tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11451529820701929782024-02-19T23:47:55.436-08:00high.expressions (by Anthony Chia)It's about our high expressions to the Lord &/or His, to us. For e.g., our sincere praise & worship is one high.expression to the Lord; & the death of Jesus Christ on the cross is one, if not, the highest expression of God's love for Man. Also, God's dealings with Man is in itself, God's high.expressions. Expression is outward manifestation of a disposition. By high I mean, exalted in rank; of exalted character/quality; pure/praiseworthy; even sacrificial.high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.comBlogger213125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145152982070192978.post-44403913398229866232022-06-22T18:58:00.000-07:002015-10-25T03:35:34.810-07:00.<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/06/all-entries.html"><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">Blog entries Table of Content, categorized (click on <span style="color: purple;">them </span>below to read)</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-color: cyan; color: #6600cc;">LATEST 3 ARTICLES</span></b><span style="color: white;">___________________________</span></span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/12/words-for-all-seasons.html"><b><span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WORDS FOR ALL SEASONS (<span style="background-color: magenta;">click ME</span>)</span></b></a><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/05/much-one-is-forgiven-much-one-can-love.html" target="_blank">. Much one is forgiven, much one can love</a></span><br />
2<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/05/much-grace-and-mercy-much-one-can-love.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">. Much grace and mercy, much one can love</a><br />
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3<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/06/much-obedience-much-one-can-love.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">. Much obedience, much one can love</a><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: cyan; color: #6600cc;">LATEST 3 MIRACLES</span></b><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">_</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">1.</span><a href="https://carousell.com/p/20473983/" style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #de7008; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;" target="_blank"> I prayed and God grew the leg</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">2.</span><a href="https://carousell.com/p/22623281/" style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #de7008; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;" target="_blank"> Rheumatoid Arthritis healed</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">3. </span><a href="https://carousell.com/p/26904954/" style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #de7008; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Painful Elbow healed</a></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;">Divine Healing<br />
Meetings/Services<br />
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<b>FULL LISTING</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unclassified</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/03/what-is-highexpressions-all-about.html">What is high.expressions all about</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/02/is-satan-reality.html" target="_blank">Is Satan a reality?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/03/carbon-dating-and-bible.html">Carbon-dating and the Bible</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/02/from-lord-to-lord-this-valentine-morn.html">From the Lord to the Lord this Valentine morn</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/10/were-mary-magdalene-and-mary-bethany.html">Were Mary Magdalene and Mary Bethany the same person?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/10/liz-has-passed-on-6th-oct-2011.html">Liz has passed on (6th Oct 2011)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/01/carolyn-quek-has-passed-on-too-31-dec.html">Carolyn Quek has passed on, too (31 Dec 2011)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/09/initial-return-to-zion.html">Initial Return to Zion</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/07/who-killed-goliath.html">Who killed Goliath?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/07/spiritual-food.html">Spiritual food</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/04/do-more-for-lord.html" target="_blank">Doing more, for the Lord</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Against questionable teachings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">18. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/02/over-grace-is-now-hyper-grace-and-it-is.html" target="_blank">Overly-grace is now hyper-grace, and it is still as heretic as before</a> <span style="background-color: orange;">(as against hyper-grace)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">17. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/09/will-be-saved-but-as-one-has-passed.html" target="_blank">Will be saved but as one who has passed through fire</a> <span style="background-color: orange;">(as against hyper-grace)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">16. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/08/keeping-oneself.html" target="_blank">Keeping oneself</a> <span style="background-color: orange;">(as against hyper-grace)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">15. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/07/parable-of-lost-sheep-pointed-to.html" target="_blank">Parable of the Lost Sheep pointed to Universalism - Wrong!</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">14.<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/06/if-our-hearts-condemn-us-we-know-that.html" target="_blank"> If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/06/if-our-hearts-condemn-us-we-know-that.html" target="_blank"> (1 John 3:20 – NIV2011)</a> <span style="background-color: orange;">(as against hyper-grace)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">13.<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/06/romans-81-is-not-unqualified.html" target="_blank"> Romans 8:1 is NOT unqualified</a>! <span style="background-color: orange;">(as against hyper-grace)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/05/seeking-after-god.html" target="_blank">Seeking after God</a> {Only non-believers need to be seeking? Cannot be!} <span style="background-color: orange;">(as against hyper-grace)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/03/not-just-right-standing-live-right.html" target="_blank">NOT just right standing, live right </a><span style="background-color: orange;"> (as against hyper-grace)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10.<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/08/who-are-overcomers-part-ii.html" target="_blank"> Who are the overcomers? Part II (correctly dividing 1 John 5:4-5)</a> <span style="background-color: orange;">(as against hyper-grace)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/06/correctly-dividing-john-524.html" target="_blank">Correctly dividing John 5:24</a> <span style="background-color: orange;">(as against hyper-grace)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2012/11/ananias-and-sapphira-not-believers-how.html">Ananias and Sapphira - NOT believers, how convenient!</a> <span style="background-color: orange;">(as against hyper-grace)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/05/secret-of-obed-edom-faulty-premise-more.html">Secret of Obed Edom, faulty premise more likely</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/10/if-stars-are-stars-and-sand-is-sand.html">If Stars are stars, and sand is sand, the tree of good and evil is no tithe!</a> {Can, meh?} <span style="background-color: orange;">(as against hyper-grace)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/01/stars-are-stars-sand-is-sand.html">Stars are stars, sand is sand</a> {be careful when we teach & preach}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/10/please-1-john-39-does-not-mean-believer.html">Please, 1 John 3:9 does not mean a believer cannot (unable to) sin!</a> <span style="background-color: orange;">(as against hyper-grace)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Lordship</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3(i). <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/09/luke-646-part-i-salvation-and-lordship.html">Luke 6:46 - Part I - Salvation and Lordship are together</a> (You cannot ignore Lordship)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3(ii). <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/10/luke-646-part-ii-as-christians-we-are.html">Luke 6:46 - Part II - As Christians we are to obey His commands</a> (His Lordship demands obedience)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/09/ye-are-not-gods.html">Ye are NOT gods</a> (Hyper-grace believers claiming we are gods) <span style="background-color: orange;">(as against hyper-grace)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1a. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/07/1-john-19-is-for-believers.html">1 John 1:9 is for believers</a> {some say, NOT} (<span style="background-color: lime;">A MUST READ article</span>) <span style="background-color: orange;">(as against hyper grace)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1b.<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/12/1-john-19-q.html" target="_blank"> 1 John 1:9 - Q&As</a> <span style="background-color: orange;">(as against hyper-grace)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Salvation, Gospel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">29. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/09/will-be-saved-but-as-one-has-passed.html" target="_blank">Will be saved but as one who has passed through fire</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">28. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/08/keeping-oneself.html" target="_blank">Keeping oneself</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">27. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/07/parable-of-lost-sheep-pointed-to.html" target="_blank">Parable of the Lost Sheep pointed to Universalism - Wrong!</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">26. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/06/if-our-hearts-condemn-us-we-know-that.html" target="_blank"> If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything</a></span><br />
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/06/if-our-hearts-condemn-us-we-know-that.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (1 John 3:20 – NIV2011)</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">25. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/06/romans-81-is-not-unqualified.html" target="_blank">Romans 8:1 is NOT unqualified!</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">24.<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/01/our-peculiar-passage_23.html" target="_blank"> Our peculiar passage</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">23. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/09/last-supper-when-did-jesus-symbolisms.html" target="_blank">Last Supper - When did Jesus' symbolisms start?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">22. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/08/the-parable-of-wedding-banquet-mat-221.html" target="_blank">Parable of the Wedding Banquet (Matt 22:1-14)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">21. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/08/i-dont-know-you-you-evildoer-part-i.html" target="_blank">I don't know you (you evildoer) - Part I</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">20. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/07/about-being-known-by-god.html" target="_blank">About being known by God</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">19. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/06/turning-away-from-wickedness-must.html" target="_blank">Turning away from wickedness, a must</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">18. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/06/in-doing-this-you-will-heap-burning.html" target="_blank">In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">17. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/06/correctly-dividing-john-524.html" target="_blank">Correctly dividing John 5:24</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">16a. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/05/who-are-overcomers.html" target="_blank">Who are the overcomers? - Part I</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">16b. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/08/who-are-overcomers-part-ii.html" target="_blank">Who are the overcomers? - Part II (correctly dividing 1 John 5:4-5)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">16c. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/11/who-are-overcomers-part-iii.html" target="_blank">Who are the overcomers? - Part III (On-going overcoming expected of us)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">16d. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/12/part-iv-what-can-help-you-to-overcome.html" target="_blank">Who are the overcomers? - Part IV (What can help you to overcome)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">15.<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/03/my-sheep-hear-my-voice.html"> My sheep "hear my voice"</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">14. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/01/what-does-god-desire-for-living-man.html">What does God desire for the living man?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">13. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2012/08/the-natural-supernatural.html">The natural supernatural</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2012/07/please-you-have-to-continue-to-love-god.html">Please, you have to continue to love God</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11.<a href="http://sayitlikethislah.blogspot.com/2012/04/beauty-of-good-friday.html"> Beauty of Good Friday</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/09/sinners-prayer-sample.html">Sinner's Prayer - Sample</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/04/works-of-redemption-by-our-lord.html">Works of redemption by Our Lord</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/01/animals-do-not-go-to-heaven.html">Animals do not go to Heaven</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/12/correct-understanding-of-salvation-and.html">Correct understanding of salvation, and relationships between salvation, grace, faith, and good works</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6(i). <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/09/luke-646-part-i-salvation-and-lordship.html">Luke 6:46 - Part I - Salvation and Lordship are together</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6(ii). <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/10/luke-646-part-ii-as-christians-we-are.html">Luke 6:46 - Part II - As Christians we are to obey His commands</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/08/psalm-16-king-davids-profession-of.html">Psalm 16 - King David's profession of faith</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/07/1-john-19-is-for-believers.html">1 John 1:9 is for believers.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3a. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/03/salvation-as-justification-and.html" target="_blank">Salvation as Justification and Sanctification </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3b. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/08/what-about-propitiation-forgiveness-and.html">What about propitiation, forgiveness, and appropriation?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/07/no-one-can-enter-kingdom-of-god-unless.html">No one can enter the Kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/06/and-i-if-i-be-lifted-up-from-earth-will.html">And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me(John 12:32)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> *Want to know more about God, just hop over to the section below.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">About God</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">15. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/04/there-is-creator-god-i-can-identify.html" target="_blank">There is a Creator God I can identify with, says the cichlid fish, what about you?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">14. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/10/gods-love-is-max-out-ours-to-grow.html" target="_blank">God's love is max. out; ours to grow</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">13. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/09/ahab-love-love-unto-righteousness.html" target="_blank">'ahab love - love unto righteousness</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/08/why-cains-offering-was-rejected-and.html" target="_blank">Why Cain's offering was rejected, and Abel's, accepted</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/07/agapes-meanings-need-to-be-expanded.html" target="_blank">Agape's meanings need to be expanded - Part I</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/07/agapes-meanings-need-to-be-expanded_17.html" target="_blank">Agape's meanings need to be expanded - Part II</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/08/we-are-without-excuse.html">We are without excuse</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/08/he-is-not-just-father.html">He is NOT just Father</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/04/did-god-create-evil.html">Did God create evil?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/01/about-gods-compassion-ps-1459-rom-915.html">About God's compassion (Ps 145:9 and Rom 9:15-16)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/05/why-i-think-isaiah-53-was-about-jesus.html">Why I think Isaiah 53 was about Jesus</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/03/god-is-gender-neutral-he-is-spirit.html">God is gender-neutral, He is spirit</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/11/lord-as-papa-eagle-vision-of.html">The Lord as papa eagle - a vision of faithfulness, comfort and assurance</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/09/who-are-three-visitorsmen.html">Who are the Three Vistors/Men? (Gen 18:1-23)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/04/god-also-exercises-faith.html">God also exercises faith!</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Holy Spirit</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/03/be-led-by-holy-spirit-part-i.html" target="_blank">Be led by the Holy Spirit - Part I </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/05/the-holy-spirit-is-peace-john-1426-27.html" target="_blank">The Holy Spirit is the peace - John 14:26-27</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/04/are-these-same-spirit-of-god-holy.html" target="_blank">Are these the same, the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit of Christ?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/07/adoption-indwelling-of-holy-spirit.html">Adoption Indwelling of the Holy Spirit</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">About Man</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/06/do-we-exist-to-please-god-glorify-and.html" target="_blank">Do we exist to please God, glorify and honor Him?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/07/god-knows-man-through-his-spirit-and.html">God knows man through man's spirit; for believers, most intimately by His indwelling Spirit</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/06/they-call-it-view-of-hell.html">They call it the view of Hell</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/09/ye-are-not-gods.html">Ye are NOT gods</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. The Fall of Man (3-part article)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/03/fall-of-man-part-i.html">Part I - The Need for understanding of the topic, background, and the fall</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/04/fall-of-man-part-ii.html">Part II - The Consequences of The Fall</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/06/fall-of-man-part-iii.html">Part III - Controversial issues of The Fall</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/07/man-is-body-soul-and-spirit.html">Man is body, soul and spirit</a> (Tripartite Man)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Holiness series</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2012/07/please-you-have-to-continue-to-love-god.html">Please, you have to continue to love God</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/06/you-must-choose-to-cleanse-yourself.html">You must choose to cleanse yourself from ignoble</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/08/peters-call-to-holiness.html">Peter's call to holiness</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/07/1-john-19-is-for-believers.html">1 John 1:9 is for believers.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/10/parable-of-shrewd-manager-luke-161-15.html">The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-15)</a> note the kind of shrewdness</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4a. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/10/do-you-know-why-moses-did-not-enter.html">Do you know why Moses did not enter the Promised Land?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4b. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/12/wilderness-death-decree-who-were.html" target="_blank">Wilderness Death Decree - Who were covered under it?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/05/be-holy-because-i-am-holy.html">Be holy because I am holy</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/05/way-of-holiness-way-of-lord.html">Way of Holiness - The Way of the Lord</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/11/what-is-holiness.html" target="_blank">What is holiness?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Righteousness series</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">14. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/05/forgiveness-framed-against-justice-and.html" target="_blank">Forgiveness (framed) against justice and righteousness</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">13.<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/05/persevering-of-hope-and-faith.html" target="_blank"> Persevering of hope and faith</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/03/not-just-right-standing-live-right.html" target="_blank">NOT just right standing, live right </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/03/must-gods-love-being-seen-in-me.html" target="_blank">Must God's love being seen in me?</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10.<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/08/the-parable-of-wedding-banquet-mat-221.html" target="_blank"> Parable of the Wedding Banquet (Matt 22:1-14)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/08/why-cains-offering-was-rejected-and.html" target="_blank">Why Cain's offering was rejected, and Abel's accepted</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/07/agapes-meanings-need-to-be-expanded.html" target="_blank">Agape's meanings need to be expanded - Part I</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/07/agapes-meanings-need-to-be-expanded_17.html" target="_blank">Agape's meanings need to be expanded - Part II</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/06/turning-away-from-wickedness-must.html" target="_blank">Turning away from wickedness, a must</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/05/but-seek-ye-first-kingdom-of-god-and.html">But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matt 6:33, KJV)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/01/do-i-have-to-forgive-another-man-part-i.html">Do I have to forgive (another man)? Part I</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/04/do-i-have-to-forgive-another-man-part.html">Do I have to forgive (another man)? Part II</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/05/do-i-have-to-forgive-another-man-part.html">Do I have to forgive (another man)? Part III</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/03/anyone-in-ot-ever-righteous-since-jesus.html">Anyone in OT ever righteous since Jesus was not yet manifest then?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aspects of Biblical love</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/03/must-gods-love-being-seen-in-me.html" target="_blank">Must God's love being seen in me? </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7.<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/10/gods-love-is-max-out-ours-to-grow.html" target="_blank"> God's love is max. out; ours, to grow</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/10/as-her-great-love-has-shown.html" target="_blank">as her great love has shown</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/11/matt-2236-39-no-oxymoron-here-but-very.html"><span style="color: #de7008;">Matt 22:36-39 - No oxymoron here, but the very essence of love</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4.<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/09/ahab-love-love-unto-righteousness.html" target="_blank"> `ahab love - love unto righteousness</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/07/agapes-meanings-need-to-be-expanded.html" target="_blank">Agape's meanings need to be expanded - Part I</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/07/agapes-meanings-need-to-be-expanded_17.html" target="_blank">Agape's meanings need to be expanded - Part II</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1a. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/02/title-secret-to-well-being-of-believer.html" target="_blank">Secret to the well-being of a believer</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/02/secret-to-our-well-being.html">Secret to our well-being</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christian Living</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">88. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/09/will-be-saved-but-as-one-has-passed.html" target="_blank">Will be saved but as one who has passed through fire</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">87. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/08/keeping-oneself.html" target="_blank">Keeping oneself</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">86. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/07/parable-of-lost-sheep-pointed-to.html" target="_blank">Parable of the Lost Sheep pointed to Universalism - Wrong!</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">85. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/06/if-our-hearts-condemn-us-we-know-that.html" target="_blank"> If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything</a></span><br />
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/06/if-our-hearts-condemn-us-we-know-that.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (1 John 3:20 – NIV2011)</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">84. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/06/romans-81-is-not-unqualified.html" target="_blank">Romans 8:1 is NOT unqualified!</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">83. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/06/do-we-exist-to-please-god-glorify-and.html" target="_blank">Do we exist to please God, glorify and honor Him?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">82. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/05/seeking-after-god.html" target="_blank">Seeking after God</a> {Only non-believers need to be seeking? Cannot be!}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">81. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/05/they-know-truth-but-they-dont-attempt_18.html" target="_blank">They know the truth, but they don't attempt to live it</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">80.<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/05/pleasing-god-walking-in-faith.html" target="_blank"> Pleasing God - walking in faith</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">79. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/05/forgiveness-framed-against-justice-and.html" target="_blank">Forgiveness (framed) against justice and righteousness</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">78. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/05/persevering-of-hope-and-faith.html" target="_blank">Persevering of hope and faith</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">77.<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/04/praying-in-name-of-jesus.html" target="_blank"> Praying in the name of Jesus</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">76. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/04/praise-and-worship-is-invitation-for.html" target="_blank">Praise and worship is an invitation for God to come</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">75. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/03/not-just-right-standing-live-right.html" target="_blank">NOT just right standing, live right </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">74.<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/03/must-gods-love-being-seen-in-me.html" target="_blank"> Must God's love being seen in me?</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">73. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/03/be-led-by-holy-spirit-part-i.html" target="_blank">Be led by the Holy Spirit - Part I </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">72.<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/02/is-satan-reality.html" target="_blank"> Is Satan a reality?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">71. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/02/where-is-works-in-ps-23.html" target="_blank">Where is the works in Ps 23?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">70.<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/02/rejoice-in-lord-always-whats-involved.html" target="_blank"> Rejoice in the Lord, always - what's involved?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">69. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/01/our-peculiar-passage_23.html" target="_blank">Our peculiar passage</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">68. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/01/be-careful-of-pride.html" target="_blank">Be careful of pride</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">67. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/01/issachar-spirit.html" target="_blank">Issachar Spirit</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">66a. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/10/psalm-231-lord-is-my-shepherd-i-shall.html" target="_blank">Ps 23:1 - The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">66b. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/12/psalm-232-3-leading-of-lord-my-shepherd.html" target="_blank">Ps 23:2-3 - The leading of the LORD, my Shepherd</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">66c. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/01/ps-234-6-lord-as-our-shepherd-is-with.html" target="_blank">Ps 23:4-6 - The LORD, as our Shepherd, is with us in our troubles</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">65. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/10/gods-love-is-max-out-ours-to-grow.html" target="_blank">God's love is max out; ours, to grow</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">64.<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/10/as-her-great-love-has-shown.html" target="_blank"> as her great love has shown</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">63. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/09/last-supper-when-did-jesus-symbolisms.html" target="_blank">Last Supper - When did Jesus' symbolisms start?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">62. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/09/how-do-we-fend-off-anxiety.html" target="_blank">How do we fend off anxiety?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">61. '<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/09/ahab-love-love-unto-righteousness.html" target="_blank">ahab love - love unto righteousness</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">60. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/08/the-parable-of-wedding-banquet-mat-221.html" target="_blank">Parable of the Wedding Banquet (Matt 22:1-14)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">59. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/08/why-cains-offering-was-rejected-and.html" target="_blank">Why Cain's offering was rejected, and Abel's, accepted</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">58.<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/08/i-dont-know-you-you-evildoer-part-i.html" target="_blank"> I don't know (you evildoer) - Part I</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">57.<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/07/about-being-known-by-god.html" target="_blank"> About being known by God</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">56. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/07/agapes-meanings-need-to-be-expanded.html" target="_blank">Agape's meanings need to be expanded - Part I</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">55. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/07/agapes-meanings-need-to-be-expanded_17.html" target="_blank">Agape's meanings need to be expanded - Part II</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">54. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/07/are-you-seizing-every-opportunity.html" target="_blank">Are you seizing every opportunity?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">53. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/06/turning-away-from-wickedness-must.html" target="_blank">Turning away from wickedness, a must</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">52. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/06/in-doing-this-you-will-heap-burning.html" target="_blank">In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">51a. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/05/who-are-overcomers.html" target="_blank">Who are the overcomers? - Part I</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">51b. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/08/who-are-overcomers-part-ii.html" target="_blank">Who are the overcomers? - Part II (correctly dividing 1 John 5:4-5)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">51c. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/11/who-are-overcomers-part-iii.html" target="_blank">Who are the overcomers? - Part III (on-going overcoming expected of us)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">51d. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/12/part-iv-what-can-help-you-to-overcome.html" target="_blank">Who are the overcomers? - Part IV (What can help you to overcome)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">50. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/05/the-holy-spirit-is-peace-john-1426-27.html" target="_blank">The Holy Spirit is the peace - John 14:26-27</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">49. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/03/my-sheep-hear-my-voice.html">My sheep "hear my voice"</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">48. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/01/what-does-god-desire-for-living-man.html">What does God desire for the living man?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">47. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/01/hard-but-still-must-forgive-love-one.html">Hard, but must still forgive and love one another</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">46. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2012/11/ananias-and-sapphira-not-believers-how.html">Ananias and Sapphira - NOT believers, how convenient!</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">45. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2012/10/seizing-opportunities-part-i.html">Seizing the opportunities - part I</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">44. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2012/08/the-natural-supernatural.html">The natural supernatural</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">43. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2012/07/please-you-have-to-continue-to-love-god.html">Please, you have to continue to love God</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">42. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2012/06/stressful-troubles-how.html">Stressful troubles, how?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">41. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2012/06/run-with-perseverance-race.html">Run with perseverance the RACE</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">40. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/05/but-seek-ye-first-kingdom-of-god-and.html">But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matt 6:33, KJV)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">39a. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/02/title-secret-to-well-being-of-believer.html" target="_blank">Secret to the well-being of a believer</a></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">39b<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/05/much-one-is-forgiven-much-one-can-love.html" target="_blank">.Much one is forgiven, much one can love</a></span><br />
39c<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/05/much-grace-and-mercy-much-one-can-love.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">. Much grace and mercy, much one can love</a><br />
39d. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/06/much-obedience-much-one-can-love.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Much obedience, much one can love</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">39. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/02/secret-to-our-well-being.html">Secret to our well-being</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">38. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/01/methods-as-opposed-to-intent.html">Methods as opposed to intent</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">37. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/01/do-i-have-to-forgive-another-man-part-i.html">Do I have to forgive (another man)? Part I</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">36.<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/04/do-i-have-to-forgive-another-man-part.html"> Do I have to forgive (another man)? Part II</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">35. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/05/do-i-have-to-forgive-another-man-part.html">Do I have to forgive (another man)? Part III</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">34. <a href="http://sayitlikethislah.blogspot.com/2011/12/dont-be-fool-wise-up.html" target="_blank">Don't be a fool, wise up, ...</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">33. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/11/7-things-we-can-learn-from-nehemiahs.html">7 things we can learn from Nehemiah's Prayer</a> <span style="background-color: yellow;">(this turns out to be quite popular!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">32. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/11/matt-2236-39-no-oxymoron-here-but-very.html">Matt 22:36-39 - No oxymoron here, but the very essence of love</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">31. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/08/he-is-not-just-father.html">He is NOT just Father</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">30. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/06/good-works-explained-part-i.html">Good works explained (Part I)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">29. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/06/good-works-explained-part-ii.html">Good works explained (Part II)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">28. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/07/potter-and-clay-his-sovereignty.html">The potter and the clay - His sovereignty</a> <span style="background-color: yellow;">(many read this!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">27. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/06/you-must-choose-to-cleanse-yourself.html">You must choose to cleanse yourself from ignoble</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">26. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/05/it-is-tug-of-war.html">It is a tug of war</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">25. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/04/works-of-redemption-by-our-lord.html">Works of redemption by Our Lord</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">24. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/03/grace-of-god-means-this-too.html">Grace of God means this, too!</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">23. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/03/psalm-143-davids-refusal-to-despair.html">Psalm 143 - David's refusal to despair</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">22. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/03/did-god-say-we-are-not-to-judge.html">Did God say we are not to judge?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">21. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/02/psalm-34-i-will-teach-you-fear-of-lord.html">Psalm 34 - I will teach you the fear of the LORD</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">20. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/01/to-enter-into-kingdom-we-need-to-become.html">To enter into the kingdom, we need to be like little children</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">19. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/11/psalm-62-god-and-only-god-matters.html">Psalm 62 - God and only God matters</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">18. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/11/who-are-sheep-and-who-are-goats.html">Who are the sheep, and who are the goats</a> (<span style="background-color: cyan;">Recommended reading</span>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">17. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/11/hold-on-for-grace-of-god.html">Hold on, for the grace of God</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">16. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/08/peters-call-to-holiness.html">Peter's call to holiness</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">15a. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/07/1-john-19-is-for-believers.html">1 John 1:9 is for believers</a> (<span style="background-color: lime;">A MUST READ article</span>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">15b.<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/12/1-john-19-q.html" target="_blank"> 1 John 1:9 - Q&As</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">14. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/05/durian-or-papaya.html">Durian or papaya?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">13. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/02/modus-operandi-of-satan.html">Modus Operandi of Satan</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/02/seeking-face-of-god-when-one-is.html">Seeking the face of God when one is afflicted by wicked people - Psalm 9</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/01/dont-play-play-words-from-mouths-of.html">Don't play, play, words from the mouths of favored men of God can be powerful</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/04/god-also-exercises-faith.html">God also exercises faith!</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/12/about-being-delivered-psalm-116.html">About being delivered – Psalm 116</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/12/about-wickedness-sin-and-righteousness.html">About wickedness, sin, & righteousness, & the consequences, in a nutshell – Psalm 1</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/11/lord-as-papa-eagle-vision-of.html">The Lord as papa eagle - a vision of faithfulness, comfort and assurance</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/10/parable-of-shrewd-manager-luke-161-15.html">The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-15)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/06/i-can-do-all-things-through-him-christ.html">I can do all things through him [Jesus Christ] who gives me strength (Phil 4:13)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/08/reserve-glory-and-worship-for-god.html">Reserve glory and worship for God, practise honor, and grow in favor with God</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/08/psalm-42-what-to-do-when-discouraged.html">Psalm 42 - What to do when discouraged</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/07/trials-and-temptations-james-12-18.html">Trials and temptations (James 1:2-18)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/05/more-of-o-less-of-i.html">More of 'O' less of 'I'</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christian Service</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">39. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/04/do-more-for-lord.html" target="_blank">Doing more, for the Lord</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">38. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/09/will-be-saved-but-as-one-has-passed.html" target="_blank">Will be saved but as one who has passed through fire</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">37. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/06/do-we-exist-to-please-god-glorify-and.html" target="_blank">Do we exist to please God, glorify and honor Him?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">36. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/05/forgiveness-framed-against-justice-and.html" target="_blank">Forgiveness (framed) against justice and righteousness</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">35. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/04/praying-in-name-of-jesus.html" target="_blank">Praying in the name of Jesus</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">34. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/04/praise-and-worship-is-invitation-for.html" target="_blank">Praise and worship is an invitation for God to come</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">33.<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/02/is-satan-reality.html" target="_blank"> Is Satan a reality?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">32. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/01/issachar-spirit.html" target="_blank">Issachar Spirit</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">31. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/10/as-her-great-love-has-shown.html" target="_blank">as her great love has shown</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">30. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/07/are-you-seizing-every-opportunity.html" target="_blank">Are you seizing every opportunity?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">29. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/06/turning-away-from-wickedness-must.html" target="_blank">Turning away from wickedness, a must</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">28. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2012/10/seizing-opportunities-part-i.html">Seizing the opportunities - part I</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">27. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2012/08/the-natural-supernatural.html">The natural supernatural</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">26. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2012/06/run-with-perseverance-race.html">Run with perseverance the RACE</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">25. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2012/06/at-cross-road-then-suddenly-i-am.html">At cross-road, then suddenly, I am encouraged</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">24. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/02/update-on-ministry-at-church-services.html">Update on ministry at church services</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">23. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/03/update-on-ministry-at-church-services.html">Update on ministry at church services - Part II</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">22. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/03/update-on-ministry-at-church-services.html">Prophecy in pictures</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">21. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/01/methods-as-opposed-to-intent.html">Methods as opposed to intent</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">20. <a href="http://sayitlikethislah.blogspot.com/2011/12/characteristics-of-called-minister.html" target="_blank">Characteristics of a called minister</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">19. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/11/matt-2236-39-no-oxymoron-here-but-very.html">Matt 22:36-39 - No oxymoron here, but the very essence of love</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">18. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/08/you-need-faith-and-you-need-love.html">You need faith, and you need love</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">17. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/06/why-do-you-not-want-to-pray-for-sick.html">Why do you NOT want to pray for the sick?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">16. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/06/good-works-explained-part-i.html">Good works explained (Part I)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">15. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/06/good-works-explained-part-ii.html">Good works explained (Part II)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">14. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/07/potter-and-clay-his-sovereignty.html">The potter and the clay - His sovereignty</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">13. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/06/you-must-choose-to-cleanse-yourself.html">You must choose to cleanse yourself from ignoble</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/04/works-of-redemption-by-our-lord.html">Works of redemption by Our Lord</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/12/psalm-66-intercede-but-cherish-not-sin.html">Psalm 66 - Intercede, but cherish not sin in your heart</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/11/psalm-62-god-and-only-god-matters.html">Psalm 62 - God and only God matters</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/11/who-are-sheep-and-who-are-goats.html">Who are the sheep, and who are the goats</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/08/basics-of-divine-healing.html">Basics of Divine Healing</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/04/it-is-may-be-wrong-to-say-that-gods.html">It may be wrong to say that God's spiritual gifts are irrevocable</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/04/twice-paul-was-warned-yet-he-still-went.html">Twice Paul was warned, yet he still went to Jerusalem</a> <span style="background-color: cyan;">(Recommended for those who move in prophecy and words of knowledge)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/01/dont-play-play-words-from-mouths-of.html">Don't play, play, words from the mouths of favored men of God can be powerful</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/04/god-also-exercises-faith.html">God also exercises faith!</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/10/parable-of-shrewd-manager-luke-161-15.html">The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-15)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/08/reserve-glory-and-worship-for-god.html">Reserve glory and worship for God, practise honor, and grow in favor with God</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/06/and-i-if-i-be-lifted-up-from-earth-will.html">And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me(John 12:32)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jesus' Teachings on Prayers (Luke 11:1-13)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/06/jesus-teachings-on-prayers-luke-111-11.html">Jesus' teachings on prayers (Luke 11:1-13)[Part I]</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/06/jesus-teachings-on-prayers-luke-111-11_29.html">Jesus' teachings on prayers (Luke 11:1-13)[Part II]</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/09/jesus-teachings-on-prayers-luke-111-13.html">Jesus' teachings on prayers (Luke 11:1-13)[Part III]</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">About Divine Healing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">17. </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/08/keeping-oneself.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Keeping oneself</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">16. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/07/healing-of-sickness-in-atonement.html" target="_blank">Healing of sickness in the Atonement</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">15. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/05/door-of-divine-healing-ministry-is-not.html" target="_blank">Divine Healing Ministry Door is NOT shut</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">14. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2012/08/the-natural-supernatural.html">The natural supernatural</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">13. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2012/07/please-you-have-to-continue-to-love-god.html">Please, you have to continue to love God</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2012/06/stressful-troubles-how.html">Stressful troubles, how?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/01/do-i-have-to-forgive-another-man-part-i.html">Do I have to forgive (another man)? Part I</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/04/do-i-have-to-forgive-another-man-part.html">Do I have to forgive (another man)? Part II</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/05/do-i-have-to-forgive-another-man-part.html">Do I have to forgive (another man)? Part III</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8a. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/02/title-secret-to-well-being-of-believer.html" target="_blank">Secret to the well-being of a believer</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/02/secret-to-our-well-being.html">Secret to our well-being</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/09/it-is-god-can-and-god-does-heal-part-i.html">It is God CAN heal and God DOES heal (Part I)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/09/it-is-god-can-and-god-does-heal-part-ii.html">It is God CAN heal and God DOES heal (Part II)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/07/people-are-not-healed-all-time-why.html">People are NOT healed all the time, why we still pray</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/06/why-do-you-not-want-to-pray-for-sick.html">Why do you NOT want to pray for the sick?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/04/sickness-good-nah.html">Sickness, good? Nay</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/04/sickness-and-god.html">Sickness and God</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/08/basics-of-divine-healing.html">Basics of Divine Healing</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Concerning my little "ministry"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">20. </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/04/do-more-for-lord.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Doing more, for the Lord</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">19. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2012/12/since-that-last-article.html">Since that last article</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">18. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2012/06/at-cross-road-then-suddenly-i-am.html">At cross-road, then suddenly, I am encouraged</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">17. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/02/update-on-ministry-at-church-services.html">Update on ministry at church services</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">16. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/03/update-on-ministry-at-church-services.html">Update on ministry at church services - Part II</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">15. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/08/you-need-faith-and-you-need-love.html">You need faith, and you need love</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">14ii<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/05/hide-not-under-filthy-rags-part-ii.html">Hide NOT under filthy rags - Part II</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">14i <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/05/hide-not-under-filthy-rags.html">Hide NOT under filthy rags - Part I</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">13. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/01/lord-what-are-you-saying-in-these.html">Lord, what are you saying in these?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/12/keeping-christmas.html">Keeping Christmas</a> (Put here, for I believe, this is part of that little ministry)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/06/if-i-have-not-love-i-am-nothing.html">If I have not love, I am nothing</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/03/it-is-so-good-to-hear-that-people-have.html">It is so good to hear that people have been healed</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/01/intercede-for-others-and-youll-be.html">Intercede for others - and you'll be blessed too!</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/12/more-variations-have-come.html">More variations have come</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/11/lord-as-papa-eagle-vision-of.html">The Lord as papa eagle - a vision of faithfulness, comfort and assurance</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/11/another-testimony-of-gods-healing-for.html">Another testimony of God's healing for me</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/10/i-too-must-testify-to-goodness-of-god.html">I too must testify to the goodness of God</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/07/thank-you-lord-for-affirmation-again.html">Thank you Lord, for the affirmation again</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/06/thank-you-lord-you-are-still-affirming.html">Thank you Lord. You are still affirming</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/06/more-lord-more.html">More Lord, more</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/04/special-resurrection-sunday-indeed.html">A Special Resurrection Sunday indeed</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Judges series</span><br />
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/10/judges-series.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Click here for full listing</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Psalms expositions</span><br />
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/12/psalms-expositions.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Click here for full listing</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An associated blog site (<a href="http://sayitlikethislah.blogspot.com/">Say It Like This</a>) - shorter articles</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. <a href="http://sayitlikethislah.blogspot.com/2012/04/beauty-of-good-friday.html">Beauty of Good Friday</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. <a href="http://sayitlikethislah.blogspot.com/2011/12/dont-be-fool-wise-up.html" target="_blank">Don't be a fool, wise up, ...</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <a href="http://sayitlikethislah.blogspot.com/2011/12/characteristics-of-called-minister.html" target="_blank">Characteristics of a called minister</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <a href="http://sayitlikethislah.blogspot.com/2011/09/restedness-does-not-mean-no-work.html" target="_blank">Restedness does NOT mean no work</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <a href="http://sayitlikethislah.blogspot.com/2010/09/ye-are-being-legalistic-if-ye-say-there.html" target="_blank">Ye are being legalistic if ye say there should be no laws whatsoever</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span>high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145152982070192978.post-84119322044326460432022-06-16T00:58:00.000-07:002011-11-03T18:43:54.797-07:00Judges seriesListing of articles (by Anthony Chia). Please click at individual article to read.<br />
To return to main blog page, click <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/10/judges-series-judges-1.html">Judges series - Judges 1</a> (background to series) <br />
2. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/10/judges-series-judges-2.html">Judges series - Judges 2</a> (Israelites broke Covenant with God)<br />
3. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/11/judges-series-judges-3.html">Judges series - Judges 3</a> (3 minor judges)<br />
4. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/11/judges-4.html">Judges series - Judges 4</a> (on Deborah, battles against Jabin & his men)<br />
5. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/12/judges-series-judges-5.html">Judges series - Judges 5</a> (Song of Deborah)<br />
6. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/12/judges-series-judges-6.html">Judges series - Judges 6</a> (on Gideon, on being called)<br />
7. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/01/judges-series-judges-7.html">Judges series - Judges 7</a> (on Gideon, battle against Midianites)<br />
8. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/02/judges-series-judges-8.html">Judges series - Judges 8</a> (on Gideon, the 2 last kings,etc and life's brief)<br />
8a. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/03/recap-of-all-points-learnt-from-story.html">Judges series - Recap of all points learnt from story of Gideon</a> (recap of all points learnt)<br />
9. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/04/judges-9-abimelech-king-who-was-not.html">Judges series - Judges 9</a> (Abimelech, a king who was not)<br />
10. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/05/judges-series-judges-10.html">Judges series - Judges 10</a> (on Tola, Jair, and return to great evil, again)<br />
11. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/05/judges-series-judges-11-on-japhthah-not.html">Judges series - Judges 11</a> (on Jephthah, a not so glorifying judge?)<br />
12. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/06/judges-series-judges-12.html">Judges series - Judges 12</a> (focus still on Jephthah)<br />
13. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/07/judges-series-judges-13.html">Judges series - Judges 13</a> (birth of Samson)<br />
14. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/08/judges-series-judges-14.html">Judges series - Judges 14</a> (Samson's marriage)<br />
15. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/09/judges-series-judges-15.html">Judges series - Judges 15</a> (on Samson, vengence on the Philistines)<br />
16. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/10/judges-series-judges-16.html">Judges series - Judges 16</a> (on Samson, presumptuousness kills)<br />
16a. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/11/judges-series-samson-as-type-to-jesus.html">Judges series - Samson as type to Jesus</a> (also, on Samson's riddle)<br />
17. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/11/judges-series-judges-17-micah-his.html">Judges series - Judges 17</a> (Micah, his mother & Levite)<br />
18. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/12/judges-series-judges-18-state-of.html">Judges series - Judges 18</a> (State of disregard, of things of the LORD)<br />
19. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/01/judges-series-judges-19.html">Judges series - Judges 19</a> (A Levite and his concubine) <span style="background-color: yellow;">(this 3-part articles get hits!)</span><br />
20. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/02/judges-series-judges-20-levite-and-his.html">Judges series - Judges 20</a> (A Levite and his concubine [continuation])<br />
21. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/03/judges-21-levite-and-his-concubine.html">Judges series - Judges 21</a> (A Levite and his concubine [final part])<br />
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<strong>Anthony Chia</strong>high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145152982070192978.post-35485564625817201862022-06-12T18:33:00.000-07:002014-02-13T20:17:57.679-08:00Psalms expositionsListing of articles (by Anthony Chia). Please click at individual article to read.<br />
To return to main blog page, click <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/12/about-wickedness-sin-and-righteousness.html">Psalm 1 - About wickedness, sin, and righteousness, and the consequences, in a nutshell </a><br />
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/02/seeking-face-of-god-when-one-is.html">Psalm 9 - Seeking the face of God when one is afflicted by wicked people</a><br />
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/08/psalm-16-king-davids-profession-of.html">Psalm 16 - King David's profession of faith</a><br />
Psalm 23:<br />
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/10/psalm-231-lord-is-my-shepherd-i-shall.html" target="_blank">Psalm 23:1 - The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want</a><br />
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/12/psalm-232-3-leading-of-lord-my-shepherd.html" target="_blank">Psalm 23:2-3 - The leading of the LORD, my Shepherd</a><br />
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/01/ps-234-6-lord-as-our-shepherd-is-with.html" target="_blank">Psalm 23:4-6 - The LORD, as our Shepherd, is with us in our troubles</a><br />
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/02/where-is-works-in-ps-23.html" target="_blank">Psalm 23 - Where is the works?</a><br />
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/02/psalm-34-i-will-teach-you-fear-of-lord.html">Psalm 34 - I will teach you the fear of the LORD</a><br />
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/09/ye-are-not-gods.html">Psalm 82 - It is not ye are gods, but a prophecy of the Ruler and Judge</a><br />
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/08/psalm-42-what-to-do-when-discouraged.html">Psalm 42 - What to do when discouraged</a><br />
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2009/12/about-being-delivered-psalm-116.html">Psalm 116 - About being delivered</a><br />
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/11/psalm-62-god-and-only-god-matters.html">Psalm 62 - God and only God matters</a><br />
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/12/psalm-66-intercede-but-cherish-not-sin.html">Psalm 66 - Intercede, but cherish not sin in your heart</a><br />
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/02/secret-to-our-well-being.html">Psalm 91 - Secret to our well-being</a><br />
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2011/03/psalm-143-davids-refusal-to-despair.html">Psalm 143 - David's refusal to despair</a><br />
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<strong>Anthony Chia</strong>high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145152982070192978.post-49973686078761877862022-06-11T18:25:00.000-07:002014-03-06T18:56:42.102-08:00Words for all seasons<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 180%;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>.</em></strong></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><em><span class="text"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” </span></em></span></span></em> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - (2 Tim 2:19) dd 22/08/2012</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">To go back to blog main page, click <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/">here</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<br />
<u><strong>Previous words:</strong></u><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><em>Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” - (2 Tim 2:19) dd 22/08/2012</em></span></span><br />
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<span class="text"><em>This how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother. - (1 John 3:10) dd 12/07/2012</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><em>Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. - (1 John 3:7) dd 19/06/2012</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><em>Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. - (1 Pet 4:12) dd 03/05/2012</em></span><br />
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<em><span style="color: black;">But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. - (Matt 6:15) dd 18/04/2012</span></em><br />
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<em>Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the</em> <em>test? - (2 Cor 13:5) dd: 10/04/2012</em><br />
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<em>“Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. Since you did not warn him, he will die for his sin. The righteous things he did will not be remembered, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. - (Eze 3:20) dd: 19/01/2012.</em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><sup>"23</sup> Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror <sup>24</sup> and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. <sup>25</sup> But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does." - (James 1:23-25) dd 15/11/2011</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><em><span style="font-size: small;">"<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart. </span>” - (Prov 17:3) dd: 09/11/2011</span></em></span><br />
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<em>"He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God”</em> - (Romans 14:6) dd: 11/10/2011 - in remembrance of Liz Mah<br />
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<em>"{God} Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”</em> - (Acts 4:30 - prayer of believing Jews) dd: 15/09/2011<br />
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<em>"Fruit-bearing is not servile work; but easy, natural, blessed.”</em> - (F.B. Meyer) dd: 17/08/2011<br />
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<em>"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; <br />give thanks to him and praise his name. <br />For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; <br />his faithfulness continues through all generations.”</em> - (Ps 100:4-5) dd: 01/08/2011<br />
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<em>"With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.”</em> - (Isaiah 26:9, KJV) dd: 28/07/2011<br />
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<em>"We must be careful to do our part with reverence and godly fear, remembering that God must work in realms we cannot touch, and to issues we cannot reach, before our poor exertions can avail.”</em> - (F.B. Meyer) dd: 07/07/2011<br />
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<em>"You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.”</em> - (James 2:22) dd: 16/06/2011<br />
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<em>"1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”</em> - (1 Tim 2:1-4) dd: 01/06/2011<br />
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<em>"24The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.”</em> - (1 Tim 5:24-25) dd: 20/05/2011<br />
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<em>"Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest. Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you.”</em> - (Jer 5:24-25, KJV) dd: 12/05/2011<br />
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<em>"{The LORD is He} who carries out the words of his servants and fulfills the predictions of his messengers, who says of Jerusalem, ‘It shall be inhabited,’ of the towns of Judah, ‘They shall be built,’ and of their ruins, ‘I will restore them,’”</em> - (Isaiah 44:26 {words in curly brackets mine}) dd: 28/04/2011<br />
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<em>"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”</em> - (1 Cor 1:18) dd: 21/04/2011<br />
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<em>"As long as we palliate and excuse our sins, and, dream that there is much in us which is noble and lovely, we are not fit subjects for God's sawing grace. But when we take our place as helpless and undone, without one plea or one redeeming trait, we are in the position in which the free grace of God can have its blessed way with us.”</em> - (F.B. Meyer) dd: 14/04/2011<br />
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<em>"UNTIL WE ALL REACH unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God AND BECOME MATURE, ATTAINING TO THE WHOLE MEASURE OF THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST.”</em> - (Eph 4:13, capitalization mine, point to emphasize, we have NOT arrived on born-again) dd: 31/03/2011<br />
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<em>““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.”</em> - (Matt 7:21) dd: 17/03/2011<br />
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<em>“Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.”</em> - (1 John 3:7 {KJV}) dd: 24/02/2011<br />
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<em>“Whoever claims to live in him {Jesus} must walk as Jesus did.”</em> - (1 John 2:6) dd: 11/02/2011<br />
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<em>“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he[the Lord] who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."”</em> - (1 Pet 1:14-16) dd: 01/02/2011<br />
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<em>“When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby.”</em> - (Eze 33:18 KJV) dd: 26/01/2011<br />
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<em>“To know God, and to be known by Him, is to possess all things. All that is lovely, strong, or right, in any human being was in the Creator before it entered the creature; having God, you possess all things in Him.”</em> - (F.B. Meyer) dd: 19/01/2011<br />
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<em>“Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.”</em> - (Proverbs 16:8) dd: 11/01/2011<br />
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<em>“because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in? When he cries out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.”</em> - (Exodus 22:27) dd: 05/01/2011<br />
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<em>“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”</em> - (2 Tim 4:3-4) dd: 29/12/2010<br />
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<em>“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”</em> - (1 Peter 3:12) dd: 21/12/2010<br />
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<em>“If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple.”</em> - (1 Cor 3:17) dd: 06/12/2010<br />
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<em>“Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?”</em> - (Prov 20:6) dd: 29/11/2010<br />
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<em>“The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, <br />he is the one you are to fear, <br />he is the one you are to dread”</em> - (Isaiah 8:13) dd: 22/11/2010<br />
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<em>“A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of things that he possesseth; but in his purity, truth, tenderness, and the properties of his soul. The fruit of the Spirit must ever be manifest in the life of the believer "Love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance."”</em> - (F.B. Meyer) dd: 18/11/2010<br />
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<em>“For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”</em> - (Isaiah 41:13) dd: 09/11/2010<br />
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<em>“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”</em>- (Phil 2:12) dd: 25/10/2010<br />
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<em>“The progress of evil within us is a matter of unconsciousness, largely because we are quick to discover reasons to justify our decadence. We gloze over the real state of affairs. We call sins by other names. We insist on considerations which in our eyes appear to justify our conduct.”</em>- (F.B. Myer) dd: 19/10/2010<br />
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<em>“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.”</em>- (Matt 7:21) dd: 04/10/2010<br />
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<em>“The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him.”</em>- (Proverbs 15:26) dd: 27/09/2010<br />
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<em>“Beware of taking on the color of the ground on which you lie.”</em>- <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Brotherton_Meyer">F.B. Meyer </a>dd: 21/09/2010<br />
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<em>“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.”</em>- (Luke 3:8) dd: 31/08/2010<br />
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<em>“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”</em>- (2 Cor 7:1) dd: 24/08/2010<br />
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<em>“If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple.”</em>- (1 Cor 3:17) dd: 16/08/2010<br />
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<em>“Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”</em>- (John 14:6) dd: 11/08/2010<br />
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<em>“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”</em>- (2 Tim 3:16) dd: 31/07/2010<br />
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<em>“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who <span style="color: red;">are being saved</span> it is the power of God.”</em>- (1 Cor 1:18) {emphasis, mine} dd: 21/07/2010<br />
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<em>“In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.”</em>- (Heb 12:4) dd: 24/06/2010<br />
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<em>“It is better, if it is in God’s will, to suffer for doing good, than for doing evil.”</em>- (1 Peter 3:17) dd: 14/06/2010<br />
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<em>Not clever-ness, but cleanliness, is the prime condition of service. Jesus will not put throne-water into impure and polluted receptacles.</em>- (F.B. Meyer) dd: 07/06/2010<br />
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<em>But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.</em>- (Matthew 6:20-21) dd: 26/05/2010<br />
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<em>Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right {in doing good}, you are blessed.</em>- (1 Peter 3:13-14a) dd: 18/05/2010<br />
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<em>Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse.</em>- (Proverbs 28:6) dd: 10/05/2010<br />
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<em>But your hearts must be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.</em>- (1 Kings 8:61) dd: 03/05/2010<br />
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<em>Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world </em>- (James 1:27) dd: 27/04/2010<br />
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<em>What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? {think about it} </em>- [in curly bracket, my suggestion to you](James 2:14) dd: 15/03/2010<br />
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<em>Anyone who serves Christ in righteousness, and with the peace and joy of the Holy Spirit, is pleasing to God, and approved by men</em>- (paraphrased from Romans 14:18) dd 08/03/2010<br />
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<em>When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. </em>- (James 4:3) dd: 01/03/2010<br />
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<em>The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy,<br />he is the one you are to fear,<br />he is the one you are to dread,<br />and {yet} he will be a sanctuary;</em>- Isaiah 8:13-14a (curly brackets mine) dd: 18/02/2010<br />
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<em>if we are faithless {believe not}, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.</em>- 2 Timothy 1:13 (curly brackets mine) => God is reliable and faithful. Even as God is love, He is also faithfulness - one of the trustworthy sayings of the Apostle Paul dd: 05/02/2010<br />
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<em>You do not need to shine all the time before men, let others shine too, and you will shine even brighter before the Lord.</em>- Anthony Chia, revelation believed confirmed from Judges 8:1-3 dd: 25/01/2010<br />
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<em>At the base of it all, love is a choice.</em>- Anthony Chia, revelation believed confirmed from Romans 8:20-21 dd: 18/01/2010<br />
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<em>And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.</em> - Romans 8:28 dd: 11/01/2010<br />
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<em>he who wins souls is wise </em>- Proverbs 11:30b dd: 31/12/2009<br />
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.high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145152982070192978.post-46352885153747412082022-06-08T03:19:00.000-07:002015-12-04T01:47:36.715-08:00Items for Sale (in support of ministry)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;">[Please don't mind the date above; it is so, that this page stays at the forefront of my blog]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thank you for visiting this segment of the high.expressions blog. This segment was set up since April 2015 to sell items in support of our high.expressions Divine Healing Ministry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Prior to this, there was not really the need for this, because I worked at a regular job, and did ministry off office-hours, including weekends and my off-days (inclusive of leave days). For 7 years I did that. Since 2014, because I have stopped working at my regular job, to concentrate on ministry work, living by faith, I have a need for this "stuff selling". Because I was NOT supported financially by any church, and are still with financial burden (I have 2 kids dependent on me), I have to see how I could tentmake to support my divine healing ministry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I tried NOT to engage in too much work unrelated to the Ministry, for if I did that, I might as well go back to my professional work as a qualified Accountant. I am a qualified Chartered Accountant, but have decided to bear the opportunity cost of NOT continuing as one on a full-time basis, in favour of doing the Lord's work of ministering and following up, on people who are in afflictions of life, particularly those who are sick, chronically or terminally; people whom the Lord may direct me to go alongside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some people got healed or made more wholesome; some don't, and they do die on me. But one thing I know, is that the Lord is interested in the lives of people who are down-trodden or afflicted or even dying. There are those who are really "difficult" people, whom even regarded pastors shunned, but they are still children of God, and I would NOT cut them off, because the Lord said, "People don't want them, but would you want them, for me, for I still want them?!" I also learned that, for God's children, God NOT only want them to be in faith in their dying days, but also to be going to Him eventually, in faith and with faith. And so, I am to help with that too; to help the sick stay in the faith and be of faith. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Enough said, let's see if any of the items here would interest you. Even if you have no use for the items here, you could still support me and my ministry, and get something which you can give away as a gift. There are also some items that are "neutral", and they are here, so that you could get them and bless a non-believer or pre-believer whom you are reaching out, to.</span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><u>N O W, T H E I T E M S O N S A L E:</u></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white;">Lastest update (4 Dec 2015): Now you can see my items on Instagram, and you can buy easily via the procedure established. Go to my Instagram account - uncle.anthonychia & click on the link in my profile page, to know how. </b><br />
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<b style="background-color: white;">Alternatively, you can go here, directly, to read of the procedure - <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/12/how-to-buy-what-you-see-on-my-instagram.html" target="_blank">How to buy what you see on my Instagram account - uncle.anthonychia</a></b><br />
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<b style="background-color: white;"><b>I also sell on ETSY, & so, you can go there direct by clicking on the image below. </b></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><b> </b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HighExpressions?ref=offsite_badges&utm_source=sellers&utm_medium=badges&utm_campaign=en_isell_3"><img height="39" src="//img0.etsystatic.com/site-assets/badges/en/en_isell_3.png" width="320" /></a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Item 01 - Palm-sized cross</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LtA7jE__Snw/VSzv-9xb9tI/AAAAAAAAAUw/NPl8K0JGBqA/s1600/palmsizedcross1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LtA7jE__Snw/VSzv-9xb9tI/AAAAAAAAAUw/NPl8K0JGBqA/s1600/palmsizedcross1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I made them personally, with love, from cords/ropes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The cords are of a number of types, and most are having tiny patterns/markings on them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Approx. dimensions: 8.5 cm x 11.5 cm x 2.5 cm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are various colour combinations possible. From existing sales, I noted that it is a matter of personal preferences when it comes to this aspect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ideal as gifts for salvation, baptism or first communion. Good as Christmas gifts or gift exchanges among believers. They can be placed in home, office or vehicles. Some even carries them whenever they travel overseas. They are NOT just symbols, and are NOT uncommon that they act as comfort crosses for the sick (to be held). Others take it to their quiet time; it helps the person to settle into the state of communion with the Lord (quickly), and additionally, because the cross is removed from its usual place in the home, it signals to others that the owner of the cross has gone into communion with the Lord in the house (say, in a room) and should NOT be disturbed unless absolutely necessary. It is not uncommon for people to buy a pair (HIS and HERS personal cross).</span><br />
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<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/04/items-for-sale-palm-sized-crosses.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Click here for colour choices, and to purchase</a><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Item 02 - Cross Cobra-stitch bracelet</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ZPOzqgdmnU/VS8s8sPxq6I/AAAAAAAAAUw/A8eKLeUAkkA/s1600/photo%2B(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ZPOzqgdmnU/VS8s8sPxq6I/AAAAAAAAAUw/A8eKLeUAkkA/s1600/photo%2B(8).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I made every one personally with lots of patience and love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cords used are 2.5 mm satin cord, weaved on elastic bands, and so, the bracelets are stretchable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Being stretchable makes the bracelets easy to be put on and taken off. Chances of inability to fit well on one's wrist is greatly reduced. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now, you can show who you belongs to, by a stretching forth of your hand. Good for any age, but particularly good for teenagers as a mark of right culture and reminder.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Approx. dimensions: 25 mm (wide at the cross, 10 mm the rest) x 5 mm (thick). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/04/items-for-sale-cross-bracelets.html" target="_blank">Click here for colour combinations, and to purchase.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Item 03 - Standard Cobra-stitch bracelet</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p13A9-bLKdA/VS5YZiZtgqI/AAAAAAAAAUw/6xGbx-_uVJo/s1600/photo%2B(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p13A9-bLKdA/VS5YZiZtgqI/AAAAAAAAAUw/6xGbx-_uVJo/s1600/photo%2B(4).JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I made every one personally with self-made bracelet-making jig.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cords used are 2.5 mm satin cord, weaved on elastic bands, and so, the bracelets are stretchable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Being stretchable makes the bracelets easy to be put on and taken off. Chances of inability to fit well on one's wrist is greatly reduced. Lastly, because of the the way the bracelets are ended on elastic bands, the dual coloured ones can be flipped over in use, giving rise to two coloured patterned bracelets in one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>This is a neutral item, meaning it can be bought and given as a gift to non-believers or pre-believers.</u> Great as door-gift for parties and company annual dinners functions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Approx. dimensions: 10 mm (wide) x 4 mm (thick). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/04/items-for-sales-neutral-bracelets.html" target="_blank">Click here for various set combinations available for purchase.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Comments are welcome here. Alternatively, email them to me @: <a href="mailto:high.expressions@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">high.expressions@gmail.com.</span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> Do follow this blog site. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "verdana";">To go back to blog main page, click </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">here</span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana";">. </span></o:p></span></span></span> </span></div>
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high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145152982070192978.post-25898300638939142002022-06-06T08:49:00.000-07:002015-06-16T21:40:46.174-07:00Items for Sale - Palm-sized crosses[Please don't mind the date above; it is so, that this page stays at the forefront of my blog]<br />
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<div>
<b style="background-color: white;"><b>I now also sell on ETSY, & so, you can go there direct by clicking on the image below. A recent miracle (May 2015) is put up there, too, as a item listing! Go, take a look.</b></b></div>
<div>
<b style="background-color: white;"><b> </b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HighExpressions?ref=offsite_badges&utm_source=sellers&utm_medium=badges&utm_campaign=en_isell_3"><img height="39" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/site-assets/badges/en/en_isell_3.png" width="320" /></a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Item 01-01 - Palm-sized cross, of red with white side</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qYgijtyFOhM/VSz09_7SCaI/AAAAAAAAAUw/ZynTNDANAMw/s1600/photo%2B(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qYgijtyFOhM/VSz09_7SCaI/AAAAAAAAAUw/ZynTNDANAMw/s1600/photo%2B(1).JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Terms & conditions of sale is found <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/04/terms-and-conditions-to-sale-and.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Overseas (delivery) buyer:</u> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Packaging, postage & handling: starts at S$6.00, increases by step of S$3.00/piece.</span><br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="MVAH27X4Q7Q9C" />
<br />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr><td><input name="on0" type="hidden" value="Quantity" />Option Quantity</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os0">
<option value="1 cross">1 cross $12.00 SGD</option>
<option value="2 crosses">2 crosses $24.00 SGD</option>
<option value="3 crosses">3 crosses $36.00 SGD</option>
<option value="4 crosses">4 crosses $48.00 SGD</option>
<option value="5 crosses">5 crosses $60.00 SGD</option>
</select> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" /><br />
<div>
<input alt="PayPal – The safer, easier way to pay online." border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/SG/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif" type="image" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />Paypal/credit cards secured online payment<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" /><br />
<br /></div>
</form>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Singapore (delivery) buyer:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Price: S$12.00/piece; </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Normal postal delivery: S$1.00/piece</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To buy multiple crosses, execute "Buy Now" multiple times.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="E69N5DQQLRMFJ" />
<input alt="PayPal – The safer, easier way to pay online." border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/SG/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />Paypal/credit cards secured online payment</form>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For clarification, email us @ high.expressions@gmail.com.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Item 01-02 - Palm-sized cross, of milo brown</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U1biYhVgoPA/VS3VI1UXIfI/AAAAAAAAAUw/khWx-B_6T7Y/s1600/photo%2B(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U1biYhVgoPA/VS3VI1UXIfI/AAAAAAAAAUw/khWx-B_6T7Y/s1600/photo%2B(3).JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Terms & conditions of sale is found <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/04/terms-and-conditions-to-sale-and.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Overseas (delivery) buyer:</u> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Packaging, postage & handling: starts at S$6.00, increases by step of S$3.00/piece.</span><br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="Q4WNPL63YKH2G" />
<br />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr><td><input name="on0" type="hidden" value="Quantity" />Option Quantity</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os0">
<option value="1 cross">1 cross $12.00 SGD</option>
<option value="2 crosses">2 crosses $24.00 SGD</option>
<option value="3 crosses">3 crosses $36.00 SGD</option>
<option value="4 crosses">4 crosses $48.00 SGD</option>
<option value="5 crosses">5 crosses $60.00 SGD</option>
</select> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<input name="currency_code" type="hidden" value="SGD" />
<input alt="PayPal – The safer, easier way to pay online." border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/SG/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif" type="image" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />Paypal/credit cards secured online payment<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Singapore (delivery) buyer:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Price: S$12.00/piece;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Normal postal delivery: S$1.00/piece</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To buy multiple crosses, execute "Buy Now" multiple times.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</form>
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="64P57M6CPAGJG" />
<input alt="PayPal – The safer, easier way to pay online." border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/SG/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />
</form>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For clarification, email us @ high.expressions@gmail.com.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Item 01-03 - Palm-sized cross, of gold with red side</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nubyREAvtww/VTRrV0F9tGI/AAAAAAAAAUw/k7oubRGEqUI/s1600/photo%2B(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nubyREAvtww/VTRrV0F9tGI/AAAAAAAAAUw/k7oubRGEqUI/s1600/photo%2B(10).JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Terms & conditions of sale is found <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/04/terms-and-conditions-to-sale-and.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Overseas (delivery) buyer:</u> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Packaging, postage & handling: starts at S$6.00, increases by step of S$3.00/piece.</span><br />
<br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="TK7UF3FKW7CWS" />
<br />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr><td><input name="on0" type="hidden" value="Quantity" />Option Quantity</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os0">
<option value="1 cross">1 cross $12.00 SGD</option>
<option value="2 crosses">2 crosses $24.00 SGD</option>
<option value="3 crosses">3 crosses $36.00 SGD</option>
<option value="4 crosses">4 crosses $48.00 SGD</option>
<option value="5 crosses">5 crosses $60.00 SGD</option>
</select> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<input name="currency_code" type="hidden" value="SGD" />
<input alt="PayPal – The safer, easier way to pay online." border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/SG/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />
</form>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Singapore (delivery) buyer:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Price: S$12.00/piece;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Normal postal delivery: S$1.00/piece</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To buy multiple crosses, execute "Buy Now" multiple times.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="UY7379GK7T72E" />
<input alt="PayPal – The safer, easier way to pay online." border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/SG/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />
</form>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For clarification, email us @ high.expressions@gmail.com.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can buy the above colour combinations, right-away. Other colours will be added in the future.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To return to main catalogue page, click here: </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/04/items-for-sales-in-support-of-ministry.html" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Items for sale (in support of ministry)</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Anthony Chia, high.expressions</strong></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Comments are welcome here. Alternatively, email them to me @: <a href="mailto:high.expressions@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">high.expressions@gmail.com.</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> Do follow this blog site. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana;">To go back to blog main page, click </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">. </span></o:p></span></span></span> </span></div>
high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145152982070192978.post-32399168888880221072022-06-04T21:02:00.000-07:002015-06-16T21:42:35.834-07:00Items for sale - Cross bracelets[Please don't mind the date above; it is so, that this page stays at the forefront of my blog]<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<div>
<b style="background-color: white;"><b>I now also sell on ETSY, & so, you can go there direct by clicking on the image below. A recent miracle (May 2015) is put up there, too, as a item listing! Go, take a look.</b></b></div>
<div>
<b style="background-color: white;"><b> </b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HighExpressions?ref=offsite_badges&utm_source=sellers&utm_medium=badges&utm_campaign=en_isell_3"><img height="39" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/site-assets/badges/en/en_isell_3.png" width="320" /></a></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Item 02-01 - A pair of Cross Cobra-stitch Bracelets</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ZPOzqgdmnU/VS8s8sPxq6I/AAAAAAAAAUw/A8eKLeUAkkA/s1600/photo%2B(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ZPOzqgdmnU/VS8s8sPxq6I/AAAAAAAAAUw/A8eKLeUAkkA/s1600/photo%2B(8).JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Terms & conditions of sale is found </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/04/terms-and-conditions-to-sale-and.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Set of 2. All come with gold colour cross face (as in green one in picture). Need only to specify colours of the 2 bracelets (eg. 1 green and 1 pink). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Colours available: red, pink, purple, green & blue.</u></span><br />
<br />
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Overseas (delivery) buyer:</u> </b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Price: S$20.00/pair; </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">postage & handling: S$6.00</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="SB6LHBKJTMZ5Q" />
<br />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr><td><input name="on0" type="hidden" value="Wrist" />Wrist</td></tr>
<tr>
<td><select name="os0">
<option value="14cm">14cm </option>
<option value="15cm">15cm </option>
<option value="16cm">16cm </option>
<option value="17cm">17cm </option>
<option value="18cm">18cm </option>
<option value="19cm">19cm </option>
<option value="20cm">20cm </option>
<option value="21cm">21cm </option>
<option value="22cm">22cm </option>
<option value="23cm">23cm </option>
</select> </td></tr>
<tr><td><input name="on1" type="hidden" value="Colour (eg. red & pink)" />2 Bracelets' Colours (eg. 1 red & 1 pink)</td></tr>
<tr><td><input maxlength="200" name="os1" type="text" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<input alt="PayPal – The safer, easier way to pay online." border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/SG/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />Paypal/credit cards secured online payment<br />
<br /></form>
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Singapore (delivery) buyer:</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Price: S$20.00/pair; </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Normal postal delivery: Free</span><br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="2LDV3YH8VRDUC" />
<br />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr><td><input name="on0" type="hidden" value="Wrist" />Wrist</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os0">
<option value="14cm">14cm </option>
<option value="15cm">15cm </option>
<option value="16cm">16cm </option>
<option value="17cm">17cm </option>
<option value="18cm">18cm </option>
<option value="19cm">19cm </option>
<option value="20cm">20cm </option>
<option value="21cm">21cm </option>
<option value="22cm">22cm </option>
<option value="23cm">23cm </option>
</select> </td></tr>
<tr><td><input name="on1" type="hidden" value="Colour (eg. red & pink)" />2 Bracelets' Colours (eg. 1 red & 1 pink)</td></tr>
<tr><td><input maxlength="200" name="os1" type="text" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<input alt="PayPal – The safer, easier way to pay online." border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/SG/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />Paypal/credit cards secured online payment<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">For clarification, email us @ high.expressions@gmail.com.</span></form>
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Item 02-02 - 1 piece Cross Cobra-stitch Bracelet of choice</b></span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jKtZns8eCPc/VS9Ly3G4TDI/AAAAAAAAAUw/yvkYc6T-igA/s1600/photo%2B(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jKtZns8eCPc/VS9Ly3G4TDI/AAAAAAAAAUw/yvkYc6T-igA/s1600/photo%2B(8).JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Terms & conditions of sale is found </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/04/terms-and-conditions-to-sale-and.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All come with gold colour cross face (as in green one in picture). Need only to specify colour of the bracelet (eg. green or pink). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Colours available: red, pink, purple, green & blue.</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Overseas (delivery) buyer:</u> </b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Price: S$12.00/piece; </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">postage & handling: S$6.00</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="FU8E95RGE649N" />
<br />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr><td><input name="on0" type="hidden" value="Wrist" />Wrist</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os0">
<option value="14cm">14cm </option>
<option value="15cm">15cm </option>
<option value="16cm">16cm </option>
<option value="17cm">17cm </option>
<option value="18cm">18cm </option>
<option value="19cm">19cm </option>
<option value="20cm">20cm </option>
<option value="21cm">21cm </option>
<option value="22cm">22cm </option>
<option value="23cm">23cm </option>
</select> </td></tr>
<tr><td>Bracelet's colour (eg. pink)</td></tr>
<tr><td><input maxlength="200" name="os1" type="text" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<input alt="PayPal – The safer, easier way to pay online." border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/SG/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />Paypal/credit cards secured online payment<br />
<br /></form>
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Singapore (delivery) buyer:</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Price: S$12.00/pair; </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Normal postal delivery: Free</span><br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="7BNVV7UBSTHPL" />
<br />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr><td><input name="on0" type="hidden" value="Wrist" />Wrist</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os0">
<option value="14cm">14cm </option>
<option value="15cm">15cm </option>
<option value="16cm">16cm </option>
<option value="17cm">17cm </option>
<option value="18cm">18cm </option>
<option value="19cm">19cm </option>
<option value="20cm">20cm </option>
<option value="21cm">21cm </option>
<option value="22cm">22cm </option>
<option value="23cm">23cm </option>
</select> </td></tr>
<tr><td><input name="on1" type="hidden" value="Colour (eg. pink)" />Bracelet's colour (eg. pink)</td></tr>
<tr><td><input maxlength="200" name="os1" type="text" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<input alt="PayPal – The safer, easier way to pay online." border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/SG/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />Paypal/credit cards secured online payment </form>
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">For clarification, email us @ high.expressions@gmail.com.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To return to main catalogue page, click here: <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/04/items-for-sales-in-support-of-ministry.html" rel="nofollow">Items for sale (in support of ministry)</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Anthony Chia, high.expressions</strong></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Comments are welcome here. Alternatively, email them to me @: <a href="mailto:high.expressions@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">high.expressions@gmail.com.</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> Do follow this blog site. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana;">To go back to blog main page, click </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">. </span></o:p></span></span></span> </span></div>
high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145152982070192978.post-3917582580626825932022-06-02T06:24:00.000-07:002015-06-16T21:42:54.491-07:00Items for Sale - Neutral bracelets[Please don't mind the date above; it is so, that this page stays at the forefront of my blog]<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<div>
<b style="background-color: white;"><b>I now also sell on ETSY, & so, you can go there direct by clicking on the image below. A recent miracle (May 2015) is put up there, too, as a item listing! Go, take a look.</b></b></div>
<div>
<b style="background-color: white;"><b> </b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HighExpressions?ref=offsite_badges&utm_source=sellers&utm_medium=badges&utm_campaign=en_isell_3"><img height="39" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/site-assets/badges/en/en_isell_3.png" width="320" /></a></span></b></div>
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Item 03-01 - Rainbow set of 7 cobra-stitch bracelets</b><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbAHy6sds-g/VS5xxqEL3MI/AAAAAAAAAUw/Q6K_-KRZ5wU/s1600/photo%2B(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbAHy6sds-g/VS5xxqEL3MI/AAAAAAAAAUw/Q6K_-KRZ5wU/s1600/photo%2B(5).JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Terms & conditions of sale is found </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/04/terms-and-conditions-to-sale-and.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A set of 7, colour combinations as in the picture.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Overseas (delivery) buyer:</u> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Packaging, postage & handling: starts at </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">S$6.00, increases by step of S$3.00/set.</span>
<br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="P9GS67YRFDHHU" />
<br />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr><td><input name="on0" type="hidden" value="Set" /></td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os0">
<option value="1 set">1 set $12.00 SGD</option>
<option value="2 sets">2 sets $24.00 SGD</option>
<option value="3 sets">3 sets $36.00 SGD</option>
<option value="4 sets">4 sets $48.00 SGD</option>
<option value="5 sets">5 sets $60.00 SGD</option>
</select> </td></tr>
<tr><td><input name="on1" type="hidden" value="Wrist" />Wrist</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os1">
<option value="14cm">14cm </option>
<option value="15cm">15cm </option>
<option value="16cm">16cm </option>
<option value="17cm">17cm </option>
<option value="18cm">18cm </option>
<option value="19cm">19cm </option>
<option value="20cm">20cm </option>
<option value="21cm">21cm </option>
<option value="22cm">22cm </option>
<option value="23cm">23cm </option>
</select> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<input name="currency_code" type="hidden" value="SGD" />
<input alt="PayPal – The safer, easier way to pay online." border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/SG/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />Paypal/credit cards secured online payment<br />
<br /></form>
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Singapore (delivery) buyer:</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Price: S$14.00/set; </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Normal postal delivery: Free</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To buy multiple sets, execute "Buy Now" multiple times.</span><br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="SMQSD7NM7PBXA" />
<br />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr><td><input name="on0" type="hidden" value="Wrist" />Wrist</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os0">
<option value="14cm">14cm </option>
<option value="15cm">15cm </option>
<option value="16cm">16cm </option>
<option value="17cm">17cm </option>
<option value="18cm">18cm </option>
<option value="19cm">19cm </option>
<option value="20cm">20cm </option>
<option value="21cm">21cm </option>
<option value="22cm">22cm </option>
<option value="23cm">23cm </option>
</select> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<input alt="PayPal – The safer, easier way to pay online." border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/SG/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />Paypal/credit cards secured online payment </form>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" /><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For clarification, email us @ high.expressions@gmail.com.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Item 03-02 - 1 piece cobra-stitch bracelet of choice</b><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DEN77Bz61Dk/VS6SMDtn5RI/AAAAAAAAAUw/rPc54bDyNAc/s1600/photo%2B(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DEN77Bz61Dk/VS6SMDtn5RI/AAAAAAAAAUw/rPc54bDyNAc/s1600/photo%2B(6).JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Terms & conditions of sale is found </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/04/terms-and-conditions-to-sale-and.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Select one (1) out of the 7 in the picture.</span>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Overseas (delivery) buyer:</u> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Price: S$4.00; </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Packaging, postage & handling: </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">S$6.00.</span><br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="ASEDLEB6KU8DE" />
<br />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr><td><input name="on0" type="hidden" value="Choice" />Choice</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os0">
<option value="No 1">No 1 </option>
<option value="No 2">No 2 </option>
<option value="No 3">No 3 </option>
<option value="No 4">No 4 </option>
<option value="No 5">No 5 </option>
<option value="No 6">No 6 </option>
<option value="No 7">No 7 </option>
</select> </td></tr>
<tr><td><input name="on1" type="hidden" value="Wrist" />Wrist</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os1">
<option value="14cm">14cm </option>
<option value="15cm">15cm </option>
<option value="16cm">16cm </option>
<option value="17cm">17cm </option>
<option value="18cm">18cm </option>
<option value="19cm">19cm </option>
<option value="20cm">20cm </option>
<option value="21cm">21cm </option>
<option value="22cm">22cm </option>
<option value="23cm">23cm </option>
</select> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<input alt="PayPal – The safer, easier way to pay online." border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/SG/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />Paypal/credit cards secured online payment<br />
<br /></form>
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Singapore (delivery) buyer:</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Price: S$4.00; </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Normal postal delivery: Free</span><br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="VN9GLF8DWBQ9U" />
<br />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr><td><input name="on0" type="hidden" value="Choice" />Choice</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os0">
<option value="No 1">No 1 </option>
<option value="No 2">No 2 </option>
<option value="No 3">No 3 </option>
<option value="No 4">No 4 </option>
<option value="No 5">No 5 </option>
<option value="No 6">No 6 </option>
<option value="No 7">No 7 </option>
</select> </td></tr>
<tr><td><input name="on1" type="hidden" value="Wrist" />Wrist</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os1">
<option value="14cm">14cm </option>
<option value="15cm">15cm </option>
<option value="16cm">16cm </option>
<option value="17cm">17cm </option>
<option value="18cm">18cm </option>
<option value="19cm">19cm </option>
<option value="20cm">20cm </option>
<option value="21cm">21cm </option>
<option value="22cm">22cm </option>
<option value="23cm">23cm </option>
</select> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<input alt="PayPal – The safer, easier way to pay online." border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/SG/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />Paypal/credit cards secured online payment </form>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For clarification, email us @ high.expressions@gmail.com.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To main items catalogue, click here: <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/04/items-for-sales-in-support-of-ministry.html" target="_blank">Items for Sale (in support of ministry)</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Anthony Chia, high.expressions</strong></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Comments are welcome here. Alternatively, email them to me @: <a href="mailto:high.expressions@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">high.expressions@gmail.com.</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> Do follow this blog site. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana;">To go back to blog main page, click </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">. </span></o:p></span></span></span> </span></div>
high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145152982070192978.post-29017144120851747742022-05-01T22:05:00.000-07:002015-04-19T22:14:46.107-07:00Terms and conditions to sale and purchase of high.expressions' items for sale[Please don't mind the date above; it is so, that this page stays at the forefront of my blog]<br />
<br />
I thank you for showing interest in one or more of my items here that I consider selling. Here are important terms and conditions which buyers should know about, before they commit to any purchase from this blog-site. <br />
<br />
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<div style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Important terms and conditions before you buy:</u></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. How to pay: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Through</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a Paypal account if you have one, or you could pay with any of the major credit cards. The payment system here is administered through the secure Paypal online payment system, where major credit cards are accepted.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. How long does it take to receive the goods:</span><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Singapore delivery - 4 days (1 day for processing of order + 3 days for postal delivery)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overseas delivery - 10 days (1 day for processing of order + 9 days for postal delivery)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Risk of non-receipt of goods:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No insurance coverage is taken for the goods. Buyer bears the risk. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The postal delivery is a non-registered and non-tracking postal delivery (to keep cost down). We use a leading provider of mail, logistics and retail solutions in the region; and you can expect me to be honorable, meaning when I say I have sent, I have sent (out the goods). </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As far as possible and convenient, I will take a photo of every prepared item (with your name and address written) before dropping it off, for delivery.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There will be no refund. You will have to regard you have done a good works, but the "bird of the air" came and took it away. I believe, nonetheless, the Lord honors it, and I appreciate it, from the bottom of my heart. Buy (here) with a charitable heart; otherwise, don't. Always remember you are buying in support of a ministry.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But do let me know if you did NOT receive your goods. The minimum I can do for you, is to pray for you, so that no resentment could find root in you. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. How you can reach me, the seller:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can be reached by this email: high.expressions@gmail.com. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. Goods NOT to your expectation:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you find that the goods here are NOT to your expectation, you are at liberty to skip or ignore. The pictures are there, and if you have any questions, you can ask them. But if you do buy and make payment for them, you are taken to have exercised your discernment and make a calculated judgment whether or NOT, the items would meet your expectation.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Return and refund will NOT be entertained.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you do receive an item damaged in transit, let me know.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. Unforeseen circumstances and variations:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, it is possible that I may be on a mission trip or sick, etc. and so, is unable to keep the time general schedule outlined here. It is also possible that the materials used (especially the cords) are temporarily out of supply, or that the exact colours are NOT available. All of these, we ask for your indulgence. <u>For the last circumstance, at our discretion, we MAY communicate with you to see if you could accept the close match (of alternative cords or colours).</u></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remember now, I am NOT running a business to sell stuff, particularly; I am in the business of doing the ministry of divine healing, and generally doing the works of the Lord. But I will try to do this well, too, without neglecting the main ministry focus; it is part of being honorable.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. Consider it as sowing unto the Lord's work:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are lots of stuff out there, shinning and glittering ones. For whatever amount you are spending, you have no lack of selection. Comparison will kill the joy of you being able to be charitable. Be a cheerful buyer, just as the Lord is pleased with cheerful givers.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you feel uncomfortable buying, ask the Lord. I thank you for visiting; if you are NOT buying now, perhaps, in the future you could by a buyer. More importantly, I hope one of more of my articles here have helped you in some way. Encourage me, drop me a comment here (or in the the article's comment section) or an email.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stay blessed,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Anthony Chia, high.expressions</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Comments are welcome here. Alternatively, email them to me @: <a href="mailto:high.expressions@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">high.expressions@gmail.com.</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> Do follow this blog site. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana;">To go back to blog main page, click </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">. </span></o:p></span></span></span> </span></div>
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high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145152982070192978.post-57237687477541168252015-12-04T01:12:00.001-08:002015-12-04T02:02:15.190-08:00HOW TO BUY WHAT YOU SEE ON MY INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT - uncle.anthonychiaHow you can buy my handicraft items that you see in my Instagram account, which I make and sell them, in support of my Divine Healing Ministry.<br />
<br />
Here is how:<br />
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<br />
FOR OVERSEAS BUYERS<br />
<br />
1. Message me from Instagram against the item you see. <br />
2. I will get back to you, through messaging from within Instagram.<br />
3. Agree on all that needs to be agreed, like price, specification, and delivery & email addresses.<br />
4. I will send you a payment request link from within my PayPal account to your email address.<br />
5. Pay me through that PayPal link in 4. You do NOT necessarily need to have a PayPal account.<br />
6. Payment in 5, can be done either through your PayPal account or just with your credit card.<br />
7a. When I have received your payment, I will work on the item(s) you want.<br />
7b. When completed, I will ship out the item, by airmail with tracking.<br />
8. Once sent out, I will give you the tracking no. via Instagram, against the item.<br />
9. When you have received, let me know, via Instagram.<br />
10. Leave a positive feedback at Instagram against the item, if it is in order.<br />
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<br />
FOR LOCAL BUYERS<br />
<br />
1. Download Carousell phone app.<br />
2. Look for user, uncle.anthony or uac.duct.tape.craft, using the search function within Carousell.<br />
3. Terms of sales are given within each item's description.<br />
4. Payment is required before work is started on the item(s) you want.<br />
5. If delivery is through normal mail, buyer is to bear lost mail risk, NOT the seller.<br />
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IMPORTANT NOTES TO POTENTIAL BUYERS<br />
<br />
1. Most of the items are a couple of dollars, but if you cannot trust me for it, with payment first before delivery, I can understand, and you do NOT need to buy. I appreciate your dropping by, at my Instagram account, just to view the items.<br />
<br />
2. Shipping cost is S$10/-, inclusive of packaging and handling, etc, as a matter of norm. And so, you need to bear in mind that on top of the price of an item, you need to add S$10/- to your overall cost. AND SO, IT IS MORE ECONOMICAL IF YOU BUY IN A PAIR OR 2 DIFFERENT ITEMS, SO THAT YOUR AVERAGE COST IS LOWER. Buy with another person, or give one away.<br />
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3. I appreciate your buying my stuff here, and you should know that it goes towards a good works, for the proceeds would go towards defraying some of the cost of my doing the Divine Healing Ministry, where I minister to the sick and those afflicted in life, regardless of religious faith (i.e. it is NOT confined to helping just the Christians, although it is a Christian ministry).<br />
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DONATION<br />
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If you feel led by the Lord to give towards this ministry, message me via a message against any of the items on my Instagram account (uncle.anthonychia), or look for my email address here, in this blog, and send me an email. Making donation is straightforward.<br />
<br />
1. Tell me how much you wish to donate.<br />
2. Give me your email account address.<br />
3. I will send you a payment request via my PayPal account, to your email account.<br />
4. Make payment through PayPal link of 3. You do NOT necessarily need to have a PayPal account.<br />
5. Payment in 4, can be done either through your PayPal account or just with your credit card.<br />
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Updated 4 Dec 2015.<br />
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<br />high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145152982070192978.post-6422480430052667992015-06-26T01:19:00.000-07:002015-06-26T01:47:31.784-07:00Much obedience, much one can love<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Preamble: </b>This article will be preached as a sermon in a Divine Healing Fellowship Meeting/Service. Although it is a sermon, it flows as a complete article. The grey-highlighted portions may be NOT be preached due to constraint of time; and if you are using this article as a sermon, please take note that this particular sermon will be long (up to 40 mins). I tried hard to cut short, but I felt the things said here are all so very important, not just in relation to the series that I am covering, but as core belief, and so, I decided NOT to cut any further. If you are NOT doing a series, you could just preach it as exposition of the 3 verses of John (John 14:15, 21 & 15:10), in which case, you can drop some of the more outlying issues, making the sermon shorter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is a continuation of a series on the secret to well-being of a believer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">First,
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/02/title-secret-to-well-being-of-believer.html" target="_blank">the “secret” is: we loving God</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
many could NOT get to the place of loving God (and, men, too). How do we get
there?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FlUQBfWSZGY/VSFNAhFA12I/AAAAAAAAAUw/dEpNPWIdANQ/s1600/x-combo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FlUQBfWSZGY/VSFNAhFA12I/AAAAAAAAAUw/dEpNPWIdANQ/s1600/x-combo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/04/items-for-sale-palm-sized-crosses.html" style="background-color: yellow; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" target="_blank">Support the author: To author's cross catalogue</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
have covered two of three channels to get our love capacity restored. <span style="background: silver; mso-highlight: silver;">We have covered these two:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana; mso-highlight: silver;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">The channel of <b><u>receipt
of</u></b> forgiveness. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/05/much-one-is-forgiven-much-one-can-love.html" target="_blank">Much one isforgiven, much one can love</a>; this, being gleaned from the Luke 7:36-48 – the account
of the sinful woman at Simon’s house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana; mso-highlight: silver;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">The channel of <b><u>receipt
of</u></b> grace and mercy. <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/05/much-grace-and-mercy-much-one-can-love.html" target="_blank">Much grace and mercy <b>experienced and <u>received in</u></b>, much one can love</a>; this being
gleaned from Acts 9:1-20 - the account of The Road to Damascus, the story of
the conversion of Saul (aka Apostle Paul).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Today,
we will cover the third channel. <span style="background: lime; mso-highlight: lime;">Much one <b><u>obeys God</u></b>,
much one is loving God, and is being restored of his capacity to love.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
channel can be gleaned from the words of Jesus, in John 14:15 & 21 &
John 15:10.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">John
14:15 - “</span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">If
you love me, keep my commands<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">John
14:21 – </span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Whoever
has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Together,
we can say it reads as “<b>The one who
loves me obeys my commands, and the one who obeys my commands is the one who
loves me”</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">John
15:10 - </span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">If
you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my
Father’s commands and remain in his love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
does the above imply, if we obey, our capacity to love God (and men, too), will
be enlarged or restored? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Without
doubt, John 14:15 & 21 together, says if you love God, you obey His
commands, and if you obey His commands you are one who loves Him, but is it
implied in there, that if you obey His commands your love capacity for God is
enlarged?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Firstly,
John 15:10’s “remain in His love” means as you obey, God’s love, you would
experience, and it would be impacting you and through you. Its key impact on
you causes you to acknowledge it (His love) and <b><u>receive it in</u></b>. In
other words, obedience will help you, in acknowledging and receiving in, of
God’s love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Overall, it is God’s love changing us, causing
us to love Him back, but we don’t say, “Much God loves, much one can
love”? No, we don’t say that, Why? Here
are 2 reasons:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana; mso-highlight: silver;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">The crux of the matter is NOT whether or NOT God loves
you, for God does love you and I. In
fact, when we go deep into this subject, you will understand that God’s love
for you and I, does NOT go yoyo-ing; God’s love is constant! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">We
will NOT go into detailed discussion of this constancy of God’s love; it will
take another sermon or preaching; nonetheless, it is still a question of
whether you are in the position or positioning yourself to receive, the love of
God, that the God’s love is flowing. (Analogy of the Sun and the sunflower).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana; mso-highlight: silver;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">While God is center-ing (has His focus) on Man, we have a
part to play. This posture is critical, so that we are always reminded that the
Word must first be considered from the angle of, “What is it that it is telling
me (you and I) to do”, and NOT God telling Himself what He must do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Can
you name the group amongst us, Christian community, that has the inclination on
the latter, that God is telling Himself what He must do, although they may deny
it?</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">What is wrong with the phrase, in a
nutshell, “Much God loves, much one can love”?
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Yes, it puts the onus on God; that is
what is wrong with it. <b>The pleasing posture, to God is: We take
care to do the part we are to do, and God will know how to do the part that is
His.</b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Still,
we may ask, “How does the logic go, that our love will grow as a result of us
obeying God?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
should know this: love grows with knowing God more. We can say this, “love grows with knowing God
more” unreservedly, in the case of God (NOT necessarily so, for the case of men),
because God is indeed holy, and God is good, all the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In obeying</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> we get to know God more.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Yes, in
interaction with someone, we get to know him/her more, but in the case of our
dealing with God, more often than NOT, it is through obedience that we get to
know God more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
is NOT God does NOT want to interact in other ways, with us; but it is that His
nature-attribute fundamentally is one of holiness. It is through obedience, we are being made
holy and remain holy. Put it simply, God
cannot play with you when you are NOT holy, but when you are holy, He can be “<b>WITH YOU</b>”, playing and all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So,
what about God, that if we know more and more, will help us to love God? In another way of saying, what spiritual
things about God that the Holy Spirit is to give us understanding, to enlarge
or restore our love for God? The answer is
the righteousness of God. Remember, in
the above we mentioned, we will love God more on knowing Him more, for He is holy
and good; righteousness is got to do with holiness and goodness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
is the difference between holiness and righteousness? Short and sharp reply (NOT to make this long)
is: righteousness is the manifest of/from holiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
is righteousness? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Again
short and sharp, simply, righteousness is about being right. God being always right; that is what I love
about God. If God is at times right, and
at times, wrong, would you love Him, unreservedly; I mean if God sometimes can
be evil and wicked (that is wrong, NOT right, and NOT good), would you love
Him; would you hold Him in highest honor?
No, I won’t.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Why
is it that, righteousness, is key to us, in our capacity to love God? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Because
He is holy, ……. and we, Man, had had the Fall, in the Garden of Eden. Because of
the Fall, we have the knowledge of good and evil; that is why. And God knows
that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
is the connection between love and righteousness? It goes all the way back to ancient
of times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">You
and I must know, when God created Man, He created Man righteous; it has to be,
for Gen 1:31 recorded for us, this: “God saw all that He had created, and it
was very good”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In a
moment, I will give you my take of the form of righteousness that Man had, <u>then</u>,
which we know he lost it through the Fall; and along with that, men’s capacity
to love God was also diminished or impaired.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In
that Fall, we see the first distortion to love – fear; fear crept in (Gen 3:8-10).</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Gen
3:8-10 (NIV84) - </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 16pt;">8 Then the man and his wife heard the
sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day,
and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORD
God called to the man, "Where are you?" 10 He answered, "<b>I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid
</b>because I was naked; so I hid."</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">How
were men righteous before the Fall?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This
is my belief and is the reasonable belief – <b>men just tapped on the righteousness of God</b>, for they then did NOT
have knowledge of good and evil. After
the Fall, Man no longer just tapped on the righteousness of God. When Man just tapped on or rode on, the
righteousness of God, unquestioning, he was able to love God quite perfectly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">When
Man gained the knowledge of good and evil; that was when troubles started; Man
began NOT to (just) tap on or ride on, the righteousness of God,
unquestioning. Man began to use the knowledge
of good and evil over the riding on, the righteousness of God.</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When one just tap on or ride on, the
righteousness of God, can he be wrong?
The answer is no; and when he is NOT wrong, could there be
punishment? Again the answer is no; and
when there is no punishment, there would NOT be fear, would there? No. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Now, you know why the Apostle John talked about fear in
connection with love. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1
John 4:18 reads, </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 16pt;">There is no fear in love. But perfect
love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears
is not made perfect in love.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
means, in the matter of love, there is the issue of righteousness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
righteousness was gone, love got impaired or distorted, fear came in (Gen
3:8-10).</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Fear came in because of possible punishment,
and punishment is possible when thing is NOT done according to the
righteousness of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Who has the perfect love? God.
God’s love drives out fear?
Because <b><u>God’s love is love
unto righteousness</u></b> – God loves men unto righteousness. When you remain in this perfect love of God,
you will NOT have fear. How do you
remain in God’s love? Yes, you obeys His commands (John 15:10).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What does it mean by God loves men unto
righteousness (‘ahab love)? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It means God can only love you and I, in
such a way as to foster greater or maintain, righteousness in us. <b>When you and I still have fear, it means we
have NOT been made perfect, yet.
Why? Because we are NOT
practising or living out the righteousness of God.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Do we have to practise or live out the
righteousness of God? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yes, 1 John 3:7 says, “</span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Little children, make
sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous,
just as He is righteous;</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">”
(NASB)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So, I
hope we are clear that Man’s love became and was impaired, but NOT God’s. God’s
love towards Man is always tied to the righteousness of God, and to His
holiness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Many
believers do NOT know that the love of God towards Man is fundamentally, love
unto righteousness (‘ahab love, as revealed in the OT), and Man’s love needs to
qualify the righteousness requirement as well.
<u>Because of the Fall, with the loss of righteousness, there is no way
Man could love God back, in an acceptable manner unless God deemed the person
righteous</u>, and we find that in the OT, there was the concept of God
counting out righteousness to men, or deeming certain men righteous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Finally, the way forward is provided by
the Lord, Jesus; and God sent Him to restore the capacity for Man to be
righteous, and so, the capacity for Man to love God.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Man broke love (righteousness) and faith,
with God in the Garden of Eden; there was just no way Man can love God back
ultimately, in an acceptable manner, without the lost righteousness restored; <b>God allowed temporal aberrations, but
everything including Man’s love must line up to the holiness of God,
ultimately; and Jesus is the means to that.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So,
the New Covenant is God’s offer to Man to re-love-covenant with Him. And so, too, entering into the covenant is
just the beginning of our returning to love God.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> We must understand <b><u>God cannot, at the ultimate, loves the unrighteous men, and the
latter cannot love God rightly or in acceptable manner</u>.</b> Until the ultimate, or the end of age, God is
longsuffering, accommodating temporal aberrations of many against His very
nature – holiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now, knowing what God’s intent is, and what
He is trying to do, we cannot just have a once-off loving Him back of mere
signing the dotted line on the contract (New Covenant) with Him; we have to,
actually be loving and continue to be loving Him, even as we are to continue to
submit to Him in His Holy Spirit’s refining work in us, to align us to His
righteousness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Holy Spirit’s work is needed because,
unlike previously, before the Fall, where Man just tapped on or rode on, the
righteousness of God, unquestioning, now, <b><u>Man
has to will to</u></b> just tap on or ride on, the righteousness of God. And so, too, Man <b><u>has to will to</u></b> love God on a continual basis; and so, my common
saying to us all, that <b>love is first, a
choice and then a commitment.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It is NOT right to think you are NOT
needing to grow in righteousness or holiness, on the excuse of you are already having
the (imputed) righteousness of Christ Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
were impaired of our capacity to love God, from the Fall, firstly; and then,
through our own falling into sins, and coming under bondages. <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">After you have become a believer, you have
to will continually to live righteous or practise righteousness (His
righteousness); only by so doing, (that is obeying God or His commands) can you
possibly be loving God in an acceptable manner, and when you are so doing
(which is living-obedience), over time, you will have, through the help of the
Holy Spirit, a greater knowing of God, through greater knowing of His
righteousness, and in the process, our capacity to love Him, God, is
enlarged. <u>If you have a life of
disobedience, and so, are living unrighteous, it sure would NOT help, in the
restoration of your capacity to love God.
When you go down that path, all the 3 channels through which the Spirit
of God works, to restore your love for Him, get choked.<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now, Jesus
tied it, the obeying of commands to loving Him (John 14:15 & 21), why? Because His commands reflect His
righteousness, without which our love is NOT love, to God. Jesus was in fact saying, if you want to love
Him, you obey His commands.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> If you increase
your obedience to His commands, you increase your love towards Him. And when you take all the 3 John verses (above)
together, Jesus was also in fact saying, <b><u>if
you love God</u></b>, you will remain in God’s love (<b><u>obeying God’s commands=loving Him</u></b>). Do you have to love God, continually? Yes, that’s what John 15:10 is implying –
keeping commands, and so, is loving God, is continual affair. Jesus said He did
that – kept God’s command until the very end of His life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
we are to take away with this message, today,</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> is that in
practising obedience to God and His commands, the Holy Spirit gets to work on
increasing our capacity to love God, through our knowing of God more - more of
His righteousness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">It really isn’t difficult to perceive,
if we just think of the situation of a child, of he is NOT going to grow into
one who is loving his father, if he was NOT practising obedience to his
father’s instructions, bit by bit, over time.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Such a child, can he ever come to be
loving his earthly father, nonetheless?
Can, usually only after he has gone through one or all of the channels
we have covered in this series. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Any shortcut? Yes, but that goes into the subject of
sovereignty and prerogative of God. Such
sovereignty and prerogative are His business NOT ours; rather we are to be of
this pleasing posture: <b>We take care to
do the part we are to do, and God will know how to do the part that is His. </b>We
leave God to His sovereignty and prerogative.</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I hope you are convinced that <b><u>you have to practice obedience to God if
you want to increase your readiness to love God.</u></b> If you have been
disobedient, you need to work through channel 1 again – be in receipt of
forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Anthony Chia, high.expressions<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Comments are welcome here. Alternatively, email them to me @: </span><a href="mailto:high.expressions@gmail.com" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">high.expressions@gmail.com.</a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"> Do follow this blog site. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">To go back to blog main page, click <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/">here</a>. </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Much
obedience much one can love (one page sermon note) <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(By Anthony Chia on 27/06/2015 at TradeHub
21)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">John 14:15, 21, John 15:10 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Loving God=obeying God, & so, the
importance of obedience in love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In obeying God, the HS could work on us in
enlarging our capacity to love God, because in obeying we get to know God more
and more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What do we get to know? His righteousness.
Righteousness is the manifest of His holiness. Righteousness is God being right
& good, all the time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Obedience is about righteousness, being
about, being in agreement with God as to what is to be done & when it is to
be done, & actually doing it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Loving God=obeying God’s commands </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">à</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> connection between
love & righteousness, consistent with ‘ahab love (love unto righteousness). The love of God is dictated by the very
fundamental nature of God, holiness.
That is why the love of God for men is love unto righteousness. And you cannot
love Him back, unless you are loving Him back in righteousness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Original righteousness of Man – the righteousness
without the knowledge of good & evil, righteousness that just tapped on or
rode on, the righteousness of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Fall – Man lost his righteousness, with
disobedience, & knowledge of good and evil; Man’s capacity to love was
diminished or impaired from it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God’s solution to right the inability of
Man to love God back in acceptable manner - Jesus Christ and the indwelling
Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Entering into salvation is just the
beginning. We need to live righteous,
just as He was righteous, in order to love God back, and be restored of our
capacity to love Him, more and more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
need to continue to obey God to continue in our journey of being restored of
our capacity to love God (and men, too).<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If we want to love God, we need to live a
life of obedience. So that we remain in
His love, that it may be well for us, & we may bear fruit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We need to repent, confess, & be determined
to live in obedience to Him, hereafter (if we sin, we have to come into
receiving forgiveness, again [practise 1 John 1:9] – what the first channel was
about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We have to keep letting the 3 channels work
on us, in our journey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I hope you are convinced that <b><u>you have to practice obedience to God if
you want to increase your readiness to love God.</u></b></span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Anthony Chia, high.expressions<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Comments are welcome here. Alternatively, email them to me @: </span><a href="mailto:high.expressions@gmail.com" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">high.expressions@gmail.com.</a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"> Do follow this blog site. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">To go back to blog main page, click <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/">here</a>. </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"> </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Preamble: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This article will be preached as a sermon
on 2 May 2015 in a Divine Healing Meeting/Service at TradeHub 21. The gray-highlighted portions in this article
are NOT necessarily shared because of time constraint.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is a continuation of a series on the secret to well-being of a believer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">First,
the “secret” is: <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/02/title-secret-to-well-being-of-believer.html" target="_blank">we loving God</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
many could NOT get to the place of loving God (and, men, too). How do we get
there?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
have covered of one of three channels to get our love capacity restored, i.e.
to receive in, forgiveness. Much one is
forgiven, much one can love; this being gleaned from Luke 7:36-48 – the account
of the sinful woman at Simon’s house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Today,
we are covering the 2nd of the channels, although it is NOT unlinked to
forgiveness; and it is: Much grace and mercy experienced and received in, much
one can love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
much grace and mercy of God is poured out and received in, the one who received
it, much would his capacity to love, be healed and restored, and much he can
love; even believers around who understand it, can have their love capacity enlarged.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Where can this be gleaned from? It can be
gleaned from the account of The Road to Damascus; the story of conversion of Saul (aka
Apostle Paul).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Acts 9:1-20 – 1</span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Meanwhile, Saul was
still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to
the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so
that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he
might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">3 As he neared Damascus on his journey,
suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and
heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he
replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must
do.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">7 The men traveling with Saul stood there
speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the
ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by
the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink
anything. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">10 In Damascus there was a disciple named
Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he
answered. 11 The Lord told him, “Go to
the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul,
for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and
place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many
reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in
Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest
all who call on your name.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man
is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and
to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my
name.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered
it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who
appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may
see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like
scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was
baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent
several days with the disciples in Damascus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues
that Jesus is the Son of God.</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">The
background of Saul is this: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">He
was a thoroughbred Jew, from young he learned and kept the Judaism faith, the
faith of the OT Jews. He learned from the great teacher of Judaism, Gamaliel,
who was a prominent member of the Sanhedrin (Church Council). He knew God (Yahweh) and the Spirit of
God. In those days, OT Jews, they knew
God and the Spirit of God, but NOT the Lord, the Son of God. And so, Saul championed his faith fervently,
and went round persecuting the believers (this was after Jesus already died and
was resurrected), and blaspheming the Son of God, the Lord Jesus. He would throw in lots to have disciples of
Jesus, Stephen for example, to be stoned to death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">On
the account of the Road to Damascus, Saul had gotten letters from the Sanhedrin
to go to Damascus to arrest believers to have them persecuted and to have them deny
Jesus. As we read from the scripture
passage above, he had an encounter with the Lord. Christ Jesus spoke to him, and said Saul was
persecuting Him (persecuting believers for their faith and asking them to deny
the Lord, is in effect persecuting the Lord).
In the course of his zeal, Saul also blasphemed the Lord who was by then
already in Heaven as the restored Son of God.
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Was it NOT great mercy, the Lord had shown
to Saul? Jesus said Saul was persecuting Him.
Even if the Lord would strike him dead, it would NOT be too great a
punishment, but the Lord did NOT; and that was mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Mercy
is the Lord withholding (or avoiding for you) the punishment due you; meaning
you get off, with lesser punishment, or NOT punished at all. In Saul’s case, for example, the Lord only
blinded him for 3 days. What is grace of God, then?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Grace
is the Lord blessing you (or enabling for you) to receive good thing(s) you
don’t deserve. For example, when I
receive the anointing to pray for you to be healed, I receive the anointing by
grace, because I do NOT deserve it.</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What is important for us to note, is this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God poured out
grace and mercy,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Paul perceived (understood)
it [as grace and mercy from God],<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Paul received it,
in; and <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Paul even
understood that God had forgiven him, and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Last but NOT least,
he obeyed the leading of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">In
the exposition of the first channel (forgiveness, specifically) as that which God
would use to restore the love capacity of believers, I stressed, the Lord looks
at humility. This humility factor is
also equally applicable to today’s discussion of grace and mercy.</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">I
told that one needs to be like David, humble or be easily humbled and that
there are 2 ways to be humbled before God.
Before I reiterate the 2 ways today, for the benefit of us all, I want
to, additionally, give us a good picture of what God is always looking for, in
men:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Isaiah
66:1-2 (NIV84) - </span><span style="background: silver; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">1 This is what the LORD says:
"Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house
you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? 2 Has not my hand made
all these things, and so they came into being?" declares the LORD. "<b>This is the one I esteem: he who is humble
and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.</b></span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Now
the 2 ways to be humbled before God:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">One
is that, one is to get to the state of readily be able to be humbled, and so,
easily you humble before God, and two, one is sovereignly humbled by God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">You
get to the state of readily be able to be humbled if you do NOT grieve the Holy
Spirit. Because it is the Holy Spirit,
who convicts you of sin and causes you to enter into godly sorrow, which leads
to humility and repentance. Sinning repeatedly
hardens one’s heart, and when it is hardened, it doesn’t get convicted
easily. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Still
at times, by the mercy and grace of God, some people still receive a forceful
conviction that break the heart of stone.
And when that happens, the person is humbled. The case of Saul falls into this.</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now, the important point to stress is that,
from that incident, Paul perceived the grace and mercy of God; received it, in,
and also perceived in it, the forgiveness of God, and received that in, too,
and he obeyed the leading of the Spirit of the Lord, and he continued to do so;
and after repeatedly in such posture, his capacity to love the Lord, and so,
men, too, becomes restored greatly by God.
And we know that Paul went on, to say that which is commonly quoted - “to
live is for Christ, to die is gain.” (Phil 1:21).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Paul loved the Lord so much that his life
was to live for Christ. Saul, who became
Paul, was capacitated by the Lord to love Him, and men. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">On the occasion that I talked about
forgiveness being the most important channel, to get our love capacity
restored, I said, often, there is a part of us to play, although it is God who
forgives, and it is also God who heals and restores our capacity to love (our
part, is to come to the place of forgiveness).
It is similar here; often, we need to get to the place of grace and
mercy, to receive the much grace and mercy of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Remember, I said the two channels are NOT
completely unlinked, because the latter (grace and mercy), has the mercy
element in it, and mercy got to do with punishment and so, forgiveness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Here, I will give the critical
understandings needed to get to <b>the place
of grace and mercy:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Always bear in mind
we have love-covenanted with God. You
and I have love-covenanted with God; we need always bear that in mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And all of us have
to understand: love is first, a choice, and then a commitment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God chose to love you and I, and we have
chosen to love Him back. It is the
exercise of your volition. When you and I have that covenant in mind all the
time, NOT just any covenant but that love-covenant, we are to remind ourselves,
that <b><u>we have committed to love Him</u>. That is the <u>posture that will draw God’s
grace and mercy to you.</u></b><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Further elaboration: We cannot merit or
earn God’s grace and mercy, and we cannot arm-twist God to give us grace and
mercy, but we can <u>attract His grace and mercy</u>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now, which come first? You love God and God
pours out grace and mercy to you, or the other way round, God pours out grace
and mercy to you and then you love God?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Those
who have heard my sharing on the “secret” to the well-being of a believer, being
loving God, would know that I gave 3 sets of the most wonderful and powerful
promises of God to illustrate it; where each has the element that the promises
are for those who love God. Promises coming
to pass, is grace and mercy of God, for we are NOT receiving anything from God through
our merit, but by grace and mercy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">The
3 sets are Rom 8:28, Ps 91:14-16 & 1 Cor 2:9 (You are encouraged to go and
read them).</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Which comes first, you love God, and then you
get the grace and mercy (including goodies promised), or you get grace and
mercy first, so that you could love God?
Appear circular doesn’t it?!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For now, I will give us the short version
of the understanding (we will have the long version when we next discuss the 3<sup>rd</sup>
channel, through which God restores our love capacity). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This is how we are to understand it (short
version): God first, men subsequent;
there was God, first; men were NOT there when God started out. God then made
Man; God the Creator, Man, the created.
It was also God who first loved men; and men to love God back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Men fell, and men’s capacity to love God
was diminished or impaired. Prior to the
Fall, Man had no problem loving God perfectly, and Scripture painted for us the
picture of Man serving God gladly; looking after the Garden God assigned to him
and his wife (Adam and Eve); it was a huge garden, by narration given in
Scripture. And we also read that God would come to fellowship with Man, like
having high-tea in the Garden! After the
Fall, all of these changed. It got to do
with Man’s loss of righteousness, which we will cover only when we look at the
3<sup>rd</sup> channel, another day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">After the Fall, it became complex and
difficult for Man to love God. We will cover the complexity and difficulty only
in the 3<sup>rd</sup> channel lesson; in brief, I will just mention that it got
to do with the knowledge of good and evil. <u>Because God knows it is hard for
you and I, to love Him (that we have knowledge of good and evil), He will keep
enlarging our capacity to love, if we allow the works of His grace and mercy to
affect and effect you. <o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In fact, God started doing that, right from
the beginning, after the Fall. The
portions of Scripture post-The fall revealed to us, thus. Examples are Gen 3:21 – God still made garment
of skin for Man; Gen 3:16-19 – God did NOT put Man to death immediate, but
allowed them to live on, but with secondary penalties (Gen 2:17 – you will
surely die).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God continued to grant grace and mercy throughout
the OT history of Man, and we read of them in the lives of many Bible
characters, including those of Hannah (mother of prophet Samuel), King Hezekiah,
and King David. Yet, lovers of God were
truly few; something was needed to address the potent change (Man’s loss of
righteousness) at the Fall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Finally, the way forward is provided by the
Lord, Jesus; and God sent Him to restore the capacity for Man to be righteous,
and so, the capacity for Man to love God.
We will cover the connection between the capacity to love and
righteousness, when we discuss the 3<sup>rd</sup> channel (not here, today).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So, the answer is God had to move first,
God got to grant the defining grace and mercy first, the grace and mercy that
was in Christ Jesus’ suffering and death as a Man. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The defining grace and mercy in the works
of Christ Jesus, for one thing brought us the indwelling Holy Spirit who could
help us deal with the knowledge of good and evil and He, the Holy Spirit, helps
us with the understanding of spiritual things, so that grace and mercy of God
granted us or experienced by us (both as the minister or ministee), can have
the effect of restoring our capacity to love God, and men, and more
importantly, rightly; love rightly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We need to come into the place of
experiencing the grace and mercy of God.
The grace and mercy of God can be talked about loosely, as 2 categories,
the quiet grace and exceeding grace.
Example of quiet grace is God sends down rain to you and I – the common
good occurrences we often take for granted.
Example of exceeding grace is when you get healed by, say, a prayer of a
servant of God, when you had had not able to get healing through consultation with
a medical doctor. Another way of seeing exceeding grace is breakthroughs helped
by God. Signs and wonders and miracles
or interventions of God come under this.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There is the need for many, to experience
the exceeding grace and mercy of God to appreciate the quiet grace of God, and
to be transformed of heart, to be more loving towards God, and men, too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I honestly think we are NOT surprised that
many believers actually stay away from God’s grace and mercy, for all kinds of
reasons or excuses. They would say, they
want the grace and mercy of God, but actually they want them at their own
terms, NOT on God’s terms or according to His righteousness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3 common negative scenarios I will cover
here (to help us get away from the negatives, into the positives):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Want to engage in
unrighteousness. Believers know it, yet
many just brushed it off. God is
everywhere, but He is also NOT in evil and wickedness. So, you and I, will find difficulty
experiencing the grace and mercy of God there.
But if you will turn back, you can experience it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How are you going
to love God, and men, too, when you are into evil and wickedness, or throwing
self-control to the wind?!
Split-personality; juggling both; you won’t have peace and joy having
that!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Many believers do NOT
want transparency, but without transparency, God’s grace and mercy is NOT
readily attracted to you, and when they are NOT being poured out to you, they
cannot do their works of healing or enlarging back, your capacity to love God,
and men. People who find it difficult to
love God, and men, often have much baggage or bondages they are NOT wanting
them dwelt with. Now, these people may want to love God, but they are unable to
come to the place of loving God, we say.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Unwillingness to
serve. Some years back, God revealed His longing in this area (believers are to
serve), to me, for a local church; His Spirit revealed that God’s children
should be serving. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In serving, the
children of God can experience and see God’s grace and mercy, and from it, they
will develop greater love for God, and men. So, I recommend, as far as
possible, we serve in some way, say, in a church, for example.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What do we see as the issue? <b>Yes,
unwillingness</b>. Are you protesting that you are NOT unwilling to love
God? We will all <b>say</b>, we are NOT unwilling to love God; but when we break it down,
we can see it there, there is a great deal of unwillingness on our part to love
God. We are unwilling to be righteous in
our thoughts and actions; we are unwilling to be transparent, and we are
unwilling to serve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What is the solution? A master chef will tell you, you need to cut
open or peel open, an onion to make it beautiful. And so, too, we need to come under the
Master’s hand to peel us open and work in, His grace and mercy. In order for the Chef to work on the onion,
the onion cannot hide away in the closet; so, too, you and I cannot just
staying away or hide away in own preoccupations. The longer you resist that, the longer you are
finding it hard to love God, and men.
And when you accept that as the way of life, you are going to be missing
the peace and joy that other brothers and sisters who love God, are enjoying;
and you are going to answer to the Lord ultimately, the lukewarm-ness of your
love for Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The take away for this message is that you
need to get to the place of grace and mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Anthony
Chia, high.expressions<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><b>Preamble: </b> This article has been shared as a sermon in my Divine Healing Meeting/Service on 21 March 2015. The gray-highlighted portions in this article are NOT necessarily shared in the sermon session because of time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">In one of my recent sharing, I shared</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> about
the “secret” to the well-being of a believer is loving God.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">I ended with the note for people to meditate
on how they can love God.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">And so, I am
intending to be able to share on that aspect of the theme.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">However, as I pondered about it before the
Holy Spirit, I believed I was led to re-read one of my blog article entitled,
“as her great love has shown”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now, if you want to get hold of the message
on the “Secret to the well-being of a believer”, you can read it from my blog,
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/02/title-secret-to-well-being-of-believer.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But why this article, “as her great love
has shown”, I asked the Lord. As I
re-read it, I realised that the Spirit was saying this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Okay, you have spoken about the ‘secret’,
is loving Me, and you have told the need to look into how to love Me. Yes, people can’t just love Me in words
alone! But that they know, they still find
themselves not loving me; you got to give some understanding concerning that.
How can they get there, to love Me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And so, how do we begin to get to the place
of us able to love God, NOT in just (empty)
words?! This is what today’s message is
about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">One </span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">answer is: Receipt
of forgiveness. This is the important
channel, if NOT the most important channel, through which we can have our love
capacity healed and restored.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The phrase, “as her great love has shown” comes
from a verse in Scripture, and that article of mine (<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/10/as-her-great-love-has-shown.html" target="_blank">as her great love has shown</a>) explained why a woman loved Jesus and went about expressing her love,
NOT by mere words, but by actions. In that
account, which is an account in Scripture, taken from Luke 7, Jesus contrasted
that woman with a man called Simon, a Pharisee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Luke 7:36-48 - </span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">36 When one of the
Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s
house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful
life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there
with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet
weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her
hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39 When the Pharisee who had
invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would
know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something
to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. 41 “Two people owed money to a
certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42
Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both.
Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who
had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to
Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any
water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her
hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered,
has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has
poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been
forgiven—<b><u>as her great love has shown.</u></b>
But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” 48 Then Jesus said to her,
“Your sins are forgiven.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Who
was this sinful woman in the account? Just simply a sinful woman? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">I
have this belief of who this woman was, but if you just want to regard her as
simply “a sinful woman”, it is fine, too.</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">This
is my postulation:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">I
believe this sinful woman could have been Mary Magdalene who was Mary Bethany,
the sister of Martha Bethany, and was the woman who was delivered of demon
possession {Luke 8:1-3} (prior to this event at Simon’s house); in other words,
set free by Jesus, earlier, and forgiven by God of her many sins, came and did
this washing of Jesus’ feet; and who went on to support Jesus’ ministry,
introduced Jesus to her sister, Martha (and Lazarus, too) of Bethany, and later,
followed Jesus down to Jerusalem on His last leg of His journey; and was at the
crucifixion, at His burial, and was the first person, Jesus met up with, when
He resurrected. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">If
you want to know how I come to my belief, you can read this: Were Mary
Magdalene and Mary Bethany the same person? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">As I
have said, if you want to just regard this woman as simply “a sinful woman”, it
is fine, too, but you may have some difficulty in coming to how is it that this
woman could come to love the Lord so much, if you do NOT think she was the same
once decadent woman who was delivered of demonization, as given in Luke
8:1-3. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Of
course, you can also believe there was no prior incident, and that the moment
the woman was at the house (of Simon), she was touched by God; but my take is
that it was NOT so, for she came prepared – the alabaster jar of perfume showed
it.</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What is the key lesson to be drawn from the
story? What picture was it
painting? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The key is in verse 47. Jesus said, “</span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">… her many sins have been forgiven—as
her great love has shown</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">.”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
this verse is saying is that the sinful woman’s many sins had been forgiven
her, and we could come to that conclusion, because her great love indicated so.
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In other words, Jesus was saying to the
tune of, “Suppose now you have a tree before you. You see this fruit, here,
hanging from a branch; it is an apple.
This tree must be an apple tree.”
If the tree is NOT an apple tree, will you get apples? No. If you want apples, what must you have? Apple tree.
If you want to be able to love, what must you have? Receipt of forgiveness. <u>Jesus said her great love pointed to her
having received forgiveness.</u> <b>In
order for Jesus to say it, like that, it means receipt of forgiveness is needed
before one could be loving.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How come she could have developed great
love for the Lord, but Simon did NOT? Or
maybe we ask first, did Simon have also, great love for the Lord?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The answer is No. Why? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Because, expressions of love in the form of
deeds and sacrifices, did NOT show at all, for Simon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How come Simon did NOT have great love, the
woman had? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus
said the woman had received something, implying Simon did NOT. That something was forgiveness; God’s
forgiveness.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Jesus was saying, “Simon, you see all these
expressions of love; they showed her love for Me; and her great love showed
that she was forgiven much.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Why no great love, for Simon? The answer is
Simon did NOT receive forgiveness! Now,
was it God did NOT give it? Yes? Or
No? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let’s say for a moment, God did NOT
give it; is it necessarily that God was at fault? <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
could be Simon did NOT ask! Scripture
said you do NOT get because you do NOT ask (James 4:2). Granted, sometimes, people have that yearning
in their hearts for forgiveness, but they have NOT muttered the words</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> (like the woman,
in the account), but that too, God knows, and could honour that. <b>But it
is a different thing, if you do NOT think you need forgiveness, meaning you do
NOT think you are wrong; you are prideful.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">In
ministry, the most difficult people for us to help, are the ones who are sick
but do NOT think that they are sick.
They are the most impaired and most difficult to help. When that sickness is NOT physical, but
referring to spiritual unwholesomeness, such an individual cannot love
correctly or properly. Such people
rarely think that they are wrong, in terms of their claim of NOT being
unwholesome, or in their love or lack of it, or their improper love; true
humility is absent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">How
to help, if they stubbornly insist, “There is nothing wrong with me. I am NOT wrong. I am NOT at fault. He is at fault. He is wrong.
You (the minister) are wrong!”
How to help when they are so prideful, always holding to the posture
that they are better and know better, even better than the very one whom they
are talking to, for help.</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Was not Simon, the Pharisee, like that? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He was.
We can see it even from the short account given us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We read it in v39. I reproduced vv38-39
here: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">38 As she </span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">{the woman}</span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> stood behind him </span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">{Jesus}</span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> at his feet weeping,
she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair,
kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39 When the Pharisee </span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">{Simon}</span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> who had invited him </span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">{Jesus}</span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> saw this, he said to
himself, “<u>If this man </u></span><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">{Jesus}</span></u><u><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> were a prophet, he
would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a
sinner.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">”
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now, where is the true humility of
Simon?</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pride is usually what prevents a person
from asking for forgiveness. The Ps 51:17 (NIV84) of King David we read this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The sacrifices of God are a broken </span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[humble]</span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> spirit; a broken and
contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">One needs to be like David, humble or be
easily humbled. There are 2 ways to be
humble before God. One is that, one is
to get to the state of readily be able to be humbled; two, one is sovereignly
humbled by God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You get to the state of readily be able to
be humbled if you do NOT grieve the Holy Spirit. Because it is the Holy Spirit who convicts
you of sin and causes you to enter into godly sorrow, which leads to humility
and repentance. Sinning repeatedly
hardens one’s heart, and when it is hardened, it doesn’t get convicted
easily. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Still at times, by the mercy and grace of
God, some people still receive a forceful conviction that break the heart of
stone. And when that happens, the person
is humbled. And so, the stressing here
is that, once we have been humbled and so, our heart is once again made flesh
(the Bible said), you must try to maintain and sustain that posture. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Was Simon humble? No. In fact, he thought he was above Jesus!
He also said to the tune of “the woman was a sinner-what”, as if he, himself,
was NOT! Metaphorically speaking, do you
think Simon thought that he was sick, would he go to the doctor? Would he
listen to the doctor?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So, you see, if we would come to God penitent,
why would God NOT grant forgiveness?! He
would. <u>You cannot come to Him
prideful, especially, in asking for forgiveness!</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Am I
suggesting we should allow ourselves to be sinning greatly, so that we can be
forgiven much, so that we can be humbled, turned grateful, and be restored of
our capacity to love, and so able to love greatly like the sinful woman? No, that is NOT my drift; and so, please do
NOT go sinning, in the hope of being able to love greatly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">The
Apostle Paul did address similar questioning, and in Gal 2:17 said this - "</span><span style="background: silver; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes
evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin?
Absolutely not! </span><span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">We don’t go round sinning so that we
could magnify the grace of the Lord through His forgiveness for us, by grace.</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Honestly, we all have areas of weaknesses,
sinned, including sin of omission. God
is sovereign, and if He wants to force you to your knees, so to speak, He can,
but a lot of the time, He is waiting for you to exercise your volition to come
to kneel before Him, to come to the place of forgiveness. He does help you along, to come, through the
convictions of the Holy Spirit, but generally, it is still you have to come. <b>The drift was NOT Simon was NOT as sinful
as the woman, but it was that Jesus was pointing to the need to come to the
place of forgiveness, and actually receive in, forgiveness, so that one can be
healed and restored of one’s capacity to love God (and following from that,
fellow men). <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Scripture
has parables and stories, incorporating this way of God. For example, in the Parable of the Wedding
Banquet, the banquet was made ready and the invitees were to come, but many
would NOT come. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Then,
is it NOT true, we even say, we still have to come to the Cross, despite Jesus
already died on the Cross; everything necessary He has made ready, and before
He gave up His breath, He said, “It is finished”. We have to come into salvation; even as the
Word said in 1 John 2:2, that Jesus is the propitiation for the world (died for
all men).</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Concerning when the woman in the account,
was penitent, I believe she was the decadent woman ministered to, by Jesus in
Luke 8:1-3, but if you are NOT convinced that she was the same woman (Mary
Magdalene) of Luke 8:1-3, who was decadent and had demons in her, and was set
free by the power of God through the Lord, Jesus, you will just have to believe,
at any earlier point, the sinful woman had met Jesus, and Jesus did something
or preached something, and she responded, and God forgave her of many sins; and
she was humbled and received it. As the
account has it, she came prepared - the alabaster jar of perfume showed it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I repeat the critical understanding Jesus
was giving, was that we need to be humble of heart, be turned grateful, and so,
be restored of our capacity to love much.
(The conviction of the Spirit is what humbles us to repentance, if we
are NOT already humble) <b><u>The receiving
in of forgiveness is that which would turn us grateful, and be restored of the
capacity to love much, and so, love much.</u></b> The quoting of the forgiveness of debts (as a
parable) was to illustrate this to Simon, and to us – the need of receipt of
forgiveness, before we are restored of our capacity to love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Without
true humility, there is no true gratefulness, and without gratefulness, the
capacity to love cannot be healed or restored, and great love does NOT come
from such a vessel. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">From the Cross, we gotten the forgiveness,
and the restoration of our capacity to love God back, is it NOT? Yes, and when we love God, we love our
neighbour (1 John 4:21). <b>This understanding is foundational, and
when it is foundational, it is to be cascaded through and throughout our life.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So, while Jesus was NOT rebuking Simon in
any harsh manner, the urge was for Simon to reflect, and in this regard, for us
all, too, on his need for forgiveness for sins in his life; to be humble, be
turned to gratefulness, and be restored of capacity to love more and more, God,
and so, too, men or neighbours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God is ever waiting to forgive you and I;
we have to come the place of forgiveness, and we do need to be practising 1
John 1:9.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So, before I close, how do we get to place
to be able to love God much?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Be of the posture
of humility (be humble)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Be broken and
contrite of heart<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Repent and ask for
forgiveness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Received in, the
forgiveness, and <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Be turned grateful,
and <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Be restored of the
capacity, by God, to love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It is God who heals and restores your
capacity to love, but often, you have to come rightly before Him, even as the
Holy Spirit draws you through convictions (and so, you must NOT numb your
conscience).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">---------------------------------------------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">A side point: Jesus was saying it,
after His Father (can skip)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">There
is still an interesting observation from this text of Luke 7; and it is
this: Jesus having said that the sinful
woman was forgiven of many sins (v47), still said this, to the woman, in v48 -
“Your sins are forgiven.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Why
did Jesus still say that, that her sins were forgiven, when the woman was
forgiven already, which led to her show of great love? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">My
understanding is this: In verse 48, Jesus just declared it that the woman’s
sins were forgiven, for Jesus knew God the Father had done so. Jesus was so led by the Spirit (or abiding in
God), that He knew, and in fact (John 5:19), Jesus did say He would do only
that which He saw His Father (God) doing.
It was NOT after all that, which the sinful woman did, that Jesus
forgave her sins; she was in no way meriting her forgiveness; her deeds and
sacrifices of love came after her forgiveness and restoration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Verse
47 is saying <u>love is evidence of forgiveness received. Or forgiveness received, empowers love.</u> And of course, I have taken the liberty to
expound on, love got to show up in deeds and sacrifices, or that it cannot be,
that you love, when you have nothing to show it, by deeds or sacrifices; only
words!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Anthony
Chia, high.expressions<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">PS: This account of Luke 7:36-50 is
different from the account in John 12 and Mark 14; the later happened at Bethany,
days from Jesus crucifixion; this Luke 7:36-50, happened early in Jesus’
ministry, back in the north, in Galilee.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Comments are welcome here. Alternatively, email them to me @: </span><a href="mailto:high.expressions@gmail.com" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">high.expressions@gmail.com.</a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"> Do follow this blog site. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p>To go back to blog main page, click <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/">here</a>. </o:p></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"> </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1 page sermon
note – Much one is forgiven, Much one can love </span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(by Anthony Chia on
21 March 2015)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Previously shared: Secret to the well-being
of a believer is loving God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So, we are to meditate on how we are to
love God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But, before that, many are having the
problem of “although they know they are to love God, but they seemed NOT able
to love God”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So, “How do we get to the place where we
are able to love God”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus told us how, in Luke 7:36-48 – </span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">36 When one of the
Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s
house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful
life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there
with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet
weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her
hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39 When the Pharisee who had
invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would
know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” 40
Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,”
he said. 41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five
hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay
him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him
more?” 43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”
“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. 44 Then he turned toward the woman and
said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give
me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them
with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I
entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head,
but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins
have been forgiven—<b><u>as her great love
has shown.</u></b> But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” 48 Then
Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">One
answer is:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
receipt of forgiveness. We need to be
humble, ask God for forgiveness, receive in, forgiveness, to be turned
grateful, be restored of the capacity, by God, to love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The key is in v47: Jesus
said <u>the woman’s great love pointed to her having received forgiveness. In
order for Jesus to say it, like that, it means receipt of forgiveness is needed
before one could be loving.<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 2014, I have decided to go full-time with my ministry, and so, I have left my full-time employment as an Accountant. I am a Chartered Accountant by profession, but now I am a humble servant of the Lord doing ministry, particularly in the area of divine healing, unsupported financially by a church, and so, is living by faith (I have 2 teenage children).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As of end 2014, I have been active in this divine healing ministry that the Lord has graciously put me to, for 7 years. In the most difficult multi-years season of my life, the Lord has graciously lifted me to encourage me, and to function for Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have had been pondering about doing more, for the Lord for many months, and finally I took the plunge. Indeed, it followed a dream where I followed one, whom I believed was the Lord, plunging after Him, from a very tall building, to the ground. In that dream I landed like one who has practised gymnastic, landed soundly, standing; something that is humanly impossible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so, here I am. It has been some months since that dream and plunge. Prior to this, I was with income, for I worked full-time, served the Lord part-time. Now, I am without that regular income. Here, for now, I am NOT going to talk about the "more work I have done in the ministry" as such; giving up the full-time job is already the starting of the "more". It is a great opportunity cost, yet I am believing I am NOT turning back. I have to address, however, the "bread & butter" issue of where my finances are to come from, at least, towards defraying some of the ministry cost. And so, I have decided to tentmake, to support my ministry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I could tentmake using my professional skill as an experienced Accountant of many years, but work in such area, until now, has NOT been forthcoming. I do need to be selective in doing this work, to avoid challenges to righteousness and time meant for ministry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The unlikely of unlikely has happened. I am hand-making stuff and selling them in support of my ministry. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Writing booklets on matters of the faith I have started doing; this is NOT surprising, from years of self-studying the Word and serving the Lord, and writing this blog. What is surprising is for one like me with little standing before men, to be writing on matters of the faith and selling them. As at now, 3 booklets were completed, 2 of which are on sale (1. Where do we go when we die; 2. The Unpardonable Sin controversy; and 3. A 30-days devotional on fundamentals of the faith). </span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next means of income, gets the "how much can you earn, or it is a low-return work you-know! Or I am no more a kid, to collect these ...." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is this means of income? I hand-make crosses and cross themed bracelets and stuff like that, personally (with love) and sell them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so, readers and visitors of this blog, I pray you are NOT offended in anyway that I have added in 2015, the element of "Items for sale (in support of ministry)", in this blog. I have gone back and is going back into the articles of the past (which still attract readership) and insert "advertisements" pointing to my "Items for sale" (I have considered Google's Adsense for advertisement revenue, but I dropped that because of lack of control over what would appear as advertisements on my blog; furthermore, the readership numbers perhaps are NOT high enough).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Prior to this, there was not really the need for this, because I worked at a regular job and have had regular income.</span></div>
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<div style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In my ministry, some people got healed or made more wholesome; some don't, and they do die on me. But one thing I know, is that the Lord is interested in the lives of people who are down-trodden or afflicted or even dying. There are those who are really "difficult" people, whom even regarded pastors shunned, but they are still children of God, and I would NOT cut them off, because the Lord said, "People don't want them, but would you want them, for me, for I still want them?!" I also learned that, for God's children, God NOT only want them to be in faith in their dying days, but also to be going to Him eventually, in faith and with faith. And so, I am to help with that too; to help the sick stay in the faith and be of faith. The cross themed items are in some way related to all of these; and my palm-sized cord crosses make good comfort crosses for the very sick. Of course, I give away some of my stuff, too. I am always mindful of "we do NOT minister for a fee or could charge anything for our service, in the name of the Lord, to people".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe, you too, could do a little more, for the Lord. Here is an opportunity for you to do that - see if </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">any of the items here would interest you, and you could buy them as a blessing to my ministry, and get something which you can give away as a gift. There are also some items that are "neutral", and they are here, so that you could get them and bless a non-believer or pre-believer whom you are reaching out, to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The link to my "Items for sale (in support of ministry) is here: <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2015/04/items-for-sales-in-support-of-ministry.html" target="_blank">Items for sale (in support of ministry).</a></span></div>
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<b>Healing/miracle updates:</b></div>
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<br />
1.<a href="https://carousell.com/p/20473983/" target="_blank"> I prayed and God grew the leg</a><br />
<br />
2.<a href="https://carousell.com/p/22623281/" target="_blank"> Rheumatoid Arthritis healed</a><br />
<br />
3. <a href="https://carousell.com/p/26904954/" target="_blank">Painful Elbow healed</a><br />
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<b style="background-color: white;"><b><strike>I now also sell on ETSY, & so, you can go there direct by clicking on the image below. Go, take a look.</strike></b></b></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">
<b style="background-color: white;"><strike><b> </b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HighExpressions?ref=offsite_badges&utm_source=sellers&utm_medium=badges&utm_campaign=en_isell_3"><img height="39" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/site-assets/badges/en/en_isell_3.png" width="320" /></a></span></strike></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stay blessed,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Anthony Chia, high.expressions</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Comments are welcome here. Alternatively, email them to me @: <a href="mailto:high.expressions@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">high.expressions@gmail.com.</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> Do follow this blog site. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana;">To go back to blog main page, click </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">. </span></o:p></span></span></span> </span></div>
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high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145152982070192978.post-74008319461381262282015-02-14T06:58:00.000-08:002015-03-01T04:27:22.634-08:00Overly-grace is now hyper-grace, and it is still as heretic as before<br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Today,
I have revisited the over-grace “landscape”, which I first started to write
against, in July 2010, on this blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From time to time, I would put up an article or two, when I have come
across blatant misinterpretations of Scripture, by people from this community
of the Christian Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In recent weeks,
I kept hearing the phrase “hyper-grace”, and realised that what I used to call
“overly grace” has now been termed hyper-grace, when a few Christian leaders
with letters behind their names, have taken stand against this branch of
erroneous teachings, through writing of books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There
are more than a dozen articles on this blog, written in response (against) the
hyper-grace community’s misleading, even wrong, interpretations of Scripture,
on various important subjects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can
find them under the caption of “<u>Against questionable teachings</u>” on the
front page of this blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are 2
direct articles on 1 John 1:9, which I recommend readers to read, to understand
the core errors in the hyper-grace theology. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">(1)
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2010/07/1-john-19-is-for-believers.html" target="_blank">1 John 1:9 is for believers</a>, and </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">(2)
<a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/12/1-john-19-q.html" target="_blank">1 John 1:9 – Q&As</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">After
spending several hours on the internet, reading the exchanges of views
generated by the books mentioned, including my own chipping in, of a couple of
comments, I have decided to put up this article here, on this blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unless, there are fresh serious
misinterpretations of Scripture by the hyper-grace group coming to my
attention, chances are that I would NOT be actively covering this phenomenon in
the near future, as there are now other more prominent “warriors” arguing
against the heresies from the hyper-grace.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So,
here is the article, beefed up from a comment I have left at Dr Brown’s site
(Dr Brown wrote a book arguing against Hyper-grace).</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So peculiar</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">One
of the people who commented on Dr Brown’s site, pointed to a very peculiar
thing, and it is peculiar because it is the same Holy Spirit, yet we got the
opposing views on some of the very core tenets of the Faith.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This
is especially so (that it is peculiar), when there is NOT the disagreement from
either side that the Holy Spirit is active in a believer's life (Well, there is
no accusation pointing to the Holy Spirit doing sloppy jobs!).</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
hyper-grace proponents would NOT doubt (I think, it should be so), that the
other camp's believers are believers; they wouldn’t think that the
"opposing camp" individuals, somehow thought they are believers when
they are NOT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hyper-grace believes OSAS
(once saved, always saved), and so, the other camp's individuals are believers;
it cannot be the case of "once a believer, but lost it somehow, along the
way - that would be contradictory to their core tenets!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">On
the traditional camp side (the opposing camp to hyper-grace), although I have
seen people expressing such thing as "I doubt, that believer was 'really
saved'", I think majority of us (meaning I am in this camp), do NOT go
round double-guessing or judging if someone "is saved" or NOT; actually,
I preferred to say, "have entered into salvation".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>And so, both sides generally do NOT doubt
each other's having entered into salvation; and so, the Holy Spirit is supposed
to be active on both sides.</u></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">How come the so
differing views, when the Spirit is the same?</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">How
come, on the one side the beliefs are like this, while on the other side, very
different, opposite even, for some of the important points of the Faith?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
propose 3 major causes:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">1.
Motivation</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">2.
Experience</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">3.
Mishandling of the Holy Spirit</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Let
me elaborate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">1.
Motivation</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your motivation is NOT pure, you are more
likely to read things to coincide with your motivation, and there is the
greater likelihood of one being ensnared by the dark principality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You
may say, "But I am NOT part of the founding group, I could NOT have shared
their motivations even if theirs were impure."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dark principality is NOT that stupid;
they could identify a major enough and common enough susceptibility or band of
susceptibility and exploit it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When your
motivation is within that band you can be drawn into it.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For
example, if you are of the mind that you want your late ancestors to, also be
where you are going to go - Heaven, you might be drawn into the Christian faith
group, that holds out salvation is NOT only available when you are alive, but
is also generally available still, when you are dead, meaning you can defer
coming into salvation to after-death, or your dead ancestors could still come
into salvation!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there such a theology
put forward by an individual with “strong” theological background, the answer
is Yes!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
would put the commonly cited warning from Scripture of 2 Tim 4:3 in this
category.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">2
Tim 4:3 - </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">For the time will come when people will not put up with sound
doctrine. <u>Instead, to suit their own desires</u>, they will gather around them
a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">2.
Experience</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All core theology of the Faith must come from
the Word, and NOT from experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
experiences testify to the truth of the Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We cannot form any core tenets of the Faith out from our
experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
truly believe there are many cases of God intervening in people's life whereby
the individuals did completely nothing, they were most undeserving even, and in
such, God rescued and blessed them, but still one must be careful NOT to form
theology out of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They could help to
explain some doctrines in Scripture, but they of themselves are NOT doctrines
to be formed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">One
group of individuals I realised are easily taken in, to hyper-grace, are people
in depressive state, who find it very hard to get out of their depressive
pits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They respond well to love and
grace messages, and the “it is all God’s part, none theirs”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “none theirs” appeals to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It works for them, one may exclaim!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, and it is because God understands their
extreme weakness, and often goes out of His way to help them, that they are
“fragile”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But these must then be fed
progressively, with more and more solid food, or they, though being put out of
their pits by God with pure grace, could easily fall back in, or fall into
others.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Then,
there are the, NOT so easily understood/interpreted visions (and even, out of body
experiences) that people have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These, at
times are very personal, and could NOT be easily extended to general application.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often, the person himself isn't even clear
about what the vision or experience was trying to tell him of his personal
circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together, with impure
motivation, sometimes these experiences could be spun into mega exploitations
by the dark principality. (I want to state that I do move a little in the
supernatural; but even so, this is my advice - refrain from forming theology
from experience).</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">3.
Mishandling of the Holy Spirit</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This one, I want to directly use the example of the hyper-grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The key is our disposition towards the Holy
Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a prevalent teaching in
the hyper-grace circle that believers should ignore their conscience on
becoming a believer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This together with
the incorrect perception of what the roles of the Holy Spirit are, will form a
blockage to receiving the truth of matters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Hyper-grace
believers are taught (one of the world leaders lives in my small country) to
ignore the pricking of the conscience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hyper-grace
believers are taught NOT to believe the Holy Spirit would ever convict the
believers of unrighteousness or sins (or impending ones) (conscience is where
conviction takes place).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of that,
the hyper-grace believers lost the most important counter God gave against
falsehood (through their numbing of their conscience).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Hopefully,
by knowing these 3 dangers, readers can avoid getting into heresy, causing harm
to themselves and others.</span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Anthony
Chia, high.expressions</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Comments are welcome here. Alternatively, email them to me @: <a href="mailto:high.expressions@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">high.expressions@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> Or just email me your email address so that I can put you on my blog (new entry) notification list. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana;">To go back to blog main page, click </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">. </span></o:p></span></span></span> </span></div>
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high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145152982070192978.post-85662084061034870112015-02-03T17:24:00.000-08:002015-05-01T03:17:45.787-07:00Title: “Secret” to the well-being of a believer<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Preamble</strong>: This write-up has been preached on 17/01/2015 at TradeHub21, at a divine healing fellowship meeting. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Today,
I am going to talk about a “secret” or “gem” found in the Word from </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">ancient of
times, concerning the well-being of a person of God or a believer.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It is really NOT a secret, as it is there,
seen in many places in Scripture, both in the Old Testament and New
Testament.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Plainly speaking, it is simply
the very important truth of God.</u><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
encase it as a “secret”, merely to perspective it against today’s prevalent
selling of secrets to successes in life from the Word of God, purporting there
is the easy way to well-being and prosperity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And so, we find there are the various shades of prosperity gospel being
preached; the hyper-grace gospel or way of life, being taught exclusively, by
some, and also such things as the “Secret of Obed Edom”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of such rather misinformed “secrets”
tries to appeal to men’s wanting of easy-believism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, Jesus did propose, we, the weary ones and
the heavy-laden ones, to take His yoke which He said is light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth is that, there is only the
simplicity in the words of God, but to live them out is NOT necessarily easy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
takes sheer obedience, perseverance, trust and faith, hope and love to live out
the simplicity of the words of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
takes much right growing and cultivation of our heart, our posture, our outlook
of life, against the attempting proposals of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes a lifetime to work on such things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Easy?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Just
look at Jesus or Paul. The words might have been simple, in the case of Jesus: “My
Son, you be the Atonement”, but to live that out, was profound, and NOT easy
for Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are a Christian of any
good measure, you must know enough about the earthly life of Jesus; of what He
had to go through and indeed went through, to fulfil the simple words of a
mandate of God, the Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Did
Jesus NOT find it hard at times?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did
Scripture NOT tell us that Jesus had to pray very hard; so hard that sweat of
blood came forth?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did Jesus NOT suffer
unimaginable human pain and anguish in His final lap of earthly life, of being
tortured and brought to death crucified?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Words of truth of God maybe simple, yet often they are profound and NOT
easy to live out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Let
me just give us, a glimpse of Paul’s life in the light of what I am saying
about “it is often NOT easy to live out our love for God”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul had to do an about-turn, forsook his
associations with the prestigious and powerful Pharisees and Sadducees, ran
from the same, and then associated with the very people, the believers, whom he
had previously most persecuted, even unto death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had to live a missionary life away from
Jerusalem, the centre of the Jew’s religious faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From living under the umbrella of powerful
men, from whom he could get authority to arrest and persecute people, Paul
turned to be one who had to face possibility of great hardship; and great
hardship he did undergo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was bitten
up, thrown into prison, was shipwrecked, and bitten by poisonous snake on
stranded shore; against, perhaps, well-meaning advice and prophesy, still
insisted to live out the mandate of God for him to go back to Jerusalem, where,
as prophesied, he was bounded up and thrown into prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Easy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not likely, if you want to live the Christian life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you are to live the Christian life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">No victory?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Before
I reveal the “secret” that I said is to our well-being, I want to say, I know
many of us, often thought of our lives as NOT victorious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe, you ever talked to yourselves,
subconsciously, this, “I thought being a Christian, I would be victorious; how
come I am NOT?” <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This,
perhaps, is the subject of another message/sermon; it suffices here, to say
that for a believer, victories are no longer defined by him, but by his God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many live a miserable life because they do
NOT get this, right; they still insisted to define victories, instead of
accepting God’s definitions; a posture opposed to what God has, in mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God cannot be at the centre of your life if
you are the one defining the outcome of things; God has to be the one, and so,
He is one who defines what victory is and what is NOT!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What’s the Secret?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
is this “secret” to the well-being of a believer?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
I ask you, what is the most important thing to take away from the straight-forward
Gospel message, what would it be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most
important thing; one thing only; what is your answer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Ask for answers]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Ans:
“Jesus died for me”; “God loves me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John
3:16”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Do
you know that, that is NOT the complete answer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Or maybe, I should say, 2 most important things to take away from the
Gospel message, what would be your answer?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Yes,
the 1<sup>st</sup> thing is God loves me (that He gave His Son to die for me);
what is the next thing? [At this point, give out this sermon notes, if it is to
be given]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You
accept His love?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, that is what most
preachers, say you do, BUT it is NOT complete - that He loves you, and you
accept His love!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You have to …. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>love Him back!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The Gospel is the
greatest love story, and the story isn’t complete until and unless you love Him
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You and I got to love Him back.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The “secret” to the
well-being of a believer is?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love God,
love the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A condition? We got
to love God?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Hyper-grace
preachers or easy-believism or prosperity preachers would commonly project that
the promises of God in the Word are unconditional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unbalanced understanding of the love of God
as only unconditional (misinformed of the word, agape) also would lead some
preachers to drum into believers that God does NOT put any conditions to His
promises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>This perspective is
immature; wrong, even. <o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
know it is so very common for us to briefly say of things, and so, common on
our lips, are such catch phrases as “God’s love is agape, unconditional”, “We
get by grace”, or “God gives, and by grace”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The problem with lingo is that if we use it often enough, we may begin
to unthinkably hold them as “gospel-truth”, so to speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am NOT saying you cannot say these things,
but use such “sweeping” lingo, in the proper context, and understand them in
their proper context.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
is NOT my intent, today, to preach against hyper grace, but it suffices to say that
we cannot simply explain every message of the Bible with grace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Promises, (all)
unconditional?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
are some of the most wonderful promises in the Bible? Promises are most
important for us, believers, isn’t it NOT?! We are a people of promise, that’s
who we are. Salvation is a faith (NOT a fact); Salvation is a hope (NOT a
fact), that is why promises is so dear to us. I will give us 3 sets, and show
us, <u>there is the condition</u>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In all things, God works it for the good of
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You like that, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God working it, in all things, for our
good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where do we find this
promise?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any answer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, Romans 8:28.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there no condition? No, there is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Here is the full verse (Rom 8:28 [NIV]): <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">And we know that in all things God works for the good of those <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>who love him</u></b>, who have been
called according to his purpose</span></i><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Incidentally, this verse does NOT point to
God souring things for you, but it is that when things turn sour, God makes
lemon juice for those who love Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
short, love God always, and you will have no fear of being left to thirst to
death, when things turn sour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be mature,
don’t start loving God only when things have turned sour, love Him always,
starting from now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Here
is another very comprehensive set of promises - Whoever dwells in the shelter
of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is our refuge and our fortress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will save us from the fowler’s snare and
from the deadly pestilence. He will cover us with His feathers and under His
wings we will find refuge; His faithfulness will be our shield and
rampart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will not fear the terror of
night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the
darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at our
side, ten thousand at our right hand, but it will not come near us. We will
only observe with our eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If we say,
“The Lord is our refuge,” and we make the Most High our dwelling, no harm will
overtake us, no disaster will come near our tent. For He will command His
angels concerning us to guard us in all our ways; they will lift us up in their
hands, so that we will not strike our foot against a stone. We will tread on
the lion and the cobra; we will trample the great lion and the serpent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You like this set of promises, don’t
you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like it, I want it. Is it not
great and wonderful – “A thousand may fall at our side, ten thousand at our
right hand, but it will not come near us”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Where do we find this set of promises?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Any answer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, Ps 91.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Is there a proviso or condition for this
set of promises?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It started with “Whoever
dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do you get to dwell there?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did preachers who tell you to claim these
promises, tell you how you get there – be dwelling in the shelter of the Most
High?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least a one-liner, of how?
No?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where is the shelter of the Most
High? A physical place?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A church?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What is the answer; is there a proviso or
condition? The answer is Yes, there is a condition, and the condition is given in
verse 14 of Ps 91.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God said, “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Because he [the psalmist] loves me</u></b>,
I will …….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Here, I give us the full verses of Ps
91:14-16 (NIV):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I
will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call on me, and I
will answer him; I will be with him <u>in trouble</u>, I will deliver him and
honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Ps 91 is fully loaded with wonderful
promises, and it is commonly called the Protection Psalm; I have read of 2
Ebola victims, of the recent outbreak, survived, healed by meditating on this
Psalm [The Ebola is deadly; 2 weeks, and one can be gone].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a powerful psalm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">It
says to ….. love God.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
last set of promises we will look at, is this: No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no human mind has conceived, the [good] things God has prepared for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Who knows where this promise is taken
from?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any answer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, 1 Cor 2:9, by the Apostle Paul; and Paul
applied it from Isaiah 64:4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Some consider this to be a futuristic
promise of things, i.e. for when we get to Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be that, but it can also be for our
present life, if we look at Isaiah 64:4, the verse from which Paul extracted
it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Isaiah 64:4 (NIV) reads: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0;">Since ancient
times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides
you, who acts on behalf of <u>those who wait for him</u>.</span></i><span style="color: #0070c0;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Whether you apply it in your present life
or the Heaven’s life, is there no condition to it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is “wait for Him/God” the condition?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, but that “wait for Him” pointed to
something broader.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">That something broader, Paul referred to it
as “love for God”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it NOT right – you
will wait for him whom you love?!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Here is the full text of 1 Cor 2:9 (NIV) –<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear
has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared
for those <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>who love him</u></b>—<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Are NOT the above 3 sets of promises, some
of the most wonderful promises from the Word of God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Don’t you want them all?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Are you thinking, “How come they don’t seem
to apply in my life?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It is
because there is one condition</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">, and a very important condition to them
all; and God also considers “other factors”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We will NOT look at the “other factors”, here, today; but I have shown
us, the condition that so many of us, so often, have allowed easy-believism
messages to crowd it out of our lives, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">to
love God.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I want to end, but I will add this: Can you
agree that when the same thing is repeated, it can signify the thing is very
important?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In culture of the Jews, it is
a form of superlative, like good, better, best, where best is the
superlative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, “Holy” was
often repeated 3 times, as in “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty”; and
so, holiness is the most significant nature-attribute of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We know that the Apostle Peter denied or
acknowledged NOT, Jesus, before Jesus was crucified; after resurrection, Jesus
appeared to the disciples, and in John 21, when Jesus reinstated Peter, <u>what
did Jesus pose to Peter, 3 times?</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Any answer?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Yes, “Do you love me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus repeated the same question 3 times. Was
Jesus not signifying what is important in our return to God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was He signifying?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got to …. love God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Lastly, is it NOT in the greatest
commandment, from the ancient times, to love God with our all?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, know the very core of your faith – God loves you, and you are to
love Him back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Above all things, love God – that’s the secret to our well-being</u></b>.
Is it <u>always</u>, easy? Of course, NOT. How do we love God? That will be subject
of separate sermons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Anthony Chia,
high.expressions</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
- What can we pray for another? NOT </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">prosperity for the sake of prosperity, but
everything that is in keeping with the person to be loving God more and more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Comments are welcome here. Alternatively, email them to me @: <a href="mailto:high.expressions@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">high.expressions@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> Or just email me your email address so that I can put you on my blog (new entry) notification list. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana;">To go back to blog main page, click </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">. </span></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>PS:</strong> below is the 1 page sermon notes that you can give out if you are preaching this article.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Secret” to the
well-being of a believer </span></u></b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">(Anthony Chia – 17/01/2015)<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Really
NOT a secret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simply the very important
truth of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There
is only the simplicity of the Word, NOT necessarily easy to live out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
takes sheer obedience, perseverance, faith, hope and love to live out the
simplicity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes much right growing
and cultivation of our heart, against the attempting proposals of the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes a lifetime.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Easy? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Just
look at Jesus or Paul.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">No victory?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For
a believer, victories are no longer defined by him, but by God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many live a miserable life because they do
NOT get this, right. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">God
cannot be at the centre of your life if you are the one defining the outcome of
things; God has to be the one, and so, He is one who defines. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What’s the Secret?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You have to …. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>love Him back!<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The Gospel is the
greatest love story, & the story isn’t complete until & unless you love
Him back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You & I got to love Him
back.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The “secret” to the
well-being of a believer is?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love God.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A condition? We got
to love God?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Looking
at 3 sets of most wonderful promises that have the condition.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Rom
8:28 [NIV]): <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And we know that in all
things God works for the good of those <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>who
love him</u></b>, who have been called according to his purpose</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Ps
91.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>V14-16 [NIV] - <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Because he loves me</u></b>,”
says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, …….. I will be with him <u>in
trouble ….</u>”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">1
Cor 2:9 (NIV) – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">However, as it is
written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind
has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>who love him</u></b>—<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“How
come doesn’t seem to apply to my life?”</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> - This condition, & other
factors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other factors NOT covered here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Other
support</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">:
Jesus’ reinstatement of Peter – “Do you love me?” 3X!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greatest commandment – Love God with
all of you.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For
meditation</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">:
How do you love God?</span></div>
</div>
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we will look at 1 Cor 3:15, a verse commonly used to defend righteous living [and
that includes good works] is NOT material when it comes to salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">1
Cor 3:15 (Amplified Bible):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“But if any person’s work is burned up [under the test], he will
suffer the loss [of it all, losing his reward], though he himself <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">will be saved, but only as [one who has
passed] through fire.</b>”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A
cursory glance of the above verse tends to suggest to us this: “There! It is
written right in there – he [who did a lousy job] will suffer loss but he will
be saved”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It appears to be works does
NOT matter [what you believe rightly, is what matters]”; and erroneous
teachings put it like that, to us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">However,
if we place another similar context verse, 1 Tim 4:16, also by the Apostle
Paul, next to it, we will find that there is something amiss if we just argue
that this 1 Cor 3:15’s “he himself will be saved, ….” was meant to say “he
himself would definitely be saved<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or God
MUST save him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
does 1 Tim 4:16 read?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Look well to yourself [to your own personality] and to [your]
teaching; persevere in these things [hold to them], for by so doing you will <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">save both yourself and those who hear you</b>.</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> – 1 Tim 4:16
Amplified Bible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">[NIV
reads: <span class="text"><span style="color: #0070c0;">Watch your life and
doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">will save both yourself and your hearers.</b></span>]</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now,
who is the “you” there, in the 1 Tim 4:16?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Timothy;
the epistle (letter) was written to Timothy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Who was Timothy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An
unbeliever?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Non-believer? A
pre-believer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">None
of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was the disciple of the
Apostle Paul, whom the latter treated like his son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Timothy was NOT just a believer; he was a minister
of God, mentored by Paul, and commissioned by the church (1 Tim 4:14 – elders
laid hands on him).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Well,
some of Timothy’s audience could be non-believers, and so they would need to be
saved or could be saved (“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">save ….. those
who hear you</b>”), but why was Timothy included in the verse (“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">save <u>both YOURSELF</u> and those who
hear you</b>”)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Inadvertent
mistake made by Paul in wording his sentence, or translation error?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">No,
it could NOT be, many bible translations actually have the word, “both” in the
verse, making it unmistakable that Paul meant to include Timothy as one that
needed to be saved, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
verse actually meant that it was possible that Timothy could end up eventually
NOT saved; or para-phrasing it in the negative, if Timothy did NOT watch his
life and doctrines closely and persevere in them [looking at the NIV
translation], including his teaching them, Timothy could end up NOT having
himself saved, and neither would those who heard him [be saved].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Was
there something wrong with Paul or what?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How could Paul even talk about “saved or NOT saved”, in regard to
Timothy’s state?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Timothy
was like your pastor, already; and Paul could still talk about “he could end
up, not being saved, subsequently!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
you are having such questions, it is likely that what motivated you to think of
these [questions], is that you have internalised the teaching that “once you
are a believer, you are saved; no matter what happens, that God got you into
salvation [by grace], God got to get your butt to Heaven, regardless of what
you do or NOT do, or whatever!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
is only when you are like me, understanding that when we converted, we have
entered into salvation, and NOT we are saved consummated, you can understand
there is still a possibility that a believer can end up NOT making it to
eternal life in Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
possibility is there, even though Scripture painted for us that God is
faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“God is faithful” does NOT
mean “God MUST get your butt and my butt, to Heaven, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">regardless</b>”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is this so?
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
is so, that there is a possibility of you and I NOT making it, because you and
I still have what is called volition (free-will).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we convert, our volition is still NOT
taken away from us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Sure,
God can, sovereignly, still to break your volition, but it is also His
prerogative NOT to do that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The general
way of God is that He leads (The Lord is the _____? Shepherd; Holy Spirit _____?
leads), NOT He forces you [as a matter of norm].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
other words, there is no mistake in the 1 Tim 4:16 verse; Timothy had to watch
his life, his doctrines and his teachings, persevere in those things, otherwise
he could be risking his own salvation and those who hear him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For
those who would hear him, they could be (i) those already converted (believers);
if Timothy could lose his salvation, they could, too; and (ii) those NOT yet
believers; they might NOT get into salvation and so, no eventual salvation, if
Timothy stumbled them badly enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So,
we have understood for 1 Tim 4:16, there is no mistake; rather Paul indicated
possibility of losing salvation. Now, we come back to this 1 Cor 3:15 verse, which
is the concern of this article.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
repeat: 1 Cor 3:15 (Amplified Bible):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“But if any person’s work is burned up [under the test], he will
suffer the loss [of it all, losing his reward], though he himself <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">will be saved, but only as [one who has
passed] through fire.</b>”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
contexts of both 1 Cor 3:15 and 1 Tim 4:16 are similar, and that was that Paul
was addressing how a minister of God was to carry himself and teach, and so,
build [increase the size] and build up [feed] the Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
1 Timothy 4, Paul addressed that there were heretic and apostate teachings and
doctrines, and asked that Timothy watched it that he did NOT take to those
teachings, and he himself was to teach the right things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Timothy’s context, Paul said of the
foundation being “<span style="color: #0070c0;">….<span class="text">godliness has
value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to
come.</span> <span class="text"><sup> </sup>This is a trustworthy saying
that deserves full acceptance.</span></span><span class="text">” – 1 Tim 4:8-9
[Who epitomized godliness? Yes, Jesus; Jesus, the foundation].<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
1 Cor 3, Paul was on the same theme of ministers of God as builders, building
on the foundation he had laid [Jesus, the foundation], and he, Paul, said, just
as he also did, for 1 Timothy 4, that there would be consequences, depending on
what ministers taught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Why
do we consider 1 Cor 3:15 together with 1 Tim 4:16?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Because
Paul could expected to be consistent and NOT contradict himself when he was
writing on the same theme or in similar contexts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Here,
in 1 Cor 3:15, Paul used the metaphor of physical construction to represent the
building of the Church, and so, too, of the individuals. Paul was saying if the
Church or the individuals were built up with NOT the right stuff (gold, silver
and precious gems, but wood, hay, etc), the resultant structure, the church and
the individuals [the ministers’ works] won’t hold up when God subjects them to
testing by fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Paul
said if the minister’s works (his building of the church or individuals) burned
up under test, the consequences would be (i) the minister would suffer the
loss, and (ii) “though he himself <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">would
be saved, but only as [one who has passed] through fire”. </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will address these 2 consequences in turn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The minister would
suffer the loss.</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is the “the loss”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
Amplified Bible puts it as the minister would lose his reward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is this reward?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it the reward in Heaven?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it the reward on earth?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or is it, it can be either or, or both?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Scripture
does refer to reward being built up in Heaven from what we do, now, in our
earthly living; and so, for the minister, it is reasonable to say that he can
be building reward in Heaven from his work in building and building up the
church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, if his works failed the
test, he could be losing the reward from the works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Next,
I address the issue of whether or NOT there is a question of reward on earth being
lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But NOT before we ask ourselves,
the question of whether or NOT, God does subject our works to test currently
[NOT waiting until the “last moment” like the point of death or the Judgment
Day]. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">My
discernment is that God, through His Holy Spirit, judges/discerns all the time;
it is what He does with what He has judged, that is wide open.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">God
could pound you up, but maybe He wouldn’t; maybe He could give you more time,
or maybe he could let you lose some reward you are enjoying [when your works is
wanting].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">My
understanding of our reward and treasure in Heaven, is that some of them is
“translatable” to that which we could use, in earthly living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is NOT all is of Heaven use, and we are
pauper in our earthly living; or all of Heaven good, none of earthly good!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s raising up platform for your ministry,
for example, is a reward God translated for you, in your earthly living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Favour with men, for example, is another
reward in Heaven, God translates it for you, in your earthly life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">With
this understanding, yes, it is possible that some reward of the minister, on
earth, would be lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, we
have already seen, in various countries, big-named ministers of God of such,
and such a church, fell, because their works of building and building up the
church failed the test of fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such
ministers would suffer the loss – the loss of credibility, the loss of favour,
the loss of ministry platform, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
summary, the loss, it can be either loss on earth or loss in what was built in
Heaven, or both, and the loss could manifest presently, NOT always have to be, at
the “last moment” or end of age.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Next,
let me address the centre piece of this article, the “though he himself <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">would be saved, but only as [one who has
passed] through fire.” <o:p></o:p></b></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now,
some teachings tell us this: it simply means, regardless of works [and so, even
when there is no works, it matters NOT], a believer is saved [a fact,
consummated, God guaranteed; even God cannot change it]; or conversion = saved,
irrevocable, cannot be revoked by you or by God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We
have already looked at 1 Tim 4:16, where Paul clearly referred to the
possibility of a minister of God, Timothy, be losing his salvation, if he was
NOT careful about his life, his doctrines and his teachings or his building
works; <u>there is no reason to believe Paul would have a contrary perspective
when he wrote on the same theme, to the Corinthians.</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Also,
now, let me ask the question, if that was the understanding of Paul, that the
minister [or believer-worker] could NEVER lose his salvation, why did he bother
to add “but only as through fire” or “but only as [one who has passed] through
fire”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, Paul could have just
worded this verse, 1 Cor 3:15, as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“But
if any person’s work is burned up [under the test], he will suffer the loss [of
it all, losing his reward], though he himself <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">will be saved.</b>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Or
why talk about salvation when salvation is NOT at stake, which means Paul could
have worded it even shorter, as this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“But
if any person’s work is burned up [under the test], he will suffer the loss [of
it all, losing his reward].”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So
why did Paul word the verse that way, talking about the minister would be saved
but only as [one who has passed] through fire?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There can only be 2
possibilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One, “He wanted to stress
still, that the salvation of the minister was NOT affected in anyway at all”,
or two, “He was trying to say, the salvation of the minister could be at
stake”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Was
he stressing the former; overly grace or hyper-grace teachings want us to
believe it so?!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I tell it is NOT
consistent with what Paul next said, in the passage; and this is what Paul said
(the next 2 verses, v16-17):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span class="text"><sup><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">16 </span></sup></span><span class="text"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that
God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?</span></span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> <span class="text"><sup>17 </sup><u>If
anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person</u>; for God’s
temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Paul
was saying the builder or minister, he built the church or the individuals of
the church, and he built upon the foundation [Jesus, the foundation].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the [right] foundation is laid, the
individual is God’s temple; and collectively as the church, it too, is the
temple of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, what was built up, if
it gets burned up [under the test of fire], it is destroyed; God’s temple get
destroyed. Who destroyed it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
minister/builder who did NOT build with the proper stuff [of gold, silver and
precious gems].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Paul
said, in verse 17, God will destroy that person [the person who destroys the
temple]!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could teachings still imply
Paul was saying “It is perfectly alright; works got burnt up, you are safe -
you remain saved”; purporting that Paul meant to emphasize salvation would
NEVER be at stake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">No,
rather, Paul was trying to say, the minister’s salvation was at risk!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just that Paul did want to be
judgmental [some ministers were referred to, in his letter (in the same
chapter)] and so, did NOT put it down “so absolutely”; <u>he still left room
for God to judge</u> [elsewhere Paul did exhort that we do NOT judge another’s
ministry as it is only God who knew (and knows) what exactly He gave to His
servant to do, we don’t (However, we are to judge teachings we hear or
receive)], <u>but he emphasised it by </u>saying “though he himself <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">would be saved, but only as [one who has
passed] through fire.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>And so, what
this phrase was saying is that the person, minister in this case [or builder,
metaphorically speaking], his salvation was at risk; <u>he could still be in
salvation, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">but NOT before he was
subjected to, and pass</b> a rigorous test.</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Why
did I say “he could still be in salvation”, instead of saying “he could still
be saved”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">One
could say that, provided you have the correct perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As in the case of the loss which we have
discussed above [that reward is being built up], for the case of salvation, <u>it
is the same, it [salvation] is being progressed</u> (Phil 1:6 – <span style="color: #0070c0;">… He Who began a good work in you will continue until the
day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good
work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.</span> [I add: most
assuredly, assured if you work with Him]); <u>until the “last moment”, you are
in salvation</u>; <u>after the “last moment”, you are saved consummated [when
your name is still in the Book of Life].</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Salvation is NOT a one-off event.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">[Notice what God is doing as said in
Phil 1:6, and notice what the minister (like that of 1 Cor 3:15 or Timothy) was
doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, both, God and the minister
are building up the temple of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
build and build up the temple of God (the church or the individuals – the
congregation) is consistent with the will and desire of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing is that the minister has to
build up rightly or he would in fact be destroying the temple, started up.]</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As
I have stated above, God judges all the time, and so, in our on-going life,
when God judges a particular episode of our life, and finds our works failed
(under fire test), and subjects us to test (rigorous test), and still “ok” us,
it is we are still in salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
want to say “we are still saved”, it is alright, provided you know you are
referring to “you are in salvation”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Paul’s
understanding of salvation is a hope (Romans 8:24-25), <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NOT</b> you and I (as believers) already have it as a fact (as in it
can never be, that you don’t make it).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Paul said you don’t hope for something you already have it; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">salvation is a hope.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Romans
8:24-25 - <span style="color: #0070c0;">24 For in this hope we were saved. But
hope that is seen is no hope at all. <u>Who hopes for what they already have?</u>
25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Paul
being consistent, in 1 Cor 13:13 also said that when we “strip everything else
away”, we are left with 3 things – faith, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">hope</b>,
and love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You
think about it, if it is fact, there is no faith to talk about, is there?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, it is, when it is at the “last moment” [point
of death (?)/Judgment Day (?)], that the phrase could then be a finality question
of whether or NOT, the person is saved, finally - made it to eternal life in
Heaven [When I say, “If I die tonight, I will go to Heaven”, it is NOT my
statement of fact, but my statement of faith; by faith I believe I will make it
to Heaven; ultimately, it is God judges].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Possibly, “heavenly book recordings”
works this way: it is NOT at the end of age or the “last moment”, that the
works of a person is recorded, in some sort of books of works, but it is
on-going recording being done. At the “last moment”, it was an opening of the
books to see what is inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the
picture that Scripture painted for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now, what about the Lamb’s Book of Life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When does your name get recorded?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your name stays in there, unless it is
blotted out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does Scripture mention the
blotting out of names in the Book of Life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The answer is yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it easily
your name be blotted out? No. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When your
works point contrary to your faith, a red light may be flashed from the
recording of your works, and where necessary, you be put to a rigorous test
[test of fire] to see if you are indeed still in the faith [NOT according to
you, but according to God], if you pass, your name stays in; in the extreme
situation that you failed, you are out – blotted out!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, as with the works recording, it too, is
an on-going thing, that your name is or is NOT in the Book of Life; at the
“last moment”, it is again just a matter of flipping open the Book of Life to
see if your name is in it or NOT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
other words, at Judgment, it is more of a ratification than a “court
proceeding”.</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The revelation is
that it is NOT good works get you to eternal life in Heaven; but good works
testify your faith.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When good works isn’t there, you will be subjected
to test, still, and it would be a rigorous one where you are “striped to the
core for checking” [“by fire”], and you have to pass that, to remain in the
Book of Life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From now to our last
reckoning [“last moment”], we are being judged all the time by God; it is just
that God so very often still pass you and I (assuming you are a believer) as
“still in salvation” [and so, we remain in the Book of Life].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be thankful and grateful to God, and do NOT
profane His grace and mercy, lest in His prerogative, He lifts off His hand of
protection for you and I, and we are left to stray back to the path of
destruction, instead of being in salvation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">[An after-thought analogy is this: Good
tree bears good fruit; so if you get a bad fruit from a supposedly good tree;
you check the tree thoroughly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First,
the fruit is subject to test to see if it is indeed good [and so, to be
recorded in the “books [of works]”]; since the fruit failed the test, the tree
must be checked, for it was last assessed as good tree [and so, was recorded in
the Book of Life].]</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
hope this exposition has helped us to understand that we can put ourselves at
risk of losing our salvation, and that the Apostle Paul has said nothing about
“It is perfectly alright; works got burnt up, you are safe - you remain saved,
regardless”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather, he has warned us (such
as in 1 Tim 4:16 and 1 Cor 3:15) that our works would be tested, and if they
are found NOT testifying our faith or attesting to our faith, we will be
subjected to fundamental testing by God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">By the way, I believe the Spirit has
just pointed that there is another Paul’s verse on this, and consistent with
this – 2 Cor 13:5 (Amplified Bible) - <span style="color: #0070c0;">Examine and
test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith
and showing the proper fruits of it. Test and prove yourselves [not Christ]. Do
you not yourselves realize and know [thoroughly by an ever-increasing
experience] that Jesus Christ is in you—<u>unless you are [counterfeits]
disapproved on trial and rejected?</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>In
this instance, Paul was also on the issue of building up the church, the
Corinth church [The Corinth Church was founded by Paul; because Paul needed to
do his missionary work at other locations; necessarily other ministers built
upon his foundation; and the church was NOT built up as he had wanted, it
looked like many unacceptable things (sins) were being practised/done by
members; perhaps even condoned]; 2 Cor 12:19b – “<span style="color: #0070c0;">We
have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we
do, dear friends, is for your strengthening.</span>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">And in this instance, Paul was even
saying the hearers, the congregation of the Corinth church, they too, ought to
examine, test and evaluate themselves to see if they are still in the
faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, if Paul had been having “once
saved [converted] always saved”, he wouldn’t be exhorting self-examination [of
this kind], would he?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you looked at
the Amplified Bible version of 2 Cor 13:5 [given here], it has in it, “unless
you are disapproved on trial and rejected”; and to me, that included, you can
be out because you failed the test of fire by God [what we talked about,
earlier]. When you have been disapproved on trial and rejected, you are really
counterfeits [NOT really in salvation!].</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
want to end by saying that although the 2 scripture verses, 1 Tim 4:16 and 1
Cor 3:15, were directed to formal ministers or builders of the Church, it
applies to all believers [additionally, 2 Cor 13:5 pointed to that], as we are
all called to the Great Commission, and so, are builders of the Church. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is also my hope that this exposition will
provide you the backdrop to understand the Parable of Sheep and Goats given by
Jesus (Matt 25:31-46), and to discern correctly the overly skewed teachings of
grace prevalent in the world, today (dated this September, 2014).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Anthony Chia,
high.expressions <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Comments are welcome here. Alternatively, email them to me @: </span><a href="mailto:high.expressions@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">high.expressions@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> Or just email me your email address so that I can put you on my blog (new entry) notification list. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana;">To go back to blog main page, click </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">. </span></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145152982070192978.post-68365988199736032472014-08-06T22:27:00.000-07:002014-08-12T21:57:48.947-07:00Keeping oneself<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><strong>Preamble:</strong><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: yellow;"> This is the sermon (notes) for my sermon at a Divine Healing Service, for 16 Aug 2014 (It flows like an article, and so, you should have no problem reading it through) [the underscorings are only to assist in my sermon delivery; the gray-shaded portion may NOT be shared in the sermon (due to time-constraint)].</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Does the Bible talk
about keeping oneself? It does, here are some examples:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">1. J</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">ude 1:21 (NIV) – </span><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">keep yourselves</span></u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"> in God’s love as
you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">2. James 1:27 (NIV) - </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Religion that God
our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and
widows in their distress and to <u>keep oneself</u> from being polluted by the
world.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">3. 2 Tim 2:21 (NLT) - </span><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">If you keep
yourself </span></u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be
clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">4.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">1 John 5:18 (NKJV) -</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"> We know that
whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God <u>keeps
himself</u>, and the wicked one does not touch him. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">(KJV) -</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"> We know that
whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God <u>keepeth
himself</u>, and that wicked one toucheth him not. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Today, we want to talk about the issue of “who keeps you?”, you or God
or you working with God? (We will return to the above scriptures later in the
article).</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Who keeps you? Overly grace or hyper-grace teachings purport God and God
alone keeps you, and it is all God’s part, none your part.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">On the other extreme, there is the “you alone need to keep yourself”.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">What is the correct perspective? It is this: it is you and I working
with God to keep ourselves; and there is the God’s part and there is our part.</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">The view of “it is all God’s part”, is increasingly popular, because the
overly grace or hyper-grace teachings are popular (hyper-grace is popular, but
overly skewed; teachings that are overly skewed can tantamount to being
wrong!).</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Firstly, Scripture or the Word; its primary intent is to be
instructive, even when it is also informative; and it is instructive, NOT to
instruct God, but to instruct us, men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">It is funny that increasingly we can find expositions being put forth to
interpret scriptures as if God was letting us know what He is telling Himself
to do!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God did talk about what He would
do, in Scripture, but His key purpose is to prescribe to us the way of life for
us, and so, generally speaking, it is what He would want us to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">The Bible is correctly likened to be a manual to direct our lives. So,
we have to be careful if we do interpret from “God is telling Himself what He
has to do”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather, it is we are to be
attentive to “What is God telling us what we need to do.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, how can the Word be about “it is all
God’s part”?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A rhetoric question, and
the answer is “no’.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Let us go back to the scriptures given at the start of this article, to
see that indeed, there is the “our part”. The scriptural texts given above, are
NOT with “God to keep us”, but “We to keep ourselves”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Referencing the scriptures above, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">1.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">It is NOT God instructing Himself to
keep us in His love (for Jude 1:21). The love referred to, is His; He can just
tell Himself, directly, is it NOT? Why put it as an instruction to us, if God
is to tell Himself?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>God is telling
us to keep ourselves; we, to keep ourselves</u> …. in His love (I will not
dwell into the detailed exposition of this Jude 1 passage, as I will separately
put up a series on it, in the future).</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">2.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">For the James 1:27 text, who practises
religion?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God or us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is talking about us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who is to keep himself pure, God or us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cannot be God, for God is pure, and He cannot
be polluted/be in sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it God to keep
us pure or prevent us from being polluted by the world? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">God telling Himself
what to do, and that there is no part of us, to keep from being polluted by the
world?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can “push all buck” back to
God?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can say to God, this: God, I am
polluted, don’t blame me; you are supposed to keep me from it; you did NOT do a
good job, right?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>No, the text is
instructing us.</u></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">3.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">The Apostle Paul was, in the 2 Tim 2
text, telling Timothy to keep himself pure, to stay away from ignoble, so that
he (Timothy) could be used of God for noble purposes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Paul was NOT telling
us that God was telling Himself to keep Timothy pure</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"> so that He could use
him for His noble purposes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>It is
Timothy was to keep himself pure.</u></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">4.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">We come to this 1 John 5 text.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the common text used in overly grace
or hyper-grace teachings to purport God does all the keeping; nothing to do
with us doing any part!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(We are going to
discussed this in more details; it also gets a little technical).</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">How come this 1 John 5 could be easily passed off as the support for
such extreme saying of “God does all the keeping”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One reason is the way the verse was
translated in many Bible translations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br />
</span><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">The ones I have given above, those of NKJV and KJV, they do NOT point to
that conclusion – that God does all the keeping.</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Are there other
translations, apart from King James translations that are NOT saying it is
God/Christ doing the keeping?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, here
are 2 more: <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">(CEB [Common English
Bible]) - </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">We know that everyone born from God does not sin, but the <u>ones born
from God guard <b>themselves</b></u>, and the evil one cannot touch them.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">ASV - </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">We know that
whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but <u>he that was begotten of God
keepeth <b>himself</b></u>, and the evil one toucheth him not.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">One translation (there are others) that said it is God who is the one
who keeps, is the NIV Bible:</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">NIV (2011) - </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; <u>the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">One</b> who was born of God keeps them safe</u>,
and the evil one cannot harm them. <span style="color: black;">(1984 version did NOT capitalize the "one"!)</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br /><span style="color: black;">
</span>
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Now, although several other translations indicated “God keeps him”, we
find that most of them (NOT the NIV though), actually used “but” in the
verse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I give below 2 such translations:</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">NASB - </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">We know that no one who is born of God sins; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">but</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>He</u></b><u> who was
born of God keeps him</u>, and the evil one does not touch him.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">ESV - </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning,
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">but</b> <u>he who was born of God
protects him</u>, and the evil one does not touch him.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">The common use of “but” is such that we are referring to the same object
or subject, on both sides of the “but”, the before portion and the after
portion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, this apple is
sweet, but it is expensive or small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
“it” before the “but” and the “it” after the “but” refers to the same thing –
“this apple”.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">So, “the one/everyone who is born of God” before the “but” and the one
born of God after the “but”, may well be the same – the believer, and NOT for
the before portion, believer, and the after portion, God/the Son of God/Jesus.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">I believe the text is along this line: “We know that no one (referring
to a person) who is born of God sins, but he, the person who is born of God, keeps
himself, and the evil one does not touch him (the person).”</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">This verse actually is meaning to say that a believer (a person born of
God) does NOT habitually sin (NOT that it is impossible for him to sin or that
he can never sin); his disposition (if he will yield to it) from his new
creation (born again/born of God) is that he is NOT to be sinning habitually or
in lifestyle; but rather he, the believer, he keeps himself from sinning or
keep himself pure; his disposition is to keep himself from sinning or keep
himself pure, and (when he is so) the evil one does NOT touch him/touch him
NOT. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">This was the case for
Jesus; Satan could NOT touch Him (Matt 4 for eg. Jesus’ Temptations), and He,
Jesus, concerning His death and resurrection, said He chose to lay His life
down, and then to take it up again (NOT that the Devil could touch Him) – John
10:17.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">So, this 1 John 5:18 is talking to the believer that he is to keep
himself (from sinning), and when he is determined to and does that, the enemy
touch him NOT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imitate Jesus, in other
words. The devil, Scripture said, is like a roaring lion, roaming around to
devour whom he CAN devour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">1 Pet 5:8 (KJV) - </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring
lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Who is to keep sober and keep vigilant?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Us, Not God.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">If the believer determined in his heart to and does keep himself pure,
he is devour-able NOT, to the devil, or we say the devil devours him NOT.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">It makes a mockery of the Word (egs. James 1:13-15, James 4:7) to
suggest that a believer does NOT need to resist temptations or the devil, and
can be cavalier with command of the Word NOT to sin, and God MUST still condone
him and keep him from falling into sins, with consequences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: #cccccc;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Here is another “keep” – Prov 4:23 – “</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Keep thy heart with all diligence;
for out of it are the issues of life.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Who is being referred to, God or us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Who is to keep his heart; God or us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, this Proverb verse is speaking to us – we are to keep our heart
with all diligence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God to keep our
heart?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, it is we are to keep our
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cccccc;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: #cccccc;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">In fact, this is the one of the most fundamental ways God looks at our
lives – We are to keep our heart with all diligence, because from the heart,
our words and actions come forth, and so, the things we say or do, in our
lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
</div>
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</span></span>
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<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">You and I have become children of God, but it does NOT mean that now we
have no responsibility for our lives anymore, that it has now become God’s sole
responsibility.</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is ridiculous how some overly
grace teachings implicitly, purport this: “Well, God, you got me into
salvation-what; you got to make sure you get my butt to Heaven!”</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Please, the author of the Book of Hebrews warned: Heb 10:26-29 -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">26 If we deliberately keep on sinning
after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is
left,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>27 but only a fearful expectation
of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died
without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>29 <u>How much more severely do you think a
man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has
treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and
who has insulted the Spirit of grace?</u></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">I hope the above has convinced you that
you cannot just “pass all the buck” to God.</span></b><br />
<strong></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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</span>
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</span>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Now, <u>am I therefore, suggesting </u>or teaching that we, as
believers, are to be still as before (before our entry into salvation), <u>manage
entirely on our own, to keep ourselves</u>, in the hope of living a victorious
life now here on earth, and thereafter, to make it to Heaven, being of full
felicity?</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">No, I am NOT saying that; in fact, if we have that posture of “to be
doing without working with Him (God)”, like a non-believer could do, we would
fail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">It is imperative that we, as believers, work with God, and be conformed
to His ways for us, in how we are to live our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>While it is NOT wrong to say, ultimately,
it is God who keeps us, because without His help, we cannot make it, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">it is wrong to say that we have NOT to keep
ourselves.</b></u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">We have to keep ourselves in the love of God, meaning we have to hold
fast to the teachings of God/Word and live in accordance with them; we have to
keep ourselves from being polluted by the world; we have to keep ourselves pure
so that we could be vessels for God’s use for noble purposes; we have to keep
ourselves from sinning; and we have to keep our hearts with all diligence; we
have to keep sober and vigilant; and we have to resist the devil and his
temptations for us, all with the help of God or His Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="background: silver; color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">1 Cor 10:13 gives us a picture
of one way God’s help can come through for us: “</span><span style="background: silver; color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">No
temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is
faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you
are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.</span><span style="background: silver; color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See, there
is the “you are to resist”, as indicated by the phrase, “… you can bear”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You and I have to resist, have to bear, and
when the light breaks in, the night can be over.</span><span style="background: silver; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<u><span style="background: silver; color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">One important aspect of the
roles of the Holy Spirit</span></u><span style="background: silver; color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;"> that
teachers often failed to point out, is that the Holy Spirit is the <u>Helper,
the Teacher, etc, but He is NOT primarily the doer; we are the doers!</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="background: silver; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="background: silver; color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">It is that simple: we do, He
helps; the teacher is NOT the doer, the student/disciple is the doer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is the part of us, and there is the
part of the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it is
right to wait upon the Holy Spirit, but it is foolishness, to be basking
in grace, and do nothing, purportedly, waiting for the Holy Spirit to be doing
our part/tasks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Silly us, the Holy
Spirit is NOT the doer, we are; He is to help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="background: silver; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">It is also foolishness to be
“doing your own things”, and expect the Holy Spirit to be regardless what you
do, to be the doer to keep you – to keep you in God’s love, to keep you
from being polluted by the world, to keep you pure, to keep you from sinning,
and to keep your heart for you, when you are cavalier to keep to the way of
life prescribed by God for the believer.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="background: silver; color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">It
is we keep, and we look to God to help us to keep.</span></u></b><span style="background: silver; color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A simple
metaphor is this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You, as employee,
would NOT be waiting for your big boss to be doing your work, would you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, you won’t; you would be the doer, do your
work, and you can expect your boss to support you, and help you to accomplish
your work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="background: silver; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">Your boss can and will help
you, but he should NOT be expected to be doing the work that you are to do; he
has the work that he knows he is to do, and he will do them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You, you are to take care of your part; he,
the boss, knows to take care of his part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please, don’t treat God more worse than you treat your boss.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"></span></u> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Keep yourself, and He will be there,
keeping with you.</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if you keep NOT yourself, be
careful; He is love, merciful, and faithful, but all of these do NOT equate He
MUST (keep you from all undesirables).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rather, be transformed by the renewal of your mind (soul’s mind) to be
in keeping with Him; and direct your volition to be in keeping with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you keep with Him, you keep yourself, and
He keeps with you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"></span></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Anthony Chia, high.expressions<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">PS1: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">In application, say, for our health, bodily and spiritual, there is a
part you and I to play (for eg. To avoid gout, you got to decrease consumption
of certain food; do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ex 15:26,
commonly quoted for God’s wanting us to be healthy and heal us, when we look
carefully, it said we are to keep His commandments – there is a part we play,
keep His commandments.)</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>PS2:</strong>
Coming a separate series on how one keeps oneself in the love of God; watch out
for it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Comments are welcome here. Alternatively, email them to me @: </span><a href="mailto:high.expressions@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">high.expressions@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> Or just email me your email address so that I can put you on my blog (new entry) notification list. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana;">To go back to blog main page, click </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">. </span></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145152982070192978.post-59739115077316116892014-07-17T19:11:00.000-07:002014-07-17T19:22:53.463-07:00Healing of sickness in the Atonement<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><strong>Preamble:</strong><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: yellow;"> This is the sermon (notes) for my sermon at a Divine Healing Service, for 19 Jul 2014 (It flows like an article, and so, you should have no problem reading it through) [the underscorings are only to assist in my sermon delivery; the gray-shaded portion NOT shared in the sermon].</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
is the Atonement?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Is
Healing of sickness in the Atonement?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
so, what does it mean or how does it flow out to us?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What is the Atonement?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Very
briefly, the atonement in our faith refers to being made “at-one-ment” with God
or being “at one”, in harmony, with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus is the means and only means to our atonement or reconciliation to
God; and so, we say Jesus is the atonement or is our atonement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
is through the saving works God did through Jesus Christ that reconciles us to
Himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The saving works of Christ
Jesus included His suffering and crucifixion, and His resurrection; the central
portion being His (Jesus’) sacrificing Himself, to suffer and die crucified;
and the one undeniable virtue or benefit from Jesus’ sacrifice is that He
provided for us, spiritual healing or the forgiveness of our sins and the attendant
cleansing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
question is other than spiritual healing, is the healing of sickness or
physical healing in the Atonement?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Is Healing of
sickness in the atonement?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
direct and short answer to the question is always a yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is the core supporting scripture for
saying so?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
is this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isaiah 53:4-5.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Isaiah
53:4-5 (KJV) - <span style="color: #0070c0;">4 Surely he hath borne our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">griefs </b></span>{H2483 – choliy, meaning
sicknesses}<span style="color: #0070c0;">, and carried our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">sorrows</b> </span>{H4341 - mak'ob, meaning physical and
mental/emotional pain and sorrows}<span style="color: #0070c0;">: yet we did
esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded </span>{defiled
or wounded}<span style="color: #0070c0;"> for our transgressions, he was bruised </span>{crushed}<span style="color: #0070c0;"> for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was
upon him; and with his stripes we are healed </span>{H7495 - rapha', meaning
healed}<span style="color: #0070c0;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
this prophecy, God revealed through Isaiah that the Messiah, the Lord Jesus
Christ, <u>He would come doing a number of things</u>, and included in that,
was that He would be bearing, carrying, be wounded and be punished/chastised
for sicknesses, sorrows, transgressions, and iniquities of men, to bring about reconciliation
with God and healing for men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
sickness healing can be seen from <u>the relevant Hebrew words</u> used in the
prophecy above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Hebrew word, H2483 –
choliy, used for “griefs”, means sicknesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The “sorrows” was translated from the Hebrew word, H4341 - mak'ob,
meaning physical and mental/emotional pain and sorrows; this is sickness of the
emotional kind, like depression, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus suffered and was crucified (atoning works) to make available to
us, healing from sicknesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We say,
healing of sickness is provided for, in the atonement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">[The
gray-shaded portion below, you can skip over it, if you want – they are
secondary to the main issue]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">The “he” or “suffering servant” in
Isaiah 53 was referring to the Messiah Jesus Christ, although Jews still steep
in Judaism, may believe that the “suffering servant” here was the nation of
Israel, NOT the Messiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is only when
we take the “suffering servant” as the Messiah that we can see that Isaiah 53
was talking about the suffering around and at the crucifixion, and so, Isaiah
53:4-5 was about the atonement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
example, we read this of Isaiah 53:8 (KJV) – “<span style="color: #0070c0;">He
was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation?
for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my
people was he stricken.</span>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">The strongest ground that we believe
Isaiah 53 was a prophecy about the Messiah; in fact, about the suffering and
death of Jesus, is that it was so regarded by His disciples apostles like
Matthew and Peter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can see it from
passages like Matthew 8:16-17 and 1 Pet 2:24.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">NOT necessary to argue from Matthew
8:16-17<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">It is very clear that Isaiah 53:4-5
revealed to us that sicknesses healing is in the atonement works; there is no
need to bring in Matthew 8:16-17 <u>to argue that sicknesses were covered</u>
in Isaiah 53:4, as is done by some preachers, for as discussed above concerning
the relevant Hebrew words, it is already clear that sickness healing was
provided for, in the atonement.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Matthew 8:16b,17 (KJV) - <span style="color: #0070c0;">16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many
that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and
healed all that were sick: 17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by
Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">infirmities</b>, and bare our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">sicknesses</b>.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Matthew 8:16-17 merely added strength
in the sense that it made clear sicknesses and infirmities were covered in Isaiah
53:4, which we have seen, are already apparent from the relevant Hebrew words
used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">There is still one more reason that one
can be wanting to bring Matthew into the picture:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it is to show that the apostle disciples such
as Matthew (also Peter), their understanding was that Isaiah 53 was about the
Messiah, Jesus, Christ, and NOT what the Jews still steep in Judaism believed, the
nation of Israel (Isaiah 41:8 – Israel; Isaiah 52:13 – my servant).</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">When the argument is solely on Matthew
8:16-17, the counter-argument by some, is that Matthew was affirming Jesus’
earthly ministry as being backed up by Isaiah’s prophecy that Jesus would take
our infirmities and bear our sicknesses; in other words, <u>the Matthew passage
was NOT talking about atonement.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
one emphasises the Matthew passage, and subjugate Isaiah 53:4 under it, one
could even say, the healing of sicknesses referred to, in Isaiah 53:4, was to be
played out in the ministry of Jesus when He lived and moved on earth, NOT at
His last sufferings and death by crucifixion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Isaiah 53:4 should be interpreted within its own context, and Isaiah
53:4-5 is about the atonement works.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">1 Pet 2:24 too is NOT necessary<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">What about 1 Pet 2:24; sometimes, it
gets quoted in support?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Because the last bit of 1 Pet 2:24
referred to Isaiah 53:5, at times, it is also quoted to support the view that
healing of sickness is in the atonement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The relevant phrase in 1 Pet 2:24 is this: “<span style="color: #0070c0;">by
whose stripes</span> [or wounds] <span style="color: #0070c0;">ye were healed</span>”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In all fairness, the context of 1 Peter 2 has
nothing on sicknesses or about sickness healing except reference to sins and
sinning and that we have received grace and mercy, to bear suffering for good,
with Jesus having shown us the example.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">1 Pet 2:24 (KJV) - <span style="color: #0070c0;">"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on
the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: <u>by
whose stripes ye were healed</u>."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Really, we do NOT need to insist 1 Pet
2:24 pointed to sickness healing to support that sickness healing is in the
atonement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe the last bit of 1
Pet 2:24 of “<span style="color: #0070c0;">by whose stripes ye were healed</span>”
was included to more completely quote Isaiah 53:5<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(In my view, the healing virtue covered in
this last bit of “<span style="color: #0070c0;">by whose stripes ye were healed</span>”
did include spiritual healing, even as it was covering healing of sickness).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">There is confusion as to what part
Matthews 8:16-17 and 1 Pet 2:24 play in the whole issue of sicknesses healing
in the atonement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are including
these 2 sets of passages; they are to serve these:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">1.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Both
Matthew 8:16-17 & 1 Pet 2:24 support there was the apostle disciples’,
Matthew’s and Peter’s, agreement that Isaiah 53 was about the Messiah, Jesus
Christ, and that Isaiah53:4-5 was about the atonement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">2.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Matthew
8:16-17 additionally supported that sicknesses were referred to, in Isaiah 53:4
(Matt 8:17 used “infirmities” and “sicknesses”) [The Hebrew word used in Isaiah
53:4, H2483 – choliy, already meant sicknesses].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">As a side, how does one handle the “<span style="color: #0070c0;">by whose stripes ye <u>WERE</u> healed</span>” of 1 Pet
2:24, and the corresponding phrase of “<span style="color: #0070c0;">and with his
stripes we <u>ARE</u> healed</span>” of Isaiah 53:5?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Also, is the “last portion”, “<span style="color: #0070c0;">the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his
stripes we are healed”</span>, referring to Isaiah 53:4, referencing sicknesses
healing, or the front part of Isaiah 53:5, referencing spiritual healing?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">For the first question, this is how I
believe it should be handled:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the “<span style="color: #0070c0;">and with his stripes we ARE healed</span>” was part of a
prophecy; NOT only that, was projecting forward from a prophecy event, and so,
it did NOT use past tense; it meant to say, at the time when the event, that
Jesus suffered and crucified, would occur, “healing virtue is provided for”;
and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>healing to take place subsequent to
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whereas when the Apostle Peter
made reference to the prophecy, the event of the prophecy had already happened;
and so, he used the past tense to say that the healing virtue was provided for
(at the past event).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The healing virtue
or benefit or even “credit” was provided for, already, but it is being applied
from time to time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a person (a
believer) is now healed, we say “he IS healed”, but the healing benefit or
credit WAS from the atonement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">For the second question, my understanding
is this: We have to understand that originally there are no chapter and verse
numbering for the scriptures, and they were written in Hebrew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Hebrew language, the ancient one, in
written form, differed so significantly from our English language, in such
thing as absence of vowels, and absolute articles, and so on, that often
enough, although Bible scholars numbered the verses, some verses still ending
up as composite sentence, often with various punctuation marks like “;” and
“:”, multiple ones, even, in the composite sentence, like that of this Isaiah
53:4-5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">You can see it (a composite) in this
KJV of Isaiah 53:4-5 - <span style="color: #0070c0;">4 Surely he hath borne our
griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of
God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised
for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his
stripes we are healed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">My revelatory understanding is that the
“last portion”, “<span style="color: #0070c0;">the chastisement of our peace was
upon him; and with his stripes we are healed”</span>, was meant to elaborate on
both the things said in verse 4 & 5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There would be an event where the punishment to wrought back our peace
with God would take place, and it would be that, the punishment would be upon
Him, Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because it was a singular
event expected to take place, “WAS” was used as in “<span style="color: #0070c0;">the
chastisement of our peace WAS upon him”</span>. Jesus WAS punished for our
reconciliation with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has to do
with forgiveness of our sins and so, spiritual healing, and so, it connected
back to the things said in v5 (the earlier portion of v5).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">Now, as to whether “<span style="color: #0070c0;">and with his stripes we are healed</span>” was connecting
back to v4, about sicknesses healing, my answer is yes; but because Jesus was
also with the stripes or wounds and was even inflicted more wounds (stripes
were even believed to be indistinguishable), the healing from the wounds, with
His blood flowing from them, I am inclined to consider the healing virtue from
it, covered both healing for sicknesses as well as for our sinfulness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whole of Jesus’ injuries and suffering
culminating in His death crucified counted to wrought us healing virtue, which
when all fully consummated wrought us full and complete redemption of us, in
all 3 components of Man - body, soul and spirit.</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">How does sickness healing
in the atonement flow out to us?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We
have, in the above, established that sickness healing is in the atonement (in
Isaiah 53:4-5), but how does it flow out to us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Not
having correct understanding</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> on how it is to apply to us or flow out to
us, can confuse us, even can cause some of us to accuse God of NOT being faithful
or NOT honouring His own words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lack of
understanding can cause some to be frustrated, even to leave the faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Before
I give what I believe is the appropriate view, let me let us know one <u>extreme
of the extreme view</u> that causes much damage!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is this view? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
is this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, it says that sickness
healing is in the atonement; this is NOT wrong, as we have seen; it is correct
– sickness healing is in the atonement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is how it is expected to apply to us, that is the issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this extreme of extreme view, it is said
that it is applied in the same way as the extreme of extreme view of how
forgiveness of sins (spiritual healing) is applied to us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
is this <u>extreme of extreme view of how spiritual healing</u> is applied to
us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
is this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It says <u>all our sins,
including the FUTURE ones</u> were forgiven us AT OUR MOMENT of entry into
salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the core theology of
the hyper-grace or overly grace brethren, and is also the core theology of the
OSAS believers (once saved, always saved believers).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For
those who believe in this, <u>likewise</u>, they consider all the sicknesses of
us, including the FUTURE ones were healed of us AT OUR MOMENT of entry into
salvation, and so, it follows from there, that whatever sicknesses that a
believer is experiencing is NOT real, but lying or fabricated symptoms of
sicknesses put in us, by Satan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
follows from here that if you are NOT well, it is because you have NOT have
faith in this extreme of extreme truth (or purported truth)!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It is my
understanding and same of many mainline churches that this extreme of extreme
view is INCORRECT. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
spiritual healing</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
in the atonement <u>does NOT flow out the way it is said to flow out</u> – that
your future sins were forgiven you at the moment of your entry into salvation, so
much so, there is no more forgiveness to be sought in your walk as a
believer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is contrary to 1 John 1:9
and various other scriptures, including the Lord’s Prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
sickness healing</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
(as separate from spiritual healing) <u>also does NOT</u> flow out to us, as
suggested – that all sicknesses including FUTURE ones were already healed by
God at our moment of entry into salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">NOT
only it is possible for you to fall sick, really sick (real, NOT apparent)
subsequent to your entry into salvation, it is even NOT necessary that at entry
into salvation, the person with sickness is healed of his sickness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Real
life is with people entering into salvation, but are NOT healed of their
sicknesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, a crippled man
can enter into salvation, but still remains a cripple; or a person with
diabetic sickness is still with the sickness after giving his life to Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For
spiritual healing, one can argue one cannot see it, but for sicknesses, we can
tell, if one is sick or NOT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>We are
to operate in faith, but we should NOT be self-deluding</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a difference between the two.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u><br /></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You may say, “Bro
Anthony, I thought you said sickness healing is in the Atonement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it is in the Atonement it is
ever-flowing, is it NOT?”<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Let
me explain, and also give us the <u>appropriate perspective of how sickness
healing can flow out to us.<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Yes,
what is of the Atonement is ever-flowing</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">. Spiritual healing or forgiveness of sins
is of the Atonement, and it is ever-flowing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus’ atoning works also made available sickness healing; and this
sickness healing is also ever-flowing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
you look at the overall counsel of the Word, you will also agree with me that
on a general basis, grace, mercy and much blessing are also made available in
the atoning works of Jesus; and they are also ever-flowing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Benefits
or virtues from the Atonement are ever-flowing. <u>There are 2 possible angles
to this “ever-flowing</u>”, and I will try to explain it; first, looking at
spiritual healing, and then physical healing:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">On
spiritual healing</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
- <u>one</u>, lots of people before us, they have availed themselves to the
spiritual healing or forgiveness of sins at their salvation entry; we have,
too, and we can expect the same spiritual healing to be still available for the
future generations; in that sense, it is ever-flowing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But
it must be clear that, it is ever-flowing as applicable to those who enter into
salvation, NOT to those who are NOT (entering).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In other words, <u>it is ever-flowing in that it is always happened at
every entry into salvation, in the past, present or in the future.</u> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Two</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">, ever-flowing is
also <u>in terms of “it is still there</u>”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What do I mean by that? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
like there is an ever-flowing stream of water for washing (created by Jesus).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were dirty, you went to wash yourself,
and you came off, clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, you
walked around in the dust or mud, and dirtied yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stream is still there; you can go to the
same stream of water and have yourself cleansed again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Spiritual
healing flows to us like that</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> - we got forgiveness of our sins at our
entry into salvation (at every entry into salvation, there is spiritual healing);
and when we subsequently sin, we can again be forgiven; in this metaphor, you
get back to the stream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Scripture,
the Apostle John used the metaphor of light, in which case, he said that you
have to get back into the light, and you will be “cleansed” of your sins (1
John 1:5-7).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
Apostle John also, in 1 John 1:9, told us that God is just and faithful, and
so, <u>onus is straight-forward</u> - we need to turn back into the stream or
the light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What it requires is that you
repent and confess.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now,
we consider the case of sickness healing in the Atonement</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">; is it operative
in the same manner?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
is ever-flowing in that “it is still there”</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the Atonement works, Jesus made available this sickness healing
benefit or virtue; it was there when Jesus completed the works more than 2,000
years ago; and it is still there (available), this benefit or virtue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Just
as the spiritual healing is for spiritual redemption of Man, sickness healing
or bodily healing is for bodily redemption of Man</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> (The Redemptive
works of Jesus are of 3 folds, on the body, soul and spirit of Man; so, there
is also the redemption of the soul of Man, which I am NOT covering here).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now,
the way the bodily healing, separate from spiritual healing, flows out, is a
little different, from the spiritual healing</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">; and has been elaborated on, by the
Apostle Paul, in Scripture (1 Cor 15:35,42).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
is the relevant understanding, we are to know?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is that <u>FULL redemption of the body (of Man) is NOT had in this
life</u> or in our mortal/physical life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Scripture tells us that it is after this life that we will receive an
incorruptible body; it is only after death, that we will get this incorruptible
body (or when Jesus comes back again and you get raptured/resurrected).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is the sickness healing virtue or benefit,
still there or always there?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, but
the consummation of it, is NOT now, but after-life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
we cannot get FULL, can we get “partial, of the benefit or virtue”, meanwhile?</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Yes, you can get
healing, but you and I cannot get the end-point healing, now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Also</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">, we have to know that
<u>the “God-factor” features more strongly than the “man-factor”</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do I mean by this? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
on-going spiritual healing, the pattern is more of the reverse order</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> – you repent and
confess; God is faithful and just to forgive you or heal you spiritually; <u>the
onus is more, on you – the man-factor</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><u>For bodily healing</u>, until the time of the end-point healing, with
an incorruptible body, the <u>“God-factor” features more strongly</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>What do I mean by the “God-factor”</u>
here?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
is referring to the <u>“God’s discretion factor”</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, in the case of sickness healing, <u>it is
more of God can and does heal, than God must heal.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is the God’s discretion featuring more
strongly here, than in spiritual healing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
I may contrast</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
the spiritual healing and the bodily healing, the spiritual healing is of the
nature of “one ‘big-bang’ (at salvation entry), and then, we go on ‘maintenance
mode’” whereas the bodily healing takes more of a “’maintenance mode’, to be
followed by a ‘big-bang’ (taking on of incorruptible body)”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Is there any support of such “one
big-bang and maintenance mode” analogy or metaphor?</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Yes,
Jesus, in the Last Supper, in His “administration of the <u>washing of the feet</u>”
of the disciples, said of the body being clean, and then, subsequently, the
feet needing cleaning/washing, from contact with the dirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For
the disciples then</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">,
the metaphorical body-cleaning (body-cleaning used as a metaphor for spiritual
healing) was done through the receiving in of the teaching of Jesus, but for
us, it (spiritual healing) happens when we enter into salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>How do we get our “feet cleaned/washed”</u>
(metaphorical to spiritual healing subsequent to salvation entry)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through acting according to 1 John 1:9 –
repent and confess our sins to God, and He is just and faithful to forgive us
and cleanse us of all unrighteousness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I recap:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For spiritual healing: one big-bang, and then
we are in maintenance mode; we go back to God for forgiveness from time to
time. For bodily healing: maintenance mode, and then finally a one big-bang, which
is the incorruptible body, after-life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There
are people who say that full consummation of all the virtues or benefits of
atonement is completed on our entry into salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is incorrect; <u>there is the bringing
to completion, referred to, in Scripture</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The overall counsel of the Word points to that; examples included: Phil
1:6 – <span style="color: #0070c0;">“….that he who began a good work in you will
carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Rom 12:2 – [we need to]<span style="color: #0070c0;"> “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>It is NOT instantly your mind is
renewed; if it were, there was no need of Paul to exhort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Still the question
to ask:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
how readily will God heal us of our sickness as we live, that it is He can and
does heal and NOT He MUST heal?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
readily?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Readily
enough, that we should ask of Him to do so (heal us)</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do I say that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
was in the atonement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot have the
end-point healing of incorruptible body given us, now, but we can expect some
healing along the way, in our so-called maintenance mode.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">James
5:14 has it that those who are sick, they are encouraged to go to the elders to
pray for their healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It implies God’s
readiness to heal us of our sicknesses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
attributes of God included love, and therefore, too, grace, mercy and
compassion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the nature of God, we
can expect healing, some healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Can healing of sickness be coming apart
from the atonement?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can. Non-believers
have also been healed by God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because
they are NOT believers, NOT having entered into salvation, they are NOT
receiving their healing from the atonement; they are healed, often from the
love of God, the mercy, grace and compassion of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">God
can even be healing to glorify Himself (John 9:3 – blind man; John 11:4 – Lazarus’
sickness and resurrection).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">God,
through the Great Commission given (Mark 16:15-18), said as signs and wonders
and miracles following the Word, there can be expected demons be cast out of
people and sick be healed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">God
is willing to heal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 72pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus,
during earthly ministry demonstrated his willingness, and so, too, the Father
God’s willingness to heal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, the
“are you willing leprous man” (Matt 8:2-3).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 72pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Another example, the demonised daughter of
a Gentile woman healed (Matt 15:22-28).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 72pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus actually spent a lot of His time,
ministering and healing the sick; you can see it if you study the Bible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 72pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There
is also the gift of healing in 1 Cor 12:9. God does gift some believers with an
auction, authority and power to heal people of sicknesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although it is NOT that these people could
heal of their own, but they do have varying delegated sanctions from God, to
work for Him, in this works or ministry. This does show that God has a willingness
to heal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 72pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Healing
is in one of His names – Jehovah Rapha – “God who heals thee” (Ex 15:26).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God would NOT have revealed Himself in that
name, would He, if He does NOT wish to heal at all?!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Some
even got healed from the Holy Communion Sacrament; from taking of the elements
with correct posture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">[Drawing
to a close ….]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So,
today be encouraged that sickness healing was provided for, in the atonement,
and that God can and does heal.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get
yourself healed of sicknesses; there are means to that, and it included
divinely by God, in addition to, through medical sciences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You
are</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
holding fast to the teachings of God, and living in accordance to them (<u>abiding
in His Word</u>), when you want to get well, including to be divinely healed by
God, of your sicknesses, apart from spiritual healing or forgiveness of your
sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the right thing to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
tell people, “Do what you are supposed to do, and then <u>let God be God</u>
(He knows, and knows best, what He is to do, or NOT do)”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Whether one gets healed or NOT, of his
sickness, and his salvation state (spiritual healing) are separate matters</u>
(it is NOT, for example, “you are NOT saved, if you are NOT healed [of your
sickness]”).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So,
rather, just go/<u>come in faith for healing prayers</u> (as suggested in James
5:14).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Anthony
Chia, high.expressions</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<o:p>Comments are welcome here. Alternatively, email them to me @: <a href="mailto:high.expressions@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">high.expressions@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> Or just email me your email address so that I can put you on my blog (new entry) notification list. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana;">To go back to blog main page, click </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">. </span></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></o:p></span></div>
high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145152982070192978.post-13643976483826592902014-07-03T00:06:00.000-07:002014-07-03T21:15:15.463-07:00Parable of the Lost Sheep pointed to Universalism - Wrong!<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Recently,
I read an article which talked about the Parable of the Lost Sheep being
pointing to salvation universalism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
is the doctrine of Universalism or salvation universalism?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is basically this: That everyone will be
saved eventually, meaning everyone gets to Heaven, eventually; no one gets sent
to Hell to suffer the terrible sufferings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And so, it is saying that unbelievers, too, get to go to Heaven;
independent of faith or religious faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Behind the doctrine is the simplistic and shallow argument of “if God is
really a good and loving God, He cannot be sending people to Hell!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There
are therefore, people out there who claim that Scripture sometimes or at some
places, pointed to universalism of salvation, and at others, NOT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One Biblical text which is quoted to support
this universalism of salvation is the Parable of the Lost Sheep; which I am saying
as a one-liner, now – No, it does NOT (point to or supports universalism of
salvation).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Before
I go on to expand on my one-liner that I have just stated, let me get 2 things
straight: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Not
in support of universalism is NOT about denying any class, race or color of
skin, of people, the salvation grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, salvation through Christ Jesus, is open
to all peoples; but it also is “there is no other name through which anyone can
be saved”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is open to all peoples,
but the way is only one – accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and
Saviour, and thereafter be living a life after the Holy Spirit, instead of
after the flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Universalism
is unbiblical belief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is NOT that we,
believers, made ourselves to be intolerant and exclusive, but it is the dictate
of God and His Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, believers
are expected to develop to be patient, longsuffering and persevering, and be
loving, compassionate and merciful, but the matter of going to Heaven is NOT the
prerogative of the believers to decide how, but it is as prescribed by God, the
owner of Heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Let
me put down the Parable of the Lost Sheep as given in Scripture:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Luke
15:3-7 <span style="color: #0070c0;">- 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4
“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave
the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds
it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes
home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with
me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will
be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine
righteous persons who do not need to repent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Matt
18:12-14 - <span style="color: #0070c0;">12 “What do you think? If a man owns a
hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine
on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds
it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine
that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not
willing that any of these little ones should perish.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
proponents of universalism (of salvation) argue that <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">God
will go out of His way to save people, even a single person, and in this
parable, the lost sheep has to do nothing at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is saved, in the parable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
is NOT punished for getting lost, for going off on its own.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">NOT
only is it NOT punished, but God celebrates.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
is NOT the will of God that one of these little ones should perish. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Although
we see repentance in the Luke account, it is NOT in the Matthew’s account.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
proponents conclude that God will go out of His way to save because of His love,
and it is regardless of the person being wayward or otherwise; the person is
NOT punished, while God celebrates; and it is the will of God to save, and so,
everyone will be saved, purportedly God will, God must.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repentance is NOT a must – seen in the Luke account
but NOT in the Matthew’s account.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">On
the surface, the above points seemed legitimate, but the problem is the lack of
understanding of how parables were used and handled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wrong identification and handling of the key object
and metaphor of a parable will lead to wrong interpretation of a parable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
thing about interpreting a parable is to get to <u>the “that is what it is like</u>
in case of the Kingdom of God”!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A parable
is used to tell of a thing/an aspect, <u>the “that is what it is like</u>” of
God or the Kingdom with the help of an approximation in our human living. In
the case of the parable of the lost sheep, it is NOT about the sheep owned or
lost sheep as such. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The “that is what
it is like” was the rejoicing</u></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The key object of the parable (the thing that the parable was trying to
point to) was the joy or rejoicing of God and rejoicing in the Kingdom of
Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The equivalent key metaphor of
the parable (the thing in the parable that pointed to the key object of the
parable) was the joy of the man (who had the sheep), and the rejoicing of his
friends and neighbours. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus
was trying to explain the why of</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> “He did what He did” just before He gave
this parable. Jesus had repeatedly said what He did was to do what the Father
God had wanted Him done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did He,
Jesus, do so, to do what the Father God had wanted?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer is simple, He wanted to please the
Father God; He wanted the Father to rejoice, to be joyous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Isn’t
that so, for us, too?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, we, too; the
overall counsel of the Word pointed to us to exist to please
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are to bring joy and rejoicing
to God (Read this article: if you want deeper understanding of this: <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/06/do-we-exist-to-please-god-glorify-and.html" target="_blank">Do we exist to please God, glorify and honor Him?</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
was it that was said against Jesus, before He gave this parable to explain
Himself?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Pharisees and Sadducees
(these were snobbish Jews) frowned at His (Jesus’) welcoming and eating with
the sinners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tax collectors and
sinners were gathering around Jesus to hear Him, then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To the snobbish Jews, they had the notion
that if Jesus were indeed the Son of God or the Messiah, He could NOT be
associating with the sinners (they, the Pharisees and Sadducees, didn’t; they didn’t
eat with the Gentiles. Even the Apostle Peter was rebuked by the Apostle Paul
for doing so, once [Gal 2:11-14]).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus, using the parable, explained why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, the parable was to bring out this: <u>the Father God would be joyous
and Heaven would rejoice</u> when people (even the Gentiles) be turned/turned back
to be His.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>To give an idea of the joy
and rejoicing, Jesus used to the joy and rejoicing of the man with a 100 sheep who
lost one and found it again.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There
is always a limitation of any presentation in a parable to portray the actual
thing of the Kingdom, and so, the key to parable interpretation is to identify <u>the
“that is what it is like</u>” of the parable; reading too much into the rest,
is uncalled for, and will lead to wrong conclusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>The “that is what it is like”</u> here is
the joy and rejoicing of having recovered one that is precious and once owned,
or having gained one more, as precious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Those
of us who truly appreciate that the parable’s intent was to highlight the joy
of God and rejoicing in Heaven, would use this parable this way and say, on the
occasion of a person coming into salvation or coming back from a backslidden
state, something to this effect, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We are
very happy for you; God and Heaven rejoice over you.</i>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or I may even tell the person this, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Remember today, it is a very special day; it
is your birthday – the day of your born-again [for those entering into
salvation]!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rejoice, for Heaven rejoices
with you.</i>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
you are still NOT convinced</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> that the highlight is indeed about the joy and rejoicing,
you can check Scripture, and see that, immediately following the above Parable
of the Lost Sheep is the Parable of the Lost Coin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Luke
15:8-10 - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #0070c0;">8
“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins[a] and loses one. Doesn’t she light a
lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she
finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with
me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing
in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
fact, the text started with “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Or suppose</b>
a woman ……”; in other words, Jesus was saying we could either consider the
parable of the lost sheep or this other parable, parable of the lost coin; they
are saying the same thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What same
thing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same thing is that “God is
joyous and Heaven rejoices over one who …..”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
story line is the same</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> for the parable of the lost coins as that of the lost
sheep, just that instead of 100 sheep, it was 10 silver coins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we can see, it got nothing to do with
what kind of sheep the man was having, nor was it about how the finding took
place or the method employed or whether or NOT the sheep did anything or NOT,
or any punishment should be meted out or NOT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I believe, just <u>in case people over-focus on the sheep (unto
misinterpretation) in the first parable, Jesus gave another, and in this case,
an inanimate object, coins!</u> [I am NOT here saying the owner shepherd-sheep representation
used by Jesus was a bad one; it was NOT, and it did have its root in the OT;
Isaiah 53:6 – “<span style="color: #0070c0;">We all, like sheep, have gone
astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him </span>[Jesus]<span style="color: #0070c0;"> the iniquity of us all.</span>”]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Sure,
it is God’s will that all men be saved and NOT perish; we know that, even from
other Scripture verses, but it is clear that, that does NOT mean that every man
will be saved and NOT perished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus
did talk about this, when He was asked: “<span style="color: #0070c0;">Lord, are
only a few people going to be saved?” </span>(Luke 13:23).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus talked about the narrow road and gate
and the wide road and gate, and <u>in that, we know that NOT all would be
saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main reason is there is still
the volition of man.<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Men
have to exercise their volitions to believe the Gospel, to repent, to turn back
to God, ask Him for forgiveness, and walk thereafter after the Holy Spirit, and
no longer after the flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Is
repentance important?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Apostle Luke, being a medical doctor, was
more meticulous in his observations and writings, and so, much of his gospel writings
were with more details than the other gospel writers'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That the Apostle Matthew failed to record it,
repentance, does NOT mean repentance is NOT important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The overall counsel of the Word attests to
the importance of repentance, if NOT the absolute necessity of repentance, for
salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now,
on the argument that God MUST go after the wayward, and so, saving everyone, if
you believe, like I believe, Jesus perhaps, was also pre-empting this (just as
I believe, he pre-empted people focussing on the sheep instead of the joy and
rejoicing, and gave the lost coin parable), He gave one more parable – the parable
of the lost son or as I preferred it, the parable of <u>the return</u> of the
prodigal son [I am NOT saying this is only reason He gave this 3<sup>rd</sup>
lost-parable].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
the previous two lost-parables, Jesus said that the owner set off to seek out the
lost (the lost sheep and the lost coin) and bring them back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For this third one, just to make sure that
people do NOT get the wrong idea and said that He (Jesus) said it is God MUST
(or we say, “you push all bucks back to God”), Jesus detailed the parable of
the lost son where the younger son insisted to leave and go live his wayward
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You
will notice here, that the father was NOT said to go after the wayward son, and
get him back (unlike the owner of the sheep who went out to find the sheep and
carried it back, or the coin owner who probably combed every each of space and
found the coin and put it back to where it belonged, with the other coins, in
safe-keeping).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
parable of the Lost Son can be read from Luke 15:11-32.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke 15:20 recorded this: <span style="color: #0070c0;">“So he [the prodigal son] got up and went to his father. But
while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with
compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed
him.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We
can see from the above that God was eagerly waiting, “from a distance”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many believers are too cavalier about “God
with us all the time; He is with us everywhere”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, God is omnipresent, meaning He can be
present anywhere and everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “with”,
is NOT just about presence (as in “physically” present), it is about God identifying
with you and in agreement with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
you are believer, God is always present with you by His Spirit, but He may NOT
be with you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell people there is one
place God cannot be found!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God can be looking on, but He is NOT with you in
evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are bent on doing evil, He
does NOT identify with you and cannot agree with you, and so, He is NOT with
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But He can be like the father in
this parable of the return of the prodigal son, eagerly waiting for his turning
back or repentance. [Never preach this parable arguing there is NOT even the
need of repentance, as some overly grace preachers do, it is WRONG].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
is clear, it is NOT God MUST, but God desires for all men to be saved. God
could go and find the sinner, work on him, and bring him back into the fold or
He could be eagerly waiting for the sinner to turn back or repent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must NOT forget God is God, meaning He is
sovereign, and being sovereign, it is His prerogative when it comes to grace,
mercy and compassion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture, in Romans
9:15 said this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<span style="color: #0070c0;">I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on
whom I have compassion.</span>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we
also know this: <span style="color: #0070c0;">God is light; in him there is no
darkness at all. </span>(1 john 1:5).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God is good; there is no evil in Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><u>He may come for you, but why don’t you go into the light, turn away
from your evil ways or darkness; and He will let Himself be found by you.</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
is NOT God MUST.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Non-believers can wait
all they want, and backslidden believers can wait all they want, if they miss
the boat, they cannot blame God, for God NEVER committed He MUST.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People need to know, faithfulness and MUST
are NOT the same; God is faithful, but it is NOT He MUST.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is holy, and His love is love unto
righteousness (‘ahab love [For better understanding of ‘ahab love, read this: <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2013/09/ahab-love-love-unto-righteousness.html" target="_blank">‘Ahab love – love unto righteousness</a>]),
and so, punishment, even to suffer in Hell, is NOT inconsistent with the nature
and character of God; He is still the good and loving God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
Parable of the Lost Sheep does NOT point to God will save everyone,
regardless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It shows God’s desires to have
those lost be back to Him, and He would be joyous and Heaven would rejoice each
time it happens. That is the main thrust of the parable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God wants to save you as His child, even when
He already has [many children], but it is NOT regardless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Anthony Chia,
high.expressions<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p>Comments are welcome here. Alternatively, email them to me @: <a href="mailto:high.expressions@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">high.expressions@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> Or just email me your email address so that I can put you on my blog (new entry) notification list. </span></o:p></span></span><br />
</span></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana;">To go back to blog main page, click </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">. </span></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145152982070192978.post-54421508362261104672014-06-25T23:23:00.000-07:002014-06-25T23:57:29.519-07:00If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything (1 John 3:20 – NIV2011)<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Those
steep in the overly grace or hyper grace doctrine, often use this 1 John 3:20
to support such other verses like Romans 8:1 in saying that there is just no
more condemnation possible for a believer, and so, if one has it, felt it or
otherwise, the condemnation, it has to be false and from the Devil, and purportedly,
one should just dismiss it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Before
I go on to expound on 1 John 3:20, I would like to quickly point out that the
assertion that Romans 8:1 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">unqualifiedly</b>
said, “there is now no condemnation possible for the believers”, is NOT quite
correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For understanding of this, read
my separate article – <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.sg/2014/06/romans-81-is-not-unqualified.html" target="_blank"><span style="background: red; mso-highlight: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">Romans 8:1 is NOT unqualified!</span></span><o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now,
although commonly, for this text of 1 John 3:18-22, “condemn” is used, the
Greek word for condemn here is NOT the same as the one in Romans 8:1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Greek word, here is the word, “kataginōskō”
- G2607, and its meaning is “accuse against or find fault with or blaming”;
whereas the Greek word for Romans 8:1’s condemn (or condemnation) is the word, “katakrima”
– G2631, and its meaning is more of a judgment against.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">On
1 John 3:20, we start by looking at the wordings of a couple Bible translations
of this verse:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">NIV1984
- <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0;">w</span></u></b><span style="color: #0070c0;">henever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than
our hearts, and he knows everything.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">NIV2011
- <span style="color: #0070c0;">If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is
greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">ESV
- <span style="color: #0070c0;">for whenever our heart condemns us, God is
greater than our heart, and he knows everything.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">KJV
-<span style="color: #0070c0;"> For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than
our heart, and knoweth all things.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">TLB
- <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #0070c0;">But if we
have bad consciences and feel that we have done wrong, the Lord will surely
feel it even more, for he knows everything we do. </span>[readers, please note
that TLB (The Living Bible is a paraphrasing of a translation (ASV 1901))]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Amplified
Bible -<span style="color: #0070c0;"> Whenever our hearts in [tormenting]
self-accusation make us feel guilty and condemn us. [For we are in God’s
hands.] For He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts), and He
knows (perceives and understands) everything [nothing is hidden from Him]. </span>[readers
to note that Amplified Bible is amplified from ASV 1901]<span style="color: #0070c0;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We
start the discourse by first saying that NIV2011 has materially changed how the
verse can be interpreted!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
its 1984 version, you will note that the verse (v20) begins with a small letter
(i.e. NOT capitalised) for the first word of the verse, “whenever”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What this means is that the first part of
verse 20 is undisputedly a continuation of verse 19.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is how verses 19-20a read in NIV1984:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">1
John 3:19-20a (NIV1984) - <span style="color: #0070c0;">19 This then is how we
know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his
presence<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>20 whenever our hearts condemn </span>{accuse}<span style="color: #0070c0;">us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now,
what the NIV 2011 did by having it, verse 20, starts as a new sentence,
capitalizing the first letter of the word, “if” and joining the second part of
verse 20 to it, instead of leaving it as a new sentence (as was the case of the
1984 version), makes verse 20 detached from verse 19, to stand on its own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This rendering, in my view, is NOT that
appropriate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
ESV rendering makes verse 20, including the second part of verse 20 (the “For
God is greater …”), a continuation of verse 19.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
about the KJV?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, although this
version starts verse 20 capitalised (a new sentence), the customary
understanding of “For” of a new sentence, in the King James Bible English, can (although,
not always) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>be that it is still a
continuation of the previous sentence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The equivalent of “For” can be our contemporary “<u>A more fundamental/the
fundamental</u> truth is”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So,
in my view, the KJV is still having verse 20 a continuation of verse 19, in
actuality, only that the placing of the “For” is archaic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should have been placed just before
“God”, as was in the case of the 1984 NIV.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Both
the TLB and the Amplified Bible support the interpretation that verse 20 is a
continuation of verse 19; only that TLB added that God would have felt the
“sorrowful impact” more than your conscience/heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
Amplified Bible rendering is a good rendering, and I will use it for the rest
of the discourse here; and for the sake of letting us see the composite whole,
I put down below, verses 18-22 of 1 John 3 of the Amplified Bible, striping off
all the wordings enclosed in brackets (for ease of reading and seeing the
composite whole):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">1
John 3:18-22 (Amplified Bible [striped off, wordings in brackets]) - <span style="color: #0070c0;">18 Little children, let us not love in theory or in
speech but in deed and in truth. 19 By this we shall come to know that we are
of the Truth, and can reassure our hearts in His presence, 20 Whenever our hearts
in self-accusation make us feel guilty and condemn us. For He is above and
greater than our consciences, and He knows everything. 21 And, beloved, if our
consciences do not accuse us, we have confidence before God, 22 And we receive
from Him whatever we ask, because we obey His orders and practice what is
pleasing to Him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There
is a significant point to note still, and it is this: the word, “heart” in this
1 John 3:18-22 text is widely accepted among Bible scholars to refer to the
conscience, and so, we do see it used as such (heart/conscience
interchangeably) in the TLB and Amplified Bible, and even in common standard
bible commentaries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
I were to paraphrase (using the methodology of TLB) 1 John 3:18-22, it will
look like this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">18 Little children,
let us not love in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth. 19 By this <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">[love in deed and in truth (v18)]</b>, we
shall come to know we are of the Truth <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">[as
defined earlier]</b>, and can reassure our hearts or consciences <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">[that we are indeed of the Truth]</b> in His
presence 20 whenever the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">[Iniquity in
the]</b> flesh accuses our consciences to make us feel guilty and condemned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The
fundamental truth is that</b> God is above and greater than our consciences and
He knows everything <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">[Because God is
greater than our consciences, He</b> (by His Spirit, working through our
spirit) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">is able to annul the enemy’s
accusations or their pricking of our consciences; the accusations (against us)
from our consciences being either from {the darts of} the enemy, or from God]</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>21 If our consciences do NOT accuse us <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">[in other words, we are “in the clear”]</b>,
we will have confidence before God, 22 and we will receive from Him whatever we
may ask, because we obey His orders and practice what is pleasing to Him <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">[which is we love in deed and in truth]</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
I have the choice, I would have the verse no., “20” positioned before “The
fundamental truth is that God is above…”, instead of it being placed just
before “whenever our consciences make us ….”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
is the Truth in verse 19 - “….. come to know we are of the Truth”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Truth is that <u>we are counted as
children of God</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is given us in
verse 1 [of 1 John 3] and repeated (conversely) in verse 10.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">1
John 3:1a (Amplified Bible) – <span style="color: #0070c0;">1 See what [an
incredible] quality of love the Father has given (shown, bestowed on) us, that
we should [be permitted to] be named and called and <u>counted the children of
God</u>!</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">1
John 3:10 (Amplified Bible) - <span style="color: #0070c0;">10 By this it is made
clear who take their nature from God and <u>are His children</u> and who take
their nature from the devil and are his children: no one who does not practice
righteousness [who does not conform to God’s will in purpose, thought, and
action] is of God; neither is anyone who does not love his brother (his fellow
believer in Christ).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So
how do we know we are [still] counted as children of God (in the context of 1
John 3:18-22 [1 John 3:10 – gave us 2 tests; 1 John 3:18-22 here is talking
about one of the two])?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know, if we indeed love others in deed and
in truth, and when we have done so, we can assure our consciences/hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">And
it is indeed possible, if we have done so [loved others in deed and in truth],
that we can assure our consciences/hearts that we are [still] counted as
children of God, because God is greater than our consciences/hearts <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>in that if the enemy wrongly accuses,
God can annul the accusation.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
does it work?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Simply
put, it is in “<span style="color: #0070c0;">you will</span> <span style="color: #0070c0;">know the truth, and the truth will set you free.</span>”
(from John 8:31-32).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some exposition is
needed to make sure we know how we apply it in our context.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 8:31-32 (Amplified Bible) reads: “<span style="color: #0070c0;">31 So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him,
If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with
them], you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the Truth, and the
Truth will set you free.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You
can see from the Amplified text, it is when one has held fast to a word from
God/a teaching of God and lived in accordance with it, that he would know a
certain truth, and the truth would set him free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, if you have NOT held fast to
a word/teaching and have NOT lived in accordance with it, you may NOT know the
truth, and if you do NOT know the truth, the truth (which you do NOT know) will
NOT set you free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now
if you have indeed loved in deed and in truth (i.e. you have held fast to the
requirement of God to love [a word/teaching], and lived in accordance with it),
you will know the truth; meaning?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Meaning: the false accusation from the enemy, you know it to be false,
and when you know it to be false, your heart or conscience will NOT be troubled
or be accusing you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But
how do you know the truth (or that the pricking of your conscience/heart is
false, being from the enemy or the flesh [fallen flesh; the Iniquity in the
flesh - the agency of Satan]), when you have held fast to a word/teaching and
lived in accordance with it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>God,
through His Holy Spirit (via your spirit), let your heart or conscience know;
that’s how you know!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s how God
annuls the [false] accusation.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
is how you NOT let your heart or conscience be troubled or be afraid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The apostle John also explained these things
in John 14.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
John 14, in the early part of John 14, John recorded how Jesus stressed that
the disciples must abide in His words/teachings, meaning they must hold fast to
His teachings and live in accordance with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus, in John 14:15 said that if the disciples (and we, too) loved Him,
they would keep (obey) His commands/His teachings; and then in v21 (John
14:21), added, it would be those who would keep (obey) His commands/teachings, who
would be the ones who [really] loved Him, and such [persons], Jesus added that
the Father God would love them, and He, Jesus, too, would love them, and He,
Jesus, would reveal or manifest Himself to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Jesus added further in v23 (John 14:23)
that the Father God and Himself would come to live/dwell with such persons who are
loving God, keeping His commandments/teachings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Then
in vv26-27 of John 14, Jesus revealed how God and Himself would come to make
abode with those who are God lovers).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How? By the Holy Spirit who is the spirit of the Father God and is the
Spirit of Christ Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus explained
the role of the Holy Spirit, and it included being our Helper, Teacher, and the
Truth-bearer (He is Spirit of Truth), by being the one who would bring to
remembrance the teachings of the Lord, including His Word, and being our Peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There
are 2 dimensions to how the Spirit of Truth or the Holy Spirit operates or
works:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One, you are off the light (so to
speak), and He tries to convict you of your sins/wrongdoing, because He cannot
agree with what you are doing or have done; and two, you are in the light, He
abides with you, letting you know the truth, because He cannot agree with the
dark (evil or the fallen flesh).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>The
Holy Spirit is always having a position, the position of truth, and when He
abides in you</u> (because you are in the light; and you are in the light when
you hold fast the Lord’s teachings/commands and live in accordance with them), <u>His
truth is revealed to you</u> (to your spirit, and then to your soul or heart or
conscience); <u>in this way, God </u>(through the Holy Spirit) <u>annuals the
[false] accusation of the flesh or enemy.</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Please,
how do we counsel believers who are troubled of heart or conscience? Some
overly grace or hyper grace preachers preached hard along this line: “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I told you NOT be let your heart be troubled
or be afraid-what; why you don’t listen; You just have to NOT let your heart be
troubled or be afraid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are NOT
listening; you just have to do that!</i>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Please,
don’t teach people to psycho themselves, without giving the basis!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In any case, it looks to me, this counsel is
NOT true to their own grace teaching; insisting the believer to use full
self-effort to accomplish something he obviously is NOT able to overcome, by
self-effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The root cause is NOT even
considered (Holy Spirit convicting sins or flesh/enemy falsely accusing)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Coming
back to 1 John 3:18-22, back to v21; When we are free from accusation of the
heart or conscience, we will have confidence before God (v21).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Verse 20b and 21 are together<u>. If we do
NOT interpret 20b as what I have suggested</u> – “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The fundamental truth is that God is above and greater than our
consciences and He knows everything; and because He is greater [than our
consciences], He [by His Spirit, working through our spirit] is able to annul the
enemy’s accusations or their pricking of our consciences; <u>the accusations
(against us) from our consciences being either from the enemy or from God</u>]”</i>,
verse 21 is superfluous or even irrelevant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since God is greater than our hearts or consciences, why still does it
matter, our consciences accuse or NOT?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Verse 21 is NOT superfluous or irrelevant (despite some overly grace
preachers seem to suggest by suggesting ignoring our consciences), because
there are times our consciences rightly accuse us, because the pricking (of the
conscience) is from God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When
we see v22 as a continuation from v21, we get the picture of under what
circumstance we are in the clear to receive from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are in the clear to receive from God when
our consciences do NOT accuse us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now,
there are overly grace or hyper grace preachers who teach their followers to
ignore their consciences (i.e. telling them that once they have become
believers, they are to ignore their consciences).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is NOT what v21 and v22 are jointly
saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>V21 said, “If our consciences do
NOT accuse us,”; it is NOT saying we should ignore our consciences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It says, instead, if our consciences do NOT
accuse us, i.e. we are “in the clear”, we will have confidence before God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
point is that our heart or conscience serves a purpose and works to accuse or
NOT accuse us; it accuses us when accusing things are put in it, whether it is
put there by God or the enemy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only
difference is that, that from God, it leads to godly sorrow (2 Cor 7:10), which
leads to repentance; that from the enemy does NOT (instead, worketh misery to
the soul)(2 Cor 7:10).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Under
what circumstance are we in the clear to receive from God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When our consciences do NOT accuse us (NOT we
ignore our consciences-please).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then,
can the enemy prevent us from receiving from God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, if you have held fast to the Lord’s
words/Word and lived in accordance with them, because if you have been doing
so, you would know the truth (because the Spirit of Truth/Holy Spirit let you
know), and false accusation of the fallen flesh or the world/evil, cannot
prevail in your heart or prick your conscience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, what it means is that every believer must live life this way – hold
fast to the Lord’s words/Word and lived in accordance with them, for in this
way, our consciences would NOT accuse us, and we will have confidence before
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>V22 further adds that our
confidence has come from <u>obeying His orders/Word and practising what is
pleasing to God</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, the
conditions of v22 for receiving what we may ask, is amounting to the very same
thing that I have explained how our conscience can be in the clear, which is to
<u>hold fast to God’s teachings and live in accordance with them</u>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So,
today, stop ignoring [on a regardless basis] your conscience or heart’s accusing
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, God is greater than your heart
or conscience, and He knows everything, but it is NOT you are to ignore your
conscience or your heart’s accusation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bring it before the Lord; be very honest before the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let Him, by His Spirit, show you if the
accusation is of any validity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the pricking
is from the Spirit, you have to accept it that you have been wrong, and repent,
confess and ask for forgiveness from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If the accusation is NOT valid, the Spirit will reveal that to you,
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Rare
would be the case, that the accusation is of no validity, and you feel accused
or troubled or “condemned”.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason why
I say that, is because if you have been holding fast to the Lord’s
teachings/Word and living in accordance with them, chances are that you would
have known the accusation is of no validity and accordingly you should NOT be
feeling accused or troubled or condemned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes, it is an isolated incident or an aberration, which still
points to some matter you have overlooked or have slackened, contributing to
your less than “perfect” alignment with the Spirit of Truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When
you are really living according to the Spirit, there will be no conviction by
the Spirit of sin/wrong on your part; and He is fully abiding in you, and you
will know the truth; false accusation cannot prevail or linger against you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>But this is NOT the same as simply saying
“If our hearts condemn/accuse us, we should ignore it because we know God is
greater than our hearts (and knows everything about us)”, for the truth is our
hearts can be accusing us, when the Holy Spirit is convicting us of sins or
wrongdoings.<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Anthony Chia, high.expressions</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p>Comments are welcome here. Alternatively, email them to me @: <a href="mailto:high.expressions@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">high.expressions@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> Or just email me your email address so that I can put you on my blog (new entry) notification list. </span></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana;">To go back to blog main page, click </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">. </span></o:p></span></span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></span><br /></div>
high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145152982070192978.post-55249202985690649412014-06-25T20:55:00.001-07:002014-06-26T00:55:29.043-07:00Romans 8:1 is NOT unqualified!<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“There
is now no condemnation [possible] for the believers” - this is so very often on
the mouth of believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Preachers and
pastors said that, often too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is one
thing to say it, within context (within specific life contexts), this good
news, but it is another, to preach Romans 8:1 as totally unqualified. To assert
that Romans 8:1 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>unqualifiedly</u></b>
said, “there is now no condemnation possible for the believers”, is NOT quite
correct.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Greek word in this Romans 8:1’s condemn (or
condemnation) is the word, katakrima – G2631, and its meaning is “a judgment
against” or God’s judgment against.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“krima” is a judgment, “kata” is against, and katakrima is “a judgment
against”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does it necessarily mean, in
this Romans 8:1 that the judgment is referring to condemnation to Hell? <u>I
believe it is NOT necessarily</u>, although, many just simply assumed that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
you take katakrima as a God’s judgment against a believer, then, the opening
sentence of this article may read, “There is now no God’s judgment [possible]
against the believer”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you still take
katakrima as condemnation to Hell, then the opening sentence will read, “There
is now no condemnation to Hell possible for the believers”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you go through the exposition I give
below, you will quite easily come to conclude with me that Romans 8:1 cannot be
unqualifiedly saying “There is now no God’s judgment possible against the
believers”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will show you that
Scripture does talk about “fearful expectation of judgment” possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
am inclined to believe that even if katakrima here is taken as condemnation to
Hell, Romans 8:1 still CANNOT be unqualifiedly saying “There is now no [God’s]
condemnation to Hell possible against a believer” (remembering that when one is
condemned to Hell, {like in the case of a non-believer}, there can be nothing
whatsoever that is apparent in the mortal or physical realm).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A
superficial look at the Word, even in a few translations, appears to support
the skewed “unqualified saying” interpretation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For
example, the NIV reads: “<span style="color: #0070c0;">… there is now no
condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus</span>”; ESV: “<span style="color: #0070c0;">… now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus</span>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But
if we look at older translations, like KJV, you will see that it is NOT
unqualifiedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>KJV’s Romans 8:1 reads: “<span style="color: #0070c0;">There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are
in Christ Jesus, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>who walk not after
the flesh, but after the Spirit</u>.</b></span>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now,
this I believe, is the proper understanding:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When
one enters into salvation, he is forgiven of all his sins (all sins up to that
moment), and with that forgiveness, therefore, is no more condemnation for this
new believer, at the point in time - the point of salvation entry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Moving
forward, it is the believer has to walk [habitually] NOT after the flesh, but
after the Spirit, to continue to be of “no more condemnation”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now,
if you are asking why some Bible translators dropped the “who walk not after
the flesh, but after the Spirit”, I can suggest these could be what they took
into account:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
“in Christ Jesus”, perhaps, was taken to have already implied the people would
have to walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Because
they left the “walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” intact, in verse
4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps, they consider it superfluous
to have it also written in, in verse 1, since verse 1 already has “in Christ
Jesus”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Just
so that you are convinced, I will put down the Romans 8:1-4 for both KJV and
NIV below, for you to see.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Romans
8:1-4 (KJV) – <span style="color: #0070c0;">1 There is therefore now no
condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.</u></b> 2 For
the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of
sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the
flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin,
condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be
fulfilled in us, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>who walk not after
the flesh, but after the Spirit.</u><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Romans
8:1-4 (NIV) – <span style="color: #0070c0;">1 Therefore, there is now no
condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus
the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and
death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the
flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a
sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the
righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.</u><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What then does this
mean?</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means we CANNOT say there just cannot be
any condemnation for a believer, regardless!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is NOT regardless; the believer has to walk NOT after the flesh, but
after the Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Is
there another Bible author implying the same – that we are NOT to live
according to the flesh?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, the author
of the Book of Hebrews; Heb 10:26-31 reads:</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"> </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">26 <u>If we deliberately keep on
sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth</u>, no sacrifice for
sins is left, 27 but only a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>fearful
expectation of judgment</u></b> and of raging fire that will consume the
enemies of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the
testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much more severely do you think
someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who
has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that <u>sanctified
them</u>, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who
said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his
people.” 31 <u>It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God</u>.
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">[This definitely is referring to believers]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Now, the Apostle Paul, in this Romans 8, went on further to state this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Romans 8:12-14 (KJV) - </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">12 Therefore {that the Spirit is indwelling},
brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 <u>For
if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die</u>: but if ye through the Spirit do
mortify {to put to death} the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 <u>For as
many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.</u> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Now, can
we argue that there is only fearful expectation of judgment, and NOT God has
judged?</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My answer is this: How do you see Romans 8:13
above?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A pronouncement, a judgment
already, or expectation of judgment?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
me, there is already a judgment, even though that judgment can be changed
depending on what happens afterwards in the life of the person, like he repents
or NOT; the same way we look at the non-believer, that he is condemned to Hell
already (a judgment), unless and until he enters into salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Also,
there was the example of the Holy Communion being cited in Scripture, which we
will look at, in a little more details, further down this article, where
believers did get judged, leading to some being weak, sick or even died (1 Cor
11:28-34 (KJV)).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">Now, if you are thinking of how then do I reconcile
the common saying that “[the moment] when we accept Jesus Christ we become a
child of God”, I adopt this as what happens:</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">John 1:12 (KJV) - <span style="color: #0070c0;">But
as many as received him </span>{Jesus}<span style="color: #0070c0;">, to them
gave he </span>{Jesus}<span style="color: #0070c0;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>power</u></b> </span>{exousia – G1849} <span style="color: #0070c0;">to
become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">Now, when we look up the Strong’s Lexicon, on this
Greek word for power (or authority, as in other some Bible translations), “exousia”
(G1849), the very first meaning given, and is the most appropriate definition
to be adopted, is this: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">“I. power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">leave or permission”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">I will explain:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those who enter into salvation (convert or accept Jesus Christ), the
Lord gives him the power of choice, the liberty to be a child of God; or the
Lord grants him the permission (even be lawful for him to choose) to be a child
of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">The important understanding here is that one has to
choose to live out his life as a child of God, even as he enters or has entered
into salvation (convert/converted).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you <u>have NOT</u> entered into salvation or converted, <u>you do NOT have</u>
this power of choice; you just cannot say you are a child of God or lay claim
to any powers or authority associated with being a child of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That you have entered into salvation or
converted, it is as you choose {hold fast to} and live, as a child of God, that
you are indeed the child of God and can lay claim to any powers or authority (and
benefits even) associated with being a child of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">In other words, entering into salvation is just the
starting point; you and I need to live out our lives as a child of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture, in 1 John 3:10 gives us 2 tests to
check if we are indeed sons of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
1 John 3:10 implies a very important thing, that it gives us the 2 tests, and
that is, it is NOT the moment you entered into salvation or converted, it is
cast in stone, so to speak, that you are a son of God, <u>ultimately</u> (This
is also the reason, it is NOT uncommon to find salvation being discussed as the
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>hope</u></b> of salvation {Romans
8:24-25 – definition of what is hope; thus saying salvation is a hope;1 Th 5:8
– hope of salvation as the helmet;1 Pet 1:13 – we are birthed into a living
hope}; it is a hope for there is a possibility [regardless, minute] of us NOT
coming to the expected end). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">What are the 2 tests?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of them, which is NOT the subject of this
article is that you and I have to love our brothers (neighbours, even).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other is that we have to practise what is
right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is “what is right”? I give
us 1 John 3:9-10.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">1 John 3:9-10 - <span style="color: #0070c0;">9 No
one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed {Spirit of
Christ/Holy Spirit} remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has
been born of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>10 This is how we know
who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: <u>Anyone
who does not do what is right is not a child of God</u>; nor is anyone who does
not love his brother.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">Verse 9 gives us the clue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Spirit of Christ/Holy Spirit is the
key.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who is the holy one and so, too, is
the righteous one or know what is right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you
and I are led by the Spirit, we will end up doing what is right; and we have
seen above, in Romans 8:12-14, it is either we are led by our flesh or we are
led by the Spirit, the former leads to death, the latter, life (v13); and when
we are being led by the Spirit we are [true] sons of God (v14).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 John 3:9-10 agrees – either one practises
what is right (led by the Spirit – Romans 8:13) and is a child of God, or he
does NOT and is a child of the Devil; there is no two-way about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is how you live/walk out your life that
determines, ultimately, if you are indeed a son of God; and there is no
condemnation for you <u>who walk NOT after the flesh but after the Spirit</u> –
Romans 8:1!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">If you want another verse where we can see the “non-cast
in stone sonship” concept I have highlighted above, you can take a look at 1
John 3:1 where the word, “called”</span><span style="background: silver; mso-highlight: silver;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">(Greek word, “kaleō” – G2564), as in the “that we
should be called the sons of God”, can be referring to “invited”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">(from the Strong’s Lexicon); making the phrase in 1 John 3:1, of “that
we should be called the sons of God” can be reworded as “that we should be
invited as the sons of God”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact,
the second sentence of this verse 1, “And so we are!”, its very presence there,
helps to explain the meaning of “being invited” could well be the most appropriate
one to use, and it is also the very first meaning listed in the Strong Lexicon
for the Greek word, “kaleō” – G2564.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
quote below, 1 John 3:1, for you to see.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">1 John 3:1 (Amplified Bible) - <span style="color: #0070c0;">See what [an incredible] quality of love the Father has
given (shown, bestowed on) us, <u>that we should [be permitted to] be named and
called and counted the children of God! And so we are!</u> The reason that the
world does not know (recognize, acknowledge) us is that it does not know
(recognize, acknowledge) Him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">So if I were to paraphrase the relevant part of the
verse, we can get this – “See what an incredible quality of love the Father has
bestowed on us, that we should be <u>invited as the children</u> of God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>And so we are</u>!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bible translators for the Amplified Bible
did NOT use the word, “invited”, but the use of the equivalent of “be permitted
to be named and called and counted the children of God”, is saying along the
same line; especially, the use of the word, “counted” – “we should be … counted
the children of God! And so we are!”</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-highlight: silver;">To be counted means to be presumed; and so, when we
say a non-believer is counted with Satan, it means he is presumed to be with
Satan, aligned to his camp or included with him, Satan; and the person is
presumed so, until there is a switch or turning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we are counted as a child of God, we are
prima facie a child of God; meaning, after close scrutiny and investigation
over time, what is prima facie, may turn out to be true or untrue; even though
initially, the benefit of doubt is given to the person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An apt proverb to describe this is: The proof
of the pudding is in the eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I
believe God applies this to us, ultimately!</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">While
it is NOT for us, another man, to condemn another, the believer who
deliberately keep on sinning, is marked for the Lord’s judgment, even if we
want NOT to believe he is already under judgment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
you sin as a believer, you ask for forgiveness from God; and Scripture said in
1 John 1:9, that when you confess your sin, God is just and faithful to forgive
you and cleanse you of all unrighteousness; and when you have been forgiven,
you will not be condemned/judged against.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is the way to “unmark” yourself from the impending judgment of God
or get yourself out from under the judgment of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
works the same manner you done it (ask for forgiveness for your sins), the
first time; and that first time was when you entered into salvation, at which
time your forgiveness was wrought from “your sins being imputed onto Jesus” who
as a result, took your condemnation, by the crucifixion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wages of sins is condemnation (is death –
Romans 6:23a); and so, you who sinned is NOT condemned, only by virtue of
“Jesus’ agreement” that He was condemned for this fresh sin (sin subsequent to
your salvation entry), too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you
confess your sin, and He agrees; the result is you are forgiven, and you are
cleansed of all your unrighteousness (from the sin).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are forgiven now, at the time of your
confession, although the virtue for that, has flowed from the crucifixion and
resurrection of Jesus more than 2,000 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
does NOT work in this manner that is purported by the overly grace preacher:
that your FUTURE sins <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>were</u></b><u>
also all forgiven</u> you at the time you entered into salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you entered into salvation, and that
could be a long time ago, and at which time, your FUTURE sins were NOT fixed,
contrary to what was implied by the preacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
at that point in time, God did look into your future, and could see you would
be committing a sin in a time in the future relative to that point in time (the
time you entered into salvation), He (God) wouldn’t be forgiving that, at the
time of your entry into salvation, because if He had to take that in, He would
have to take every other specific future sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
He had treated them as inevitable, so that He could forgive you of them, then
it would have implied you would never grow as a believer to any level that
would have you no longer be committing any of the then-seen future sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, your future and my future are NOT fixed
like that; otherwise that would make our lives like completed movies, (already
directed) now being screened, where nothing can be changed anymore; we know it
is NOT the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is clearly
contrary to the Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are to grow,
NOT we are instantly perfected; neither is it everything of our lives is
already fixed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
is more along the line (metaphor only) of the works of Jesus on the Cross (some
2000 years ago) had wrought such a gigantic pool of “credits”, that whatever
sins you commit subsequent to your entry into salvation, He is still able to
say, “I am applying the credit against this sin or that sin of his”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This pool is so great that it will be good
even for generations to come, until He (Jesus) comes back again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Don’t
listen to preacher who tells you that Scripture is referring to asking us to
ask for forgiveness for dead works/religious works but NOT for sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, you and I have to repent and confess our
sins (NOT just dead works) to God and ask for His forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A
believer who does NOT endeavour to live right, is living NOT according to the
Spirit; and if he is NOT living according to the Spirit, he can only be living
according to the flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is still
no condemnation/judgment against him, possible, regardless???<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">You can even consider the warning
concerning the Holy Communion to be reflective of the need to be watchful of
how we live; it may NOT be a case of condemnation to Hell, but it mentioned judgment
from God can result from partaking of the Communion unworthily.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">1 Cor 11:28-34 (KJV) - <span style="color: #0070c0;">28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of
that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh
unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation </span>{judgment from God}<span style="color: #0070c0;"> to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this
cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep {died}. 31 For if we
would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we
are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned </span>{condemned to
Hell}<span style="color: #0070c0;"> with the world. 33 Wherefore, my brethren,
when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. 34 And if any man hunger,
let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation </span>{judgment
of God}<span style="color: #0070c0;">. And the rest will I set in order when I
come.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
case, I get labelled as an extremist, I am NOT necessarily saying the moment a
believer sins, the New Covenant he entered into, on entry into salvation,
becomes void (immediate); I am NOT saying that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am saying that you and I have entered into that Covenant (and by
grace, too), we are NOT to profane the grace of God; ultimately He judges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Hebrews 10 text we have just read above
is very clear – the Lord judges, ultimately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now,
I am NOT also necessarily saying that God writes you off the moment you sin,
but if you (a believer) are, as a matter of lifestyle, living according to the
flesh, and NOT according to the Spirit, you are at risk of chastisement from
God, and in the worst case scenario, face the wrath of God presently (or God
lifting His hands of protection from you).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God can be expected to be reluctant to write you off, rather wanting you
to repent, but if you are stubbornly wicked or evil, it is possible that you
are leaving God no choice, so to speak, ultimately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Also,
I am NOT saying God does NOT love you anymore when you have sinned and have NOT
repented and confessed your sin before Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God loves you still, alright, but you have to know that God’s love for
men is love unto righteousness (‘ahab love), and ultimately, His love must
still be subject to His holiness (His most fundamental nature-attribute), and
there would come a time, Judgement Day, where final reckoning is inevitable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Anthony Chia, high.expressions</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>PS:</strong>
I am also aware that there are those who claim that the phrase, “who walk not
after the flesh, but after the Spirit”, was NOT found in the “original text” of
the verse, Romans 8:1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the other
hand, it has also been pointed out that many early manuscripts supported the
presence of that phrase in Romans 8:1 & 4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I remain supportive of the view that not only that many early
manuscripts pointed to it, the overall counsel of Scripture supported it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want read about the support of many early
manuscripts on the phrase, read this - <a href="http://av1611.com/kjbp/faq/holland_ro8_1.html"><span style="color: blue;">http://av1611.com/kjbp/faq/holland_ro8_1.html</span></a>
[where it contains the excerpt from Dr. Thomas Holland's Crowned With Glory,
©2000].</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you go deeper into this, you will come to the discussion on the Critical Text and the Received Text. The KJV was translated from the Received Text. Many of the more modern translations were based on the Critical Text. The Critical Text was a collection of older manuscripts (older than the collections of the Received Text) which was more localized (found in particular locality - Alexandria, Egypt) when compared with the Received Text which had many manuscripts from many locations. Also to be noted is that there are many discrepancies within the Critical Text collection. Also to be noted is that because the Critical Text was discovered much later, there was a period of some 1,500 years where God's Word was translated from the Received Text; for this, there is often, the question of "if the Received Text was that off, would God has just made do with that?" So, Romans 8:1 is NOT the only verse where some modern translations have the verse truncated or omitted; there are more. For example, from the Critical Text, there will be no Mark 16:9-20, which is from the Received Text! What Bible translators should have done, and in some cases, they did (as in the case of Mark 16:9-20), is that they should put the text in, and tells us so, in some kind of note/footnote. For the case of Romans 8:1, the subject of our study here, the 2011NIV, did NOT do so; it merely omitted the text altogether! What I consider important to maneuver through this, is for us to develop the overall counsel of the Word, to discern if particular interpretations or omissions are appropriate.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p>Comments are welcome here. Alternatively, email them to me @: <a href="mailto:high.expressions@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">high.expressions@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> Or just email me your email address so that I can put you on my blog (new entry) notification list. </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana;">To go back to blog main page, click </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">. </span></o:p></span></span></div>
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high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145152982070192978.post-68762001470653320912014-06-08T20:59:00.002-07:002014-07-23T22:32:12.765-07:00Do we exist to please God, glorify and honor Him?<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Rev
4:11 (KJV): <span style="color: #0070c0;">Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive
glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and <u>for thy
pleasure</u> they are and were created. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now,
some other versions, instead of “for thy pleasure”, have it as “by thy will
they … created”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it right to have
that translation – “for thy pleasure”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes,
when it is applied to God, for no one can obstruct God, and so, for God,
whatever He wills, it got to be to His pleasure; why would He do anything if it
is to bring NOT pleasure to Him (or it irks Him)?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These additional verses support it:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Gen
1:31 (KJV) - <span style="color: #0070c0;">And <u>God saw everything that he had
made, and, behold, it was very good</u>. And the evening and the morning were
the sixth day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>This shows a
picture of God created for His pleasure, and had that pleasure, and it could be
extrapolated to say that God continues to expect pleasure from that Creation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Col
1:16 (KJV) - <span style="color: #0070c0;">For by him </span>{Jesus}<span style="color: #0070c0;"> were all things created, that are in heaven, and that
are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or
principalities, or powers: <u>all things were created by him, and for him</u>:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We
are created by the Lord for the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
cannot imagine the Lord would create something for Himself to irk Himself; it
should only be, to please Him, or serve a purpose that would please Him, don’t
you agree?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to understand that
for God, being Him, God, there could NOT have been coercion for Him to create; and
so, correctly He created for His pleasure.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Isaiah
43:6b-7 - <span style="color: #0070c0;">Bring my sons from afar and my daughters
from the ends of the earth—7 everyone who is called by my name, <u>whom I
created for my glory, whom I formed and made</u>.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Here
through the mouth of Isaiah, God said He created His children for His glory.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">1
Cor 10:31 - <span style="color: #0070c0;">So whether you eat or drink or whatever
you do, do it all for the glory of God.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Here,
the apostle Paul commanded us to “always be glorifying God”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">1
Cor 6:20 (KJV) - <span style="color: #0070c0;">“For ye are bought with a price:
therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”</span>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Even
if we do NOT go further back (to Creation, for example), when we accepted Jesus’
propitiation for us, are already to glorify God, because we belong to God,
already; God bought us with the price of the blood and life of His Son, Jesus
Christ.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
problem with most of us is that we think “there is no ‘stick’”, it seems matter
NOT, we glorify NOT, God! Be careful, you and I can be speaking too soon!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jer 18:6 has this to say: “<span style="color: #0070c0;">O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter
does?” declares the LORD. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my
hand, O house of Israel.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Col
3:23 - <span style="color: #0070c0;">“Whatever you do, work at it with all your
heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Again,
this is an exhortation for us to glorify God, and NOT to dishonour Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We profess to have identified with God or the
Lord, and non-believers identify us with the Lord or God; and so, when we do
NOT carry ourselves well, including the way we work, it reflects badly on the
Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather it should be, as exhorted
in Matt 5:16, “<span style="color: #0070c0;">Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>The work we do, including our job or occupation,
it is part of good works, for you and I are NOT to be engaged in any bad works,
are we?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Eccl
9:10 - <span style="color: #0070c0;">“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with
all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working
nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ps 115:17 - <span style="color: #0070c0;">It is
not the dead who praise the Lord, those who go down to the place of silence;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
these verses are trying to paint to us is that it is presently, in our mortal
life, while we are alive, that we are to be pleasing God, honouring and
glorifying Him; NOT when we are dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is possible through our death, we glorify God, but we do NOT glorify God in the
time that we are dead (in the grave, so to speak).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, you and I cannot delay, and think that we
can wait till we are dead before we go pleasing or glorifying God!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black;">1 Cor 10:23 </span>-“Everything is permissible”—but not everything is
beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Some
wonder what they are to do with these words of the Apostle Paul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, the yardstick to use is this: Will it
please God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will it glorify God? Will it
be honourable (honor God)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If answers to
these are “No”, then, it is NOT beneficial; then it is NOT constructive!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Ps
86:12 (KJV) - <span style="color: #0070c0;">I will praise thee, O Lord my God,
with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This
was a psalm by David, and it was also a prayer; and it showed David’s
understanding of him to please God with his all, and to bring glory to His name
all the time; it is no wonder David was said by God as “the man after His own
heart”</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">From the above, we can see that indeed we exist to please God, glorify and honor Him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">"Can I NOT accept that?" No, this is our purpose, and our lot. If you and I want true peace and joy, and this true peace and joy is the peace and joy in and of the Holy Spirit, it can only be had when we are in line with the will and desires of God for us, which is to please Him, glorify and honor Him. In broad stroke, that is what God has designed us for, in specific, the Holy Spirit holds the key, for He knows the mind of God, real-time for you, and He knows your spirit and mind. What God has in mind real-time for you, is the (specific) righteousness of God for you which you need to pursue, being led by the Holy Spirit. Indeed, the kingdom of God is about His righteousness, and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, and those who serve God in such manner, will please God, and will find agreement with men (from Rom 14:17-18). This is what the kingdom life is about - to please God, glorify and honor Him.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">"Why
would I do that?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Because I want that peace and joy in and of the Spirit; b</span>ecause He
created us; because He first loved us; and because we love Him back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you and I truly love Him, and He is worthy
of our love, we will please Him, glorify and honor Him.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Anthony Chia, high.expressions</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></b><br />
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<br />high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145152982070192978.post-44369690214687962372014-05-20T23:34:00.000-07:002014-05-22T19:40:43.721-07:00Door of Divine Healing Ministry is NOT shut<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: yellow;">Preamble:</span></b><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: yellow;"> This
is the sermon (notes) for my sermon at a Divine Healing Service, for 24 May
2014 (It flows like an article, and so, you should have no problem reading it
through) [the underscorings are only to assist in my sermon delivery].</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Opening
text: Rev 3:7 – 8a <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">7 “To the angel of the church in
Philadelphia write:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">These are the words of him who is holy
and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what
he shuts no one can open. 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an
open door that no one can shut. …</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">No,
I am NOT going to preach about the end times or anything like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither am I going to preach about the key of
David specifically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But
in <u>2 Tim 3:16</u> we read that Scripture is useful for teaching and correcting;
and so, I am going to use these 2 verses to start speaking on a subject that is
close to my heart – the Divine Healing Ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As
to the <u>key of David, in verse 7</u>, for today, what I want to say is that, verse 7 was
saying the <u>Lord Jesus holds the Master Key</u> in the Kingdom. If you ask
the experts in the locksmith industry, they will tell you that the Master Key <u>can
open all of a set of locks</u>. I <u>believe many don’t know</u> about
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For
example</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">,
for an entire block of locker cubicles, when I have the Master Key, I can open
every one of the cubicles, even though you have your key to your cubicle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned that it got to do with the rod
pieces design in the locks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">And
so, your locker door I open, you cannot shut</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">, for you can shut it, I will be
able to open it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Verse
7</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
says, “What he {Jesus} opens no one can shut, …” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Verse
8</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">,
“…… See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
I am saying</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">,
is that we have Jesus, our Lord as the one having the Master Key, and so, <u>no
one can shut the door in His face</u>, and so, too, when He opens a door for
you, <u>no one can shut it in your face</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>People can try it, the demons can try it, but if the Lord intends it to
be open for you, for as long as He intends, He opens it back, maybe even before
you notice it, that someone is trying to shut it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
you are asking about that part of the verse 7 that said, “<u>and what he shuts
no one can open.”, oh, that’s NOT difficult!</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
He can open a door (and He can, since He has the Master Key), He can change the lock, you cannot open it, can you?</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Is that NOT what
you do when you lost your key to your house? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You use, say, your wife’s key (the duplicate)
to open the lock, and then you change the lock, so that whoever has your lost
key, he cannot open your door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now,
what does this key and open door stuff got to do with</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> the place of the healing ministry in the church? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Is
there a <u>legitimate place for the healing ministry in the church</u>,
today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Does
God heal people of</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
sicknesses or demonization or demon-possession, in this modern
time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We
know from Scriptures, God opened the doors of various ministries in His church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Eph
4:11</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
gives us this: <span style="background: silver; mso-highlight: silver;">“So Christ
himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and
teachers,”</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Then
we also read in <u>1 Cor 12:28</u>, this: <span style="background: silver; mso-highlight: silver;">“And God has appointed in the church, first apostles,
second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps,
administrations, various kinds of tongues.”</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">People
like to talk about the <u>Eph 4:11 list as the 5 fold ministry</u>, put down by
the Apostle Paul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But
1 Corinthians was also penned by Paul</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">, and it has the mix of the gifts of the Holy
Spirit with some of the ministries falling under the 5 fold ministry, and Paul
did word them as God appointed them in the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So,
is healing a legitimate ministry in the church; <u>we see it in the 1 Cor 12:28 list, together with some of the 5 fold ministry, don't we</u>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>It is a legitimate ministry, if we are prepared to be plain
about it</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Additionally,
James 5:14 said this</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">:
<span style="background-color: #cccccc;">“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them
and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">God
has opened the healing ministry door in His church at large, no one should or
can shut it.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But today, we do find <u>many churches</u>
all over the world, and even in Singapore, <u>they do NOT believe in doing</u>
the healing ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Many
churches <u>will pray for you for other things</u>, like to find a life-time
partner or a job, but when you are sick in the body, <u>they will NOT pray for
you to be healed by God.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But
why? <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A
common reason</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
given is that, that ministry door was already closed with the passing on, of the 12
Apostles of Jesus Christ, arguing that the <u>foundation of the Church has
already been laid.</u> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But
unfortunately, if that is the correct way to look at it, (to me) <u>then people have
NOT been true to themselves</u>, for if the healing ministry door is closed,
the same could also be said of the 5 fold ministry, for <u>commonly
Eph 4:12-13 is linked back to Eph 2:20</u> <u>by people to support Church foundation
completion</u>, when Eph 4:12-13 was directly flowing from the 5 fold ministry
(the 5 fold ministry is listed for us in v11).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
foundation completion meant cessation of ministry</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">, then 5 fold
ministry was to cease as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we can
see that the 5 fold ministry is alive in the <u>very churches which accept NOT</u>,
the healing ministry or ministry having elements of being supernatural.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There
is <u>a deception or delusion in our community</u> that some of us are given
in, to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, if a person comes to you
asking you to pray for him to get a job or a life-time partner, you will pray
for him; you would, wouldn’t you? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But
another who is sick, you will NOT(?),</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> on the purported belief that if the sick
gets healed that would be supernatural.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The door of the supernatural, purportedly, has been closed and so, you
would NOT do it – to pray for the sick; you think you would be going against
the Word if you do so?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Let’s
ask ourselves, for the job-seeker</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">, do you believe God would help him to get
a job, when you pray for him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes or
No?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">No!
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That would be you are against the Word</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">, praying in
disbelief!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ought to be ashamed of
ourselves if we do that! Still pray when you don't believe in God's intervention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now,
if you believe God would intervene for the job-seeker</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">, then wouldn’t
that be supernatural.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the valid <u>definition
of supernatural</u>, is it NOT? – God intervenes, giving rise to the impossible
(or near impossible) becoming possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When
God intervenes, that is no longer natural, it is supernatural.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You <u>can believe for God to intervene in
all other things, but NOT</u> when people are in need of healing?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Why? Healing a bad thing? No-right! </span>Is there NOT a deception or delusion?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
can give you some of the reasons (including real excuses)</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> why some leaders are NOT praying for the sick, but I will NOT do it, today, because of
time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">----<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Rather,
I want to stress to you that the healing ministry <u>door was opened and still
remains open</u>; although Man will still die.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Sorry,
<u>no immortality for Man</u>, even for the great healing ministers like Kathryn
Kuhlman; but God healing people, and eventually people still die, is reconcilable
by the Word; one day I will preach on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">That
we, men, still die, that does NOT mean we should <u>acquiesce (agree) with
sickness</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
you are sick</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">,
go see a doctor; go get prayed for (James 5:14).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Even
when it is near impossible to be healed, be of <u>right posture and continue to
look to God</u> for healing; <u>meanwhile</u> live life courageously despite
limitations from your sickness; <u>don’t give up</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
Singapore, there are still some churches</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> which have the healing ministry; and the <u>International
Healing Room Ministry</u> has a few centres in Singapore, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">These
are telling us that despite </span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">many churches shutting the door, God still
keeps the door open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">On
a more personal level</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">,
when individuals shut the door, God will raise up other individuals who would
minister healing; God still keeps the door open.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">----<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There
are several grounds supporting the position that the door is still open (apart from the direct NT verse of James 5:14)</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">, but I will cover only one more, today (because of time-constraint), and then we will move into the ministry time, where we will pray and minister
to those with needs.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
is this " one-more" ground?</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is this: That Jesus did so much of it (healing), in His earthly ministry, and what
He said about signs and wonders, and miracles that we would do after Him, are
pointing to it, the healing ministry door is still open.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">----<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><u>I
will skim through some of the healings accounts in the Word</u> to show that Jesus
and His then disciples did a lot of healings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because of time-constraint, I will just look at those in the Matthew Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><u>Be encouraged
and let faith arise</u> as we quickly go through them:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Healing of the
“are you willing” leper: Matt 8:2-3</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> - <span style="background: silver; mso-highlight: silver;">A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said,
“Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 3 Jesus reached out his hand
and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was
cured of his leprosy.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Healing of the servant
of the “Centurion of great faith": Matt 8:5-10, 13</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> - <span style="background: silver; mso-highlight: silver;">5 When Jesus had entered
Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 “Lord,” he said, “my
servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.” 7 Jesus said to him,
“I will go and heal him.” 8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to
have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be
healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell
this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my
servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he was
astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not
found anyone in Israel with such great faith.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: silver; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: silver;">13 Then Jesus said to the centurion,
“Go! It will be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed
at that very hour.</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Healing of Peter’s
mother-in-law, of her fever: Matt 8:14</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> - <span style="background: silver; mso-highlight: silver;">When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s
mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15 He touched her hand and the fever
left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Demons
cast out and all sick THERE healed: Matt 8:16-17</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> - <span style="background: silver; mso-highlight: silver;">When evening came, many who were
demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word
and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the
prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.”</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Healing of all kinds of sicknesses and diseases by Jesus: Matt 9:35</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> - <span style="background: silver; mso-highlight: silver;">Jesus went through all the towns
and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the
kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Healing of various sicknesses, including expelling demons, by the disciples: Matt 10:1,
& 7-8</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- <span style="background: silver; mso-highlight: silver;">He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them
authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. </span>(Matt
10:1).<span style="background: silver; mso-highlight: silver;"> Jesus’ instructions
- As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the
sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely
you have received, freely give.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Although here, in the
Matthew’s gospel, there was no direct mention of actual healings done by the apostles
(here we see Jesus sending them out), but in Acts 5:16, it was recorded for us, many sick,
demonized and demon-possessed people were healed by the apostles.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A Gentile's daughter healed by Jesus (we can pray for non-believers to be healed): Matt
15:22-28</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
- <span style="background: silver; mso-highlight: silver;">A Canaanite woman from
that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me!
My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.” Jesus did not answer
a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she
keeps crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of
Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. 26 He
replied, “It is not right to take the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>children’s
bread</u></b> and toss it to their dogs.” “Yes, Lord,” she said, “but even the
dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered,
“Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was
healed from that very hour.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Mute, crippled, lame, blind, etc. healed by Jesus at one seating: Matt
15:29-31</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
- <span style="background: silver; mso-highlight: silver;">Jesus left there and
went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down.
Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute
and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. The people were
amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame
walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">----<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now
if Jesus spent much time healing the sick, and also sent out His then
disciples to do the same, can we easily dismiss the healing ministry</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">, saying that the
door has been closed?! Think about that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><u>In fact, Bible scholars tell us</u> that about 2/3 of Jesus' public ministry, and nearly 20% of the Gospel books' content, were devoted to healing. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Then there was the "much
of the signs and wonders and miracles</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> of Jesus (and those of the then disciples)
<u>were related to healing"</u>; and in the <u>Great Commission</u> commandment given by
Jesus to us all, <u>we see signs and wonders and miracles, including healings,
in it.<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Great
Commission</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">:
Mark 16:15-18 - <span style="background-color: #cccccc;">15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the
gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but
whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany
those who believe: In my name <u>they will drive out demons</u>; they will
speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when
they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; <u>they will place
their hands on sick people, and they will get well.</u>”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><u>[I am going to draw to a close ....]</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
believe some in our community is <u>barking at the wrong tree</u> – it is NOT
the foundation of the Church is completed or NOT, rather is the Great
Commission completed or NOT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>As long
as the Great Commission is</u> still on-going, signs and wonders and miracles,
including healings (and that includes casting out of demons), will still go on –
The Divine Healing Ministry Door is NOT shut.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><u>Recap:</u></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">1. Our Lord has the key of David, the Master Key
that can open all doors and so, too, He can shut any door, and so, He
controls all the doors, including the door of ministries in the Church.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">2.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Ministries
did NOT necessarily cease with the Church foundation completion.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">3. Divine
Healing Ministry Door is still open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Various grounds for that position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>2 looked at, today:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James 5:14
& Jesus ministry, together with what He said in the Great Commission
Commandment to us.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><u>Now, don’t
say the Divine Healing Ministry is no more</u>, <strong>rather</strong> go through the door, and seek the Lord on how to operate in the Ministry. And for those needing healing, believe and go through the door. <u>This is our heritage; don't let people tell you no more healing will God do in the Church; that is a lie.</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ooo END
ooo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Anthony Chia
high.expressions</span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p>Comments are welcome here. Alternatively, email them to me @: <a href="mailto:high.expressions@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">high.expressions@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> Or just email me your email address so that I can put you on my blog (new entry) notification list. To go back to blog main page, click </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">. </span></o:p></span></o:p></span>high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145152982070192978.post-13210865575710101522014-05-19T21:29:00.000-07:002014-06-18T19:31:54.579-07:00Seeking after God<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Today,
we will take a look at seeking after God, and the things of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does it mean by “to seek God”, that we
often find in Scripture, in both OT and NT?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Could it be that it was referring to a one-off event or occasion?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or was it often carrying the connotation of a
present perfect continuous tense of “always seeking”?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
once read someone (an overly grace or hyper-grace chap) wrote “this Matt 6:33
verses does NOT apply to us, for we, believers {he meant they, overly grace or
hyper-grace believers) are already righteous”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What does Matt 6:33 say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
what it says:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Matt
6:33 (Amplified Bible) - <span style="color: #0070c0;">But <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>seek</u></b> (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and
His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things
taken together will be given you besides.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So,
there are believers out there, from skewed teachings of their leaders, believe
that they are no longer to be seeking any more, the kingdom of God and His
righteousness, on the ground that they were told that once they have converted
(into a believer), they are completely righteous, perfect even, and have since,
be with the full mind of Christ; and that they cannot be, of any other way; and
cannot be unrighteous at any point in time anymore; for their belief is that
all their sins, <u>including FUTURE ones</u> had been forgiven them <u>at their
moment of conversion</u>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, to them,
essentially, seeking is for the non-believers, and once conversion has taken
place, no seeking necessarily; rather their motto is “just bask in grace”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">(although, it
is clear that this Matt 6 was addressing believers {and NOT non-believers}) [If
you want a proper exposition of this Matt 6:33 text – click <a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/2012/05/but-seek-ye-first-kingdom-of-god-and.html" target="_blank">here</a>].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Is
there or is there NOT, seeking God, for the believer?</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you so decide like what this chap I
referred to, decided, that as a non-believer, you sought, and when you have
become a believer, you have found, and there is no more seek or seeking
necessary, you will likely to see no impetus to carry yourself in the way Christians
are commonly expected to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Purportedly,
you don’t need to go to church (you are forever righteous; nothing you can know
that can change that; it is a voila, already), don’t need to take in, any more
of the Word (you have the full mind of Christ); no need to refrain from sins
(for all sins, inclusive of FUTURE ones had already been forgiven); don’t need
to be counselled or taught of the ways of God (you got the full mind of Christ;
purportedly, anything God instructs, you would already know and doing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No “should” or “ought” necessary?!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
“I am done seeking, for I am already righteous” posture will cause one to
ignore many more of the very fundamental and base requirements of God, for one
to walk with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or maybe such people believe
they are walking with God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Are
you in a close walk with God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “walk
with God”, in Scripture referred to the close walk, the pleasing and
satisfactory walk with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a
couple of people in Scripture said to have “walked with God”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They included Enoch, and we will take a look
at him:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Gen
5:21-24 (Amplified Bible) - <span style="color: #0070c0;">21 When Enoch was 65
years old, Methuselah was born. 22 Enoch walked [in habitual fellowship] with
God after the birth of Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23
So all the days of Enoch were 365 years. 24 And Enoch walked [in habitual
fellowship] with God; and he was not, for God took him [home with Him]. </span>Heb
11:5-6 (Amplified Bible) -<span style="color: #0070c0;"> 5 Because of faith Enoch
was caught up and transferred to heaven, so that he did not have a glimpse of
death; and he was not found, because God had translated him. For even before he
was taken to heaven, he received testimony [still on record] that he had
pleased and been satisfactory to God. 6 But </span>{For}<span style="color: #0070c0;"> without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him.
For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists </span>{God
is}<span style="color: #0070c0;"> and that He is the rewarder of those who
earnestly and diligently <strong><u>seek</u></strong> Him [out].</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
“walk” of Enoch is understood as a habitual walk or a walk in habitual
fellowship with God or walk in “a manner of life” given over to God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Enoch
lived 365 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did NOT walk with
God from day 1; he started walking with God from the age of 65, after the birth
of his son, Methuselah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Gen
5:22 said that he walked with God for 300 years, before he was taken up (bypassing
mortal death) to Heaven by God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From Heb
11:5-6, we are further told that his walk had been pleasing and satisfactory to
God for the reason that he had walked with faith, with God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
author of Hebrews gave a dual fundamental truth in Heb 11:6, and they are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Without
faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to God; and <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">To
come close to God one must “believe God exists and that He rewards” those who
earnestly and diligently <u><strong>seek Him</strong></u>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
will NOT elaborate further here on the faith-truth, that without faith it is
impossible to please God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We will take a more </span>
in-depth look at this faith aspect, another time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Here
I will concentrate on the second of the dual-truth. What does it mean “believe
God exists and that He rewards” those who ….?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now, <u>does it mean so narrowly like, “You have to believe God exists,
the opposite being you don’t believe He exists”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think so.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
you have NOT believed He exists, you would NOT have become a believer in the
first place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Generally speaking, the Book
of Hebrews was directed at believers, and so, this phrase could NOT be about
whether or NOT one believes God exists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Also, to read it so narrowly would be incompatible to the previous verse
of referring to a habitual walk with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A believer obviously believe God exists; that is the bare minimum; he
may NOT know enough about God (his character, his ways, his truths, etc), but
he believes God exists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Rather,
it is more of, it is saying that you have to believe God will come near you as
you come near Him {and so, the translation of “God is” is preferred by me}; and
His coming near you is the reward of your seeking.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you earnestly and diligently seek Him, He
would be come and “meet” you, or He let Himself to be met by you; or He would
come and walk with you, or He let Himself to be pursued and followed by you (or
be walked with, by you).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James 4:8a - <span style="color: #0070c0;">Come near to God and he will come near to you.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
one believes, like the overly grace chap I mentioned above, who thinks that he
seeks NOT anymore; and so, he, making the scriptures on seeking irrelevant to
him, would miss the habitual fellowship walk with God; he would miss “be
pleasing and satisfactory to God”, for he would have thought (true to his
belief) there is just no more condition(s) to pleasing God, and when such is
his belief, he would have just assumed God is walking <u>WITH</u> him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Once,
I followed a blog of an overly grace believer (a UK chap) for sometimes; and he
talked about his journey from IC (institutional churches – traditional ones),
to CC (cyber churches – the overly grace ones), to “Once you laid hold of “you
are just to bask in grace” {of the grace revolution (teaching)}, you have the
“permissive will” of God to live life as you think fit”!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[I am NOT saying there is no such thing as
the “permissive will” of God, but it must necessarily be framed against the
character of God and His ways; the unqualified “as you think fit” is very
dangerous!]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
other words, he has come to believe, through the overly grace teachings that God
is walking <u><strong>with</strong></u> him, and he is free to live as he deems fit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Purportedly, he believes the gift of
salvation has forced the hand of God(!) to walk <strong>with</strong> him!</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The overly grace believers, though they do
NOT openly admit it, they are purporting “God, you alone, got my butt into
salvation, you <u>MUST</u> keep my butt in!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God, you walk me-lo”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>The
correct understanding is that it is God is FAITHFUL, NOT God MUST</u>; people
fail to see “being faithful” is NOT the same as MUST (as in no choice); being
faithful, does NOT necessarily mean God MUST!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Why
“seek” is NOT a one-off, but a “seeking after”.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> The primary reason
is because God is holy, and <u>He is unchanging</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Holiness characterises God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meaning?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He sticks to holiness, and thinks and does no evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we are evil or unrighteous, we separate
ourselves from Him, and so, the walk would no longer be a close one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because we are still having the fallen flesh, and
we are still in the world (although we are no longer of the world) their desires (both
from the flesh {fallen flesh} and world {allures of the world}) can draw us
into sins and unrighteousness; and so, <u>we, as believers, still could draw
away</u> from our close walk with God or the Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
the above, I quoted James 4:8a as “<span style="color: #0070c0;">Come near to God
and he will come near to you.</span>” The rest of the verse (James 4:8), reads
“<span style="color: #0070c0;">Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your
hearts, you double-minded.</span>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See, <u>there
is condition to His drawing near to you; it is NOT God does NOT want to draw
near; but if you don’t wash your hands, you don’t purify your hearts, and you
are double-minded, you are keeping God at bay.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
“double-minded” referred to, in James 4, is about the wavering between giving
in to the desires of the Spirit (which leads to walking with God), and those of
the fallen flesh {Gal 5:17 – desires of the flesh and Spirit are mutually
opposing} and the world {James 4:4 – friendship with the world is enmity with
God}, both of which, of the fallen flesh and world, are being used by the Devil
(and so, following after them could lead you to be deceived by the Evil One).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
you do NOT understand this, soon enough you could fall to sin, and <u>worst
still, under the overly grace teaching of purported unchanging righteousness
and perfection the moment one is saved, you could think and be deceived into
believing that nothing is amiss. <o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
argument that God is still with us, for God, by His Spirit, indwells us, and
so, is walking WITH us (regardless), is NOT correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is omnipresent, and God by His Spirit
indwells every believer, <u>but there is a place you will NOT find God is WITH
you?</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there such a place?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><em>“I thought Scripture told us that we cannot
hide or run away from God; in the depth of the sea, He is there, into the
heaven (sky), He is there; how come, you say there is a place we will NOT find
God is WITH us?”</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">That
place is evil; in evil God is NOT!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
mean God is present, for He, by His Spirit indwells you, but He is NOT present WITH
you; <u>He is present but NOT present <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WITH
you</b></u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>In evil God is NOT WITH
you; He sees you doing evil, but He is NOT WITH you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “WITH you” is what we are talking about.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I repeat, James 4:8 tells us that we got to
wash our hands, purify our hearts, and NOT be double-minded (James 1:7 – Don’t
expect to get anything if you are double-minded; double-minded is also about
flip-flopping in the belief of God’s truth).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now,
you also cannot be proud; James 4:6 – <span style="color: #0070c0;">“God opposes
the proud but shows favor to the humble.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span>(But we will NOT dwell into this, here).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
Holy Spirit can be like a guest in your home; He may NOT be <u>with you</u> with some
of the things you do in your home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
if you just “park Him at one corner, and show Him the sign, “Don’t interfere”,
He may just sit there and do nothing, and is grieved by you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
we honestly want to please God and be satisfactory to Him, we should be giving
the Holy Spirit free reign in us; that we should allow Him to prompt us,
anything and everything that irks Him, and we have to response positively to
His promptings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we ignore His
prompting, then He may stop prompting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Spirit of God does NOT generally go round overwriting your
volition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Seeking after God is
allowing the Holy Spirit to tells us what we are to do or NOT to do, and we
following such dictates of the Spirit.</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In the psalms, we read this: Ps 105:4 - <span style="color: #0070c0;">Look to the Lord and his strength; <u>seek his face <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">always.</b></u> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>The Hebrew word for face, here, is the
same word also translated as presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This means we are to seek God’s presence always, remembering now that it
is NOT mere presence, but God’s presence as in <u>He is <strong>WITH</strong> us</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We look to Him in our endeavour, and rely on
His strength; and this means we exercise faith for the endeavor; we do NOT
depend fully on our own strength.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><u>People
tended to forget that the presence of God can be good or bad</u>; it is good when
He is WITH you; bad, and can be very bad indeed, if He is AGAINST you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we seek His presence, we have to get to “He
is WITH us”. These verses from Hebrews 10 remind:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Hebrews
10:26-31 - <span style="color: #0070c0;">26 <u>If we deliberately keep on sinning
after we have received the knowledge of the truth</u>, no sacrifice for sins is
left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that
will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died
without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much more
severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son
of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant
that <u>sanctified them</u>, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know
him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will
judge his people.” 31 <u>It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the
living God</u>. </span><span style="color: black;">[This definitely is referring to believers]</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For
another NT text on “seek God” is NOT a one-off thing, we look at Acts 15:17<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Acts
15:17 - <span style="color: #0070c0;">that the rest of mankind may seek </span>{seek
after [KJV]}<span style="color: #0070c0;"> the Lord, even all the Gentiles <u>who
bear my name</u>, says the Lord, …<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
context of this verse is that Paul and Barnabas had gone to the Council at
Jerusalem and talked to the Council concerning what God had been doing among
the Gentiles (including signs and wonders).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Apostle James was here quoting what was happening was in agreement with
what the prophets had said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can see
that the text said that, that <u>even believing Gentiles</u> might seek after
the Lord; and so, the “seeking God” is NOT referring to just non-believers
seeking God (or that when any of them do find God, that would spell the end of
their seeking God).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We, as Gentile believers,
are to seek after the Lord; in fact, be seeking after the Lord, always.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Another
NT text pointing to seeking rather than a one-off "searched and found", is this
Colossian text, Col 3:1-2.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Col
3:1-2 –<span style="color: #0070c0;"> 1 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Since,
then, you have</u></b> been raised with Christ, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>set your hearts on</u></b> things above, where Christ is, seated at
the right hand of God. 2 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Set your
minds on</u></b> things above, not on earthly things.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
things above, in the Colossian text refers to the Lord and things of the
Kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord was from above; Jesus
said this, in John 8:23, “…, <span style="color: #0070c0;">"You are from
below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
text began with <u>since </u>our entry into salvation, meaning “from then on,
we are to ….[do certain things]”; and then, setting our hearts on something,
clearly carries the connotation of perseverance of a position/posture taken;
and perseverance necessarily involves length of time, like in one’s life or
one’s walk, with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are still NOT
convinced of the connotation, see this OT verse from 1 Chronicles 22.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">1
Ch 22:19 (KJV)<span style="color: #0070c0;"> - Now <u>set your heart and your
soul</u> to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>seek the LORD</u></b>
your God;…. </span>(ESV)<span style="color: #0070c0;"> - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now <u>set your mind and heart</u> to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>seek the Lord</u></b> your God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
context of this 1 Ch 22 text is that King David was speaking to his son,
Solomon; following this command, he, David, asked his son, Solomon to build the
Temple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Solomon was instructed to set
his heart and soul to be seeking the LORD always, but we know from Scripture,
later in life, King Solomon, neglected this command; he sinned, neglected to
purify his heart and was double-minded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Solomon
was persuaded by his concubines to support the worship of pagan gods, including
building high places for the pagan gods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For this failure of King Solomon, the United Monarchy of Israel got
split; the house of David ended up with only Judah in the south, with the
Benjamin tribe still loyal to the house; the rest of the 12 Tribes (10 of them)
broke away, after King Solomon’s rule.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Here
is another warning by King David to his son, Solomon: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">1
Ch 28:5-10 (KJV)<span style="color: #0070c0;"> - 9 And thou, Solomon my son, know
thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a
willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the
imaginations of the thoughts: if thou <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>seek
him</u></b>, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast
thee off for ever. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
hope it is clear enough that it is foolhardy to think that once we have
converted (into a believer), we have done seeking God and the things of God. </span></u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">God is holiness and
righteousness; and He is unchanging; us?! We have to continue to pursue His
Kingdom and His righteousness in order to walk with Him - one who is holy and
righteous; and it is also, we need to walk with Him in order that we can be
victorious in our pursuit of His Kingdom and His righteousness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
John 15, Jesus spoke about the mutual abiding of the vine and branches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is the vine, we believers are the
branches. Is it you are converted, you are done seeking?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, let me explain below: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus said in John 15:3, “<span style="color: #0070c0;">You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to
you.</span>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, for the transitional phase
of Jesus was still walking the earth, the disciples were converted by the word/teaching
of Jesus (they had received in).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus
said they were made clean by His word (forgiven, atoned for).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>However, immediately after that</u>, in v4, Jesus
added, “<span style="color: #0070c0;">Abide in me, as I also abide in you. No
branch can bear fruit by itself; it must abide in the vine. Neither can you
bear fruit unless you abide in me.</span>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is indeed, Jesus has come, and we have been cleansed (forgiven and
atoned of our sins, when we entered into salvation), yet Jesus added that we
are to abide in Him; NOT just He will abide in us; but we are to abide in Him
[first], and He will [continue to] abide in us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
is all the abiding for?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so that
the branch can go on to be fruitful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>People have to understand, what fruit is borne is NOT determined by the
branch but the vine; in other words, it is NOT the vine follows after the
branch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fruit is the fruit of the
vine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What it means is that we seek
after God and NOT the other way round; He is the unchanging one; we are to ones
who need to be changing/be transformed continually by seeking after Him and
the things of His kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
v8 of that John 15, Jesus said, “<span style="color: #0070c0;">This is to my
Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my
disciples.</span>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does this
suggest? It is suggesting, from the fruit of your life (your living), people
can see you are indeed the branch of the vine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You and I got to be bearing the same fruit as the vine, and it is the
fruit of the vine, NOT our own fruit. This cannot result unless you and I are
abiding branches to the vine, or we are seeking after God and the things of
God, on-going. If you are trying to bear your own fruit instead of His fruit,
He is NOT WITH you, on the other hand when you are bearing His fruit, He is
WITH you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
is our own fruit and that of the vine?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
former is fruit of our flesh {fallen flesh}, the latter, of the spirit, the
Spirit of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Getting yourself to be
led by the Spirit of God is to be seeking after God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture (Rom 8:14) has it as “<span style="color: #0070c0;">For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the
</span>[true]<span style="color: #0070c0;"> sons of God.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Anthony Chia,
high.expressions</span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p>Comments are welcome here. Alternatively, email them to me @: <a href="mailto:high.expressions@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">high.expressions@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> Or just email me your email address so that I can put you on my blog (new entry) notification list. To go back to blog main page, click </span><a href="http://high-expressions.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">. </span></o:p></span></div>
high.expressions (Anthony Chia)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15796568536820239102noreply@blogger.com0