Romans 9:21

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oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,696
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#21
He has blessed many others with material possessions. ....Job, Abraham, David, Solomon.....
Did you notice what all 4 of these Bible characters have in common?
 

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2021
7,581
3,166
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#22
I live in a mobile home park. Been here for over 10 years, my rent is lower than most in the park. I once asked a realtor about selling and they asked me why? You're not going to get a 2 bedroom home for the price you pay rent here. Moving somewhere else, you need first and last month's rent, which I don't have.
Well, the homeless in your area are blessed to have you around.
 

JohnB

Well-known member
Jul 31, 2022
2,078
456
83
Calif
#23
Did you notice what all 4 of these Bible characters have in common?
Solomon did not do anything GOD commanded of the kings. Kings were not to multiply horses, not to marry many women and not to depend on Egypt. Solomon's first wife was from Egypt.
 

Snacks

Well-known member
Feb 10, 2022
1,410
771
113
#24
I did not ask for millions, but would like to get off the edge of just getting by. I'm happy for others if they have been blessed with a good life. I want everyone to have a good life.
PM me your address. I’d like to send you a gift so you can treat yourself this Christmas.
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,696
113
#25
JohnB said:
I did not ask for millions, but would like to get off the edge of just getting by. I'm happy for others if they have been blessed with a good life. I want everyone to have a good life.

PM me your address. I’d like to send you a gift so you can treat yourself this Christmas.
:eek: Maybe Snacks has found Johnny-Boy a .... WIFE! :D
 

listenyoumustAll

Well-known member
Jul 22, 2021
394
282
63
#26
"Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?" Romans 9:21. While I was handing out a coke and chips to a homeless man, I got to thinking. I've always wanted a nice house, new car and financial independent. I don't need to be rich, but would like more than enough to get by. I want to retire. I started thinking, if I had these things would I be out handing drinks and food to the homeless on the corners? I wonder if I'm not in the place I desire to be because GOD wanted me doing this?
You are doing good my friend ,you are justified in Christ .
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
12,145
4,931
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#27
You are doing good my friend ,you are justified in Christ .
“For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4:4-5‬ ‭

a why would paul say that ?


“And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭
 

listenyoumustAll

Well-known member
Jul 22, 2021
394
282
63
#28
“For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4:4-5‬ ‭

a why would paul say that ?‭
the believer being Justified in Christ is being saved by believing in Jesus first as the son of God ,then his/her identity in Jesus ,noting his Lordship and not being saved by good works. Apostle Paul spoke that way because he realises he is a temple unto God, and cannot boast of himself
 
P

persistent

Guest
#29
Some day really dig into those that came and gave gifts to Mary and Joseph. Who came to see the new born King. He never lived and slept in the streets and was not homeless. He came to die for the worlds sin. He came to give us life and give it more abundantly. There is this twisted mentality that we need to be poor helpless and only helping the poor or were not like Christ. Did we forget the 12/120? Yeah not homeless not poor. Now if we truly want to help the poor according to the word then you keep helping them till they are back on their feet. For me it never helps giving them some money to then see them day after day doing the same thing.

We don't earn righteousness. This is another part of that twisted I was talking about. As if it makes you more holy or something. What pleases Him is faith, something others get made fun for. Something that never gets talked about enough. I believe what He wants is a simple "yes lord here I am send me". Its doing what HE wants you do to. He said on earth as it is in heaven. How is it there? Yeah we walk on streets of pure see through gold.

Always wise to help and give. Some believe its their calling to give up all and help them 24/7. Not all are called to this. People today still give most of their wealth to the Church. Some that go home leave all to the Church. You would think we would say AMEN but no.. we hear some say... they gave to someone we don't like.. praise GOD. God blessed them with riches to bless others. There is no catch to "what ever you ask the Father" no catch to " you have not because you ask not". You don't have because you asking wrong. No one is poor because that's Gods will. Its very clear so many have no clue who they are and who they belong to. You right now you sit in heavenly places and you can come boldly before the throne of God. That great I AM the only God there is. YOU can call Him Father no angel can do that.

So Jesus poor or rich would change nothing. Its why most of his life is not talked about. He came to die for the world. That's why He came. Its to never focus on this world but only Him. When your rich you keep your eyes on Him and you thank Him for everything you have. If you don't have much your thankful for everything you have. All you have to do is ask.. like the song saying "BY Faith, all things are possible with you". Yeah all things are possible to them that believe. Only we tell God what He meant with "all things are possible".

The song I will keep my eyes on the truth.. by faith. Helping the poor does not please Him. ALL has to have "faith" in it. With out faith we can not ever please Him. To it by faith.. not here to offend if so forgive me.
Nice if can be done. Some people on the streets are out of their mind. Literally. True story, here in Chicago a guy on the street, don't recall exactly and before i accepted Christianity, but I give the guy five bucks and he goes on to thank me and tell me that he usually was handing out money. Finished. The place I was staying at the time, the owner new this guy and would get tax advice from him. He was an attorney at one time and his mind went for some reason. Maybe drugs, who knows.

Another guy I would see at AA meetings and everyone called spiderman since he always was stomping the ground killing spiders. Viet Nam Vet could easily at that time have checked in to some facility but no way if suggested to. His reply, "So long as I've got my wits about me no way". Living on the streets scrounging when end of month came. I can go on with more examples but not necessary, get the picture.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
12,145
4,931
113
#30
the believer being Justified in Christ is being saved by believing in Jesus first as the son of God ,then his/her identity in Jesus ,noting his Lordship and not being saved by good works. Apostle Paul spoke that way because he realises he is a temple unto God, and cannot boast of himself
well Actually Paul is aware that Jesus Christ is the only judge and is explaining it well

“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4:1-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Even Paul wasn’t trying to judge himself justified and he was an apostle . he even explains why he’s telling them this

do you get what he’s saying and why ? Consider why he wrote the Corinthians letter and the issues they were having

As far as your works th idk is why they are important

“But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; but glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭2:5-10‬ ‭

that’s why Gods true grace teaches us this

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
‭‭Titus‬ ‭2:11-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We need to let that happen . because we need to stop serving the evil and doing bad works and start serving Gods Will and doing the works Jesus taught us to do because we’re going to have to answer for everything we do and say and fail to repent of

“I’m already saved no matter what I do “ is why it’s hard to hear this

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings:”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:12-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬
A

We need to let God change our Will and start acting in the right ways

Or this

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:7-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Or this

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.”
‭‭Titus‬ ‭3:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Or this

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭12:13-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

or this

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:10-11‬ ‭

Paul’s trying to persuade the faith of the hearer because he understands the coming judgement and it’s terrifying for the rebellious


We aren’t going to change if we reject the things that change what we believe like changing from “ I have no accountability nothing I do counts I’m already saved I don’t need to do anything saved by grace “

what the scripture says in order to convince and change the mind to repentance and right living and a willingness and zeal to go do good in his name

we need to change from this

if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;



and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; ( that’s what scripture is for )

and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:21-29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s trying to save people’s souls by warning them and speaking truth to those who thought otherwise he reveals amazing things but often hypergracers won’t have it e
 

JohnB

Well-known member
Jul 31, 2022
2,078
456
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Calif
#31
Thank you everyone for your posts of encouragement. Got really frustrated today. I was just starting to get a saving going, the next few months looked good. Just as I was getting an upper hand on things, a water pipe started leaking in one wall. It's a very slow leak, but caused damage to the bathroom floor. I had my best month doing mystery shopping, cleared $2000. Now all at once that might be wiped out. We've all had those times where we are just turning a corner and suddenly you're pushed back. You wonder where is GOD now? Why when you're finally getting an upper hand, you're set back. I understand it happening now and then, but when it keeps happening again and again and again.
I look forward to the time in heaven when none of this will matter. Never again will our finances be wiped out, never again will we be worried about making enough, never again will we be sick or hurt. We will have a home and riches that no one will ever take away from us. All of our struggles will be gone.
 
P

persistent

Guest
#32
Sounds a bit like the song from hee haw, 'If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all".
 

jb

Senior Member
Feb 27, 2010
4,940
588
113
#33
"Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?" Romans 9:21...
Paul takes Rom 9v21 from Jer 18v1-11:

In which the Lord states that it is the freewill choice of the clay that decides what He can do with it!
 

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2021
7,581
3,166
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#34
Make the most of today. No one knows when they'll be called home. All we really have is today.
 

JohnB

Well-known member
Jul 31, 2022
2,078
456
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Calif
#35
Paul takes Rom 9v21 from Jer 18v1-11:

In which the Lord states that it is the freewill choice of the clay that decides what He can do with it!
That is part of the problem. GOD asks you to do something, you do it, but than your situation get worse.
 

Evmur

Well-known member
Feb 28, 2021
4,913
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London
christianchat.com
#36
.
Rom 9:21 . . Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same
lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?


That verse is scary because it tells of folks like Judas who were/are destined
to dishonor before they even take their first breath.


However, though Judas and Pharaoh were destined to dishonor, they weren't
necessarily destined to lose out on God's benevolence. He leaves that
decision for folks to make on their own.
_
This is the deepest part of predestination, we have to tread softly here.

It does not say Judas or Pharoah [vessels of wrath] were prepared beforehand for wrath, it says of the vessels of mercy they were prepared beforehand for glory. When Paul speaks of the same lump of clay he is speaking about after man had sinned the whole lump was spoiled an had to be refashioned.

God did not predestine man's fall though He foreknew it. Foreknowing therefore He predestined salvation.

Foreknowing who would be saved and who would remain in rebellion He has designed salvation, and the good news about it in such a way as to attract the one and repel the other.

What was in Judas or Pharoah that God would choose them out of all others for the parts they played .... very deep matters.

Remember when Jesus said "one of you will betray Me" all the disciples were sorrowed, nobody knew who it would be, whether it might be themselves ... Peter was especially anxious.

Only God knows each human heart.
 

Evmur

Well-known member
Feb 28, 2021
4,913
2,532
113
London
christianchat.com
#37
I did not ask for millions, but would like to get off the edge of just getting by. I'm happy for others if they have been blessed with a good life. I want everyone to have a good life.
If Jesus is with you on the edge you could not be more secure, mebbe if you were more comfortably off you would not need Jesus so much.

I've come through most of my saved life living on the edge, Jesus lived on the edge. It's where there is the best prospects of winning souls are.

God has miraculously provided for my old age.
 

Evmur

Well-known member
Feb 28, 2021
4,913
2,532
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London
christianchat.com
#38
It's when your heart's desire wants to go one way and GOD pulls you another way. It's when he allows others to take the path you desire to go (where they are blessed), but blocks your attempts to take the same path. You're in a desert, while many others are in the promised land.
Am I being more honest if I say to you ... God showed me the way, He opened the door, but I would not go through, I failed to attain the place where God wanted me to be.

I am sorry, I accept. God forgives. He comforts and still He uses me,
 

Evmur

Well-known member
Feb 28, 2021
4,913
2,532
113
London
christianchat.com
#39
Some day really dig into those that came and gave gifts to Mary and Joseph. Who came to see the new born King. He never lived and slept in the streets and was not homeless. He came to die for the worlds sin. He came to give us life and give it more abundantly. There is this twisted mentality that we need to be poor helpless and only helping the poor or were not like Christ. Did we forget the 12/120? Yeah not homeless not poor. Now if we truly want to help the poor according to the word then you keep helping them till they are back on their feet. For me it never helps giving them some money to then see them day after day doing the same thing.

We don't earn righteousness. This is another part of that twisted I was talking about. As if it makes you more holy or something. What pleases Him is faith, something others get made fun for. Something that never gets talked about enough. I believe what He wants is a simple "yes lord here I am send me". Its doing what HE wants you do to. He said on earth as it is in heaven. How is it there? Yeah we walk on streets of pure see through gold.

Always wise to help and give. Some believe its their calling to give up all and help them 24/7. Not all are called to this. People today still give most of their wealth to the Church. Some that go home leave all to the Church. You would think we would say AMEN but no.. we hear some say... they gave to someone we don't like.. praise GOD. God blessed them with riches to bless others. There is no catch to "what ever you ask the Father" no catch to " you have not because you ask not". You don't have because you asking wrong. No one is poor because that's Gods will. Its very clear so many have no clue who they are and who they belong to. You right now you sit in heavenly places and you can come boldly before the throne of God. That great I AM the only God there is. YOU can call Him Father no angel can do that.

So Jesus poor or rich would change nothing. Its why most of his life is not talked about. He came to die for the world. That's why He came. Its to never focus on this world but only Him. When your rich you keep your eyes on Him and you thank Him for everything you have. If you don't have much your thankful for everything you have. All you have to do is ask.. like the song saying "BY Faith, all things are possible with you". Yeah all things are possible to them that believe. Only we tell God what He meant with "all things are possible".

The song I will keep my eyes on the truth.. by faith. Helping the poor does not please Him. ALL has to have "faith" in it. With out faith we can not ever please Him. To it by faith.. not here to offend if so forgive me.
there's some good stuff here ...
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
14,505
5,266
113
62
#40
It's when your heart's desire wants to go one way and GOD pulls you another way. It's when he allows others to take the path you desire to go (where they are blessed), but blocks your attempts to take the same path. You're in a desert, while many others are in the promised land.
From your perspective this seems true but not from theirs. Our perceptions of others lives is seldom accurate. And even when it is, it doesn't reflect the desires and struggles in their lives. We all need to come to the same place--where we desire God above all things and as others have said are content with God's choices and even rejoicing in them entrusting ourselves to Him.
I was helped immensely by Matthew 11:6 which one preacher referred to as the 11th beatitude...

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me...

John the Baptist has sent a couple disciples to enquire of Jesus if He is indeed the Messiah. Things were not going as John had expected. But Jesus assures him things are proceeding exactly as they should and as were foretold. And blessed are those who who come to understand and rejoice in this.