3

"Who (Jesus) being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power..." Heb 1:3

The First Challenge To The Word Of God was in the Garden of Eden, when Satan queried, "Yea, hath God said...?" Gen 3:1.

The Word = The Law

We Are Born Again By His Word: "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever." 1 Pe 1:23; Ja 1:18;John 15:3; Eph 5:25,26.

Obeying His Word Keeps Us From Sin: "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee." Ps 119:11.

"But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers, only, deceiving yourselves." Ja 1:22.

His Word Guides Us: "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Ps 119:105,67,103.

His Word Is Bread To Our Spirit: Jesus said, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread, alone, but by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matt 4:4

"...I have esteemed the Words of His mouth more than my necessary food." Job 23:12.

"Thy Words were found and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart..." Jer 15:16.

Faith Comes By His Word: "So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." Rom 10:17.

The Roman Centurion...said...but, speak the Word, only, and my servant shall be healed." Mt 8:8.

Jesus responded, "Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." Mt 8:10

Healing And Deliverance Come By His Word: "He sent His Word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions." Ps 107:20.

Tradition Renders The Word Of God, Useless: Mt 15:1-9

Those Who Obey God's Word Are More Blessed Than Mary: "...a certain woman... said unto Him, Blessed is the womb that bare Thee, and the paps which Thou hast sucked." But, He (Jesus) said, Yea, rather blessed are they that hear the Word of God and keep it." Lu 11:27,28.

We Are To Tremble At His Word: "...but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My Word." Isa 66:2.

Jesus Quoted Scripture In Spiritual Warfare With Satan" "It is written..." Mt 4:4,7,10.

"And take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." Eph 6:17.

"For the Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Heb 4:12.

We Are To Search The Scriptures To Verify What We Are Taught: "The Bereans were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11.

The Disciples Spoke The Word Of God: "...ye received the Word of God, which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in Truth, the Word of God..." 1 Thess 2:13.

Men Are Martyred For The Word Of God: "And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were martyred for the Word of God..." Rev 6:9.

My grandfather came close to being martyred for the Word of God in China.

JESUS IS THE WORD OF GOD: John 1:1;1 John 1:1; 1 John 5:7.

"And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and HIS NAME IS CALLED THE WORD OF GOD." Rev 19:13.

No, I am not off on tangents...I minister the Word of God, for all that will hear it.

When all else fails, you have to get personal. Well, it isn't about me, it's about God's Word from Genesis-Revelation.

The fourth commandment is a commandment, and not a request, just like all the other commandments.

James 2:10,11 tells us, that, if we break any of The Ten Commandment Covenant, we are transgressors of the law, and are guilty of breaking all of them.

If you do not obey the Word of God, you are deceiving yourself, according to Ja 1:22.

"Blessed are they that keep His commandments, that they may have right to tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." Rev 22:14.

Do you believe God's Word?

Do you share the gospel? I do.

Intense wrote:
[color=000000]I know all that. I have 20+ years on you as a Pentecostal, so you are preaching the choir. I can readily see by your replies you are off on tangents that are deadends in Christ. I am not questioning your salvation but your understanding of what God is after IN you, since you have been saved by His great salvation. What you are embracing won't take you home but keep you running in circles. Sorry to put it that way but I have been where you are.[/color]

i did not read all the pages, so i have a question.
Can you explain-'What you are embracing won't take you home but keep you running in circles. Sorry to put it that way but I have been where you are.'

Intense wrote:

JesusLoves wrote:

Intense wrote:
[color=000000]I know all that. I have 20+ years on you as a Pentecostal, so you are preaching the choir. I can readily see by your replies you are off on tangents that are deadends in Christ. I am not questioning your salvation but your understanding of what God is after IN you, since you have been saved by His great salvation. What you are embracing won't take you home but keep you running in circles. Sorry to put it that way but I have been where you are.[/color]

i did not read all the pages, so i have a question.
Can you explain-'What you are embracing won't take you home but keep you running in circles. Sorry to put it that way but I have been where you are.'

[color=000000] Sure:

"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." Hebrews 6:1-2 (KJV)

What he is doing is looking to sustain the magic, the mystical experience of the excitement of Christian life and this he hopes to do by speaking words of the scripture without sound application, mostly for himself to feed on, encouragement. Many good folk do this [I did for years] because of the tradition we all grew up in. What happens as a result is the message of Jesus Christ becomes so convoluted no one can embrace it, not even you after awhile and we give up in despair. One only need read his posts and others like it to see what I am driving at. I have been there. The message of Jesus Christ was never intended to be that complicated.[/color]

Will go back to read the posts you mentioned.

God has commissioned me to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that is what I am doing.

"But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers,only, deceiving yourselves." Ja 1:22.

A Question; Just what does it mean to be born again?

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

In Christ: Phillip

Intense wrote:

Jesus Loves wrote:

I agree with what you said about---The message of Jesus Christ was never intended to be that complicated.'

Will go back to read the posts you mentioned

Read also Logic's posts. They are rife with error and confusion.

I did a quick reading of all the post. What is most important is that God's Love reign- in and through our lives in every situation we face. 1corinthians 13- love is patient, love is kind, it is not arrogant, it is not rude,it is not easily angered.
Verse 7- It always protects, always trusts,always hopes,always perseveres.These are very high standards
In our words,reaction we have to strive to achieve this. It will be so beautiful when we put an effort to uphold Christ by considering others better than ourselves. See the beauty in others and protect them too as we disagree.
Let us uplift others -let love of God and His gentleness radiate from our lives. This is difficult - very difficult- My question is it possible.
I am searching to see Christ love when we interact with people who do not agree with us. Trying trying trying to make this a reality IN MY OWN LIFE -SO no offense against anyone.
I appreciate the way we are interested in God- in the bible -in salvation of souls- That is so beautiful.

When you are born again, you have His Spirit within you. All He waits for, is to have you ask Him to live within you.

My father did not ask me if I wanted to be born of the flesh. If God is my Father, I don't believe He ask me if I wanted to be born again, He just made the decision by Grace, My son, you are born again of the Spirit of My only begotten Son and we give you the Holy Spirit as your teacher to bring you into conformity to the image of My Son, and the Holy Spirit seals us in Him.

1 John 4:17-19 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

:19
(((((We love him, because He first loved us.))))

What does the rebirthing mean to the believer that is born again? An exchanged life? A new race of God, in His birthed children? All in All? If I am dead, how was I resurrected to new life? What is corruptible seed? What is Incorruptable Seed. Who is the Word of God? John 1:1-4 How are we born again? By the Seed, (sperma)of God, same as Mary by the Holy Spirit.

He is made unto us; 1 Corinthians 1:23-31 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, ((((who of God is made unto us)))) wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

If Christ is in us and the scripture plainly say He is, how do we react to this Son of God Jesus Christ that is now our life, and the given Holy Spirit who teaches us all things, even thing we don't understand.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him.

Philippians 3:13-16 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: (((((and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.))))) Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

In Christ: Phillip

Deuteronomy 10:15 Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day.

Joh 6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

Joh 13:18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.

Joh 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Joh 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

2Th 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light:

Chosen;

Strong's Greek Dictionary
1586. eklegomai
Search for G1586 in KJVSL
eklegomai eklegomai ek-leg'-om-ahee
middle voice from 1537 and 3004 (in its primary sense); to select:--make choice, choose (out), chosen.

This part of Ephesians man does not want to keep in his heart, but God has already done it and we cannot by what we do change our sonship, even if "I" rebel, I am still a son. Just like I rebelled against my earthly father, and so I am still his son, by Birth. So I am a son by my Heavenly Father in my rebirth, even if I rebel at times, He is Still "Our Father".

Ephesians 1:3-23 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

In Christ: Phillip

Chosen;

There is never anything arbitrary in what God chooses or does, it is always in the counsel of His own will, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

In Christ: Phillip

Thank you, Elizabeth...I want to feed His sheep.