What is the bible?

[AnandaHya]

Ramon,

zone has a thing about the word prophet, she doesn't like it though I have told her that anyone who has the Holy Spirit and speaks through the direction of God could be considered a prophet but she prefers if no one uses that term prophet because she likes to deny that spiritual gifts exist today, but does not deny that the Holy Spirit works in the world.

I beginning to think it is that the Holy Spirit gives people gifts temporarily for whatever is needed in their lives but the focus should not be on the gifts but the GIVER.

However, if the person becomes prideful and tries to exalt themselves and are not humble but misused their God given gifts to subjugate or mislead their brethren then God might take away those gifts and give them instead a troubling spirit as King Saul was given for disobedience of God in listening to the advice of his human advisors rather than the prompting and orders of the Holy Spirit and sparing the defeated king and keeping treasures from the conquered nation instead of burn them all.

VW, you really should tell people HOW does God use the Bible to direct and guide you?

There are many spirits that will seek to guide people but HOW do you know it is the HOLY SPIRIT and not your own desires or an outside source without the guidance of the written scriptures to test the promptings inside you?

please don't say "the sheep know the voice of the Shepherd" for I'm sure that Satan worshipers know his voice too.

 

[VW]

Ramon,

zone has a thing about the word prophet, she doesn't like it though I have told her that anyone who has the Holy Spirit and speaks through the direction of God could be considered a prophet but she prefers if no one uses that term prophet because she likes to deny that spiritual gifts exist today, but does not deny that the Holy Spirit works in the world.

I beginning to think it is that the Holy Spirit gives people gifts temporarily for whatever is needed in their lives but the focus should not be on the gifts but the GIVER.

However, if the person becomes prideful and tries to exalt themselves and are not humble but misused their God given gifts to subjugate or mislead their brethren then God might take away those gifts and give them instead a troubling spirit as King Saul was given for disobedience of God in listening to the advice of his human advisors rather than the prompting and orders of the Holy Spirit and sparing the defeated king and keeping treasures from the conquered nation instead of burn them all.

VW, you really should tell people HOW does God use the Bible to direct and guide you?

There are many spirits that will seek to guide people but HOW do you know it is the HOLY SPIRIT and not your own desires or an outside source without the guidance of the written scriptures to test the promptings inside you?

please don't say "the sheep know the voice of the Shepherd" for I'm sure that Satan worshipers know his voice too.

God has caused the word to live in my heart. And I do hear His voice. Satan talks in peoples heads, but God speaks from our hearts.

I am through here anyway. I don't have anything left to say.

In Christ,

p.s. zone's trouble with the word prophet has to do with inspiration from and of the Holy Spirit. She confuses this with scripture. Scripture is what God has decided from all the inspiration that the Holy Spirit has given should be commonly held. Not all that has been inspired by the Spirit is contained in scripture, and if there are more inspirations they are not adding to scripture. Consider the words of Jesus; do we suppose that we have every word He spoke during His ministry in the 4 gospel accounts? I can read them, word by word in less than a day. I would hazard a guess that He spoke more than a days worth of words, even taking into account that only about 10-20 % of the gospel accounts are actually a recounting of His words.

Anyway, if anyone has such a reaction to a perceived attack on the bible, then they have real troubles with God.

 

[AnandaHya]

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will show you things to come” (John 16:13).

 

[Red33]

Doesn't Jesus speak directly to you? Anyone he speaks to hears him directly. But anyone who cannot hear his voice should be the one being questioned my friend, because his sheep indeed hear his voice.

In the Old testament days the people had once had an opportunity to hear God and serve him, but they turned to serve men, even foreign gods. God, forebearing them, permitted them to be governed by a king, who he saw fit. And this man was an imperfect king, as was all other kings right up to the days before Jesus. When that perfect KING OF KINGS would come. That great Prophet, Jesus Christ!!!

So you say there is no need for prophets, but do you hear his voice then? Or should God send someone to speak on his behalf because so many people who should hear him only hear their own minds and the knowledge they have accumulated from fallen men? And by what authority do we test? By what measure do you test then? By the same measure you test another man, you will be tested also. And what will the Lord say of you?

We have to be humble and ready to be entreated. We only know so little, as anyone who prophesies only prophesies in part until the end when ALL WILL BE REVEALED. Yes, I don't know enough, neither do you, neither does anyone who is born of flesh. But God knows all things, bears all things, hopes all things.

May Jesus bless you.

If you believe there are prophets in today's church, are there also apostles? What is the apostles' office and ministry, is it likened to the apostles we had at the inception of the church? Do these apostles have the same power and authority that was given to heal the sick, cast out demons and raise the dead? If that is so, where is the fruit of their labours? We shall know them by their fruit, so where is the fruit of today's apostles and prophets that you believe is in today's NT church? There are those that believe a local church must have this kind of power demonstrated in their midst to be of God. Is God's salvation, given as a gift through Jesus Christ through the power of faith to sinful man enough of a demonstration of the power of God or do we need signs, wonders and miracles to confirm it?

Is not the preaching of the gospel of Christ, the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes (Rom 1:16)?

Does not the God of hope fill us with joy and peace in believing, through the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom 15:13)?

Is not the preaching of the cross the power of God to them who are called and saved (1Cor 1:18,24)?

Does not our power stand in the wisdom and power of God (1Cor 2:5)?

We are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1Pt 1:5).

You do not have to answer these question to me but answer them in your own heart before God.

 

[livingbygrace]

If you believe there are prophets in today's church, are there also apostles? What is the apostles' office and ministry, is it likened to the apostles we had at the inception of the church? Do these apostles have the same power and authority that was given to heal the sick, cast out demons and raise the dead? If that is so, where is the fruit of their labours? We shall know them by their fruit, so where is the fruit of today's apostles and prophets that you believe is in today's NT church?

I know you believe Kathryn Khulman was mIghtily used of God as I remember you writing that in one of your posts, she said and I quote

Anyone could see the power in their services I have seen, but it costs EVERYTHING|


There are those that believe a local church must have this kind of power demonstrated in their midst to be of God. Is God's salvation, given as a gift through Jesus Christ through the power of faith to sinful man enough of a demonstration of the power of God or do we need signs, wonders and miracles to confirm it?

I pointed out with scripture references that signs, wonders and miracles confirmed the truth of the message being preached

Is God the same yesterday, today and forever?

If He is He will confirm the truth of the true messaage being preached as He did in NT times

Is not the preaching of the gospel of Christ, the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes (Rom 1:16)?

Does not the God of hope fill us with joy and peace in believing, through the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom 15:13)?

Is not the preaching of the cross the power of God to them who are called and saved (1Cor 1:18,24)?

Does not our power stand in the wisdom and power of God (1Cor 2:5)?

We are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1Pt 1:5).

You do not have to answer these question to me but answer them in your own heart before God.

answers above

 

[zone]

God has caused the word to live in my heart. And I do hear His voice. Satan talks in peoples heads, but God speaks from our hearts.

I am through here anyway. I don't have anything left to say.

In Christ,

p.s. zone's trouble with the word prophet has to do with inspiration from and of the Holy Spirit. She confuses this with scripture. Scripture is what God has decided from all the inspiration that the Holy Spirit has given should be commonly held. Not all that has been inspired by the Spirit is contained in scripture, and if there are more inspirations they are not adding to scripture. Consider the words of Jesus; do we suppose that we have every word He spoke during His ministry in the 4 gospel accounts? I can read them, word by word in less than a day. I would hazard a guess that He spoke more than a days worth of words, even taking into account that only about 10-20 % of the gospel accounts are actually a recounting of His words.

Anyway, if anyone has such a reaction to a perceived attack on the bible, then they have real troubles with God.

no, zone has problem with the Third Wave FREEMASONIC infiltration of the church: the NEW APOSTOLIC REFORMATION where the "anointed" SERVANTS - the special "prophets and apostles" (who have entered God's Presence) will correct the doctrines of the teachers and elders of the 'filthy & loathsome' church their 'jesus' now despises - and will speak dire warnings to the lazy, dull-of-hearing WORKERS who apparently can't hear the VOICE they hear.

this strategy was set-up a long time ago.

 

[zone]

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will show you things to come” (John 16:13).

thank you.
john is speaking to all who receive the Promise. that means every truly converted believer.
amen.

 

[Crazy4GODword]

The bible is

B ook of
I nstructions
B efore
L eaving
E arth

I saw this on a website thought it would be cool to share

 

[AnandaHya]

lol crazy4god that is cool thanks for sharing

 

[MidniteWelder]

What I see is that there is further wisdom, knowledge and discernment to be gained than just what is written in the bible alone.
Rightly dividing the word of truth, would help in common sense and our achieving a more full understanding of God, not just on the surface, but deeper, in God's character, the reasons he does things, the reasons he provided his living word for us and our benefit within his ultimate plan.
Even as Pagans may love and care for their own children, our Father Loves and cares for us even more.
Should we question one he has asked and possibly been given wisdom or insight at a level above our own, even if we feel we have been a Christian longer, been to more schooling, been alive longer.
Elihu as in Job 34 is a good example of this

Does God call the equipped or does he equip the called regardless of age or by the measure of mans lowly qualifications.
Who's standards are the most high?
Who has God shown to use most,
The strong and the prideful or the weak and the meek?
does the bible which we believe in.... tell us plainly, You do not have because you do not ask.
Perhaps some do not have because they lack faith, as Jesus so many times let his own disciples know of their folly of lacking Faith when they were unsuccessful in trying to show the fruits of the spirit, even in Jesus' presence while he was alive right there with them.
And many will scoff and mock the power of the Lord being shown in its power and glory in our present age more than we have witnessed in our past.
Faith...believing in that which we have not seen.
Do we have to witness God, or his miracles to believe?
We say we dont yet when we do see some we beginn to question or assign coincidence.
A wicked and adulterous generation will ask for a sign.
To justify their belief.
What then is the measure of little faith?
The one who believes with no doubt and needs no proof
or the one who asks for even just a hint of proof so they may keep on believing.
We should be careful not to take on the form of Godliness while at the same time denying the very power thereof, the power of the one whom we say we believe in in the first place. Does God show his Glory through himself or more through the people who humbly follow him. Even through the love of Christ we are told how to deal with those who deny Gods infinite power.
2 Timothy 3:5
5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
I wonder if many questioned Solomon's wisdom and insight and discernment in his day. Yet even one greater than Solomon had come later, our savior and rightfully claimed full authority through God, Gods will not his. Even he was questioned my many.
Like a banker studies real bills to know a counterfeit in comparison, not the other way around.
We should know and study the word in order to recognize and prove a counterfeit if one arrives.

Yet we should also be cautious for setting out to do such so readily simply out of our own limited experiences and understanding.

I believe others may have been given insight into their own lives but keep quiet for fear of being labeled or discounted as somewhat crazy.
God may speak to us each in differing ways, we are all different and God knows how to communicate with us so we may hear him best. He is the creator, his methods are true. Some in dreams, some mentally in sudden messages through the spirit, some even in an audible voice.
If he knows our thoughts, then it stands to reason God can speak to our thoughts.
When it comes down to it we should be able to proclaim the Gospel fearlessly. Our own testimonies may help to add weight and credit to what we profess to believe and how God has shown himself to be real for us.
The bible may hold all we NEED to know, for it is true that God gives us what we need.
But does he also bless us with things we dont need, wants, desires of our hearts? We have nothing which has not been given us, since we first entered the world with nothing. All has been given us by our Lord.
I think we can safely say if we ask for something for our own benefit above our needs it is self-seeking, yet if we ask for something for the benefit of others or the church God is more apt to grant such a request.
If VW is merely stating there is deeper understanding to be achieved in a relationship with our creator, perhaps its an experience some have and some dont. Yes in order to be saved we must first believe Christ came in the flesh and died for our sins, Yet If all we had to do in order to have a close relationship with God is remember what is written, that would be enough yet it would seem a mundane form of relationship just relaying info back and forth which is already been written.
God is real today not just in the past, not just what is written, we all have unique experiences of our own which can be shared to prove God is real and that Jesus is alive today, in the world, in our hearts, transforming the most evil of people, while still transforming even the most righteous of people at the same time. We are never finished changing for Christ when we seek to follow him taking up our cross and deny ourselves to follow him. What is taking up our own cross? Persecution, ridicule, tribulation. Its gonna happen, we're not only warned of it but promised it will happen for being a follower.
2 Timothy 3:12
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
We were not told it was going to be easy, but worth it.
I agree we should meditate on Gods word and know his word to its full extent, but the relationship, isnt that another example Christ showed us which we lack, the spirit will speak to us, in times of persecution we are promised not to fear for Jesus will give us the words we need to be spoken.
Luke 21:
14But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

I even heard a youth pastor preach that he talked to God so much and asked his advice and leadership so often he even asked God what socks to put on that day. LOL, over the top? Maybe, I think not though.
Jesus himself said these are not my words but the words of my father. Did Jesus much think for himself or let the Father speak through him.
How often do we ask God what we should do, to guide us in any choices to make so we are constantly in his will, not ours?
It appears common sense is not as common as we had hoped.
And as for bullies,
Would we in our day and age label Paul as a bully for this scripture?

1 Cor 4:21 What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?
Is that a threat? Could that be interpretted as "Do I gotta give ya a beatin or what?"
Or are we told that the kingdom of God is advancing by forceful men, and forceful me lay hold of it.
Not abusive, not Bullies, But those who are not cowards to stand up for God and the bible regardless of what may be thought of them, men with courage who wont back down or compromise for the sake of God even confronted with the face of death.
If a kingdom cannot be divided against itself, what force would these men then be forceful against? I can only conclude against the forces of darkness.
Is God himself a bully then for telling his people what to do or else?
What happened to the people in the desert with Moses who complained about their circumstances?
Is Jesus a bully for saying many will cry out Lord Lord did we not do works in your name and he will tell them he never knew them?
Matthew 7:
21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me
What about when he said"If you Love me you will Obey my commandments"
Have we ever heard from someone, "if you love me you would do this for me" and got defensive for it. I know... it comes down to ur heart and the intentions.
Was Jesus a bully for also saying he could call upon his Father to dispatch Legions of Angels to be at his disposal if he so desired.
Is that like saying, if I wanted to I could round up my buddies and get things straightened out around here. But since Im such a nice guy Imma give y'all another chance.
Was he a bully for calling the Pharisee's out and blatantly saying they were hypocrites, snakes and brood of vipers?
If the shoe fits put it on. Dont whine and cry about it if its not a Nike.
I feel a bully is someone picking for fun and for sport, not one who may get after a brother or sister for their betterment, out of Love, albeit even if it is Tough Love.
As iron sharpens iron... remember.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend...remember
Out of all the men and women in the bible God used, to show us to teach us, only one was perfect, do we discount all the others then for not being perfect? Yet we do that with our own here right now.
I believe thats another lesson Christ was getting at in judging, not that we shouldnt be corrected, but that in showing mercy we shouldnt be discounted as men or women of God being used for Gods purpose if once in awhile we happen to not be perfect, or happen to not profess or teach in a way that appeals to the masses, or if one may have unconventional methods according to mans standards, maybe that one persons ways will save that one lost sheep if thats all they ever do.
Doesn't Jesus our Lord, yes the one we profess to believe in as our savior and proclaim his power within us himself say that not only will some do what he had done but even greater things?
John 14:12
I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Likely our own imagination may not be able to hold what is to come. Peter or the people of that day likely never imagined walking on water, Peter witnessed it and even took a few steps himself and still couldnt believe it was happening. WHILE IN JESUS' PRESENCE!!!
How quickly does some peoples faith diminish when not in his presence.
Even Jesus' own disciples didn't get it right sometimes, at least the bible is open honest and truthful enough to tell it like it is without hiding anything, to not exalt man but to show theirs and our mistakes too and then contrast that by showing Gods power when we just listen and follow.
Even the best of us are still trying to get that part right.
It shouldn't be this way. Let our Faith be everyday replenished to not doubt the awesome power of our Lord.
Let us not wish to have our ears tickled but be humble enough to allow Gods work to be done, encourage one another and yes accept wounds from a friend which are faithful for our own correction if needed.
We should be cautious to question gifts of the Holy Spirit lest we fall into condemnation for the very fact of blaspheming the Holy Spirit,
Is VW exalting himself or more stating through his own experience and encouraging us that there is more to be gained through a close relationship with our Father God than meets the eye, more than just what we have read about? Is that possible? I don't know him but I don't discount that possibility.
How many people do you know that have witnessed a miracle in their life,? Healing, revelation, being spoken to, seen angels? Demons cast out, release from depression, eating disorders...forgiveness, Superhuman strength in times of need? Even a simple decision not to take a certain Plane flight that day. Does this need to be in the bible to be from God?
I'm glad I didnt live during the days of Noah, I wonder if I would have thought his beliefs to be outlandish or even dismiss him as a man of God for getting drunk once.
Be Blessed, and I encourage everyone keep and have full Faith in the Lord...always
Pardon my long post, I feel it all had to be said. No offense meant to anyone.

 

[MidniteWelder]

Correction to beginning paragraph above.....better reference is Elihu starting in Job 32 is a good example of young teaching or instructing the old and wise through Gods words and power. Forgive me Im human

 

[Red33]

What I see is that there is further wisdom, knowledge and discernment to be gained than just what is written in the bible alone.
Rightly dividing the word of truth, would help in common sense and our achieving a more full understanding of God, not just on the surface, but deeper, in God's character, the reasons he does things, the reasons he provided his living word for us and our benefit within his ultimate plan.
Even as Pagans may love and care for their own children, our Father Loves and cares for us even more.
Should we question one he has asked and possibly been given wisdom or insight at a level above our own, even if we feel we have been a Christian longer, been to more schooling, been alive longer.
Elihu as in Job 34 is a good example of this

Does God call the equipped or does he equip the called regardless of age or by the measure of mans lowly qualifications.
Who's standards are the most high?
Who has God shown to use most,
The strong and the prideful or the weak and the meek?
does the bible which we believe in.... tell us plainly, You do not have because you do not ask.
Perhaps some do not have because they lack faith, as Jesus so many times let his own disciples know of their folly of lacking Faith when they were unsuccessful in trying to show the fruits of the spirit, even in Jesus' presence while he was alive right there with them.
And many will scoff and mock the power of the Lord being shown in its power and glory in our present age more than we have witnessed in our past.
Faith...believing in that which we have not seen.
Do we have to witness God, or his miracles to believe?
We say we dont yet when we do see some we beginn to question or assign coincidence.
A wicked and adulterous generation will ask for a sign.
To justify their belief.
What then is the measure of little faith?
The one who believes with no doubt and needs no proof
or the one who asks for even just a hint of proof so they may keep on believing.
We should be careful not to take on the form of Godliness while at the same time denying the very power thereof, the power of the one whom we say we believe in in the first place. Does God show his Glory through himself or more through the people who humbly follow him. Even through the love of Christ we are told how to deal with those who deny Gods infinite power.
2 Timothy 3:5
5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
I wonder if many questioned Solomon's wisdom and insight and discernment in his day. Yet even one greater than Solomon had come later, our savior and rightfully claimed full authority through God, Gods will not his. Even he was questioned my many.
Like a banker studies real bills to know a counterfeit in comparison, not the other way around.
We should know and study the word in order to recognize and prove a counterfeit if one arrives.

Yet we should also be cautious for setting out to do such so readily simply out of our own limited experiences and understanding.

I believe others may have been given insight into their own lives but keep quiet for fear of being labeled or discounted as somewhat crazy.
God may speak to us each in differing ways, we are all different and God knows how to communicate with us so we may hear him best. He is the creator, his methods are true. Some in dreams, some mentally in sudden messages through the spirit, some even in an audible voice.
If he knows our thoughts, then it stands to reason God can speak to our thoughts.
When it comes down to it we should be able to proclaim the Gospel fearlessly. Our own testimonies may help to add weight and credit to what we profess to believe and how God has shown himself to be real for us.
The bible may hold all we NEED to know, for it is true that God gives us what we need.
But does he also bless us with things we dont need, wants, desires of our hearts? We have nothing which has not been given us, since we first entered the world with nothing. All has been given us by our Lord.
I think we can safely say if we ask for something for our own benefit above our needs it is self-seeking, yet if we ask for something for the benefit of others or the church God is more apt to grant such a request.
If VW is merely stating there is deeper understanding to be achieved in a relationship with our creator, perhaps its an experience some have and some dont. Yes in order to be saved we must first believe Christ came in the flesh and died for our sins, Yet If all we had to do in order to have a close relationship with God is remember what is written, that would be enough yet it would seem a mundane form of relationship just relaying info back and forth which is already been written.
God is real today not just in the past, not just what is written, we all have unique experiences of our own which can be shared to prove God is real and that Jesus is alive today, in the world, in our hearts, transforming the most evil of people, while still transforming even the most righteous of people at the same time. We are never finished changing for Christ when we seek to follow him taking up our cross and deny ourselves to follow him. What is taking up our own cross? Persecution, ridicule, tribulation. Its gonna happen, we're not only warned of it but promised it will happen for being a follower.
2 Timothy 3:12
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
We were not told it was going to be easy, but worth it.
I agree we should meditate on Gods word and know his word to its full extent, but the relationship, isnt that another example Christ showed us which we lack, the spirit will speak to us, in times of persecution we are promised not to fear for Jesus will give us the words we need to be spoken.
Luke 21:
14But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

I even heard a youth pastor preach that he talked to God so much and asked his advice and leadership so often he even asked God what socks to put on that day. LOL, over the top? Maybe, I think not though.
Jesus himself said these are not my words but the words of my father. Did Jesus much think for himself or let the Father speak through him.
How often do we ask God what we should do, to guide us in any choices to make so we are constantly in his will, not ours?
It appears common sense is not as common as we had hoped.
And as for bullies,
Would we in our day and age label Paul as a bully for this scripture?

1 Cor 4:21 What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?
Is that a threat? Could that be interpretted as "Do I gotta give ya a beatin or what?"
Or are we told that the kingdom of God is advancing by forceful men, and forceful me lay hold of it.
Not abusive, not Bullies, But those who are not cowards to stand up for God and the bible regardless of what may be thought of them, men with courage who wont back down or compromise for the sake of God even confronted with the face of death.
If a kingdom cannot be divided against itself, what force would these men then be forceful against? I can only conclude against the forces of darkness.
Is God himself a bully then for telling his people what to do or else?
What happened to the people in the desert with Moses who complained about their circumstances?
Is Jesus a bully for saying many will cry out Lord Lord did we not do works in your name and he will tell them he never knew them?
Matthew 7:
21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me
What about when he said"If you Love me you will Obey my commandments"
Have we ever heard from someone, "if you love me you would do this for me" and got defensive for it. I know... it comes down to ur heart and the intentions.
Was Jesus a bully for also saying he could call upon his Father to dispatch Legions of Angels to be at his disposal if he so desired.
Is that like saying, if I wanted to I could round up my buddies and get things straightened out around here. But since Im such a nice guy Imma give y'all another chance.
Was he a bully for calling the Pharisee's out and blatantly saying they were hypocrites, snakes and brood of vipers?
If the shoe fits put it on. Dont whine and cry about it if its not a Nike.
I feel a bully is someone picking for fun and for sport, not one who may get after a brother or sister for their betterment, out of Love, albeit even if it is Tough Love.
As iron sharpens iron... remember.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend...remember
Out of all the men and women in the bible God used, to show us to teach us, only one was perfect, do we discount all the others then for not being perfect? Yet we do that with our own here right now.
I believe thats another lesson Christ was getting at in judging, not that we shouldnt be corrected, but that in showing mercy we shouldnt be discounted as men or women of God being used for Gods purpose if once in awhile we happen to not be perfect, or happen to not profess or teach in a way that appeals to the masses, or if one may have unconventional methods according to mans standards, maybe that one persons ways will save that one lost sheep if thats all they ever do.
Doesn't Jesus our Lord, yes the one we profess to believe in as our savior and proclaim his power within us himself say that not only will some do what he had done but even greater things?
John 14:12
I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Likely our own imagination may not be able to hold what is to come. Peter or the people of that day likely never imagined walking on water, Peter witnessed it and even took a few steps himself and still couldnt believe it was happening. WHILE IN JESUS' PRESENCE!!!
How quickly does some peoples faith diminish when not in his presence.
Even Jesus' own disciples didn't get it right sometimes, at least the bible is open honest and truthful enough to tell it like it is without hiding anything, to not exalt man but to show theirs and our mistakes too and then contrast that by showing Gods power when we just listen and follow.
Even the best of us are still trying to get that part right.
It shouldn't be this way. Let our Faith be everyday replenished to not doubt the awesome power of our Lord.
Let us not wish to have our ears tickled but be humble enough to allow Gods work to be done, encourage one another and yes accept wounds from a friend which are faithful for our own correction if needed.
We should be cautious to question gifts of the Holy Spirit lest we fall into condemnation for the very fact of blaspheming the Holy Spirit,
Is VW exalting himself or more stating through his own experience and encouraging us that there is more to be gained through a close relationship with our Father God than meets the eye, more than just what we have read about? Is that possible? I don't know him but I don't discount that possibility.
How many people do you know that have witnessed a miracle in their life,? Healing, revelation, being spoken to, seen angels? Demons cast out, release from depression, eating disorders...forgiveness, Superhuman strength in times of need? Even a simple decision not to take a certain Plane flight that day. Does this need to be in the bible to be from God?
I'm glad I didnt live during the days of Noah, I wonder if I would have thought his beliefs to be outlandish or even dismiss him as a man of God for getting drunk once.
Be Blessed, and I encourage everyone keep and have full Faith in the Lord...always
Pardon my long post, I feel it all had to be said. No offense meant to anyone.

The Spirit of Christ in the believer will not condemn the members of His body, flesh and bones (Eph 5:30, Phil 1:19). We have been given the Spirit to edify and build up the church (Eph 2:22). What Christ does as the head of the church to bring unity is His business, but we are to edify and build up one another in the word and love of God and not judge the church (Rom 14:19, Jude 20, Col 2:7). If you judge the body of Christ, then you are judging yourself as a member of it, so if you judge you not a doer but a judge (Jm 4:11).

1Cor 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may EXCEL (in super-abundance) to the edifying of the church.

 

[MidniteWelder]

The Spirit of Christ in the believer will not condemn the members of His body, flesh and bones (Eph 5:30, Phil 1:19). We have been given the Spirit to edify and build up the church (Eph 2:22). What Christ does as the head of the church to bring unity is His business, but we are to edify and build up one another in the word and love of God and not judge the church (Rom 14:19, Jude 20, Col 2:7). If you judge the body of Christ, then you are judging yourself as a member of it, so if you judge you not a doer but a judge (Jm 4:11).

Agreed, if I judge at all I will also judge myself as a member of the body of Christ,
1 Cor 11:31
But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment.
Proverbs 31:9
Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
We all should live in peace, not to quarrel, fight and if in peace means to heed the advice of this proverb
12:16 A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
But while living in peace make no mistake, Jesus himself said he came not to bring peace but a sword, a double edged sword, which we were called to proclaim to those who will listen. Not everyone can hear. sometimes the truth edifies, sometimes the truth hurts.
If there is any correction it is for the care and concern of anothers salvation, not in judging their salvation.
It is up to us to choose how we let Gods word affect us. No overlook or reject the parts we dont like and only look at the parts we like. I find looking and accepting the hardest to swallow scriptures for our own growth, make all the others scriptures easier to accept and more edifying.
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

Its similar to working out, target the hardest to improve areas most, and your workout program becomes easier and those difficult exercises become easier in time as well. Plateus are broken and new areas of growth are reached.

 

[wakeup]

There is an erroneous belief that every word of God is contained in the bible. What, you do not believe this? Then how can the reasoning which says that there cannot be prophecy because the bible is finished hold up under scrutiny? Every belief we have has an end result, every single one. If we believe that the bible is the final, finished and complete revelation of God, then we also believe that it contains all of the knowledge of God, along with every word He has spoken. For the belief says that there is no prophecy, because the bible is finished.

And yet, even in scripture we see that if all the words of Jesus, and all of His deeds, were written down, that there would not be enough room in the whole world to contain them. Do you see the problem? Each belief we have must be examined in the light of God's wisdom to see the end of that belief.

I once believed that I was saved because Jesus had died and rose again on my behalf. And while it is true that He did give Himself for me, that alone did not save me. For while I believed in His forgiveness, I did not draw near to Him with a sincere heart, to see sand know Him. I did just as the children of Israel did, and hardened my heart towards God, claiming His salvation while holding myself out of His light. And who could deliver me from my own lies? God did. It was not pretty.

If all that we know of God is what we read, and if all that we have of Him is knowledge gained by study and teaching; then we do not know God. And if we do not know God, we have believed in vain, and the sacrifice that Jesus made in order to purchase us from slavery has done us no good.

No, all knowledge of God is not in the bible. And all of His words are not contained therein. For God has not lost His mouth, and He has not stopped talking. We have stopped listening. And just as God judged those who hardened their hearts towards His voice, so He will judge us for the same thing, because He does not change, ever; else He is not God.

jesus said ''seek and ye shall find'' and he has provided us with the means to find him.
And that is the bible, his word, this is enough untill he comes. Other books will be opened after the 1000 yrs are finished.

''wakeup''.

 

[zone]

Its similar to working out, target the hardest to improve areas most, and your workout program becomes easier and those difficult exercises become easier in time as well. Plateus are broken and new areas of growth are reached.

using your health analogy, what do you do when you get an infection?

 

[AnandaHya]

Correction to beginning paragraph above.....better reference is Elihu starting in Job 32 is a good example of young teaching or instructing the old and wise through Gods words and power. Forgive me Im human

Job 38

The LORD Reveals His Omnipotence to Job

1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said:
2 “Who is this who darkens counsel
By words without knowledge?

3 Now prepare yourself like a man;
I will question you, and you shall answer Me.

4 “ Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding.

Praise God who gives understanding to babes and exalts the humble and brings the wisdom of the wise to nought.and loosen the bonds of the oppressor

 

[Ramon]

If you believe there are prophets in today's church, are there also apostles? What is the apostles' office and ministry, is it likened to the apostles we had at the inception of the church? Do these apostles have the same power and authority that was given to heal the sick, cast out demons and raise the dead? If that is so, where is the fruit of their labours? We shall know them by their fruit, so where is the fruit of today's apostles and prophets that you believe is in today's NT church? There are those that believe a local church must have this kind of power demonstrated in their midst to be of God. Is God's salvation, given as a gift through Jesus Christ through the power of faith to sinful man enough of a demonstration of the power of God or do we need signs, wonders and miracles to confirm it?

Is not the preaching of the gospel of Christ, the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes (Rom 1:16)?

Does not the God of hope fill us with joy and peace in believing, through the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom 15:13)?

Is not the preaching of the cross the power of God to them who are called and saved (1Cor 1:18,24)?

Does not our power stand in the wisdom and power of God (1Cor 2:5)?

We are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1Pt 1:5).

You do not have to answer these question to me but answer them in your own heart before God.

I try to warn you all to keep your words. Because you only trap yourself. You all have not been honoring scripture because you dishonor your own selves in that you reject Jesus Christ. Yes. Indeed it is rejection of Jesus Christ to worship the bible more than Jesus, as when the people of old worshiped the Law more than the Lord.

Mar 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

And we know the kingdom is not in words, but in power. Do you resist the power? Do you say there should be no prophecy nor healing nor miracles in this time? How can you have the gospel without the power? Or do you not believe he can do it?

Mar 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Mar 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

 

[MidniteWelder]

using your health analogy, what do you do when you get an infection?

Considering that my workout analogy pertains to growth and strength, the analogy parallels with the same concept as growing in character, and being strong in faith from knowing God and his word.
How does one get better at xyz, how does one overcome this obstacle etc.
Im sure you'd agree thats the point of the analogy I used, which is difficult to apply the same to for instance.....how do I stop my muscles from hurting when I do workout.
No pain no gain. We're not gonna stop pain when there is growth involved, including spiritual growth since there are times it is painful inside when we are faced with denying ourselves and letting God mold us into what he wants.
For the sake of conversation we could say that staying healthy is the closest correlation to warding off an infection within the analogy I used.
In this case I would have to ask why one was not able to ward off an infection in the first place.
How much more difficult is it for one get an infection to begin with if they were preventing an infection by growing stronger and staying healthy.
So I would first have to address Health, has one taken the steps to stay healthy,(fed in the word) keep the temple of our body pure as well as (not let our minds be mottled with the world.)

In order to become healthy and well and stay that way, and this is in all aspects, mentally, physically and spiritually one must first care enough to do whats necessary.
When Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself, are we suppose to ignore our own health and well-being. How can one love their neighbor as Jesus wanted us to do if we don't also love ourself just as much (as one of God's children as well). Not in a self-seeking way but just as much as any other person we would care for and offer the shirt off our back or give our last 5 dollars to see someone is taken care of, warm, eats.
Since there are differing types of infections viral infection, bacterial infection, bladder infection, allergic reaction becoming infected, how long has the infection been there etc, then in order to offer an accurate answer I would need more info. Since without further information any advice offered would be based on limited info and cause me to base my answer upon speculation, wouldn't you agree?
So with the info I do have my best answer for you would be to find out what caused the infection and what kind of infection it is in the first place so that you know how to effectively treat it and prevent it in the future.
Awww Zone do you have an infection?
I'd be happy to start off by praying for you.
What kind of infection is it,?

 

[AnandaHya]

lol THANKS MidniteW you made me laugh lol

If the Holy Spirit lives inside and the sheep recognize the voice of the Shepherd, how then are they lost or infected if they are following Jesus or the promoting of the Holy Spirit? who if you get sick who should you turn to be spiritually healed?
why seek pastors and teachers when the HOLY SPIRIT is the one who can answer prayers and give knowledge?

John 10:25-30 (New King James Version)

25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.[a] 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.”

note when we don't listen to the Holy Spirit's promotings He send messages via other means: people, verses in the Bible, events in your life, nightmares etc.

 

[zone]

Considering that my workout analogy pertains to growth and strength, the analogy parallels with the same concept as growing in character, and being strong in faith from knowing God and his word.
How does one get better at xyz, how does one overcome this obstacle etc.
Im sure you'd agree thats the point of the analogy I used, which is difficult to apply the same to for instance.....how do I stop my muscles from hurting when I do workout.
No pain no gain. We're not gonna stop pain when there is growth involved, including spiritual growth since there are times it is painful inside when we are faced with denying ourselves and letting God mold us into what he wants.
For the sake of conversation we could say that staying healthy is the closest correlation to warding off an infection within the analogy I used.
In this case I would have to ask why one was not able to ward off an infection in the first place.
How much more difficult is it for one get an infection to begin with if they were preventing an infection by growing stronger and staying healthy.
So I would first have to address Health, has one taken the steps to stay healthy,(fed in the word) keep the temple of our body pure as well as (not let our minds be mottled with the world.)

In order to become healthy and well and stay that way, and this is in all aspects, mentally, physically and spiritually one must first care enough to do whats necessary.
When Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself, are we suppose to ignore our own health and well-being. How can one love their neighbor as Jesus wanted us to do if we don't also love ourself just as much (as one of God's children as well). Not in a self-seeking way but just as much as any other person we would care for and offer the shirt off our back or give our last 5 dollars to see someone is taken care of, warm, eats.
Since there are differing types of infections viral infection, bacterial infection, bladder infection, allergic reaction becoming infected, how long has the infection been there etc, then in order to offer an accurate answer I would need more info. Since without further information any advice offered would be based on limited info and cause me to base my answer upon speculation, wouldn't you agree?
So with the info I do have my best answer for you would be to find out what caused the infection and what kind of infection it is in the first place so that you know how to effectively treat it and prevent it in the future.
Awww Zone do you have an infection?
I'd be happy to start off by praying for you.
What kind of infection is it,?

the analogy is about heresy (leaven)

you get rid of it, or the whole body becomes sick.

~

thank you, i'm fine
i have cancer and neurological disease, as well as kidney failure.
i have learned to be content in all circumstances.
prayers are appreciated (by those who are praying to the right Lord).