Study - Personalities of God - Part 1 - Creator, Giver, and Sustainer of Life

Key Verse:

Job 33:4 “The ¹Spirit of God ²hath made me, and the ³breath of the Almighty hath given me life.”

Note 1:

“Spirit of God” – the Holy Spirit (the Third Person of the Trinity – God is a triune being)

Reference: Psalm 51:11, 12 “Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.” (12) “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”

- The Holy Spirit, being the Third Person of the Trinity is the One Who is present in Believer’s hearts (sent as the Comforter after Jesus’ resurrection) after a person receives the salvation gift from God

- Believers should not grieve the Holy Spirit to cause Him to withdraw His presence from their lives

Reference: Job 32:8 “But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.”

- Upon repentance and acceptance of God’s gift of salvation, the Holy Spirit helps Believers to understand the Word of God in order to apply it to their lives

- Also, the Holy Spirit is the Person of the Trinity that convicts sinners of their need to repent of sin and accept Jesus Christ as their Personal Saviour

Note 2:

Reference: Genesis 1:2 “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.”

- “the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” - The Holy Spirit was actively involved in Creation

Reference: Genesis 2:7 “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”

- God is the Creator – He created man and woman (and each child conceived), Giver (He breathed life into Adam, Eve and each person, and Sustainer of Life (He controls all that has been Created)

Note 3:

Reference: Genesis 2:7 “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

- Without His breath, man would not and cannot live

Reference: Job 27:3 “All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils;”

- God is the Sustainer of life Who gives us our very breath, and the One who created and provides the oxygen to breathe.

Have You Received the Greatest Christmas Present?

THE GREATEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT!

The greatest Christmas present to mankind was the birth of Jesus Christ - the Messiah.

I woke up this morning with hubby telling me he got a text message - a friends mother (elderly) went Home to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ late last night.

God has reminded me this morning in my mourning...

"But I would not have you to be ignorant brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 KJV)

["as others which have no hope" = those who have NOT repented of their sins and have NOT trusted Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour]
["them also which sleep in Jesus" = those who HAVE repented of their sins and asked Jesus Christ to be their personal Saviour]

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21 KJV)

[Striving to be Christlike each day even failing God at times, there is a Home called Heaven and at the moment of death, is gain for a Christian when faith becomes sight and we see Jesus Christ face to face]

"He will swallow up death in victory: and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces, and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it." (Isaiah 25:8 KJV)

[Death for a Christian is victory - over this cruel sin-laden "world". Christ defeated death which promised victory for every believer - there are two deaths - physical death (separation of the soul from the physical body - brief until the rapture) and spiritual death (separation of the person from God for eternity)]

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24 KJV)

[Believing on Jesus Christ, repenting of sin, asking Him to forgive us, and being forgiven by Him for all sins in our lives) He gives the gift of salvation and no longer holds sin against us that does severs unbelievers from the presence of God for ETERNITY. If you hear (audibly or by reading His words), believe that He (Christ - the Messiah) is Who He says He is (Saviour for all mankind), He will graciously and mercifully save you from an eternity separated from Him, will not hold your sins against you to condemn you, and you will pass from death (physically and spiritually) into eternal life and not eternal death]

My friends mother's soul was spiritually intact having a relationship with God based on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Her body experienced physical death late last night; but, her eternal soul with a new body was immediately in the presence of Jesus Christ, her Personal Saviour. Her "faith has become sight."

What a Christmas present!

I pray that everyone who reads this has experienced forgiveness and salvation - the gift of Jesus Christ (the reason Christmas is celebrated). If you haven't, I pray you will hear, believe, repent of your sins, and ask Jesus Christ to save you from eternal separation from Him.

What a Christmas present!

The Book of Jude - KJV

Today's post is rather long and an all-day study; however, it is a full Book. I have expounded quite a bit. If you have thoughts, questions, or additional input please post in the comments section. 

The Book of Jude - KJV

Purpose: A reminder to the church to be consistently strong in the faith and oppose diligently heresy in the face of diluted Christian doctrine.

Jude's writing is against godless teachers with the desire, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to encourage and motivate all Christians to recognize the dangers of false teachings to protect themselves and other believers who have been deceived and bring them back into the truth. This letter from Jude is a warning to believers to avoid living a nominal Christian life with the false thinking that there is no fear to live as one pleases without God's punishment. This "letter" at the time written was probably directed to Gnostics who opposed two basic tenants of Christianity which are: 1) Christ's incarnation and 2) Christian ethics.

False teachers and leaders along with those who follow them while rejecting Christ's lordship, working to undermine others' faith, and lead them astray will be punished. 

Therefore, If you are a believer, it is a duty to staunchly defend Christian truth, avoid those who for their own purpose distort the Bible and truth of God. Believers should be genuine and sincere servants of Almighty God portraying the Lord Jesus Christ in words and conduct.

Regarding Apostasy: Jude is warning Christians. Apostasy is the turning of one away from Christ to false teachings. Be careful not to stray from faithful commitment to Christ. God will punish rebellion against Him.

Therefore, Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the truth as preached in the Bible by the apostles who wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. One is susceptible to apostasy who does not seek to know the truth in God's Word. Beware of false doctrines.

Authorship: Jude, brother of Jesus and James
- Jude identifies himself in Verse 1 as James' brother. In the New Testament, there are another four men by the name of James; however, most likely Jude is referring to the half brother of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 13:55; Galatians 1:19. Being so, James and Jude grew up with Jesus (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). We must not confuse our author, Jude, with those bearing the same name. [Mark 3:19; Luke 3:30; Luke 6:15 ("the brother of" should read "the son of"); Acts 5:37; Acts 9:11; Acts 15:22-32.]
- Jude, like others in Jesus' immediate family, had a negative response to Jesus' ministry in His earthly days (John 7:5). 1 Corinthians 9:5 reveals Jude may have been one of His brothers who ministry was preaching. Jude was a renowned Jewish Christian (Messianic Jew) leader in Jerusalem who wrote with authority and assurance that his readers would listen carefully.

To Whom Written: Jewish Christians (Messianic Jews) and all believers throughout the world. Many believers were being mislead after being infiltrated ("crept in unawares") with false teachers of their day. Those false teachers were peddling messages of immorality (moral laxity), self-destructive pride, divisiveness, and theological error. 

Date written: Approximately 65 AD - Scholars have dated Jude from 40 AD to 140 AD; however, if indeed he was Jesus' half brother he would have written this book well before the first century's end. 

Setting: From the first century and continuing through our days, the church has been and is being threatened by false teachings and heresies opposing God's Word - always be diligently on guard.

Key verse: Verse 3

Key people: Jude, James, Jesus

Keep in mind while reading:
v3 Christians are to contend for the faith
vv 4-19 reject all ungodly falsehoods and immorality
vv 5-11, 14-16 remember the mighty acts of God's rescue and punishment
vv 17-19 warnings of the apostles
vv 20 build our own faith with prayer and reading scriptures
vv 21 continue drawing closer to Christ
vv 22, 23 help others
vv 23 hate sin
vv 24-25 Jude's conclusion and praise to God with his glorious benediction


DANGER OF FALSE TEACHERS (vv 1-16)
[Salutation - vv 1-2]
Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are 1sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:
1 perfect tense - Christians are once and continually "set apart" and "kept" for the return of Christ (v 21)
- Jude was James' brother. James was, like Jude, both leaders in the early church and were the half-brothers of Jesus. Mary was their mother. Mary was Jesus' true mother, Jesus' true Father was God. Joseph was James' and Jude's father.

2 Mercy unto you, and peace and love, be 1multiplied.
1 increased
- Believers that sought God's mercy and received His peace; refers to "inner assurance" and "stability"

[JUDE'S REASON FOR WRITING - vv 3, 4]
V3 - Judgment on false teachers:
3 1Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was 2once delivered unto the saints.
1 The word Beloved shows the relationship with John and his readers to be close as he wrote this letter urgently to them, exhorting them. The content of Christian faith is unchanging, unchangeable, and definite. 
2 once for all
- The relationship between correct doctrine and true faith is important. Here Jude emphasizes this. God Himself (through His Holy Spirit) inspired (breathed) the words of the Bible and His words must never be twisted, misrepresented, or manipulated in any way to compromise the real and true facts about Jesus and salvation. Those false teachers and leaders who conform the Bible for their own purpose stir confusion to mislead people over right and wrong causing blindness to the right and only path leading to eternal life (salvation). Jude encouraged people to return on the right path and see clear the way to salvation.

4 For there are certain men crept in 1unawares, who were ^before of old 2ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into 3lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
1secretly - unnoticed; 2 prepared; 3 evil, licentiousness, promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters.
^ "before the old ordained" - long ago marked out for; recognition that there exists predictions in the Scriptures of the demise and judgement of those who flaunt God's will. It is wrong to assume that grace means "no moral laws." It is ineffective in denying the sovereignty and eternal moral lordship of both God the Father and God the Son (Jesus Christ). [KJV Study Bible]
- Some churches even today have ungodly false teachers intentionally twisting the teachings of the Bible to justify their own opinions, poor ungodly behavior, and life-style. Their Judge will be God. He will judge those for tolerating, excusing, condoning, and promoting sin. This is a temporary freedom of false teachers/leaders who will learn it is fire they are playing with by having distorted God's Word.
- There are people who perhaps avoid reading and studying these wonderful Scriptures prepared and preserved for their eyes by the Very God of salvation. By refusing to study, learn, and apply correct and true doctrine, it makes for susceptibility to accepting false doctrines/teachings for lack of being well grounded in the Word of God. Through applying ones' self to diligence with the Bible one will recognize corrupt doctrines to avoid an undermined faith and an act of misleading/hurting others.
- False teachers during the first century (not to say those do not exist in our day) had a flippant idea of God's holiness and His justice. They went against God's teachings teaching Christians could live as they pleased without fear of the wrath of God. In Romans 6:1-23, Paul refuted those teachings. It is a bad choice to minimize "the sinfulness of sin" and neglect remembering daily that how a person lives has little to do with their faith. Showing deep respect for God and having a sincere desire to live according to God's principles taught in the Bible (His Word) will show truly how deep one's faith is - and it will show.


[DESCRIPTION AND WARNINGS REGARDING FALSE TEACHERS, BELIEFS, AND PRACTICES]
5 ^I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
^ I will - Jude is expressing his burden of desperate warning to readers; Christians should take notice and example of the Old Testament figures.

6 And the angels which kept not their 1first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved 2in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
1 original place with God - proper domain; 2 in prison

7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to 1fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the 2vengeance of eternal fire.
1 sexual immorality: 2 punishment
- vv 5-7: There are three examples of rebellion listed by Jude. These are: 1) the children of Israel who refused still to trust God and enter the Promised Land even though He had delivered them from Egypt; 2) the angels though they lived in the the presence of God and were once pure and holy gave in the pride (free will to do so) when they joined up in rebellion against God and were banished from Heaven; and 3) Sodom and Gomorrha whose inhabitants were so wicked and filled with sin that God rained fire and brimstone down annihilating the cities from off the face of the earth (presumed remains to be located under the Dead Sea - perhaps why nothing will live there?) How much the more will false teachers and leaders be judged of God?
- v7: I have heard others say they will not believe that God would send people to Hell. The Scriptures clearly teach that the punishment for rejecting Him and the penalty for not seeking forgiveness from Him holds the punishment of eternal separation from Him. Would God allow those who reject Him to remain in His presence for eternity? Those who reject, ignore, and rebel against God will face eternal fire.
- Often mentioned in the Scriptures is Sodom and Gomorrha as examples of the severe judgment and wrath of God in regard to sexual sin with emphasis on sexual perversion. Apparently this sin had become familiar with Jude's readers.

8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers  (R) defile the flesh, 1despise 2dominion, and speak evil of ^3dignities.
1 reject authority; 2 Majesty; 3 glorious ones
(R) 2 Peter 2:10
^ My study Bible indicates that perhaps the "dignities" here are probably evil angels. In Genesis 19 the men of Sodom insulted the angels of God and scoffed at any type of authority. There is a danger for insulting even fallen angels. (See A. 2 Peter 2:10-12)
- Jude describes the false teachers during his warning to the people. They were self-serving paying attention to their own desires, visions or dreams instead of revealing God's Word leading the people into rebellion against authorities into insubordination against angelic and apostolic teachings while openly criticizing both authorities.
A. 2 Peter 2:10-12: (backing up to verse 9) 9 "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly our of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptions are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11 Whereas **angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. 12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption. / Dignities can very well be angels, most probably fallen angels or from the unseen world - all the glories. Whichever these dignities are, false teachers scoffed at the spiritual reality of which they had not understanding of. Satan's power should never be taken lightly. The false teachers mistook the fact that they thought they had the power to judge evil. In this world we live in today, there are many who mock the supernatural, denying the reality of the spiritual world existing just out of our eyesight while claiming only what they can see or feel to be reality. Satan and his supernatural powers should absolutely not be taken lightly nor should we feel arrogant or passive about his defeat. He will be destroyed completely by Christ. Note all around you that the evil one (Satan) is busy at work with all effort attempting to make Christians ineffective in their Christian walk and/or their witness and/or ministries and service. There is an all-out attack and persecution upon Christians in this world.
**Jude 9

9 Yet Michael the archangel, when 1contending with the devil he 2disputed about the body of Moses, 3durst not bring against him a 4railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
1disputing; 2 discussed; 3 dared; 4 reviling
- There is no other mention in the Scripture of this incident regarding the contention between the devil and Moses' body. According to my study Bible, there is a book entitled "The Assumption of Moses" (ancient book) that Jude may have been referencing.
- The Archangel, Michael, refused to be provoked by Satan as he charged that Moses was a murderer (Exodus 2:11, 12) and that he was undeserving of a proper burial. Moses had risen above this through his faith in YHWH (God) and had been forgiven. When a person comes into a personal relationship - saved (born again) - with God having Christ as his/her Saviour, God places all sin as far as the east from the west and remembers them no more. Satan has no power over a person serving the Risen Saviour.

10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they 1corrupt themselves.
1 destroy
- The false teachers were claiming that they "possessed secret knowledge" that gave them authority in teaching by having a mystical and beyond human understanding type knowledge of God. The truth is, God's nature is way beyond our human understanding. He, by His grace, has chosen to reveal Himself to us through His Word and through His Son, Jesus Christ. Beware of those who appear to have all the answers and that belittle that which they do not understand. Even though with finite minds and inability to fully comprehend God, seek to know all there is about the truth in the Holy Scriptures and what He has revealed for our minds, hearts, and lives.

11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for 1reward, and perished in the 2gainsaying of Core.
1 profit; 2 rebellion
- The three men listed by Jude here are examples of men who did whatever they pleased. They are: 1) Cain - out of vengeful jealousy, he murdered his brother Able (the first murder committed) in Genesis 4:1-16; 2) Balaam - he prophesied to gain money, not out of obedience to God's command; 3) Core (Korah) - he wanted power for himself and rebelled against the divinely-appointed leaders of God. These three men all had something typical in common as do false teachers/leaders: pride, selfishness, jealousy, greed, lust for power, and a disregard for God's will.
- Cain was not in proper relationship with God. His heart was not right. Israel was led into sin by Balaam. And Core (Korah) led a rebellion against Moses and in so doing - a rebellion against God.

12 These are 1spots in your 2feasts of 3charity, when they feast 4with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; 5trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
1 hidden reefs or stains; 2 love feasts; 3 love; 4 with you without fear, serving only themselves; 5 late autumn trees without fruit
- In the day of the early church, before celebrating the Lord's Supper, believers would have eaten a full meal prior to Communion. The meal was referenced as a love feast or "feast of charity." This time was designed to be a sacred time of fellowship and preparation of their hearts to receive Communion. False teachers began joining in these love feasts. During a time when there should be rejoicing in the Lord, they caused "spots" which, in several churches, developed into a party of gluttony and drunkenness. Sins such as gluttony, drunkenness, selfishness, greed, and disorder along with other sins should not be allowed or tolerated to destroy the unity of the church and/or to distance people's minds from the real purpose for their assembling together. 
- "twice dead" is a reference to useless trees. Useless trees do not produce fruit and would be "rooted up and burned." So as unbelievers, they were referred to as twice dead.

13 Raging waves of the sea,  (R) foaming 1out their own shame; wandering stars,  (R) to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
1 up 
(R) Isaiah 57:20; Philippians 3:19; 2 Peter 2:17



14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
- Enoch is not mentioned but twice in the Bible, once here and in Genesis 5:21-24. 
- Jesus being mentioned as coming with angels (saints) are recorded in Matthew 16:27 and 24:31. In the Book of Daniel Chapter 7:10, he speaks of God judging mankind with ten thousand times ten thousand angels in attendance.

15 (R)To execute judgment upon all, and to 1convince all that are ungodly among then of all their ungodly deeds which they have 2ungodly committed, and of all their 3hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
1 convict; 2 in an ungodly way; 3 harsh things
(R) 2 Peter 2:6; 1 Samuel 2:3
- Ungodly is the description repeatedly used by Jude to denounce the false teachers.

16 These are 1murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh *great swelling words, 2having men's persons in **admiration because of advantage.
1grumblers
2 flattering people to gain advantage
*great swelling words - bombastic, arrogant language used by the false teachers and leaders
**they use flattering language to coerce people into getting what they want


CHRISTIAN DUTY TO FIGHT FOR THE TRUTH OF GOD (vv 17-25)
Exhortations to Christians
17 (R)But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken 1before 2of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

1 in the past; 2 by
(R) 2 Peter 3:2

Warnings from other apostles about false teachers are given in Acts 20:29; 1 Timothy 4:1, 2; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Peter 2:1-3; and 2 John 1:7

18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly 1lusts.
1 passions
- The common phrase for the time between Jesus' first and second coming is referred to the "last times" - which are the days in which we live now. We should keep our eyes toward Israel and the current happenings. Remember the apostolic warnings!

19 These be *they who 1separate themselves, 2sensual, having not the Spirit.

1 cause divisions; 2 worldly

*"they who separate themselves" - people who, getting their start in the church, are divisive and "schismatic" in nature using heretical actions to mislead others in the church to eventually separate their followers from following the apostolic direction. 

20 But ye, beloved, (R)building up yourselves on your most holy faith, (R)praying in the Holy Ghost.
(R) Romans 8:26, Ephesians 6:18
- When praying in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit, one is to "pray in the Holy Ghost." The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Godhead (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit). Romans 8:26-27 tells us He prays for us; John 14:26 tells us praying in the Holy Ghost opens our minds to Jesus; John 15:26 tells us that the Holy Spirit teaches us about Him. Note: The Holy Spirit is the Person who convicts our hearts of our sin and points us toward Jesus Christ to accept Him as our Personal Savior. 
- Cling to God in prayer, building up to what is right in the eyes of God and renounce that which is ungodly and in error.

21 1Keep yourselves in the love of God, (R)looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
1guard
(R) 2 Peter 3:12
- The emphasis is to "keep yourselves in the love of God" essentially is to live close to Him and His people, deafen our ears and protect our hearts against listening to false teachers that want to draw us away from God.
- In Verse 1, Jude used the word "preserved" to denote God's role and ability to keep a grasp on those He has adopted as His children (those saved by grace). 
- Jude expresses his belief of the literal return of Jesus Christ as described in the Scriptures.

22 And 1of some have compassion, making the 2difference:
1 on; 2 distinction

23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment 1spotted by the flesh.

1 made unclean, defiled
(R) Zechariah 3:4, 5

- v 22, 23 "Hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" is a powerful statement from God. This indicates we should hate sin but love and witness (tell them of the saving grace of Jesus Christ) to the sinner. To some, witnessing comes through compassion and kindness. To others, witnessing is as if we are "snatching them from the fire of hell itself" (which in reality when one gets saved Jesus is snatching them from hell's fire). Witnessing is a matter of life and death that shouldn't be taken lightly. All unbelievers are in need of salvation no matter what position they have in this life.
- When witnessing to unbelievers compromising the truth is not an option. In reaching out towards the "lost" our stand must be concreted in the truth of God and Jesus. 
- For Christians a very important factor in keeping your faith active and vibrant is to serve others. Even when there is danger or immorality in the extreme Christians must meditate on His word, remember His love for sinners, and share the gospel truth with those that are lost.

Benediction:
24 (R)Now unto him that is able to keep you from 1falling, and (R)to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
1 falling - literally stumbling
(R) Ephesians 3:20; Colossians 1:22

25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, (R)both now and ever. Amen.
(R)Hebrews 13:8
- The word Saviour is referring to God the Father; however, the term is often used for Jesus Christ (Titus 1:4; 2 Peter 3:18). During Old Testament days the thought was that there was only one Savoiur Isaiah 43:10, 11) and with the early church's application of the term would imply (as is true) Jesus' unity with God the Father. The one whom Jude grew up with from childhood to adulthood is the One he placed his personal trust in as his own Personal  Saviour. My study Bible states that many of the ancient manuscripts using the words "through Jesus Christ our Lord" after the word "Saviour." Quite a tribute to the One named Jesus Christ.

===============

References:
2 Peter 2:10 "But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and *despise government. Presumptuous are they self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities." *belittle control
Isaiah 57:20 "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt."
Philippians 3:19 "Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is their shame, who mind earthly things."
2 Peter 2:17 "These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever."
2 Peter 2:6 "And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an *ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;" *illustration
1 Samuel 2:3 "Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogance come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed."
2 Peter 3:2 "That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:"
Romans 8:26 "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession  for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."
Ephesians 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."
2 Peter 3:12 "Looking for and *hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?" *earnest desiring
Zechariah 3:4, 5 (Speaking of Joshua, the high priest, before God with Satan accusing him of being dirty with sin) "And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the *filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with **change of raiment. *sin, **clean clothes (representing forgiveness of sin - salvation)
Ephesians 3:20 "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,"
Colossians 1:22 "In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:"
Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever. (Note: immutability of God)

==============

Today's world certainly fits the descriptions given by Jude so many years ago. 

Dear Lord, 
Help me to be steadfast, contending for the faith, denying false teachings, studying and meditating Your word daily, learning about You and your precepts, and applying them to my life. I pray too that You will help me witness to others of Your great love and Son Jesus Christ in Whom salvation is found.
In Jesus' name i pray. Amen.

Poem From My Pen: "Where Are You Going?"

Copyright 12.01.2012 © Cynthia S. Groff

Brain - what corrupt thinking
Far distant from righteous ways
The prince of lies has trapped you
Leaving you in a pitiful daze

Eyes - placed in your head
What are you seeking in this world
Waxing and waning in faith
God’s judgment will be unfurled

Tongue - given you to speak
Wags with words lacking of wisdom
Curdled with ignorance
Not fit for your Creator’s kingdom

Heart - beating within your chest
Put there to sustain your life
Each set of beats keeping time
While you heap on continuous strife

Hands – designed to give and take
For what are you grasping
Things that perish with time
Corruptible and never lasting

Feet - given you to walk
Where are you trodding
Wandering away from God
Giving in to Satan’s prodding

Shoulders - burdened with sin
They were not meant to remain
Jesus Christ suffered and died
Debt paid in full to remove the stain

Soul - God loves you so
Sin can’t hold you without permission
God gave you the heart and mind
You’ve a free will to make the decision

Knees - created to bend
Fall down on them and pray
Repent and receive forgiveness
Urgently without delay

You – decide where you will go
Soon comes death’s bell
One of two places you choose
Living in Heaven or dying in Hell

Statement of Faith: In God

God: I believe in one God, who is Creator of all (Genesis 1:1, Revelation 4:11, Deuteronomy 6:4) who has revealed Himself in three distinct Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14, 1 John 5:7), yet who is one in being, essence, and glory (John 10:30). God is eternal (Psalm 90:2), infinite (1 Timothy 1:17), and sovereign (Psalm 93:1). God is omniscient (Psalm 139:1-6), omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-13), omnipotent (Revelation 19:6), and unchanging (Malachi 3:6). God is holy (Isaiah 6:3), just (Deuteronomy 32:4), and righteous (Exodus 9:27). God is love (1 John 4:8), gracious (Ephesians 2:8), merciful (1 Peter 1:3), and good (Romans 8:28).

I believe there is only one God:

Deuteronomy 6:4 “Hear, I Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:”

Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

Revelation 4:11 “Thou are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

I believe He is the Creator of all:

Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

Revelation 4:11 “Thou are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

…who has revealed Himself in three distinct Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

2 Corinthians 13:14 “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.”

…yet who is one in being, essence, and glory

John 10:30 “I and my Father are one.”

I believe God is:

Eternal - Psalm 90:2 “Before the mountains were brought forth or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.”

Infinite - 1 Timothy 1:17 “ Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Sovereign - Psalm 93:1 “The Lord reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, where-with he has girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.”

Omniscient – Psalm 139:1-6 “O LORD, thou has searched me, and known me. (2) Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. (3) Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. (4) For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. (5) Thou has beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. (6) Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.”

Omnipresent - Psalm 139:7-13 “Whither shall I go from they spirit? or whither shall I flee from they presence? (8) If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. (9) If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; (10) Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. (11) If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. (12) Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. (13) For thou has possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.”

Omnipotent - Revelation 19:6 “And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.”

Unchanging (immutable) - Malachi 3:6 “For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.”

I believe God is:

Holy - Isaiah 6:3 “And one cried unto another, and said Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.”

Just - Deuteronomy 32:4 “He is the Rock, his work is prefect: for all his ways are judgment: a God for truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

Righteous - Exodus 9:27 “And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.”

I believe God is:

Love - 1 John 4:8 “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”

Gracious - Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”

Merciful - 1 Peter 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”

Good - Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Question: "Is there any Biblical proof to 'believe on' Jesus Christ?'"

The key word being "on" is important.

Anyone can believe "in" God and "in" His Son Jesus Christ. Belief "in" is by intellect. Belief "on" is deeper and is a matter of believing in the heart which requires more than intellect. It requires faith. Belief therefore must be exercised in order to have faith. 

Paul and Silas were in prison for preaching the gospel. There was a great earthquake that rattled so hard, it loosed all the doors and the prisoners. The Philippian Jailer who was on guard at the prison was responsible for all the prisoners and it would be dishonorable if any had escaped. In a moment of "assumption" he was ready to fall on his sword thinking that the prisoners had fled or were going to. However, they all stayed in their places. Paul and Silas had been praying and singing while captive and obviously the Jailor had listened in. He is perhaps overwhelmed too that no one even tried to flee. The Jailor was humbled and became concerned about his salvation. He asked Paul and Silas what he had to do to be saved: Ephesians 2:8 "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." 

How is a person "saved?" It is worth repeating: Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" God extends grace to those who believe through faith and by exercising faith (stronger than knowledge) He hands to one who truly believes the "gift of God" - salvation.

Biblical Proof?

The following verses from my King James Bible all state a person is to "believe on" him. Him being the Son of God, Jesus Christ. With one exception, Romans 10:14, although God does say "believe on" in the verse, there is also the "believe in." One must first believe in the fact that Jesus Christ was born and that He exists. Then as that persons exercises their faith in belief, the equation changes - belief becomes faith. Faith is believing without seeing. Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Luke penned:
Acts 19:4 "Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus."

Paul penned:

Romans 4:24 "But for us also, to whom it shall be impute, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;"
Romans 10:14 "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"
Philippians 1:29 "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;"
1 Timothy 1:16 "Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should thereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

John penned:
1 John 3:23 "And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment."
1 John 5:13 "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

It is a matter of the heart, our inner beings, that changes knowledge into faith. And, by faith we are saved. And "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

John recorded these words: John 20:29 "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."

Leave you with a thought to think about...Those who were alive and saw Jesus' face and walked with Jesus the Christ are the only ones who have seen the image of God. Oh that I could have seen His face. Oh glory that I have believed by faith and will one day see His face!

Poem From My Pen: Why Kick Against the Pricks?

Why Kick Against the Pricks?

Copyright June 21, 2012 © Cynthia S. Groff

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Oh my heart so heavy

I cannot understand,

Why one would so rigidly refuse

He Who sculpted us with His hands.

The voice of rebellion

Oh how loudly it does bark,

Refusing to see the light

Rather dwelling in the dark.

Not even the slightest softness

Or heart allowed a listen,

To hear the truth the Jesus’ blood

Will wash away their sin.

Shut up inside the heart

Ground stood defiantly firm,

Built up a wall of stone

No truth desired to learn.

The Spirit continues His work

Softly bidding those to Christ,

Who shed His blood on Calvary

Providing eternal life.

Christ refused and shirked

Mocking, running and denying,

Refusing His gift complete

One day will bring the crying.

Eyes blind and heart cold

Soul dying deep inside,

Love pleading for dear life

Yet in sin they still abide.

The battle one will lose

Conviction repelled so well,

Realizing not beyond deaths’ door

Torments wait inside of Hell.

Surely tears fill God’s Eyes

As one is lost eternal,

If that one had only believed

Would not have entered the inferno.

Ever dying no relief

Eyes opened up in hell,

Gnashing teeth upon the flesh

There eternally to dwell.

If only that one could go back

To hold softer to the pew,

Only to let go and accept

The God they never knew.

Is not the soul so weary,

And the heart so deathly sick?

Forgiveness, joy, and heaven awaits

Why kick against the pricks?

From a heart burdened for those who deny Christ.

June 21, 2012

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