RSSGrowing in Grace and Knowledge
David L Lamon | January 23, 2010
1/23/2010
Growing in Grace and Knowledge
David L Lamon
The Question: Why would He give someone a chance to repent if He knows they will not. It would be like me asking my cat to bark.
I don’t have all the answers but this one thing I do know I have personally seen you worship God and witnessed how the spirit of God moved on you meaning the door is open to you. It was one night when you went to church with us and you yielded yourself to the spirit of God. Some things I can’t answer for you as of yet that appears to you a contradiction. I believe there are those called Nephilim (evil spirits that were sons of God that took wives and had children Genesis 6:4) that were fallen angels. Don’t ask me how this could happen because I don’t know but only that it did and apparently some are still around or at least the spirit of them remains. Genesis 6:4 there were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. In New Testament times; John 8:44 ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. I believe the Lord knows the heart of man, even his every thought and there are truths he will not share with those that are not of a humble and contrite spirit or have not made them self ready. An example of him knowing man’s thoughts would be; Luke 9:47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, The bible does tell us however we will be held accountable. Romans 14:12 so then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Since He is not willing that any should perish I have to at this point go with the understanding that everyone can be saved if they have given themselves over to the very foundation of the plan of salvation. If Acts 2:38 is obeyed, which is the revelation of the plan of salvation for the church today; however, the truth be told not everyone is going shake themselves loose from the traditions of man to bring themselves into compliance with what sayeth the word. Examples: Mark 7:8 for laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. Mark 7:9 and he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. He further admonished us; Galatians 1:8 but though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that, which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Many will not do this; 2 Thessalonians 3:6 now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. Today we have many religions that use the name of Jesus Christ but that doesn’t mean they are walking in obedience to the word of God but rather have the mindset of “well it was good enough for grandma, grandpa, mom and dad etc. so it is good enough for me”. The apostle’s answer to this; 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. Add to this the fact they won’t in earnest seek God and study for themselves the word. This is what he meant when he said, Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, fear work out your own salvation with and trembling. It is incumbent on us to; 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But not all will do it and he knows this hence some things he will not share with these. Paul ran into this same situation with people getting hung up on tradition; 1 Corinthians 3:4 for while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Therefore, 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? These divisions mostly caused from the traditions of man that lead to envying and strife put a wall if you will between them and their maturation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The more one walks with God and the more knowledge he acquires the easier it is to resist the devil and it is for this reason the devil does not want to see the child of God grow in grace and knowledge so he never ceases to place stumbling blocks along the way. As a young child in the grace of and knowledge of God and his righteousness Paul put it this way as an example of perseverance and determination to grow in knowledge and understanding of God. He did not let things he didn’t understand stand in the way. For example: 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. How? By not allowing himself to stall because of an understanding of something he did not yet have. He understood; 1 Corinthians 13:12 for now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Description of how the devil works to stop you in your tracks
One of Satan’s main goals to achieve success against God is this; Matthew 12:25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand. One must admit to a large extent he has been successful at this because take a look at all the diversity of doctrines of those who use the name Jesus but can’t all be right. It isn’t God that changes with the wind so it must be us. Malachi 3:6 for I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.
Psalms 10:4-11 the wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them. He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity. His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity. He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor. He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net. He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones. He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it. It is a fact Satan has willing accomplices in human form and uses them to perpetrate his falsehoods so until one is committed to live for God he will not get some things revealed to him. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 for such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. A common trait among these are; Romans 10:2-3 for I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 2 Timothy 3:5-7 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. There are many today that call themselves Christians and teach that all miracles and being filled with the spirit of God ceased at 1 Corinthians 13:10, which says; but when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. They make the claim this is talking about the bible when it is not, it is talking about the second coming of Jesus Christ. Proof of which is this; 2 Corinthians 3:6 who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth (bible), but the spirit (Holy Ghost) giveth life. In other words, the word without the spirit is dead.
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water (Holy Ghost that leads and guides into all truth). It says an awful lot doesn’t it such as John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John 13:19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. John 8:27 they understood not that he spake to them of the Father.
The devil knows a lot less than we give him credit for but when a truth is given and used he will seize upon it and twist it to make a falsehood out of it and the Lord knew this would be case, which is why it is necessary to be filled with the spirit of God to combat these falsehoods but at the time Jesus walked and taught those of that day did not have the indwelling of the spirit of God to lead and guide into all truth (John 14) so he spoke in parables. If they were really serious about learning all the truth they could they would continue to follow and worship him. One of these truths that comes only by revelation; Luke 10:22 All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. For many years since 325 A.D. even to this day the question of the Godhead is controversial. Is it a trinity or is it oneness? The majority opinion says it is trinity, which is false but because of the tradition of man it is accepted as truth without the individual proving this for himself. Paul warned; Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesying. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. As mentioned above we all will give an account of ourselves individually so Galatians 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. A righteous man is one that has the determination that in all he does is with faith and a contrite and humble spirit seeking only what will be pleasing to God. The first example of this is Jesus which is our example for everything. Matthew 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. Luke 23:46-47 and when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. While in the flesh all that Jesus did was to be pleasing to the Father and when he prayed regardless of what the flesh or human spirit desired he said; Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And as a result of this attitude of a righteousness this is what can be expected; James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Summation
There are many things none of us understand completely and these things should not be allowed to deter us to the point we can’t proceed to those things we can know. All things will be answered in their time so ask and it will be given. Acts 2:39 for the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. One cannot be called if he/she does not commit!
1 Peter 2:7-12 unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
End of the Matter
Proverbs 3:3-13 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
Hebrews 12:1-14 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
2 Peter 3:18 but grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.
—– Original Message —–
From: Brandon Pope
To: ldlamon@consolidated.net
Sent: Friday, January 22, 2010 8:50 PM
Subject: RE: 2nd Chronicles 7:14 and Parable of the Soils
It still seems to be a contradiction. Why would He give someone a chance to repent if He knows they will not. It would be like me asking my cat to bark.
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From: ldlamon@consolidated.net
To: wahoo100@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: 2nd Chronicles 7:14 and Parable of the Soils
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:24:14 -0600
That is a good question. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. With him being God like he knew Judas would betray him as told in the Old Testament he knew the majority of the crowd that followed him would turn away from him also and they did. Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: I can only tell you he will give a person every chance to repent and be born again. As far as does he know who will be saved and who will not since he is omniscient he probably does know. After all we know about the Lamb’s book of life and we know it is possible to be in that book and get one’s name blotted out of that book. Of course this goes in a different direction such as he that endures to the end will be saved (not as many teach; once saved always saved) and where Jesus said I would that you were cold or hot but because you are lukewarm I will spue you out of my mouth. While it is true no man can pluck a child of God out of his hand the person themself can. It is as Joshua said choose you this day. It is our choice! Then of course we have the parable of the five wise virgins and the five foolish virgins. The foolish virgins didn’t stay full of the Holy Ghost and when he came he didn’t know them so they were lost.
The key is simply; Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Then you have your mother and me that every single day pray for you and your family as well as mine and these prayers are honored by God. Have a great day!
—– Original Message —–
From: Brandon Pope
To: ldlamon@consolidated.net
Sent: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 10:56 PM
Subject: RE: 2nd Chronicles 7:14 and Parable of the Soils
If God knew they would not hear His words before he even spoke, wouldn’t that mean He knew they would be destined to hell upon birth? If so, wouldn’t some be predestined to hell or not truly have a choice?
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From: ldlamon@consolidated.net
To: dhunt@consolidated.net
Subject: 2nd Chronicles 7:14 and Parable of the Soils
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 2010 06:35:34 -0600
2nd Chronicles 7:14 and Parable of the Soils
Multitudes came and heard Jesus speak but the majority of them abandoned him and his teachings in the end and he knew they would. Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15
On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow and as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”
Matthew 7:6-8 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:
Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,
And seeing you will see and not perceive;
For the hearts of this people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.
But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.
“Therefore hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
Note: Mark 7:8 for laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:4-8 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
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