u/DarkCloud_HS

I want to present some scripture from God's Word regarding prayer.. with the goal that it can help believers have a powerful and effective prayer life (especially when praying for others).

It may come as a surprise to some of you when I say this, but no.. God does not listen to everyone's prayers.

Prayer (as defined by scripture), is very conditional.

Many of these conditions overlap with each other.

Below is a scriptural list of different types of people.. whose prayers God will not hear (or who will have trouble being heard).

1. In Proverbs, it says the one who turns their ear away from hearing the law.. even their prayer is an abomination.

>One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.

>Proverbs 28:9 (NKJV)

The one who doesn't want to hear what God has to say in His Word, why would God want to listen to what they have to say?

It's that simple.

2. The one who has no heart to help those in need, and does not incline their heart to help the oppressed.

>6 “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness,

>To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free,

>And that you break every yoke?

>7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;

>When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh?

>8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning,

>Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you;

>The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

>9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;

>You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’

>Isaiah 58:6-9 (NKJV)

Again, there's a condition here.

If you do these things.. then the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.

If you do these things.. then You shall cry, and the Lord will answer.

3. The double-minded one, who does not ask in faith..

>5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

>6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

>7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;

>8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

>James 1:5-8 (NKJV)

4. For married men: those who do not honor their wife and dwell with them in understanding.. your prayers may be hindered.

>7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered

>1 Peter 3:7 (NKJV)

5. The one who does not hold God in their heart with godly fear (and the reverence that is due Him).

>19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He also will hear their cry and save them

>Psalm 145:19 (NKJV)

>5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him:

>“You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.”

>6 As He also says in another place: “You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek”;

>7 who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear,

>8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.

>9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,

>Hebrews 5:5-9 (NKJV)

When praying, it's important to remember who you're speaking to.. it's not good to dishonor the Lord in this.

The scripture says that Christ, in the days of His flesh, was heard in His prayers and supplication to God.. because of His godly fear.

6. The one who's iniquities and sins have hidden God's face from them, so that God will not hear them.

Those whose hands are defiled with blood, and whose lips have spoken lies..

>1 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened,

>That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear.

>2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God;

>And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.

>3 For your hands are defiled with blood, And your fingers with iniquity;

>Your lips have spoken lies, Your tongue has muttered perversity.

>Isaiah 59:1-3 (NKJV)

7. In general, the one who is not living righteously.. the face of the Lord is against them.

>12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

>And His ears are open to their prayers;

>But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

>1 Peter 3:12 (NKJV)

>31 Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him.

>John 9:31 (NKJV)

8. The one who asks with impure motives. They ask and do not receive because they ask amiss.

>1 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?

>2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.

>3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

>James 4:1-3 (NKJV)

9. So to conclude and reiterate, Biblically speaking no.. God does not hear everyone's prayers.

Now I will say this.

It's possible for God to extend a benevolent hand of mercy, to those who cry out in desperation.. but this is because He is abundantly loving and merciful (Lamentations 3:22-23).

>1 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly. 

>2 And he said: “I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction,
And He answered me.

>“Out of the belly of Sheol I cried,
And You heard my voice

>Jonah 2:1-2 (NKJV)

However those who rely exclusively on the 'imputed righteousness' of Christ, while not living for Him..

This is why MANY of them spend years wondering why God hardly answers (or answered) their prayers.

But the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much..

>16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

>James 5:16 (NKJV)

I hope this finds you well. Blessings in the name of Jesus Christ.

I want to explore one of my favorite scripture passages in the Gospels.

This encounter is unique because there's a critical message hidden within, regarding New Testament truths and realities.

>1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.

>2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”

>3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

>4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”

>John 3:1-4 (NKJV)

So a few things we're told here.

1. Nicodemus is an incredibly educated and intelligent man (being a Pharisee)
2. He's a ruler of the Jews, thoroughly acquainted with Old Covenant laws and customs.
3. Nicodemus misunderstands what Christ said about being 'born again'.

Nicodemus seems to think that Christ is talking about physically being reborn.

At this point in time, Nicodemus can only rely on natural reason to explain to him what Christ is saying.

Why?

Because Nicodemus does not have the Holy Spirit.

He doesn't have it because he has not yet been 'born again' (which we now understand to be a spiritual rebirth, not a physical one - 2 Cor. 5:17).

>5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

>6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

>7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

>8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

>9 Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?”

>John 3:5-9 (NKJV)

So Jesus tells Nicodemus that no person can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit (1 Peter 3:21).

Physical flesh is born from physical flesh (for example a mother giving birth).

And that which is 'spirit' (i.e regeneration and renewal - Titus 3:5), are born and brought about by the Holy Spirit.

Christ is describing 2 completely different realities.

Yet Nicodemus still can't understand anything Christ is saying.. because again, he's relying on natural logic and reason.

Furthermore, Christ compares things of the Spiritual realm to be like the wind to the natural man.

The natural man cannot visibly see the wind but he knows that it's there.

Although he knows that it's there, he cannot see where it comes from or where it goes.

And Christ compares the things of the Spirit to be likened unto the wind, as it appears to the man who tries to understand it with natural logic and reason.

This is all later revealed and brought to remembrance (John 14:26) in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Church of Corinth, and through the wisdom of the Spirit (Post Pentecost)

>13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

>14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

>15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.

>16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

>1 Corinthians 2:13-16 (NKJV)

The natural man (that is, the one without discernment in the Holy Spirit) only sees the things of the Spirit of God as foolishness.

Why?

Because those things can only be discerned spiritually (through the Holy Spirit).

Sure the natural man can judge it (with their natural/carnal reasoning), but it won't be 'rightly' judged (verse 15).

The natural man (without spiritual discernment) may see there's 'something' going on, but is unable to follow where it's coming from or where it goes.. just like the wind as it blows.

Going back to Christ and Nicodemus:

>10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?

>11 Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.

>12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

>John 3:12 (NKJV)

Christ concludes the mistake of Nicodemus by pointing out that although He's a teacher of Israel, he doesn't know basic spiritual truths.. since he remains a 'natural man'.

Furthermore, Christ judges that there's no point in continuing this specific conversation with Nicodemus.

Why?

Because Nicodemus cannot bridge the rift in understanding that currently exists between the 2 of them.

So what can we learn from this?

That perhaps we (believers today) need to change the way we think, in order to learn new things about God's kingdom.

>9 But as it is written:

>“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man

>The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

>10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

>11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.

>12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.

>1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NKJV)

Some food for thought.

>19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 

>21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

>1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 (NKJV)

Seeing as how this is a ubiquitous question (I've asked this question myself),

I want to share a scriptural guide for how you can resist and find freedom from 'works of the flesh'.

To began, I will present scripture that identifies what 'works of the flesh' are.

>16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

>17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

>18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

>19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,

>20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,

>21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

>Galatians 5:16-21 (KJV)

So scripture lists a wide array of sinful inclinations. Inclinations that believers are instructed to avoid practicing.

What I'm addressing is how we can remain free from practicing such things.

To start, we all know that humans have 5 senses. Now these 5 senses are what I like to refer to as 'spiritual gates'

First, let me defend my claim that our 5 senses are 'spiritual gates' with scripture.

It actually comes from some things that the Lord taught.

>22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

>23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

>Matthew 6:22-23 (KJV)

Christ refers to the human eye as being 'the light of the body'. That is to say, the eye serves as a 'lens' by which light (or darkness) enters into the body.

Even going so far to say, that if the eye ('lens') is bad, then what we perceive to be light.. may actually be darkness.

That's a very strong contrast presented.. and a compelling reason if any, to keep reading God's Word.

In another scripture, Christ references both 'touch' and 'sight' as access points.

>29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

>30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

>Matthew 5:29-30 (KJV)

Here both the eye and the hand are directly referenced (to quite an extreme degree).. as being sources of something that might 'offend' (cause someone to stumble into sin).

This is the scriptural basis for why I present our 5 senses as 'spiritual gates'.

>I will set nothing wicked before my eyes;
I hate the work of those who fall away;
IT SHALL NOT CLING TO ME.

>Psalm 101:3 (NKJV)

To reiterate, 'spiritual gates' are avenues by which things can enter into us (our heart/mind), to influence our decision-making.. as the Psalm clearly alludes to.

These 5 'spiritual gates' (our senses) are as follows:

1. Sight.
2. Hearing.
3. Smell.
4. Taste.
5. Touch.

So what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch.. all of these are access points by which the enemy can use in order to influence your decision-making (thereby influencing subsequent actions).

If you want to grow in sanctification, then you have to take control of your 5 senses and what you allow to affect you.

What keeps many people bound to 'lust', 'porn', 'drunkenness' and other carnal inclinations, is that they don't control what they're 'taking in'.

The apostle Paul makes reference in this regard.

>33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

>1 Corinthians 15:33

Paul says don't let anyone deceive you.

Evil communications will corrupt good manners (or, righteous conduct).

Communications can be something you hear (sense of hearing).

Or something you read (seeing).

So what you listen to.. and what you look at, this can affect your decision-making.

All of this is referenced in this proverb too.

>23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

>Proverbs 4:23 (KJV)

'Keep' or 'Guard' your heart with all diligence.

Why?

Because out of it, come all the issues of this life.

Now, I want to give some practical real life examples on how our 5 senses can influence our decision-making.

1. Sight - Explicit adult content (porn).. this affects us and influences how we look at sexuality. Porn addiction is a real life example on how the human mind can be sickened by what it sees. Heavy makeup? It appeals to the 'lust of the eyes' - (1 John 2:16). Both of these examples are deceptive in nature.
2. Hearing - Rap music with a lot of profanity. If you listen to this every day.. I guarantee you that it will influence your mind (given enough time). All filthy slang has the same negative effect.
3. Smell - Heavy perfume/cologne.. it smells real good doesn't it? Maybe even making someone seem more seductive to you then they might otherwise be. Smell comes in through our nose (no, I'm not saying you should skip the deodorant).
4. Taste - That greasy and fried junk food tastes absolutely delicious.. but your doctor is never going to recommend you keep eating this junk constantly. Gluttony is not good. No man ever hated his own (physical) flesh - (Ephesians 5:29)
5. Touch - The moment you touch something, it influences what comes after. If you touch a burning hot pot, you will pull your hand away in a split second.. will you not? Your mind has already made the decision for you out of self-preservation. This is why we are to flee fornication (1 Cor. 3:16). Your body may just move faster than you can think.

You may find more examples that can be 'plugged in' to the list here concerning the 5 senses.

This is why we must 'crucify' (put to death) our 'flesh'.

In other words, to take our own body and bring it into subjection.. by taking captive every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).

The apostle Paul also references this as something he practiced.. and in order to avoid hypocrisy (it's very hard to preach with a clean conscience when we're being hypocritical - Matthew 7:1-5).

>But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

>1 Corinthians 9:27 (KJV)

I will end this guide with a few final scripture passages.

>1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 

>2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

>Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)

We must renew our mind.. that is, we must change the way that we think.

Repentance produces a change in lifestyle because the mind has been renewed in its thinking.

Now scripture reveals there is a 3 step process in escalation, regarding sinful inclinations.

>14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.

>15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin;

>and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

>James 1:14-15 NKJV)

1. Sin begins with temptation, and enticement follows as a result of our own carnal desires. Thought.
2. When that desire is followed, it conceives, and gives birth to sin. Action.
3. When sin (or sinful habits) are full grown, it brings forth death. Consequence (physical or spiritual).

Instead of asking 'is it ok if I... do x?'

I suggest asking: 'How will this affect me in my walk with Christ?'

I hope this quick guide blesses someone.

If you genuinely found this guide helpful, you have my permission and blessing to use the content here for your own purposes.

Let us walk in the Spirit.

>22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

>23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

>24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

>25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

>Galatians 5:22-25 (NKJV)

There's more good scripture passages to go into regarding sanctification, but I will end with this..

>8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

>Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)

Seeing as how this is a ubiquitous question (I've asked this question myself),

I want to share a scriptural guide for how you can resist and find freedom from 'works of the flesh'.

To began, I will present scripture that identifies what 'works of the flesh' are.

>16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

>17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

>18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

>19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,

>20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,

>21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

>Galatians 5:16-21 (KJV)

So scripture lists a wide array of sinful inclinations. Inclinations that believers are instructed to avoid practicing.

What I'm addressing is how we can remain free from practicing such things.

To start, we all know that humans have 5 senses. Now these 5 senses are what I like to refer to as 'spiritual gates'

First, let me defend my claim that our 5 senses are 'spiritual gates' with scripture.

It actually comes from some things that the Lord taught.

>22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

>23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

>Matthew 6:22-23 (KJV)

Christ refers to the human eye as being 'the light of the body'. That is to say, the eye serves as a 'lens' by which light (or darkness) enters into the body.

Even going so far to say, that if the eye ('lens') is bad, then what we perceive to be light.. may actually be darkness.

That's a very strong contrast presented.. and a compelling reason if any, to keep reading God's Word.

In another scripture, Christ references both 'touch' and 'sight' as access points.

>29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

>30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

>Matthew 5:29-30 (KJV)

Here both the eye and the hand are directly referenced (to quite an extreme degree).. as being sources of something that might 'offend' (cause someone to stumble into sin).

This is the scriptural basis for why I present our 5 senses as 'spiritual gates'.

>I will set nothing wicked before my eyes;
I hate the work of those who fall away;
IT SHALL NOT CLING TO ME.

>Psalm 101:3 (NKJV)

To reiterate, 'spiritual gates' are avenues by which things can enter into us (our heart/mind), to influence our decision-making.. as the Psalm clearly alludes to.

These 5 'spiritual gates' (our senses) are as follows:

1. Sight.
2. Hearing.
3. Smell.
4. Taste.
5. Touch.

So what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch.. all of these are access points by which the enemy can use in order to influence your decision-making (thereby influencing subsequent actions).

If you want to grow in sanctification, then you have to take control of your 5 senses and what you allow to affect you.

What keeps many people bound to 'lust', 'porn', 'drunkenness' and other carnal inclinations, is that they don't control what they're 'taking in'.

The apostle Paul makes reference in this regard.

>33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

>1 Corinthians 15:33

Paul says don't let anyone deceive you.

Evil communications will corrupt good manners (or, righteous conduct).

Communications can be something you hear (sense of hearing).

Or something you read (seeing).

So what you listen to.. and what you look at, this can affect your decision-making.

All of this is referenced in this proverb too.

>23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

>Proverbs 4:23 (KJV)

'Keep' or 'Guard' your heart with all diligence.

Why?

Because out of it, come all the issues of this life.

Now, I want to give some practical real life examples on how our 5 senses can influence our decision-making.

1. Sight - Explicit adult content (porn).. this affects us and influences how we look at sexuality. Porn addiction is a real life example on how the human mind can be sickened by what it sees. Heavy makeup? It appeals to the 'lust of the eyes' - (1 John 2:16). Both of these examples are deceptive in nature.
2. Hearing - Rap music with a lot of profanity. If you listen to this every day.. I guarantee you that it will influence your mind (given enough time). All filthy slang has the same negative effect.
3. Smell - Heavy perfume/cologne.. it smells real good doesn't it? Maybe even making someone seem more seductive to you then they might otherwise be. Smell comes in through our nose (no, I'm not saying you should skip the deodorant).
4. Taste - That greasy and fried junk food tastes absolutely delicious.. but your doctor is never going to recommend you keep eating this junk constantly. Gluttony is not good. No man ever hated his own (physical) flesh - (Ephesians 5:29)
5. Touch - The moment you touch something, it influences what comes after. If you touch a burning hot pot, you will pull your hand away in a split second.. will you not? Your mind has already made the decision for you out of self-preservation. This is why we are to flee fornication (1 Cor. 3:16). Your body may just move faster than you can think.

You may find more examples that can be 'plugged in' to the list here concerning the 5 senses.

This is why we must 'crucify' (put to death) our 'flesh'.

In other words, to take our own body and bring it into subjection.. by taking captive every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).

The apostle Paul also references this as something he practiced.. and in order to avoid hypocrisy (it's very hard to preach with a clean conscience when we're being hypocritical - Matthew 7:1-5).

>But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

>1 Corinthians 9:27 (KJV)

I will end this guide with a few final scripture passages.

>1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 

>2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

>Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)

We must renew our mind.. that is, we must change the way that we think.

Repentance produces a change in lifestyle because the mind has been renewed in its thinking.

Now scripture reveals there is a 3 step process in escalation, regarding sinful inclinations.

>14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.

>15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin;

>and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

>James 1:14-15 NKJV)

1. Sin begins with temptation, and enticement follows as a result of our own carnal desires. Thought.
2. When that desire is followed, it conceives, and gives birth to sin. Action.
3. When sin (or sinful habits) are full grown, it brings forth death. Consequence (physical or spiritual).

Instead of asking 'is it ok if I... do x?'

I suggest asking: 'How will this affect me in my walk with Christ?'

I hope this quick guide blesses someone.

If you genuinely found this guide helpful, you have my permission and blessing to use the content here for your own purposes.

Let us walk in the Spirit.

>22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

>23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

>24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

>25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

>Galatians 5:22-25 (NKJV)

There's more good scripture passages to go into regarding sanctification, but I will end with this..

>8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

>Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)

Questions, comments, and concerns are welcome (if they are civil).

It's ok to disagree, but please don't speak harshly against the man of God.

Let me preface, I have no argument against the 10 commandments which are written by the finger of God in stone. (Exodus 20:1-17).

Now my question is this:

If Gentiles are ultimately required to obey Torah to attain salvation, can anyone explain this scripture passage to me?

It seems counterintuitive.

Why are the Jews (who keep Torah) fighting and opposing Paul (who also keeps Torah)?

How does this make sense?

Aren't they on the same team? Do they not both obey Torah?

>44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God.

>45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul.

>46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.

>47 For so the Lord has commanded us:

>‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,

>That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”

>48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

>49 And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region.

>50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.

>51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium.

>52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

>Acts 13:44-52 (NKJV)

I've read a lot of posts here in this subreddit, and a lot of replies to those posts, therefore I get the impression that keeping of Torah has to do with our salvation (at least to some degree).

Also, can you explain this scripture? This is all very confusing to me.

>1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,

>2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,

>3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

>4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;

>5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

>1 Timothy 4:1-5 (NKJV)

If the Jews follow Torah, why is Christ crucified a stumbling block to them? It doesn't make sense.. and if Gentiles are to follow Torah like the Jews, why doesn't this verse list Gentiles here too?

>but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness

>1 Corinthians 1:23 (NKJV)

Also, it's my understanding that Isaiah 66 is symbolic, not necessarily literal.

Not to say that God won't implement and keep 'new moons' and 'sabbaths' during His reign (while we're in our SPIRITUAL BODIES)..

But aren't those things which are 'unclean' (foods) merely a symbolic foreshadowing and typology of various sins (and spiritual influence) that are listed in the New Covenant such as heresies/factions (Galatians 5:19-21, Hebrews 5:14, 1 Corinthians 10:3-4)?

Why would God only bring retribution on those who physically eat 'unclean foods' on the day of His return?

>6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you,

>7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,

>8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

>9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,

>10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.

>2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 (KJV)

Does this make sense with Isaiah 66 now?

Will God not judge every one of us for everything we've done, and not just people who eat pork and mice on that particular day? (Ecclesiastes 12:14)

>Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

>Hebrews 3:13 (KJV)

Honestly I avoid eating pork and mice anyway (it's gross and unhealthy).. and no man ever hated his own (physical) flesh - Ephesians 5:29..

But this belief that everyone must put their faith into the Law for justification.. why exactly did Christ come, if we are all still to be justified by the Old Covenant Law (Torah)?

I'm curious how you all make sense of this.

If we weren't born ~2000 years ago, aren't every one of us alive today Gentiles (strictly by lineage definition)?

>1 O foolish Galatians, WHO HATH BEWITCHED YOU, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

>2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

>3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

>Galatians 3:1-3 (KJV)

Yes, you may have read Galatians, but you remained blinded to the truth.

So, this is the Word of the Lord unto you.

>22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

>23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

>Matthew 6:22-23 (KJV)

>^(28) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

>^(29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

>^(30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light

>Matthew 11:28-30 (KJV)

I want to dive deep into one of the harder topics, as I feel I have a grace to speak on it (your typical Pastor will be very unlikely to cover this).

'Is it true that all believers will go to heaven?'

Now because of the weight and gravity of this topic, I will only build the foundation of this teaching on red letter scripture (that is, on the very words spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ).

I will also use Christ's teachings and Parables, because the Lord speaks in a direct way that is easy to understand (unlike some of the writings of the apostle Paul, which are commonly misconstrued or taken out of context - 2 Peter 3:16).

1. To start, let's look at the Parable of the 10 Virgins.

I will begin here because it serves as a foundation of truth.. on which to illuminate the meaning of other seemingly cryptic things that were taught regarding the Final Judgement.

>1 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

>2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

>3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,

>4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

>5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

>6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’

>7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.

>8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’

>9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’

>10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

>11 “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’

>12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

>13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

>Matthew 25:1-13 (NKJV)

In this Parable, Christ reveals a spiritual truth that is set in stone (not unlike the 10 commandments).

The 10 virgins represent the entire Church (Christ would not refer to the unsaved as 'virgins', this is how I know He's talking about the Church.. Christ is the bridegroom - Ephesians 5:31-32)

5 of the virgins were foolish and took no oil with them.. and these were denied entry to be with the bridegroom.

The door was shut on them.

5 were wise and brought oil for their lamps.. these went in to be with the bridegroom.

So the conclusion to this Parable, and the meaning of it is this:

Half of the Church doesn't make it to heaven.

But how does it mean that?

Because the oil represents the Holy Spirit (and the anointing - 1 Samuel 16:13, 1 Kings 19:16, Acts 10:38, Luke 4:18).

So if the oil represents the Holy Spirit, it can be taken to mean, that the 5 foolish virgins rejected the (transformative power of the) Holy Spirit.

They did not take it with them (or forgot to).

Since we've established this truth (that not all of the Church will make it), we can move on to similar teachings by Christ.

2. This second teaching from Christ is a bit better known.. 'many will say to me in that day, Lord Lord'

>21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

>22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’

>23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

>Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV)

In this passage, Christ is speaking about a very specific group of people.

Those who practice lawlessness.

They recklessly say whatever, and do whatever, in a completely unrestrained manner while claiming it to be in the name of Christ..

>19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

>2 Timothy 2:19 (KJV)

This group believed in the power of God, even had the faith by which to perform the miraculous in His name, yet missed one critical part of the Gospel message..

It's the Father's will that we be set apart (separated) from the wickedness of the world, and obey His commandments (Hebrews 12:14, Matthew 22:36-40, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8).

The truth is, it's possible to genuinely see the miraculous, without being right with God.

How.. why?

Because the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

>29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

>Romans 11:29 (KJV)

The scripture says that God will not change His mind about the distribution of His gifts or calling.

That is to say, He will honor His own Word and promises, regardless of anything we might do.

Christ said that all it takes to move a mountain, is to have faith the size of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20).

So, one can have faith.. but they still need to live righteously, if not, they can still fall away according to this teaching by Christ.

3. The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats.

>31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.

>32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.

>33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.

>34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

>35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;

>36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

>37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?

>38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?

>39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’

>40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

>41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:

>42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink;

>43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’

>44 “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’

>45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’

>46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

>Matthew 25:31-46 (NKJV)

Now this Parable is unique in that, I believe it addresses both unbelievers and believers.

It addresses unbelievers..

Since they saw believers, who became Christ-like through faith, and these unbelievers chose to reject, persecute, and/or kill them.. thereby doing the same thing to Christ.

>Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world

>1 John 4:17 (NKJV)

It addresses believers..

Since the scripture states that if we have/show hatred toward our own brethren, we abide in death.

>10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.

>11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,

>12 not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.

>13 Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.

>14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.

>15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

>1 John 3:10-15 (NKJV)

Christ also gave this commandment.

>34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

>35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

>John 13:3-35 (NKJV)

So the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats serves as a warning to believers, and as a day of reckoning toward unbelievers.

Note, I don't believe 'the least of these' is talking about just any person who fits the bill.

Why?

Because Christ does not consider the unsaved to be His 'brethren'.

>46 While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him.

>47 Then one said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.”

>48 But He answered and said to the one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?”

>49 And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers!

>50 For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”

>Matthew 12:46-50 (NKJV)

Another scripture that alludes to this.. is that we should do good to all men, but especially to those of the household of faith.

>As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

>Galatians 6:10 (NKJV)

4. I do want to touch on 1 very important thing.

Unforgiveness.

This is very important because I believe this particular sin has application toward any of the first 3 points we covered.

>14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

>15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

>Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV)

If Christ said this, we should pay attention.

From what I've studied of Scripture..

This sin could not only lead us to separation from God after we pass on, but it's also unique in that it can even block our blessings here on this earth while we still live.

I won't go into the second point (it's a big topic)..

But if Christ said that unforgiveness means God won't forgive us our sins.. that's a big deal.

5. To conclude,

I hope this teaching has shed some light on 'OSAS'.

While some would argue 'if someone isn't saved, they were never saved to began with', I disagree with that wording.

There's too many scriptures that talk about someone 'falling away' from the faith (1 Tim. 4:1), or their name not being blotted out of the book of life (Rev. 3:5), or the Holy Spirit departing/being taken away from someone (Psalm 51:11).

In Jude it references those who are 'twice dead'.

>12 These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; 

>13 raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.

>Jude 1:12-13 (NKJV)

In order to be 'twice dead', someone must have been brought back to life at one point.. and then died again.

Although the wording 'if someone isn't saved, they were never saved to began with' is likely just a disagreement over semantics.

At any rate, I would be happy to answer any questions here. I wouldn't leave anyone in confusion.

You may find this to expose or confirm NDE (near death experience) testimonies (not saying that God's Word needs to be corroborated by them.. just a side note).

>18 No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

>John 1:18 (KJV)

P.s. - If this was the word of the Lord to you, all glory goes to God, through the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

I want to present a teaching on the gift of tongues.

I realize this is a controversial topic, so I will only address this to those who already put faith in believing that tongues are for today.

First, I want to state that there are 4 different kinds of tongues described in scripture.

These are not all the same, scripture describes that each tongue has a distinct function and fulfills a different purpose.

2 of these tongues are for public ministry, and 2 are for private ministry.

To start, we will look at tongues as a prayer language.

1. Tongues as a prayer language.

>2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

1 Corinthians 14:2 (NKJV)

Scripture describes this tongue as not being for other people, rather its purpose is for private prayer, because it is for speaking to God in the spirit, speaking mysteries.

>4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

>1 Cor. 14:4 (NKJV)

This tongue is for self-edification. It's for the building up of oneself in the Spirit.

The book of Jude also references this.

>20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,

>21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

>Jude 1:20-21 (NKJV)

This private prayer language helps to build us up in our faith.

When speaking in tongues as a prayer language, I've personally observed that it helps to provide mental clarity and focus, as it helps by breaking off unbelief and distractions.

An invaluable tool to 'keep ourselves in the love of God'.

>5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

1 Cor. 14:5 (NKJV)

This is a profound statement.

The apostle, still speaking about this kind of tongue, makes the statement I wish you all spoke with tongues.

I take this to mean 2 things.

• That every believer has the ability to step into this particular gift.. even if they don't think they can.
• That God desires us all to speak and utilize this personal prayer language.

2. Tongues as a sign to unbelievers.

This second tongue serves as a sign to unbelievers, and this tongue is for public ministry.

>20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.

>21 In the law it is written:

>“With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people;

>And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” says the Lord.

>22 Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.

>1 Corinthians 14:20-22 (KJV)

This kind of tongues is described in Acts 2, at the coming of the Holy Spirit during Pentecost.

>2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

>3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.

>4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

>5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.

>6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.

>7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?

>8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?

>9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,

>10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,

>11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.”

>12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”

>Acts 2:2-12 (NKJV)

This kind of tongues (speaking in other languages) serves as a sign to unbelievers.

It does this by demonstrating the power of God to touch someone, even meeting them where they are, regardless of our own human limitations (i.e not having knowledge of another's language).

3. Tongues for interpretation.

Tongues for interpretation are for public ministry, in a Church setting, and it's not talking about any human language on the earth.

Human languages are translated, yet this kind of tongue is interpreted by the Spirit.

>10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 

>11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

>1 Corinthians 12:10-11 (NKJV)

We can take this scripture to mean, that there are different kinds of heavenly languages. This is shown in another scripture.

>Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.

>1 Corinthians 13:1 (NKJV)

And because this tongue is a heavenly language, it must be interpreted by the Spirit.

Otherwise no one would understand what it means, and it wouldn't edify others who hear it.

>13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.

>14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.

>15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.

>16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say?

>17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.

>1 Corinthians 14:13-17 (NKJV)

It's also worth noting, that not everyone has this gift.

>^(30) Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 

>1 Corinthians 12:30 (NKJV)

4. Tongues for intercession.

This tongue is for private ministry, to make intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

>26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

>27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

>Romans 8:26-27 (NKJV)

This tongue serves to help us in our weaknesses, for when we don't know how to pray for as we ought.

We don't always know what others may be going through, but God does, and this is a powerful tool He has given to help us in our weakness.

If one feels a strong inclination to make intercession for someone, this tongue helps us to pray and intercede efficiently.. for when we don't have the words.

>^(18) praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

>Ephesians 6:18 (NKJV).

5. To conclude,

I want to reiterate that there's more than 1 kind of tongues.

Since scripture does not contradict itself, the only conclusion to draw when scripture appears to be at odds with itself, is that we are misunderstanding this gift.

Now at the end of 1 Corinthians 14, the apostle ends his teaching on tongues (and prophesying) with a direct statement.

>38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.

>1 Corinthians 14:38 (NKJV)

If anyone wants to be ignorant, let them remain ignorant..

As if to say,

If someone doesn't want to accept the gift of tongues and the Lord's instruction on it through scripture.. they don't have to have it.

But they will be the only ones missing out.

>39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.

>40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

>1 Corinthians 14:39-40 (NKJV)

We are instructed not to forbid to speak with tongues, but that these things should be done decently and in order.

If the apostle is speaking to this Church of Corinth in the Spirit, he's also speaking to us.

>17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

>Mark 16:17 (KJV)

I hope this teaching has reached you well, blessings in Christ.

I want to share an experience that happened once when I was in my early twenties.

It wasn't long after being baptized in the Holy Spirit and fire.. and receiving the ability to speak in tongues.

I was at a house group gathering of young adults, we typically met for young adult Christian fellowship about once a week.

At this gathering we were praising and worshipping.. it was powerful, and the presence of God was thick in the atmosphere.

>20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

>Matthew 18:20

Someone had just laid hands on a newcomer in another room.. he was 17 years old.

This young man had been absolutely 'rocked' in the presence of God, he was in such a state of bliss, love, and peace that he could hardly stand without help.

It was as if he was seeing something we couldn't.. and I'll never forget the look on his face, he was absolutely shining and with such a look of joy and contentedness.

>^(15) For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

>^(16) But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

>^(17) And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

>^(18) And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy

>Acts 2:15-18 (KJV)

>And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

>Acts 6:15 (KJV)

And while I watched this young man swaying, yet fully conscious (and under the support of others), I felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit as if to say.. 'I'm not done with him'. So we sat him down in a chair.

Quickly I had someone bring a trash can and as I felt led, I began to cast demons out of this young man by the guidance of the Lord.

He began vomiting and coughing up all kinds of filth from his stomach, things that had been invited into him through his mouth.

Later he confessed to me that he had been addicted to and been using drugs.

>18 And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.

>Luke 6:18 (KJV)

This experienced further impressed upon me, that the spiritual realm is very real.. and so are demons and demonic opposition.

If that which is light exists, then so does that which is darkness.

>8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

>9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

>10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

>11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

>12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

>13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.'

>Ephesians 5:8-13 (KJV)

I hope the sharing of this testimony can speak to some of you.. the enemy is real and doesn't want us find deliverance in God.

One of the greatest lies.. is the idea that the enemy doesn't exist, and that it's all in our head.

I really want to present a Biblical case for why no believer should be considering Water Baptism as 'works to be saved'.. thereby (inadvertently) encouraging others to avoid it (without meaning to).

I see this mindset as very pervasive in some Christian circles, and I believe it's done a lot of harm.

1. First, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself was baptized in water.

>13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him**^(.)**

>14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

>15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

>16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:'

>17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

>Matthew 3:13-17 (KJV)

If Christ was baptized (fully immersed in water), should we not follow His example?

Is there any reason to avoid doing what He did? I would argue no.

Also, you can't come up 'straightway out' of water unless you were under it.

2. Second, Christ and His disciples baptized others in water.

>22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

>23 And John also was baptizing in AEnon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

>John 3:22-23 (KJV)

Here we have an account in the Gospel of John, where scripture reveals Christ and His disciples actively baptizing others in water.

If Water Baptism is 'works to be saved', why would our example (Christ) be doing/permitting this?

We know this baptism is also full immersion, because scriptures gives the reason for why Christ (and John the baptist) was baptizing near Salim..

Because there was much water there.

3. Third.

Christ directly commands baptism in the great commission, to His disciples.

>16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

>17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

>18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

>19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

>20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

>Matthew 28:16-20 (KJV)

If Christ commands baptism right before He ascends to glory, I believe it should be counted as pretty important.

4. Fourth.

After Christ's ascension, and post Pentecost (the coming of the Holy Spirit - Acts 2), there's an account where 3,000 believe (and are saved) in the book of Acts.

>37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

>38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

>39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

>40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

>41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

>Acts 2:37-41 (KJV)

So in this account of the early Church, the Apostle Peter tells these unbelievers what they must do to be saved.

Repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

That same day, 3 thousand souls were added unto them (the disciples).

What reason is there to deviate from this (very detailed) example of people being saved in the early Church?

I see no reason to do differently than what the early Church in Acts did.

5. Lastly, Water Baptism is not merely ceremonial.

I'm fully convinced there is a spiritual change that occurs in the act of Water Baptism, and not only that but also in our conscience toward God.

>18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

>19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

>20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

>21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ

>1 Peter 3:18-21 (KJV)

This scripture points to the flooding of the whole earth, in Noah's time, as a typology for water Baptism.

During the flood, everyone else died.. but eight souls were saved by water.

I take this to mean that during water baptism, we die with Christ, and are raised up with Him to be reborn to a new life.

A new creature, spiritually regenerated.

>17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

>18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation

>2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (KJV)

To conclude, I submit that water baptism is part of faith.. not 'works'.

>^(8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

>^(9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.

>Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)

Man did not create water baptism.

Christ taught water baptism, and the early Church in the book of Acts taught it (Post Pentecost).

If Baptism wasn't a work of man (did not originate by human inspiration), how could man boast in it? They couldn't.

Water Baptism is Biblical.

It's not ceremonial, it's not just a sprinkling of water, and it's not 'works'.

I strongly encourage every believer (and Church) to embrace this foundational part of sound doctrine.

I believe we need to stop asking 'am I saved if I've not been Baptized?' and start asking 'what did Jesus do?' and 'How can I grow as a believer?'.

As many of you may be aware, the Bible is filled with specific numbers that recur throughout the OT and NT scripture.

While these numbers may refer to quantity in their respective passages of scripture, they also serve a secondary purpose, and that purpose is symbolic.

Here's a list of some of these numbers, and what they're symbolic of.

• 1 - Wholeness. Singleness.
• 2 - Multiplication.
• 3 - The Power of God.
• 4 - Creation.
• 5 - The Grace of God.
• 6 - Man.
• 7 - Perfection.
• 8 - New Beginnings.
• 9 - The Holy Spirit.
• 10 - The Law.
• 11 - Chaos.
• 12 - Government
• 13 - Rebellion
• 40 - Testing.
• 400 - (God's) Silence.

Below is another list, with scripture references for each number shown above.

These references (and their fuller context) help explain why the above numbers mean what they do.

• 1 - (Matt. 6:22, Eph. 4:4-5, John 17:22-23, Philippians 2:2)
• 2 - (Mark 6:7, Genesis 7:2-3, Genesis 1:27-28, Matthew 14:13-21)
• 3 - (Rev. 4:8, Matt. 28:19, 2 Cor. 12:8, Isaiah 6:3)
• 4 - (Rev. 4:8, Matt. 24:31, Genesis 2:10-14)
• 5 - (Matt. 25:2, John 4:16-19, Matthew 14:13-21)
• 6 - (Rev. 13:18, 1 Kings 10:14-15, Genesis 1:26-31)
• 7 - (Genesis 2:2-3, Job 5:19, Rev. 1:12-16)
• 8 - (Genesis 7:13, 1 Peter 3:20, Luke 2:21)
• 9 - (1 Cor. 12:8-10, Galatians 5:22-23)
• 10 - (Exodus 20:1-17, Matt. 25:1, Exodus 7:14- Exodus 12:30)
• 11 - (Acts 1:26, Genesis 32:22)
• 12 - (Matt. 10:2-4, Matt. 19:28, Genesis 14:4)
• 13 - (Genesis 14:4, Mark 7:21, Joshua 5:3-4, 1 Kings 6:38-1 Kings 7:1)
• 40 - (Joshua 5:6, Matt. 4:1-3, Genesis 7:12)
• 400 - (Genesis 15:13, Acts 7:6, Acts 5:36-39)

I hope this finds you well. Blessings in Christ.