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    THE KINGDOM OF GOD

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    "THE KINGDOM OF GOD" AUDIO BLOG

    "But He said, 'Leave the children alone, and do not forbid them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" Matthew 19:14
    ​
    "You are not far from the kingdom of God."

    Mark 12

    28 "Then one of the scribes [an expert in Mosaic Law] came up and listened to them arguing [with one another], and noticing that Jesus answered them well, asked Him, 'Which commandment is first and most important of all?'

    29 Jesus answered, 'The first and most important one is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord; 

    30 and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul (life), and with all your mind (thought, understanding), and with all your strength.’ 

    31 This is the second: ‘You shall [unselfishly] love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.'

    32 The scribe said to Him, 'Admirably answered, Teacher; You truthfully stated that He is One, and there is no other but Him; 

    33 and to love Him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to [unselfishly] love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.' 

    34 When Jesus saw that he answered thoughtfully and intelligently, He said to him, 'You are not far from the kingdom of God.' And after that, no one would dare to ask Him any more questions."


    Jesus said, when you love Him and love your neighbor as yourself, an unselfish love, 'you are not far from the kingdom of God.'

    Heavenly Father, let it be so, in Jesus' Name! Hallelujah. Praise God. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
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    THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL

    LOVE THE HOLY SPIRIT popular-bible-stories-and-more

    "THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL" AUDIO BLOG

    "But earnestly desire and strive for the greater gifts [if acquiring them is going to be your goal].

    And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one of the choicest graces and the highest of them all: unselfish love]." 1 Corinthians 12:31

    "Love never fails [it never fades nor ends]. But as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for the gift of special knowledge, it will pass away." 1 Corinthians 13:8

    Love never fails, never fades away, nor ends.

    "And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love."
    1 Corinthians 13:13


    'THE CHOICEST GRACES':

    1. Faith

    2. Hope

    3. Love 


    'The greatest of these is love.'


    1 Corinthians 12

    The Use of Spiritual Gifts

    1 "Now about the spiritual gifts [the special endowments given by the Holy Spirit], brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 

    2 You know that when you were pagans, you were led off after speechless idols; however you were led off [whether by impulse or habit]. 

    3 Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the [power and influence of the] Spirit of God can say, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is [my] Lord,” except by [the power and influence of] the Holy Spirit.

    4 Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers]. 

    5 And there are [distinctive] varieties of ministries and service, but it is the same Lord [who is served]. 

    6 And there are [distinctive] ways of working [to accomplish things], but it is the same God who produces all things in all believers [inspiring, energizing, and empowering them]. 

    7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit [the spiritual illumination and the enabling of the Holy Spirit] for the common good. 

    8 To one is given through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] the message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] the word of knowledge and understanding according to the same Spirit; 

    9 to another [wonder-working] faith [is given] by the same [Holy] Spirit, and to another the [extraordinary] gifts of healings by the one Spirit; 

    10 and to another the working of miracles, and to another prophecy [foretelling the future, speaking a new message from God to the people], and to another discernment of spirits [the ability to distinguish sound, godly doctrine from the deceptive doctrine of man-made religions and cults], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, and to another interpretation of tongues. 

    11 All these things [the gifts, the achievements, the abilities, the empowering] are brought about by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, distributing to each one individually just as He chooses.

    12 For just as the body is one and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, form [only] one body, so it is with Christ. 

    13 For by one [Holy] Spirit we were all baptized into one body, [spiritually transformed—united together] whether Jews or Greeks (Gentiles), slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit [since the same Holy Spirit fills each life].

    14 For the [human] body does not consist of one part, but of many [limbs and organs]. 

    15 If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” is it not on the contrary still a part of the body? 

    16 If the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” is it not on the contrary still a part of the body? 

    17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole [body] were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 

    18 But now [as things really are], God has placed and arranged the parts in the body, each one of them, just as He willed and saw fit [with the best balance of function]. 

    19 If they all were a single organ, where would [the rest of] the body be? 

    20 But now [as things really are] there are many parts [different limbs and organs], but a single body. 

    21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 

    22 But quite the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are [absolutely] necessary; 

    23 and as for those parts of the body which we consider less honorable, these we treat with greater honor; and our less presentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 

    24 while our more presentable parts do not require it. But God has combined the [whole] body, giving greater honor to that part which lacks it, 

    25 so that there would be no division or discord in the body [that is, lack of adaptation of the parts to each other], but that the parts may have the same concern for one another. 

    26 And if one member suffers, all the parts share the suffering; if one member is honored, all rejoice with it.

    27 Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body, and individually [you are] members of it [each with his own special purpose and function]. 

    28 So God has appointed and placed in the church [for His own use]: first apostles [chosen by Christ], second prophets [those who foretell the future, those who speak a new message from God to the people], third teachers, then those who work miracles, then those with the gifts of healings, the helpers, the administrators, and speakers in various kinds of [unknown] tongues. 

    29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 

    30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 

    31 But earnestly desire and strive for the greater gifts [if acquiring them is going to be your goal].

    And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one of the choicest graces and the highest of them all: unselfish love]."


    Or, as the King James version tells us at 1 Corinthians 12:31, "    But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way," which is followed immediately in 1 Corinthians 13, describing the 'excellence of love.'

    Unselfish love is a gift from God, God's choicest grace (favor) for man​, and one for which we should earnestly desire and strive.

    Hallelujah. Praise God. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
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    AWAKEN FROM YOUR SLEEP

    SIN AND FORGIVENESS god-is-speaking-are-you-listening

    "AWAKEN FROM YOUR SLEEP" AUDIO BLOG

    "Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame." 1 Corinthians 15:34

    All glory and honor and praise and thanksgiving to the One True God, our Heavenly Father. Let Your words and Your Will be mine, and let those with a mind to understand, see and hear. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

    In 2019, God told me that we are in a Spiritual War and a Spiritual Revival. A Spiritual War is not a war in the physical realm, but in the supernatural realm. Ephesians 6:12. (Also see my blog titled, 'The Narrow Gate" here) 

    You cannot be a warrior for God in this Spiritual War, but will only barely escape through fire 1 Corinthians 3:14-16, if you are not wearing the full armor of God. ​Ephesians 6:11-24. I know. Broken record. Praise God. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

    Now, as I have said before, we can see the Spiritual Revival happening all around us, here and there, thousands being brought to Jesus Christ. Amen. It was not until a couple of days ago, however, that I came to a very important realization. God turned on my light again, so to speak: The Spiritual Revival is around us, but more importantly, it is inside of us. 

    See more under 'My Testimony to God's Power.'

    So, when God's Spiritual Revival began, the world did not all of the sudden become darker. No, it has always been dark, because, as God said, men have nothing but evil thoughts continually. Genesis 6:5

    If the world did not become darker, then what did happen? Well, God is awakening His children. Some of us, 'believers,' have awakened from our sleep of spiritual complacency (Romans 13:11 below), and others continue to awaken.

    All of a sudden, murdering unborn babies at all, ever, but especially at nine months old in the womb, the day they are suppose to be born, became a real life horror movie, against everything Godly, or morally right. Or, silencing and censoring people on social(ism) media, who do not agree with you, which is called communism by the way. These are just a couple of in-your-face examples, but awakening is so much more. See my blog titled 'Sin No More.'

    Awaken from your sleep of spiritual complacency, or I will come like a thief in the night.

    Romans 13

    8     [2]Owe nothing to anyone except to [3]love and seek the best for one another; for he who [unselfishly] loves his neighbor has fulfilled the [essence of the] law [relating to one’s fellowman]. 

    9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet,” and any other commandment are summed up in this statement: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 

    10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor [it never hurts anyone]. Therefore [unselfish] love is the fulfillment of the Law.

    11 Do this, knowing that this is a critical time. It is already the hour for you to awaken from your sleep [of spiritual complacency]; for our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed [in Christ]. 

    12 The night [this present evil age] is almost gone and the day [of Christ’s return] is almost here. So let us fling away the works of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light. 

    13 Let us conduct ourselves properly and honorably as in the [light of] day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and irresponsibility, not in quarreling and jealousy. 

    14 But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for [nor even think about gratifying] the flesh in regard to its improper desires."

    Footnotes biblegateway.com

    1. Romans 13:2 An exception to this is recorded in Acts 5:27-29. See especially v 29.
    2. Romans 13:8 Debt is generally to be avoided, but Paul probably is addressing debt to individuals with whom one has a personal relationship.
    3. Romans 13:8 The key to understanding this and other statements about love is to know that this love (the Greek word agape) is not so much a matter of emotion as it is of doing things for the benefit of another person, that is, having an unselfish concern for another and a willingness to seek the best for other believers.

    'Now these things happened to them as an example and warning [to us]; they were written for our instruction [to admonish and equip us], upon whom the ends of the ages have come.' v. 11 below:

    1 Corinthians 10

    1 "For I do not want you to be unaware, believers, that our fathers were all under the cloud [in which God’s presence went before them] and they all passed [miraculously and safely] through the [Red] Sea; 

    2 And all [of them] were baptized into Moses [into his safekeeping as their leader] in the cloud and in the sea; 

    3 and all [of them] ate the same [1]spiritual food; 

    4 and all [of them] drank the same [2]spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. 

    5 Nevertheless, God was not well-pleased with [3]most of them, for they were scattered along the ground in the wilderness [because their lack of self-control led to disobedience which led to death].

    6 Now these things [the warnings and admonitions] took place as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did. 

    7 Do not be worshipers of handmade gods, as some of them were; just as it is written [in Scripture], 'The people sat down to eat and drink [after sacrificing to the [4]golden calf at Horeb], and stood up to play [indulging in immoral activities].'

    8 We must not indulge in [nor tolerate] sexual immorality, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand [suddenly] fell [dead] in a single day! 

    9 We must not tempt the Lord [that is, test His patience, question His purpose or exploit His goodness], as some of them did—and they were killed by serpents. 

    10 And do not murmur [in unwarranted discontent], as some of them did—and were destroyed by the [5]destroyer. 

    11 Now these things happened to them as an example and warning [to us]; they were written for our instruction [to admonish and equip us], upon whom the ends of the ages have come."

    Footnotes biblegateway.com
    1. 1 Corinthians 10:3 I.e. divinely provided manna.
    2. 1 Corinthians 10:4 I.e. divinely provided water from a rock.
    3. 1 Corinthians 10:5 Of all those adult Israelites who had been in bondage in Egypt, only Joshua and Caleb (along with those born in the wilderness) were allowed to enter the promised land.
    4. 1 Corinthians 10:7 The selection of a calf-god was probably inspired by the Egyptian bull-god Apis (Hapis), believed to be a living manifestation of the Egyptian god Ptah.
    5. 1 Corinthians 10:10 Perhaps a reference to the angel of destruction whom the rabbis called Mashhith.


    I had read  somewhere before that not everyone who left Egypt with Moses and the Israelites were allowed to enter the promised land, which was one of the reasons God took so long getting them there. All of the original warriors from Egypt had to die before the Israelites could enter. The warriors were too hardened and would not obey God. I had no idea, however, that it was only two people, Joshua and Caleb, from the original group that left Egypt, including Israelites, who were allowed to enter the promised land (along with others who were born during the 40-year trip). See v. 5 above, and footnote 3.

    The road to hell is wide and easy to find, but the road that leads to eternal salvation is narrow and difficult to follow, and few will find it. Matthew 7:13-14 These are not just words. Think about it. How could it be narrow and difficult to follow if all you have to do is say, I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior? That is easy, but it is just the first step. Anyone can speak words. But, can we obey God? That is what the Scripture repeatedly tells us to do, the apostles and God's prophets in the Bible tell us to do, Jesus Christ himself tells us to do, obey God:

    ​"    Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." Ecclesiastes 12:13.

    Do we think that God is not talking to us, that He is talking to someone else?     Awaken from your sleep [of spiritual complacency]' before it is too late. Also see my blog titled, 'Are You a Lukewarm Christian?'

    The world is broken, but YOU are not. God is moulding us. Let the pieces that no longer serve God fall off. Let God mould you into His Will, and     'Become, Become, Become.' (See "Become" poem by clicking here.)

    Let us all pray that God's children, His chosen, every one, awaken from their sleep of spiritual complacency, are not too hardened to obey Him, and will all be allowed to enter into the promised land. Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and obey God's precepts and commands. All glory and honor and praise and thanksgiving to the living God, the great I Am. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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    THE HOLY SPIRIT IS IN YOU

    THE HOLY SPIRIT my-testimony-to-god039s-power-testify-for-god-testimony
    "And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you." Romans 8:11
    God truly works in mysterious ways. Can you see all of the ways He works in your life?

    Heavenly Father, thank you for our many blessings. Thank you for not forsaking us. Let Your words flow through me and not my own. In Jesus' name. Amen.

    So, we did not go to church this morning. We had that 'nor'beaster' come through New England. We probably got 5 to 6 inches of snow at our house Saturday, and it was pretty windy all afternoon and night. I prayed this morning and asked God if we should go to church today, which I try to do on a regular basis. We live about 30 minutes away. Anyway, I kept getting the same answer, No. I had no idea why, but we stayed home.

    Instead, I pulled up our church service on Facebook, and sang along with the Worship Team. When I opened the service on Facebook, my husband said something like, Hey, it is just like being in church. I said, Yeah, but not really, I don't feel the Holy Spirit here, or the Holy Spirit isn't here, something like that. So, I was singing along with the worship songs, and the Holy Spirit came over me, at home, and I began to sob uncontrollably while I was singing, still trying to get the words out. First, it felt like a sense of shame for the life I had lived, and then a sense of the love of the Father, who saved us by His grace, or favor, for no other reason than He loved us. 

    God was reminding me that the Holy Spirit is inside us, believers, and, therefore, He is wherever we are.  I mean, of course I knew that, but the Holy Spirit was reminding me. Perhaps, God told me not to go to church today, so I could be reminded of that, or perhaps He spared me the embarrassment of breaking down and sobbing uncontrollably in front of the church congregation. Praise God. Thank you, Jesus. 

    Stop what you are doing. Raise your hands in the air. Give all glory, honor, praise and thanksgiving to God, Most High, the great I Am, and watch Him come right down where you are standing, and ". . . fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises." Romans 15:13

    Romans 8:9 - But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

    Hallelujah. Praise God. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

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    HUMBLE YOURSELVES

    PRAYER god-is-speaking-are-you-listening

    "HUMBLE YOURSELVES" AUDIO BLOG

    "Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose]." James 4:10

    Heavenly Father, thank you for hearing our prayers, and promising healing, restoration, and the peace that passes all understanding, if we pray. Let Your words flow through me and not my own. Let those with ears to hear, hear. In Jesus' name. Amen.

    Praying is new for me. I think that is another part of the reason why I started attending Saturday Night Prayer Meeting at church. I was hoping to hear people pray, so I could get a clue, and also, hopefully, the courage to pray out loud with other people. Of course, I now realize that it was not courage that I needed, but the Holy Spirit, because if you have the Holy Spirit, then God will give you the words to say at the right time:

    "For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict." Luke 21:15

    Knowing that still does not break down 'the Wall' we have put up around ourselves, which comes from a  lifetime of self-conditioning to keep people away. I say, "we," because I know I am not the only one. I have heard too many people say, even recently, that they like animals more than they like people, or even, God forbid, 'I hate people,' which a family member told me very recently.

    Since some coincidences, however, are God-scheduled opportunities, I took that opportunity with my family member to tell her what I had learned about hating recently. I said something like, I was there (hating people) not long ago, but I love them now. It is hard, but you have to look at everyone as if they are you.

    Thank God, she is on her own path with God, and she replied, 'You know what is so weird? I had that exact same thought yesterday. I was judging someone. I literally thought to myself, what I would have said in her position.' 

    Praise God. God is Great - All the Time!

    ​LOVE EVERYONE

    ​Hate Evil:  ​Proverbs 8:13

    Love Your Enemies:  Matthew 5:46

    Bless those who curse you:  Matthew 5:44


    Now, God's Word literally tells us everything we need to know to have productive, happy, fulfilling, and abundant lives, now and in life everlasting. Jesus boiled down all of the Law and the prophets that were prior to Him into two things, two things that could change the world: Love God with all of your heart, mind and soul, and love your neighbor as if it were yourself.

    That is it! Most, if not all, of God's blessings are unlocked by loving Him and others: tithing, offerings, meditation, healing, prayer, which brings me back to the topic of this blog: Prayer.

    We only began attending church at the end of 2021. I had been watching some Pentecostal sermons online during the lockdowns, and was hoping to find a Pentecostal church. However, when there is a church a half a mile from your house, you have to give it a shot, so we did.

    Lovely church, lovely people. It could have been home, except it was missing one very important element to me: The Holy Spirit. Not only could you not feel the presence of God in the church, it felt almost stifled. We attended only twice, and then started looking again. 

    Thank God, we found our current church. I really believe the presence of God is in the entire church building all of the time.

    Prayer is a big part of the church. After each worship service, we have a prayer time. Our pastor has always encouraged people to come up to the altar and pray. Again, I am new to prayer, and to God for that matter, but what I know is that God has been talking to me for three or four years now, and almost all of that time I was not even attending church.

    Really, I just started praying more regularly, other than at meals, in the last couple of years, in my home, in the shower, in the bed half asleep in the middle of the night, occasionally getting up and praying, but never on my knees. I mean, it hurts.

    So, recently, the last couple of services, Pastor has been encouraging us to kneel to pray (at the altar, in the pew, wherever). Again, I was like ugh. There is a little bit of guilt then, for not kneeling, which probably comes from the Holy Spirit, so I got up and kneeled to pray when he said it. But, again, ouch.

    In the back of mind, I am thinking, God listens no matter where you pray. I know this firsthand. So why should I cause myself pain? Forgive me, Lord, and Pastor David.

    Then, today, because God is Great All the Time, this showed up as the Verse of the Day on biblegateway.com:

    "Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose]." James 4:10

    Now, as I have written about many times recently, we know God's Word is alive and powerful. I also KNOW that the Holy Spirit is present in my church. Knowing those two things, and now knowing the Scripture James 4:10 above, I would be pretty dumb not to humble myself in the presence of the Lord by kneeling.

    God's Word tells us to do this one thing, humble yourself in His presence, and be exalted, raised in character, elevated, raised high. 

    Merriam-Webster

    Definition of exalt:

    1: to raise in rank, power, or character
    2: to elevate by praise or in estimation
    4: to raise high

    So, do you have to kneel, or even pray around the altar? No, of course not. We have something called 'free will,' and it allows us to do pretty much whatever we want, within the law, and hopefully within some moral limits.

    To activate God's blessings, however, we have to obey Him. His Word is written for us, to tell us how to activate His Power on earth, and, of course, in eternal life everlasting.

    Kneeling, as a sign of respect for, and surrender to, the One who created all things, may hurt for a moment, but the blessings may very well last a lifetime. 

    "O come, let us worship and bow down,

    Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker [in reverent praise and prayer]." Psalm 95:6

    And, of course, in the end, we know that every knee will bow to Jesus, and every tongue confess to God. Romans 14:11-12

    This body of flesh is temporary. This pain is temporary.     God forbid we ever forget the pain Jesus endured for us ​(see video below). Isaiah 53:5-12

    Hallelujah. Praise God. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
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    SIN NO MORE

    SIN AND FORGIVENESS god-is-speaking-are-you-listening

    "SIN NO MORE" AUDIO BLOG


    ​Have you heard people say, 'once saved, always saved'? What does it mean? Can you continue to sin after you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and still expect to receive eternal life?
     
    Ephesians 2:8-9:

    8 "For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

    9 Not of works, lest any man should boast."

    God's Word does tell us that we are saved by His grace, and not by works, but it also tells us many other things about what He expects from us. As a matter of fact, practically the entire Old Testament is God telling us what He expected from the Israelites, and then the Gentiles at the time. We now have the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins, but does that mean we should continue to sin, breaking God's precepts and commandments? God forbid!

    Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 5:

    18 "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

    19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

    Will we be called 'the least' or 'great' in the kingdom of heaven?

    Still, that doesn't sound too bad, right? At least we are in the kingdom of heaven, right? Nope, wait. There is more!

    Hebrews 10:26 is probably familiar to most of us: "For if we go on willfully and deliberately sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice [to atone] for our sins [that is, no further offering to anticipate],"

    Seldom, however, do I see the remaining verses, 27 through 30, quoted with v. 26, especially v. 30:

    30 “For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine [retribution and the deliverance of justice rest with Me], I will repay [the wrongdoer].” And again, 'The Lord will judge His people.'” 

    "And again, 'The Lord will judge His people.'" Who are 'His people'? Taking the two verses 26 and 30, as if they are in the same context, the Scripture is referring to the ‘believers’ in Jesus Christ. ‘The knowledge of the truth,’ received in v. 26 comes from the Holy Spirit, which believers can receive only after having accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6

    Likewise, Romans 14:10-12 tells us that we will ALL (believers) stand before the judgment seat of Christ and confess, and give account of ourselves, to God.

    We know that God will have compassion and mercy on whom He chooses. Romans 9:15. 

    Should we abuse, or take advantage of, God's grace or good favor? God forbid!

    Romans 6

    1 "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

    2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"

    Jesus said, Sin No More!

    "Afterward Jesus finds him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, you are made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing befall you." John 5:14

    “She answered, ‘No one, Lord!’ And Jesus said, ‘I do not condemn you either. Go. From now on sin no more.’” John 8:11

    Jesus also said, "For it is not those who merely hear the Law [as it is read aloud] who are just or righteous before God, but it is those who [actually] obey the Law who will be justified [pronounced free of the guilt of sin and declared acceptable to Him]." Romans 2:13
     
    Sin No More!
     
    ‘Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Matthew 5:18-19 Amen.

    Jesus says, Repent or Perish (Luke 13 below)

    The definition of 'repent' is not to simply accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. The definition of 'repent' is to turn away from sin!
     
    Likewise, the definition of ‘righteous’ is not to simply accept Jesus Christ either. Would you be surprised to find out that ‘righteous’ means to obey God? Or, Sin No More!
     
    "For it is not those who merely hear the Law [as it is read aloud] who are just or righteous before God, but it is those who [actually] obey the Law who will be justified [pronounced free of the guilt of sin and declared acceptable to Him]." Romans 2:13

    The unrighteous, guilty, sinful, sexually immoral, liars, murderers, adulterers, thieves, will not inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
     
    Luke 13

    Repent or Perish

    1 "Just at that time some people came who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate [the governor] had mixed with their sacrifices.

    2 Jesus replied to them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans because they have suffered in this way? 

    3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways and live changed lives], you will all likewise perish. 

    4 Or do you assume that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed were worse sinners than all the others who live in Jerusalem? 

    5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways and live changed lives], you will all likewise perish.”

    Parable of the Fig Tree

    6 Then He began telling them this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree that had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it, but did not find any;

    7 so he said to the vineyard-keeper, ‘For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree and have found none. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground [depleting the soil and blocking the sunlight]?’

    8 But he replied to him, ‘Let it alone, sir, [just] one more year until I dig around it and put in fertilizer;

    9 and if it bears fruit after this, fine; but if not, cut it down.’”

    Some Historians note that the Galileans were probably at the Temple offering sacrifices, when Roman Governor Pilate’s soldiers came through and killed them all at the sacrificial altars, thereby mingling their blood with the slain lambs’ blood. Pilate wanted more money from the Temple treasury, but the Jews refused, so Pilate sent men dressed as citizens, and armed with daggers, into the crowds, demanding money, and killing whomever resisted.
     
    The Jews who were reporting this to Jesus in v. 1 above were implying that they were better than the Galileans because they did not die like that. And, v. 4.
     
    Notice that Jesus repeats v. 3 again at v. 5, showing a sense of urgency: "I tell you, no; but unless you repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways and live changed lives], you will all likewise perish.” 

    Jesus' answer shows that the Jews who told Him about the Galileans believed that God had permitted them to be killed due to their sins. Jesus was letting them know, in no uncertain terms, that those who died were not necessarily greater sinners, but rather the Jews should themselves repent, turn away from sin, and that if they did not repent, they would all perish as well.
     
    So, considering in context Luke 13:1-5, as well as the 'Parable of the Fig Tree’ which follows Luke 13:6-9, as with much in the Bible, there is a lot of debate about whom the fig tree and the vineyard represent.
     
    Let’s focus on what we do know from the parable. God is looking for fruit on the trees. Surely, He would do the same with His vineyard. He has given us a season to change our lives, before the trees that do not produce fruit are cut down. v. 9. Praise God. Amen. 

    Again, 'repent,' which Jesus himself tells us to do, means to turn away from sin. Sin No More!
     
    Romans 2

    3 "But do you think this, O man, when you judge and condemn those who practice such things, and yet do the same yourself, that you will escape God’s judgment and elude His verdict?

    4 Or do you have no regard for the wealth of His kindness and tolerance and patience [in withholding His wrath]? Are you [actually] unaware or ignorant [of the fact] that God’s kindness leads you to repentance [that is, to change your inner self, your old way of thinking—seek His purpose for your life]?

    5 But because of your callous stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are [deliberately] storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed."
     
    Romans 2

    14 When Gentiles, who do not have the Law [since it was given only to Jews], do instinctively the things the Law requires [guided only by their conscience], they are a law to themselves, though they do not have the Law.
     
    15 They show that the essential requirements of the Law are written in their hearts; and their conscience [their sense of right and wrong, their moral choices] bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or perhaps defending them 
     
    16 on that day when, as my gospel proclaims, God will judge the secrets [all the hidden thoughts and concealed sins] of men through Christ Jesus.
    ​

    Sin No More! 'Lest a worse thing befall you.' John 5:14 above.

    "Then when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death." James 1:15

    Romans 14

    5 "But because of your callous stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are [deliberately] storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. 

    6 He will pay back to each person according to his deeds [justly, as his deeds deserve]: 

    7 to those who by persistence in doing good seek [unseen but certain heavenly] glory, honor, and immortality, [He will give the gift of] eternal life.

    8 But for those who are selfishly ambitious and self-seeking and disobedient to the truth but responsive to wickedness, [there will be] wrath and indignation.

    9 There will be tribulation and anguish [torturing confinement] for every human soul who does [or permits] evil, to the Jew first and also to the Greek,

    10 but glory and honor and inner peace [will be given] to everyone who habitually does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

    11 For God shows no partiality [no arbitrary favoritism; with Him one person is not more important than another]."

    God is very patient with us. He is waiting for us to bear good fruit (our thoughts, words, actions, deeds) in the name of Christ Jesus! 

    "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

    "Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you." Revelation 3:3

    "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Revelation 22:12
     
    See my blog titled, ‘The Harvest,’ for My Testimony to God’s Power, and how important it is to Wear the Full Armor of God, so you can withstand the wiles of the devil, and pass your ‘test.' 

    The Time is at Hand.
    ​
    Jesus is coming like a thief in the night. Are you ready? Who will be left behind?
     
    Bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ! 2 Corinthians 10:5. And, ask and God will show you great and mighty things. Jeremiah 33:3

    Hallelujah. Praise God. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
         ​