(V.11) “Give us this day our daily bread.” Exhibits your: Honoring God by recognizing His power and asking for His help in your Christian experience.
The Physical Bread: (John 6:49) Jesus said; “Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. (Ex. 16:4-5) God, through Moses, gave Israel physical bread from heaven that would sustain their physical life. (Matt. 6:25-33 esp. V.33) God will provide the physical bread of life (V.33) if we seek the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness.
The Spiritual Bread: (John 6:32-35) Jesus said; “I am the bread of life.” (John 1:1-4) (V.1) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”
(1John 1:1-4) “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;” (V.3) “his Son Jesus Christ.”
(John 14:16-18 and 23-26 esp. V.26 keywords: whatsoever I have said to you) God and Jesus live in Christians (John 14:23 & Rom. 8:9) through the Holy Spirit. (Above paragraph) God’s Word (the Bible) is alive with Jesus. God’s Word (Jesus) is the spiritual bread of eternal life. Think about it.
(1Tim. 4:11 keyword: teach and 2Tim. 4:1-5 esp. V.2 keyword: preach) Paul was instructing Timothy what to teach and preach in the 1st and 2nd Books of Timothy, so the information contained in those two books applies to all Christians.
(2Tim. 3:16-17) “All scripture is given by inspiration (the divine breath: SEE Acts 2:1-4 esp. V.4 keyword: filled- defined: to imbue, supply to accomplish; the Holy Spirit giving to accomplish a task) of God, and is profitable for doctrine (learning, teaching), for reproof (conviction, evidence), for correction (straightening up again, reformation), for instruction in righteousness (justification): That the man of God may be perfect (fresh, complete), thoroughly furnished (to finish out, to equip fully) unto all good works.” Obviously, the divine breath (the Holy Spirit) reveals (John 6:63 & 16:12-15 and 1Cor. 10-13) God’s Holy Word to us.
(John 6:32-35) Jesus said; “I am the bread of life.” (John 5:24 & 6:63) Jesus words are the spiritual bread that gives everlasting life (2Tim. 2:15) “Study to show thyself approved (acceptable) unto God,”
Jesus is spiritual bread. (Matt. 4:4) Jesus said; “Man shall not live by bread (physical) alone but by every word (spiritual bread) that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (John 6:48-58) Your eternal destination (Rom. 1:18-28, Heb. 6:4-6 & Rev. 3:1-5) depends on God’s word. SO: Study God’s word for your eternal life. Pray (2Pet. 1:1-8) and ask God for knowledge (Eph. 1:17:18 & 5:17) understanding, wisdom and revelation as you study (Prov. 13:4, 2Pet. 1:5 & 10 then 3:13-18 esp. V.14 & 18) diligently then meditate about it which is to give God time to talk to you, through the Holy Spirit, in your heart (soul).
Have you ever wondered how God hears things?
Example: The Holy Spirit causes you to think about reading the Bible but you refuse and spend the evening playing video games or watching TV, all God heard you say was; “No, I don’t want to know you any better”, OR “No, I don’t want to know your living Word”, OR “No, I don’t want to know your Son any better”, OR (2Tim. 3:16-17) No, I don’t want your doctrine, reproof, correction, righteousness, I don’t want to be perfect and I don’t want to be furnished unto all good works.” See the definitions four paragraphs above. What would you think of you if you were God?
(V.12) “And forgive us our debts (faults, errors, sins), as we forgive our debtors (those who sin against us).” Exhibits your: #1) (Phil. 2:5-15 esp. V.12 <–read this) Understanding that the mind of Christ in you makes you a humble, obedient servant just like Jesus who forgave you of your horrid sins. #2) That un-forgiveness by you is actually judging which is sin. #3) (John 8:1-11 & Rom. 8:1-17 esp. V.15 keyword: bondage) That un-forgiveness by you leads to bondage.
#1) (Phil. 2:5-15 esp. V.5 keywords: mind which was in Christ) If you are a humble obedient servant (Mark 12:31) you will love your neighbor (one near by, or a countryman) as you do yourself. Hell and the lake of fire, eternal separation from God and being there with Satan the Devil is so horrible and so permanent would you really want anyone to go there?
#2) (John 5:22) The Father committed all judgment unto the Son. Are you sure you want to try to take Jesus’ job away from Him? Are you really qualified?
#3) Bondage: There are three types of sin: *1* Omission- not doing what God tells you to do. *2* Commission- doing what God tells you not to do. And *3* Attitude- displaying carnal (human nature with its frailties and passions) emotions (anger, malice, greed, hate, lust, stubborn, selfish, etc.) in an attitude that results in sinful words and actions or words. (Gal. 5:20, Eph. 4:29-31 & Col. 3:5-9) These three scriptures name some of the carnal emotions of attitude that lead to sins of words and actions.
Use hate as an example: Someone sins something so bad to you it is actually the worst thing that has ever happened to you. You hate them. You suffer while it eats at you and burns within you day after day, month after month and sometimes year after year. The hatred grinds ever deeper until it becomes part of you.
Meanwhile they are merrily living their life to the fullest and having a grand old time. You are in bondage to them because they have put themselves between you and God (Psa. 66:18 and Psa. 22:3 based on Eph. 2:8-22) because God will not accept your worship nor answer your prayers because you are in sin.
Your hatred is spoiling your life. Hatred is your emotion because you let it happen within you. YOUR WAR IS WITH YOURSELF NOT WITH THEM. God settles sin accounts, not you. I have seen, been with and witnessed to people who quit church because they had lost touch with God because of hatred and they died hating that person who sinned against them. That is a reality.
Another reality is that any carnal emotion such as lust, greed, wrath, envy, bitterness, malice, greed, covetousness, inordinate affection and etc. has the same power to destroy you if you let it.
A third reality is (Rev. 20:10-15 esp. V.10 keywords: devil & tormented day and night for ever and ever) was what they did to you worth them going to the eternity of the lake of fire to live with the devil forever. What if you go too? Can you imagine All the emotions there, how filled with hatred it is?
(Read: Luke 16:22-31) The man could (V.23) see into paradise, (V.24) talk, taste, feel (sense of touch)- was burning but couldn’t burn up and die- terror, (25) no help to be had- extreme resignation and disappointment, (V.26) was trapped forever with no way out- emotional horror, (V.27-30) understanding, memory, reason- made an argument based on reason, and concern- he loved his brothers, extreme helplessness, No matter how bad you can imagine it, it will be worse. BECAUSE: (Rev. 20:10-15 esp. V.10 & 14) he wasn’t even with the devil yet!
(John 8:36) Jesus said; “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:31-32) Jesus also said; “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples (learner, pupil) indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Jesus was talking to the whole church (Acts 2:1-4: founders of the church through the Holy Spirit) at that time! You must want the freedom Jesus offers. Humbly ask Jesus for help with all your heart and GET OVER IT!
(V.12 continued) God said if you will not forgive those who sin against you God will not forgive you of your sins.
SO
***Your Christian relationship with God, depending on your values, is directly proportional to your reaction to and your attitude toward what the world, its people and Church people offer you and do to you.***
(V.13) And lead (carry inward, bring in,) us not into temptation (put to proof, discipline, try), but deliver us from evil (evil in effect or influence, the devil, bad, lewd, malicious, wickedness): For thine is the kingdom (realm of sovereignty), and the power (able, miracle, mighty, strength), and the glory (dignity, honor, praise, worship), forever. Amen (so be it).
(V.13 cont.) “And lead us not into temptation:” (1John 2:16) “For all that is in the world, the #1) lust of the flesh, and the #2) lust of the eyes, and the #3) pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (Matt. 4:3 keyword: tempter- defined as tester, to entice, to try- trial, to prove) These three things are the exact spiritual recipe Satan, the tempter, (2Cor. 4:4) the god of this world, (2Cor. 11:13-15 esp. V.14) the illegitimate angel of light used against Jesus.
(Luke 4:1-13) (V.1-2) Jesus had been baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist and being full of the Holy Spirit returned from Jordan and was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness and was tempted forty days by the devil, Jesus had eaten nothing and he was hungry. Message to you: Satan, the devil, always strikes hardest when you are weakest.
#1) Lust of the flesh: (V.3) And the devil said unto him; “If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be bread.” Message to you: (Rev. 12:9-10 esp. V.10 keyword: accuser) “Are you sure you are even a Christian? A Christian doesn’t do what you just did!”
(V.4) Jesus answered; “It is written, that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Message to you: Physical bread sustains temporary physical life. (1Pet. 1:23) But the word of God gives eternal life.
#2) Lust of the eyes: (V.5-7) The devil took Jesus up onto a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and said; “All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.”
Can you imagine the great armies and armadas of warships, the piles of gold and jewels, the pomp and majesty of the royal courts and the fantastic array of Playboy bunnies of the time which were the beauties/hotties in the harems and the concubines that Satan showed Jesus?
Message to you: Satan can paint pretty pictures in your thoughts. (2Cor. 4:4) Satan is the god of this world. He has blinded the minds of them which believe not and he can cause them to do as he wills. Satan knew Jesus and he offered Jesus a huge price, all Satan had, the whole world. You aren’t as valuable as Jesus but you can name your price. The cheap price some Christians sell out for is amazing; sometimes one six pack starts it. Read: The Holy Spirit can be Blasphemed on this commentary. OR:
A friendly, flirty, interested smile from a waitress, a checkout clerk, a hunk or a hottie neighbor, someone at work, a revenge motive against husband or wife, the list is endless. OR: Satan exaggerates how wonderful and free your old life was and how much trouble, restriction and responsibility your Christian life will be.
It starts; “You’ve had a rough week, life is tough, take it easy, don’t go to all the trouble to get ready to go to church because you’ve got another tough week coming at you.” Name your price.
(V.8) And Jesus answered; “Get thee behind me Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou worship.” Message: (John 12:47-50) (V.50) Your everlasting (eternal) life depends on God’s word (V.48) because that is what will judge you. (2Tim. 2:15) Study to show thyself approved (accepted) (1Tim. 4:7) so you can refuse fables (fiction) and exercise thyself unto godliness (holiness, devout).
#3) Pride of life: (Luke 4:9-11) Satan brought Jesus to Jerusalem, set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said; “If thou be the Son of God cast thyself down from here: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.”
Message: Satan will try to cause you to doubt who you are; “A real Christian wouldn’t have done that or thought that.” (1John 1:7-10) Of course you have sinned and all other Christians have too but that doesn’t mean you are not a Christian. It means you are needy of God’s grace just like me and all the rest of us. We have already studied how we get forgiveness at the throne of grace.
(Luke 4:9-11) Satan quoted (Psa. 91:11-12) and he left out in all thy ways and added at any time and he took it out of context, meaning he applied it to the wrong situation to try to trick or provoke Jesus. Satan twisted the scripture.
(Luke 4:12) Jesus answered with “It is said, thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” Jesus answered with a true statement because it was what the rabbis and priests often said in their teaching because “to tempt the Lord thy God” is a sin of blasphemy and the rabbis and priests quoted (Deut. 6:16) where it is written; “Thou shalt not tempt (test) the Lord thy God.” SO: all of Jesus’ answers held true to God’s written word.
Message: It is insulting to God that imperfection would test (tempt) perfection, that sin would test sinless, that finite would test infinite, that pride would test (tempt) humility. (Matt. 11:29 & Phil. 2:5-11 esp. V.8 keyword: humbled) Jesus was humble. YET: (Matt. 28:18) Jesus has all power.
(Luke 18:10-14 key: both men were Jews, God’s chosen people) The Pharisee bragged to God by saying how righteous he is. That is shocking! What idiot would brag on himself to humble Jesus who has all power? Answer:
Message: (Rev. 12:9) Jesus was under assault by the serpent. So, study the serpent. A serpent twists when it crawls and Satan twists the scripture. A serpent is cold blooded and Satan will cold bloodedly help you destroy yourself just like he tried to do to Jesus. A serpent is camouflaged in his environment.
(Read these: 2Cor. 4:3-4, & 11:13-15 and Eph. 6:11-12) Satan operates in the same manner (2Cor. 11:14 keywords: Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light: key revelation: camouflage) as the Holy Spirit, he tempts you where you are, others in Australia, some in China, a bunch in Europe and me here all at the same time. (Eph. 6:11-12) He is an evil spirit leader and he is everywhere.
Message: Study the serpent. The serpent loves to stir and travel at night (2Cor. 4:4 keyword: blinded) and if your mind is blinded you are traveling in the dark with the serpent. The camouflaged serpent strikes his victim without warning from the stillness of ambush. Did Satan warn Jesus? No, but Jesus knew him.
Message: Study the serpent. (Luke 4:1-13) Satan did not say; (V.9-10) “Hey, this is Satan, I’m going to twist this scripture to fool you.” (V.5-7) “Hey, this is Satan, I’m going to make this sexy person available to you.” (V.9) “Hey, this is Satan, I’m going to help you become even more proud so God will hate you.” (V.3) “Hey, this is Satan, I’m going to show you worldly things are more important than Godly things.” Satan simply attacked! That’s what he will do to you.
Message: First: Jesus recognized Satan the serpent. (1Cor. 12:31) We are told to covet (desire) earnestly (zealously) the best gifts (1Cor. 12:10) and the discerning of spirits is one of them (Read this: Luke 11:9-13) so regularly ask God for that gift. How can you defeat your greatest enemy if you don’t even recognize Satan? Jesus defeated Satan by recognition and with God’s word. Study to show thyself approved.
Message: Study the serpent. First: Satan is a liberal, (Rom. 1:21-32) anything is OK except Jesus and His ways. (Psa. 139:13-16 esp. V.16 keyword: substance: Hebrew definition: unformed mass- see the first discussion on this website Home Page) Some Christians are liberal Christians and vote for abortion. Second: (Rom. 1:30 keywords: inventors of evil things) Satan fosters political correctness, it takes away free speech, destroys history (Lev. 16:22 & Rom. 1:18-24) and makes sin legal. Some Christians foster political correctness as being the correct way.
(Matt. 15:8-9) Jesus said; (V.8) “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. (V.9) “But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines (information, learning, teaching) the commandments of men.” In other words; “Just because it’s legal don’t make it right!”
Study the serpent. On this commentary, The Holy Spirit & You, scroll the menu to; Satan: A Study Guide and Teaching Manual, Part 1, click on that and study the serpent on all three parts (Luke 4:13) “And when the devil had ended all temptation, he departed from him from for a season.” No matter what you do Satan will be back to try again to destroy you. Now we continue with Jesus’ instructions on how to pray.
(Matt. 6:13 continued) “And lead us not into temptation”: God will let Satan tempt you as a test of your loyalty to God. Message: (Matt. 13:18-23) Compare Jesus words to what physical school was before the liberals took it over and made sure nobody could fail.
You studied a year, you took a test, if you passed you went on to the next highest grade, but if you failed you had to start the year over again. Eventually you either graduated or you quit (V.23) and went to work with what you had or (V.19-22) you turned out useless. PRAYER: “Lord God help me and guide me to learn thy word so I won’t fall behind when my time of temptation comes.”
(V.13) “but deliver us from evil (evil has many definitions and they are all bad, these three seem to apply here: #1) derelict, #2) the devil, #3) wicked)” PRAYER (also a continuation of the above prayer): “Lord God I’m afraid I don’t know enough because I’ve wasted time with foolishness and I’ve sinned without thinking about how badly I have hurt your feelings in making you ashamed (Rev.12:10) while the Devil accused me before you and how miserable, useless and sinful I look to you. Please forgive me of my sins.”
(V.13) “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen (so be it).” PRAYER: “Oh Lord God with great and abiding love, mercy and grace You have saved sorry, worthless me and let me enter into your beautiful kingdom. Thou has all power, (1John 2:12) I thank thee for thy forgiveness of my sins for Jesus’ name’s sake once again dear Father and I am thine to do with as thou will.
I know Lord Jesus I don’t deserve thy indescribable glory nor to be with you now that you have cleansed me with thy blood (Psa. 24:3-5) and please bathe this prayer in thy sanctity (Rev. 8:3) that when it is presented by the angel upon God’s golden altar it will be clean and holy and it will be pleasing unto Him.” Then you and I can continue our prayer with our individual special personal needs and what or whoever else and conclude with (John 14:13-14) “I ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
BUT: In the very next verse Jesus also said; (John 14:15) “If ye love me keep my commandments.” (Deut. 6:5, Mark 12:30, 1Pet. 7-9, 1John 2:15 & 1John 4:16-19) How much do you love Jesus?
THREE NOTES: #1 The two prayers given above are mine. You will have to figure out your own.
#2) Through understanding God’s word and God’s gift of spiritual discerning is the only way I can recognize and understand Satan.
#3) (James 4:6-10 esp. V.7 keywords: resist the devil, and he will flee from you.) Satan, the devil, is not afraid of me. He has had nearly 6,000 years to study mankind. He knows me and he knows you. I have no power by myself. (Matt. 28:18) Jesus has all power in heaven and in earth. (John 14:13) I am allowed to ask things in Jesus’ name and He will do it.
(Isa. 14:12-14) Satan decided he would be greater than God (Ezek. 28:13-17 esp. V.15) and iniquity (evil) was found in him when he called God a liar and caused Eve and Adam to fall from the Garden of Eden. That mind-set and action made Satan God’s adversary. (1Pet. 5:8) Satan is adversary (opponent as in a lawsuit, the main enemy of someone, arch-enemy: arch-enemy is defined as: one who is extremely hostile to someone or something: & Eph. 6:11-12 keywords: wiles: defined: trickery, to lie in wait: and wrestle: defined: the Christian’s struggle with the power of evil) to all Christians. (Heb. 2:14 & 9:14) Jesus broke the power of the devil when He bled and died so we could be saved from our sins. Jesus’ blood has power Satan cannot cross.
(James 4:6-10 esp. V.7 keywords: resist the devil, and he will flee from you.) I have only one hope in accomplishing that. “Satan, in the name of Jesus and by the power of His blood you get away from me.” No amen either you are not praying to him, you are giving him a command! Like a spiritual schoolyard bully Satan runs away when you bring your Big Brother Jesus into the fight! (1Sam. 17:45-51 esp. V.47) Its just like David did when he fought Satan’s prodigy Goliath because David said; “for the battle is the Lord’s and he will give you into our hands.” and he brought the Lord into the fight! (Luke 4:13) When Satan comes back again call on Jesus again.
THERE ARE PRAYERS GOD REFUSES TO HEAR
#1) (Acts 4:10-12 esp. V.10 keywords: Jesus Christ & V.12 keywords: none other name) Jesus Christ is the only “name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 3:19) The only prayer God hears from a lost person is the prayer of repentance to achieve salvation. (Acts 8:4) Everyone had heard of this new Jesus religion.
(Acts 10:1-48 esp. V.30-31) The church was just being formed and met in people’s houses. (John 6:44 & 12:32) Cornelius got the same invitation to hear preaching as do modern people. It was his time of drawing. He invited the preacher (Simon Peter) to his house. Simon preached and they got saved. Their situation was no different than it is now.
Complete details of the salvation process are given in the commentary Breath of Life. It is a proven witnessing article. I give out copies when I witness and it has started a lot of people on the road to salvation because they have come back and told me they had been saved. Just like this article, it is based on God’s word with the scriptures given, it goes into their soul and the Holy Spirit works with God’s word in their souls Please read it and, if it meets your approval, please give copies to your lost loved ones. It works.
(It is vital that you read this scripture. Prov. 1:23-31 esp. V.28 keywords: I will not answer) There are people who refuse salvation (John 6:44 & 12:32) during their time of drawing from God (Acts 3:19 keywords: when the times of refreshing shall come) when their time of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. When God’s offer of salvation is refused God will not hear you when you pray to Him later. God said it, He means it and I’ve lived it!
I lived it with a very dear friend to three generations of my family. He and my Dad had grown up together. He had gone to church when a young man and even sang in the choir but he had never accepted God’s offered salvation. It was awful when he looked me right in the eye while he was dying and said; “Jimmie, Buddy, God’s right here and he won’t hear me. I’ve missed it!”
(Prov. 1:23-31 esp. V.28 keywords: I will not answer) The story is in the article The Holy Spirit is Truth on this commentary, The Holy Spirit and You. Please read it because it’s important for everyone to know God’s offer of salvation has a time limit.
THE REST CONCERNS CHRISTIANS
#2) Countless times I have heard Christians request prayer in church; “I want you to pray for me that God will make me a better Christian.” God will not uncap an unwilling or lazy skull and pour knowledge into a human brain. God said; (2Pet. 3:18) “Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” God said; (2Tim. 2:15) “Study to show thyself approved (accepted).” (Matt. 13:1-8 then V.18-23, Heb. 6:4-6 & Rev. 3:1-6 esp. V.6 then V.14-22 esp. V.16 keyword: spue: defined: projectile vomiting) It chills my blood to think of what unaccepted means.
(2Pet. 1:2-10 esp. V.4 keywords: partakers of the divine nature) Only through knowledge which brings spiritual growth can a Christian be a partaker of the divine (godlike) nature (native disposition) of Jesus. (Mark. 12:30 & John 15:9 keyword in both: love) A love relationship is a relationship of passion for, dedication to, sacrifice for and doing together. God said; (Prov. 1:22) “fools hate knowledge.
What is God’s nature? God’s nature is the things God has expended on you; love, mercy, giving to, patience, kindness, helpfulness, sharing with and etc. (John 14:15-18 esp. V.17 keywords: Spirit of truth & 23 keywords: we will come to him and make our abode (dwelling place) with him) Christianity is a personal relationship with God/Jesus and just like any relationship the only way to know the other is to take the time to learn about them.
(Heb. 12:23-29 esp. V.25 keywords: “refuse not him that speaketh” which is the Bible, the written word of God) When a Christian won’t study God’s word all God hears us say is; No God, I don’t want to know you any better.” He is perfect, we are not and it is us who will have to do the changing. The more you learn about God/Jesus the more you will love Him and that will change you to be more like him.
(2Tim. 3:16) The scripture, the Bible, is what God said. It is your only true source of knowledge about God. (John 15:26 keywords: whatsoever I have said) If you ask in prayer; God, through the Holy Spirit, will help you understand what He says in the Bible but you must study God’s word to know God, God’s will and what God expects from you.
If you don’t study God’s word the Holy Spirit has nothing with which to work. And God will not make you a better Christian. Why should He if you aren’t interested enough to study and work to know about Him?
#3) (Psa. 66:18) “If I regard (advise self, approve, consider, enjoy, respect, provide, stare) iniquity (vanity, wickedness, idolatry, evil, unjust, vain, unrighteousness) in my heart (the feelings, soul, the center of you, self), the Lord will not hear me.”
EXAMPLES: (Prov. 6:17) Christians who approve of abortion, (Hab. 2:15 & 1Thess. 5:1-7) Christians who approve of mind altering drugs (check the chemical number of alcohol), and (Rom 1:21-32 esp. V.31-32 & 1Cor. 6:9-10) Christians who approve of homosexuality; God will not hear their prayers (1Cor. 11:13-15) but Satan will and his ministers will teach and preach Satan’s message.
(1Cor. 6:9-10 & 10:1-12 esp. V.6 keywords: our examples, Gal. 5:17-21, Eph. 4:23 thru 5:11 & Col. 3:2-9) These scriptures give lists of sins that Christians are not supposed to commit but we’ve all seen Christians and Christian leaders commit them. God will not hear their prayers.
(1John 1:7-10) If you do not confess your sins, (Rev. 2:5) repent and ask for forgiveness for your sins you can pray about other things until you are blue in the face and God will not hear you (Eph. 5:1-6 esp. V.5 keyword; unclean) because you are unclean (V.6) and “Let no man deceive you with vain (in an unreal way, to no purpose, empty, useless, to render foolish, neutralize, falsify) words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.”
#4) (James 4:1-4 esp. V.1 keyword: lusts- defined: to please self, sensual delight, desires, pleasure) “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss (badly physically or morally, diseased, evil, grievously, miserably, sick), that ye may consume (to spend, waste, squander) it upon your lusts (to please self, sensual delight, desires, pleasure).” Sensual is defined as gratification of the physical senses, carnality and indulgence of appetite. When a Christian asks for something because of selfish motives God will not hear your prayers. BECAUSE:
Please read these scriptures because your eternal life may hang in the balance according to your reaction to them! (Prov. 6:16-19) (V.16) “These six things doeth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination to him:” The first three in order are (V.17) “A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,” (1Tim. 6:3-6, 2Tim. 3:1, James 4:6, 1Pet. 5:5 & 1John 2:16) These are all scriptures concerning Christian pride. SO:
#5) (James 4:6 & 1Pet. 5:5) God will not hear the prayers of proud Christians.
#6) (Luke 18:11-14) God will not hear the prayers of self-righteous Christians.
#7) (Prov. 6:16-19) God hates a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood (abortion is one), a heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies and he that soweth discord among brethren. God will not hear the prayers of Christians who are guilty (unrepentant) of these sins.
(1Cor. 1:11-13 & 3:1-6 esp. V.3 keywords: ye are yet carnal) When you read all of the two books of Corinthians you will see a church that is caught up in carnality (human nature with its frailties and passions). I have seen a local pastor go to jail for child molestation. Another got on drugs and committed suicide. Deacons have stolen away other Christian’s wives.
I have seen Christians commit every sin named in the Bible and it goes on everywhere in the church from hole in the wall storefront churches to roadside churches to mega-church pastors and their congregations!
Every New Testament book from Acts to Revelation reveals sins by Christians in church. SO: (Rev. 1:3-4) (V.3) “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy (V.4) “from him”, (back to V.3) and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” (Rev. 1:17 thru 3:22) And the very first thing written in this prophecy is seven prophetic letters written to seven churches that are types of every church.
The Bible and church history shows there were many churches in existence in many countries and cities, Rome, Corinth, Colossae, Philippi, Galatia, Thessalonica, Tarsus and etc. So why these seven? Were all the other churches perfect? Of course not, don’t be ridiculous! Because it is prophecy and it is to all churches! AND: This prophecy is to all individual Christians in all churches.
To prove that point look at the church at Philadelphia. (Rev. 3:7-13 esp. V.10 keywords: I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.) There has never yet been a time of temptation (testing) to try all the people (them) on the earth at one time, (Rev. 16:1-21 esp. V.14 keywords: whole world) but it is coming.
Jesus said; (Matt. 7:21) “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Jesus also said; (Matt. 15:8-9) “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Jesus is saying; “Just because it’s legal don’t make it right.”
The argument that the above was said only to the Jews (Mosaic Law) is foolish (Matt. 5:1-2 keyword: doctrine thru 7:29) Jesus was teaching His disciples (learners) what would become grace church (Matt. 7:28) doctrine of necessary Christian lifestyle.
Ephesus: (Rev. 1:3 keywords: this prophecy) Jesus prophesied (Rev. 1:20 key: the churches are candlesticks- they give light & Rev. 2:5 keyword: fallen) this type of church (Ephesus) had fallen (drop away, be driven out of one’s course, to lose, become inefficient, fail) and Jesus said if they didn’t repent and do the first works (foremost in order of importance) works (primary toil, deeds) He would remove their candlestick. REMOVE A WHOLE CHURCH? That is what Jesus said!
Jesus said; (John 8:12) “I am the light of the world.“ (John 14:15-18, 23 & 23-26) Jesus and His Father will dwell with thee as the Comforter (Holy Ghost, Holy Spirit) (V.15, 21, & 23 keyword in all: love) in a love relationship. (John 15:5) Christians can do nothing (accomplish Godly work) without Jesus. (Matt. 5:14-15 keyword: candlestick) Jesus said Christians (the church) are the light of the world. If Jesus removes Ephesus’ candlestick the Holy Spirit (Jesus) will depart and their true light will be gone (2Cor. 11:3 & 13-15 then 2Cor. 4:4) and they are in the counterfeit light of Satan, the devil, that obscures (darkness) what God expects His church to be.
(Rev. 2:4) They had left their first (foremost in order of importance) love (Agape- the same kind of love Jesus had- selfless, sacrificial, giving, a relationship with). Jesus said; (Mark 12:30) “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart (life), and with all thy soul (self), and with all thy mind (intellect), and with all thy strength (physical power): this is the first commandment. (John 10:30 I and my Father are one) God does not take second best, backseat or leftovers and He is not a spare tire to keep hidden away only to jerk out and use when trouble comes!
(Lev. 18:22 keywords: Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind, it is abomination; Mal. 3:6 key: the Lord does not change; Rom. 1:1-28 esp. V.6-7 keywords: To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints; V.21 keywords: when they knew God; then V.24-27 key: their sexual activities and V.28 keywords: God gave them over to a reprobate- defined: rejected, castaway– mind- defined: soul): then Heb. 13:8 keywords: Jesus is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.) Ask the internet how many Christian denominations or parts of denominations accept homosexuality as a legitimate Christian lifestyle. Then read (Rom 1:26-27 keywords: affections- defined: passions; then natural use & against nature).
Sardis: (Rev. 3:1-6 esp. V.4 keywords: a few names) Jesus calls most of the Sardis congregation a dead church with imperfect works from which they need to repent or He will blot (smear out, obliterate, wipe away) out their name from the book of life.
The word blot, exaleipho in Greek, is the same Greek word, exaleipho, used in (Acts 3:19) “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted, exaleipho, (smear out, obliterate, wipe away) out. Either sin or name, if it is gone, it is gone forever.
Laodicea: (Rev. 3:14-22 esp. V.15-16) Laodicea is the rich church that feels like they need nothing and have failed to realize Jesus considers them wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. (V.15-16) They are the lukewarm church and Jesus said if they didn’t repent He would spue (projectile vomiting) them out of His mouth.
Do you actually think Jesus will vomit out Christians who make Him sick to His stomach into some back corner of heaven to stink there like a Saturday night drunkard’s splattered pile of Sunday morning’s stinking puke?
(Rev. 2:5, 16, 21-22, 3:3 & 19 keyword in all: repent- defined as- to think differently, to reconsider, a reversal of decision- all because of guilt) Jesus gave personal messages to the seven types of churches. Jesus told the whole churches of Ephesus, Pergamos, Sardis and Laodicea to repent. Jesus told parts of Thyatira church to repent.
(Rev. 2:8-11) Jesus told Smyrna church (V.9) He knew their works (toil, act, deed, doing), tribulation (pressure, affliction, anguish, persecution, trouble) and poverty (poor, indigent) but they were rich (fullness, abundance, valuable bestowment- obviously spiritual). (V.10 keyword: devil) Then Jesus said worse suffering would come but don’t be afraid and the devil would bring tribulation so bad they would be put to death but be faithful unto death and Jesus would give them a crown of life. Message: Don’t be afraid of what Jesus has already conquered (death and the devil). On this commentary please read the true story two-part article I Have Experienced Christian Physical Death.
Jesus told the Philadelphia church; (Rev. 3:7-13 esp. V.8) “I have set before thee an open door (a portal or entrance), and no man can shut it: thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” They still had to persevere and go through the door Jesus was holding open for them.
(Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26, 3:5, 12 & 21) Jesus told the individual Christians in all seven types of churches what they were doing wrong, what they were doing right, what they needed to do, how they needed to change and the opportunity He was offering them.
It was Jesus’ personal message (God’s Word) to each individual Christian and that is exactly what Jesus’ words in the Holy Bible say to each individual Christian (Acts 2:1-4) from the beginning of the church (Rev. 20:9-15) to the end of time as we know it.
(John 1:1-4 & 1John 1:1-4) God’s Word is alive. Jesus is the living Word of God. It is not just some words written on pages. It is God’s complete revelation of Himself brought to life by the Holy Spirit. Jesus advised the individuals in all seven types of churches; (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13 & 22) “He (singular) that hath an ear, let him hear (to listen, to understand) what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” And that advice applies to all Christians, everywhere, in all periods of time.
It is the basis of a Christian life. (Eph. 1:13-14) At salvation a new Christian receives the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 8:9) That is the only way to know you got saved. Salvation is not a guesswork situation. You did get saved or you did not. BUT: Jesus also said; (Luke 11:9-13) God will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him. It obviously means God has provided a way for Christians to receive more Holy Spirit power. (Phil. 2:5) In other words Jesus desires more of your life so He can more and more live through you. BUT:
The key to having an ever increasing closer relationship with Jesus is that (read these: 2Cor. 6:17 & 1John 2:15-16) you will have to give up worldly pursuits to make more room in your life for Jesus. It’s called spiritual growth. The way to become a stronger more productive Christian is obtained by study, prayer, dedication, obedience and a burning desire (passion) to serve God. Your whole Christian life is based on only one thing. How much do you love God?
Examples of worldly, carnal pursuits: If you joined a club today you would have to change your lifestyle to make time for your club meetings and various commitments. OR: If you became the coach of a team you would have to change your lifestyle to make time for your new commitment. It is the same principal when you make time to become a better Christian.
(read these: 2Cor. 6:17-18 & 1John 2:15-16) It is the same way when you make an ever greater commitment to let Jesus live through you and use your body for His purposes. (Matt. 13:18-23 esp. V.23 key: doing all you can do) This scripture actually explains Jesus’ (Rev. 1:19 thru 3:22) Revelation prophesy to the whole church.
Ultimately Jesus expects to be the number one focus in your life. (2Cor. 6:16-18 & 1John 2:15-17) Worldly pursuits do not give peace (John 15:27) Jesus does. Peace is being exactly where you need to be, at exactly the right time, doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing for Jesus.
It is not about doing works out of fear. It is not about working to make God owe me heaven. It is not about looking like super Christian to other people. It is about loving God and doing my best to make Him happy with my worthless little life. It’s a personal relationship of love.
THINK ABOUT THIS: (1Cor. 1:9-13 & 3:1-4 esp. V.1 keywords: carnal, babes V.3 keywords: envying, strife, divisions, are ye not carnal, V.4 keywords: are ye not carnal) The origin of denominations is given in the Bible! (Rev. 12:9-12) Satan, the Devil is a divider; (Gen. 3:1-24) starting with dividing Adam and Eve from God, (Ezek. 28:13-17 esp. V.17 keywords: lifted up: defined: pride) proud Lucifer (Isa. 14:12-14) has made himself a counterfeit god.
(2Cor. 11:13-15 keywords: angel of light) That counterfeit god divided the church into denominations (1Pet. 5:8) and like a roaring lion he hunts from ambush, divides the herd and brings down his prey. (1Cor. 1:9-13 & 3:1-4) Now we are stuck with denominations because weak, carnal, baby Christians started them. A much deeper study concerning denominations is located on the three article Introduction of the Sin in Church commentary.
(Luke 24:51) When Jesus ascended into heaven He took His body with Him. (John 17:19-21, Rom. 8:6-17 & 1Cor. 3:16) Individual Christians are the temple of God because the Spirit of God dwells within each of us. (1Cor. 12:27) The church is the body of Christ. (Eph. 1:13-14 & 2:22) Christians are the habitation of God through the Holy Spirit. Our, mine and yours, are the only hands, feet, mouth, eyes; our individual bodies are the only body Jesus has with which to do His work.
God knows all the things we are compelled to do with our day and He knows what we want to do with our day and He knows how much entertaining self we do with our day BUT have YOU ever prayed and said at the end of your prayer; “Oh Lord God please take my body and use it as you will to bring honor and glory to Your name”. (Rom. 12:1) “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
It is high time, maybe even past time, for all Christians to humbly pray and beg God to unite our denominational leaders through God’s whole word, put away all their pride, fast and pray and beg God in our unity to give us a Holy Spirit led and inspired interdenominational national revival and give America a third Great Awakening before God throws our nation into the trash heap of so many other great nations of antiquity.
How long has it been since you, each of you, (Psa. 66:18 keywords: if I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: iniquity is defined: trouble, vanity, wickedness, idolatry, evil, unjust, unrighteous) have said or heard a prayer that asked for forgiveness for sins, (Psa. 22:3 key: God inhabits the praises of Israel) that praised God, that told God they loved Him and followed (Matt. 6:9-13) Jesus’ prescribed method to conduct our prayer? OR: Have all the prayers been a rapidly spoken laundry list of wants so they can hurriedly go on about whatever their busy business is? You might think or even say Israel means those two scriptures are for the Jews. BUT:
(Rom. 2:28-29) (V.29) “But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” (Eph. 2:11-22) Gentile (non-Jewish bloodline) Christians are brought into the commonwealth of Israel and are fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God. (Rom. 8:9-17) (V.15) “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.“ Abba is an ancient Hebrew word of Chaldean extraction that is defined: Daddy. (V.16) “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:” (V.17) “And if children, then heirs of God; and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”
Sometimes the last two paragraphs above might cause some of you to think or even ask; “Well, becoming Christians is the ‘last step’ in getting to heaven but what about all those people who lived and died in their tribes or nations before Jesus came? Did they just fall through the cracks and go on to hell because they were born at the wrong time?” Then a person will feel guilty for having the thought that God might not be fair! Please see the one article commentary Is God Fair on this website.
GOD BLESS YOU.
NOTE: If you wish an in-depth study of these seven churches click on the commentary God, Satan and Man: The Relationship and read the menu articles from Part 28 through Part 36. END OF NOTE.