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rev 3:20
dewey:
And here's the rest of the story.
Let us consider a few scriptures that make plain what it is Christians are "given" when they are called. We must clear up all possible confusion.
In Matthew, Christ's disciples asked, "Why speak you unto them [the multitudes who heard Him] in parables?" (13:10). His answer summarizes how and with what God calls: "He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven (or kindgom of God), but to them it is not given" (13:11). The next several verses amplify what He meant, explaining how many in the world can hear the truths of God (the "mysteries of the kingdom") but not grasp them. Since the overwhelming majority of mankind are not being drawn by the power of God's Spirit, they have not been given the ability to comprehend God's Word.
How does this apply to you? The answer directly explains how to know if God is calling you: A calling, in the simplest terms, is understanding the truths of God when you see, read or hear them.
Ask yourself: "Do I understand Bible teachings and truths when I hear them? Do the scriptures about the gospel of the Kingdom of God; the plan of salvation and the purpose of human existence; climactic, soon-coming prophesied events; God's warning message to His people; His Law ; including the Sabbath command - the Holy Days; tithing; clean and unclean meats; the one true Church; and many other teachings make sense to me?"
MAKES NO SENSE TO ANYONE - DON'T MEAN NOTHIN'!!!! WHAT DOES? FAITH AND GRACE (PERIOD) HALLELUJAH
WHY WOULD GOD MAKE A LAW THAT HE KNEW NONE OF US WEAKLINGS COULD FOLLOW?
love y'ans
Paula said it; Lord willin' another post shortly
thank you,Father Amen
dewey:
Hi, A
I'm doing this just as fast as the Lord gives it to me.
Now then,
RESPONSIBLE FOR KNOWLEDGE GIVEN
Babies are born knowing nothing. They do not know even the basics of right and wrong. They have to be taught virtually everything. Similarly, the world does not know the things of God - spiritual right from spiritual wrong. But with the knowledge of these things comes the responsibility to act on it.
Two Bible passages demonstrate that God holds people accountable for what they understand. Notice James 4:17: "Therefore to him that KNOWS TO DO GOOD, and does it not, to him it is sin." Now read Hebrews 10:26: "For if we sin willfully after that we have received the KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH, there remains no more sacrifice for sins."
Let's understand. Each time you learn more of God's truth (what is "good"), and it makes sense to you - you at least generally understand it - you are being given extraordinary spiritual knowledge for which God holds you accountable. Once you have crossed that line, it's like a secret oath between you and Him - break the oath and the punishment is forthcoming. And you will say "I'm sorry" but you can't be forgiven right then - another age - he knows you know. It all comes back in your own time - you'll be saved.
This is part of the calling process - and is actually central to it. Further, it makes understanding how God calls one much more serious than most have believed. Recognize that God will only call each human being once. Therefore, you are responsible now for the knowledge that you are being given. If one does not act on what he is learning, God will take that understanding away (Rom. 2:13; Psa.111:10), and such a person is in a grave spiritual condition.
THE GREATEST FREEDOM
God's truth is most exciting to understand. It is the path to all the wonderful, good things in life - things God wants you to have. It is also the path to the greatest freedom that there is! Christ told certain Jews professing to believe on Him: "If you continue in My word [the truth - John 17:17], then are you My disciples indeed; and you shall now the truth, and THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE" (John 8:31-32). You must be willing to "continue" in your studies of God's Word, learning ever more of His truth, which Christ explains will "set you free" from world cut off from God and held captive by Satan. Even this understanding is precious knowledge.
Your associates in the world probably understand none of these things. Neither do your relatives. Without God's calling, they have no possible way of enjoying now what is being offerered to you - if you are understanding and acting upon God's truth.
It is also vital that you make certain the things you are learning. You should find yourself wanting to PROVE the doctrines of God. Pauls also told the Thessalonians to "PROVE all things; hold fast that which is good" (I Thes. 5:21). If you know God is calling you, take time to prove that He exists. Then prove that the Bible is truly His inspired Word for mankind.
Finally, prove the identity of God's church. Remove all doubt, leaving no room for confusion. there are many conterfeit churches - many spiritual "look-alikes" in the world. Do not be fooled by any of them. Christ promised, "I will build My Church" (Matt. 16:18). Determine to know for certain if you have come in contact with it. Make no mistake, folks, I'm not talking about a building.
At the same time you are proving these things, pray fervently about what you are learning. When you are unclear on a matter, remember that Christ taught, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Matt. 7:7).
Now I have to ask the older members of this forum, doesn't that sound a lot like some of our newer members? Are they asking? Should we be tolerant of them asking the same questions over and over again or versing their opinion on something? Maybe its not the truth that they speak part of the time; but can't we see that they're searching for the truth? We must show love. That's okay, I'll get into that later.
John 14:17 explains how those coming toward conversion begin to find that they can see clearly the things of God. Notice what Christ said when speaking to His disciples about the Holy Spirit they were soon to receive: "Even the Spirit of truth; [which] the world cannot receive, because it sees [it] not, neither knows [it]: but you know [it]; for [it] dwells with you, and shall be in you."
At this point, the disciples were much like many today - perhaps like you, too. They were seeing many spiritual truths in part, but did not yet fully grasp the enormous importance of learning God's Plan and way of life. Through the Holy Spirit working with them, God was revealing certain things that they would only understand in a greater way once it was in them, beginning at conversion. Ultimately, to fully understand all the things of God - all the mysteries of the kingdom of God - one must be begotten of the Holy Spirit. This occurs when it enters directly into the mind! Lacking baptism in Christ (without hands) and the vital receiving of God's Spirit, it is completely impossible for anyone to truly understand even a single biblical truth!
Sorry it took me so long for this last post. I had to get some sleep. My own head was spinning from all the revelations my Father was giving me (and still is). There's another post to come yet - after I've had my coffee and think it out. In the meantime, love y'ans.
Paula said it
Marlene:
Wow, Dewey, I have been thinking about that. It is a high calling. I learned many truths from Rays papers which are all in scriptures. I do take this serious. I just pray I continue to take heed quickly and not fall. I want to keep learning truths. But, when I learn a truth I want to learn it, but wantto obey it. This race all depends on God. We have to listen to his voice. Wow, that was some great things to think about. We are held more accountable cause he has shown us truths. We have to apply these truths to our walk.
In His Love,
Marlene
winner08:
Recognize that God will only call each human being once. Therefore, you are responsible now for the knowledge that you are being given. If one does not act on what he is learning, God will take that understanding away (Rom. 2:13; Psa.111:10), and such a person is in a grave spiritual condition.
Many yrs ago I was (saved) the conventional way. I went on stage where a preacher put his hands on me and I repeated whatever he said and I was saved. Now we all know now that this is not how it is done. At the time however I thought I was saved. About a few months past and I was back to my old ways. I guess my question is was I being called at that time? Since God only calles once did I miss my calling? Yes maby I was called, but I don't think it wasn't until God lead me here to Rays teachings where I was (maby) being chosen to know and understand His truth. I've been here for months and I have not cease to study and learn everyday His word. With the above statement I wonder what my spiritual condition is?
Darren
Kat:
Hi Darren,
Many are 'called,' the churches are filled with the called. But there are a few that He brings further those that are destined to be 'chosen.'
Here is a part from the article no. 8, 'Where is the church that Jesus built?'
http://bible-truths.com/lake8.html ---------------------
One more important verse regarding our calling, that I will cite out of the Concordant Literal New Testament because I believe they translate the Greek aorist tense properly, whereas the King James uses the past tense:
"Now we are aware that GOD [it is unfortunate that the King James leaves out "God" even though it is in the manuscripts. Most translations do put "God" in this opening phrase. Things don’t just ‘work’ together without GOD doing the ‘working’] is working all together for the good of those who are loving God, who are [being] called according to the purpose that, whom He foreknew, He designates beforehand, also, to be conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be Firstborn among many brethren. Now whom He designates beforehand, these He calls [not ‘called’ as all are NOT YET called, it is the aorist tense] also, and whom He calls, these He justifies, also; now whom He justifies, these He glorifies also" (Rom. 8:28:30).
Now, pay attention: All which God foreknew, He then designates beforehand (He hand-picks them, if you will). And therefore, since He has already designated them beforehand, when they are born in whatever generation God designates; He then calls them. Now it is true that God calls MANY OTHERS whom He has NOT designated to be "conformed to the image of His Son" AT THE TIME that each generation appears in history.
There are many more "called" in each generation than are actually, "chosen" to be conformed to the image of His Son at that time.
All that are not chosen will be in the second resurrection/white throne judgment/lake of fire. These will go the "broad way into destruction" from which they will await judgment at the great white throne. But, those which God foreknows and designates beforehand, He definitely does call, but these designated ones GO ON to be JUSTIFIED AND GLORIFIED. They are not just the "called," but the "called AND CHOSEN" which will go on to glorification in service with Christ, as the manifested Sons and Daughters of God, in the Kingdom of God, to bring the rest of heaven and earth to SALVATION!
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mercy, peace and love
Kat
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