Jehovah's Witnesses Straight Talk - Forum/Blog

The Prayers of The Righteous Man

James 5:16 Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective. 5:17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it didn't rain on the earth for three years and six months. 5:18 He prayed again, and the sky gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit.

So many unanswered prayers by Christian's, but why? This question is one of the hardest subjects we grapple with when our prayers are not answered, while others are?

James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed.
1:7 For let that man not think that he will receive anything from the Lord. 1:8 He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Is God denying us, or is he mad at us? Are we doing something wrong, or perhaps we don't know the secret code or words we need to unlock the magic so God will give us the desires of our hearts? Please lets start with some basic questions so perhaps we can get some long sought answers?

John 6:63 It is the spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and are life.

Questions Ask Before Praying

1.) Does God play favorites, 2.) do we believe when praying that God owes us something? 3.) do we think if we preform some good work then God must or should answer our prayers?

So many Christian's due to religious education see God as a investment, like a bank account gaining interest. In other words, if I do a good work in Christ name I will get blessing back (interest on my investment)? Some see God as a slot machine, put money in, and get ten times their investment back on a lucky day!

Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says Yahweh.

Isaiah 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Do we think God can be maneuvered into giving us our requests by doing certain works? Do we think God needs us to support him, so we do works in upholding his name so he pays us for our services?

Ephesians 2:9 not of works, that no one would boast.

Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

God Not Partial

First, let us say God is not partial, he does not give to some, and deny others based upon our good deeds? God cannot play favorites, he is perfect in all his ways. God gives perfect “gifts” to those asking him, he does not belittle and/or mock us as human we may associate with or those that teach the bible claiming we must do certain things for God to hear our prayers.

Acts 17:27 that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they might reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.

2 Samuel 22:31 As for God, his way is perfect. The word of Yahweh is tested. He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.

Matt.5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, 5:45 that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? 5:47 If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? 5:48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Moreover, God does not need us to do good works for him, so that we can make him appear better to those not believing in him. God is the giver, and we are the receiver based upon God's love for us. Many in false religion make the keeping of God's name i.e., looking good to others so important that they are willing to tell lies, and put on a pretense of goodness, and righteousness hiding their bad actions believing such conduct is sancifying God's name. In other words, man sancifies God by his unrighteous actions!

Romans 1:25 who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Colossians 3:9 Don't lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings.

Hebrews 6:18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to take hold of the hope set before us.

God needs none of that for himself. God is jealous for his own name, and will sanctify it in all the nations despite human efforts. God needs no human pretense or false action to sanctify his holy name, he alone take exclusive actions to clear his name from all unrighteous in teachings and action of humans. May we be found rejoicing when God sanctifies his name in all the earth?

Ezekiel 36:22 Therefore tell the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: I don't do [this] for your sake, house of Israel, but for my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations, where you went.

Ezekiel 36:23 I will sanctify my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in the midst of them; and the nations shall know that I am Yahweh, says the Lord Yahweh, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.

A War of Two Vessels

There is much confusion and frustration over prayers being answered or not being answered? Many have given up praying thinking God does not care and/or does not exist because none of their prayers seem to be getting answer while other even those practicing wicked and evil boast in their prayers being answer, making one wonder? What kind of God, is God, if evil is being blesses and not those trying to serve him?

1 Corinthians 6:16 Or don't you know that he who is joined to a prostitute is one body? For, "The two," says he, "will become one flesh."{Genesis 2:24}

Romans 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts.
Romans 8:8 Those who are in the flesh can't please God.

Here is a fundamental truth that we need to understand; we all have two vessel if we are born again in Christ. The one vessel is our fallen flesh we live in, while the other, is Christ, the temple of God. The vessel of our flesh is fit for one thing, do you know what God's words tells us its fit for?

Romans 7:18 For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing. For desire is present with me, but I don't find it doing that which is good.

Destruction! Yes, all flesh fallen into sin, that is, we are born into sin meaning our flesh is fit for destruction and nothing more. One more fundamental truth we need to understand; God has judged our fallen flesh as dead to his association since the Garden of Eden. Did you know this? When we pray from our flesh to be blessed we should not be surprised God is trying to lead us and teach us a new direction, so our spiritual prayers can be answered, and he can perfect our spirit not our fallen flesh and its needs to be happy on earth, but instead our spiritual lives for eternity.

Heb.12:6 For whom the Lord loves, he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives."{Proverbs 3:11-12} 12:7 It is for discipline that you endure. God deals with you as with children, for what son is there whom his father doesn't discipline?
12:8 But if you are without discipline, of which all have been made partakers, then are you illegitimate, and not children. 12:9 Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live? 12:10 For they indeed, for a few days, punished us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. 12:11 All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been exercised thereby.

Many Christian's for thousands of years have gotten it exactly backwards by false teachings thinking from what they have learned over the years through families, friends, and religion that we should be blessed in our flesh in material ways/wealth, position, and power upon earth if we are a real Christian? But Lets be honest here, most of us have it backwards if we are asking for our flesh to make gains in this world for a better life to fit into this world, and/or to improve it.

Luke 9:25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits his own self?

1 Corinthians 1:29 that no flesh should boast before God.

2 Corinthians 5:16 Therefore we know no one after the flesh from now on. Even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know him so no more.

Vessel For God's Glory

Rom.9:20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed ask him who formed it, "Why did you make me like this?"{Isaiah 29:16; 45:9} 9:21 Or hasn't the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel for honor, and another for dishonor? 9:22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath made for destruction, 9:23 and that he might make known the riches of his glory on vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory,

What are God's vessels for his glory? Well, certainly not our sinful flesh which is dead to God. So what is God's vessel that he uses to glorify his name upon earth and in heaven? Christ Jesus! God's will for us, and this earth, is found in one placed, in Christ Jesus, not us, not unless Christ Jesus dwells in us? But how can that be said? It can be said because Christ is one seed, one tree grows out of that one seed, it produces it own fruit, not from humans, but from above, there are not many heads in our bodies, one head, there are not many seeds that grow into one tree.

1 Peter 1:23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever.

1 John 3:9 Whoever is born of God doesn't commit sin, because his seed remains in him; and he can't sin, because he is born of God.

Galatians 3:29 If you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise.

Galatians 3:16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He doesn't say, "To seeds," as of many, but as of one, "To your seed,"{Genesis 12:7; 13:15; 24:7} which is Christ.

We can only find, and do God's will under Christ headship, we are members belonging to him, and we have his will, not our own will directing our lives. Now if we ask in prayer to do God's will, that is, our being the fruits on Christ (his will Spirit), and/or branch on Christ we certainly will get our prayers answered, why?

John 15:1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer.
15:2 Every branch in me that doesn't bear fruit, he takes away. Every branch that bears fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 15:3 You are already pruned clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 15:4 Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can't bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me. 15:5 I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Because we have been purchased from judgment and death of our vessel made fit for destruction (fallen flesh) to glorify God's name, his purposes (Spirit) is what we should be walking in and Christ works, for we are in his life in Christ (Spirit), and not our own (flesh). Christ did many fine works, all of which were not of his will, but the will of Fathers, and none of his prayers went unanswered, and that is how we should pray (in Spirit the Christ)?

John 5:19 Jesus therefore answered them, "Most certainly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things he does, these the Son also does likewise.

John 5:20 For the Father has affection for the Son, and shows him all things that he himself does. He will show him greater works than these, that you may marvel.

In others words, at what point will God use us in glorifying his name or in what manner, we do not know, truthfully? No we don't, but why? Simply, because that is not our business, we are Christ slaves found in Christ for the will of the Father. However, the fallen flesh dictates what prayers should be heard and answered by God, because it is a competing god that was created from sin in the Garden of Eden (fit for destruction). The flesh which is fit for destruction cannot be in subjection to God, nor will it stop demanding prayers be answered for its godship upon this earth (flesh)! God does not give his glory to false gods, basic 101 bible teaching, the fallen flesh is a false god, and was the first false fleshly god in the history of mankind!

James 4:1 Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don't they come from your pleasures that war in your members? 4:2 You lust, and don't have. You kill, covet, and can't obtain. You fight and make war. You don't have, because you don't ask. 4:3 You ask, and don't receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it for your pleasures.

Galatians 5:13 For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don't use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.

Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire.

Romans 8:3 For what the law couldn't do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh;

A Matter of Faith

Faith is not a laundry list of things we believe Christian's need on this earth, and God must give us so we can do his will or look good in the flesh in our being Christian's before the eyes of the world. Faith is trust in God (Spirit) promises that he can only give us good gifts because he is love, and because he is love he loves us. Now faith demands we hope in God and live for a time when all creation will be blessed, and set right for eternity under God's new heavens and earth.

Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

Matt. 6:1 "Be careful that you don't do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
6:2 Therefore when you do merciful deeds, don't sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.
6:3 But when you do merciful deeds, don't let your left hand know what your right hand does,
6:4 so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 6:5 "When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward.
6:6 But you, when you pray, enter into your inner chamber, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

The mathematical prayer where each word is said in certain sequence for God to hear us and bless us is false religion (fleshly). It is a prayer from our flesh that distrust God (imputing evil to God as the judge of our flesh), which is why it is fit for destruction, and of no value at all, and profits us nothing with God for our faith which (Spirit)faith pleases God. The flesh believes it can please God by its words/works said perfectly and in order. It thinks God is like it is flatter and maneuvered by words of a legal contract binding God to act upon its wants and needs. In other words, it is a god on eqaul footing with thinking it can bind God into acting by a legal contract produce by works of law.

Matt.6:7 In praying, don't use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. 6:8 Therefore don't be like them, for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him. 6:9 Pray like this: 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.

Without faith we cannot please God, it is impossible. When prayers are from the flesh which cannot please God we will find they will not be answered by the God the Spirit, and truth, but why? Because God cannot lie, he does not tells us the flesh is good, but instead, it is of no value at all! Why would he bless a lie, when it is dead, and of no value at all for our eternal life, meaning our spirit, he is not blessing our flesh that decays and goes back to the dust from which God created it not unless such blessing will benefit our spirit, our eternal life moving us toward greater love and faith in God's promises.

Galatians 6:8 For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Galatians 5:24 Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.

Blessing of The Flesh

If there are blessing in our flesh by God then God is bring us to repentance from dead works, that is, the things practice in our flesh (dead to God and fit for destruction), so we might put on the Christ a spirit vessel for our eternal blessing found in his life. What God is not doing is using our flesh and its desire to build a kingdom upon earth, a better world for us, how can we says that?

2 Corinthians 5:16 Therefore we know no one after the flesh from now on. Even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know him so no more.

1 Corinthians 5:5 are to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Romans 8:13 For if you live after the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Romans 8:7 because the mind of the flesh is hostile towards God; for it is not subject to God's law, neither indeed can it be.

It is because YHWH he did not do so with Christ for us the human race, or did he uses Christ disciples for the world benefit, that is, building a better economic world , and he won't for us. That is not his purposes for Christ indwelling a Christian's upon earth, Christ and YWHW are not part of this world. In fact, none of world originates with them, God rejects the world darkness and corruption and will do away with it at the coming of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.

Romans 12:2 Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

John 18:36 Jesus answered, "My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn't be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here."

John 17:25 Righteous Father, the world hasn't known you, but I knew you; and these knew that you sent me.

John 17:16 They are not of the world even as I am not of the world.

However, we are warned many would ask from a vessel fit for destruction, their fallen flesh to glorify its works upon earth and Satan would blessed them with his own power; producing many powerful works, and even performed signs in heaven and wonders on earth in the name of Christ.

Matt.7:21 Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 7:22 Many will tell me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?' 7:23 Then I will tell them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.'

2 Thessalonians 2:9 even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

Prayers God Answers

The prayers God answers are very minimal when its comes to our flesh. There is great confusion over this subject causing much anger and resentment towards God and religion. Those teaching a prosper life now, such teaching are not found in the scriptures after Christ was upon earth. There is not one prayer recorded by Christ apostles for a better job, a bigger house, to be a great teacher, to start a religion, have a new church, or for that matter more wealth to save the world through some institution created by man's good efforts. We are simply forced to acknowledge this truth if we love truth, and ask why?

James 4:5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who lives in us yearns jealously"? 4:6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."{Proverbs 3:34} 4:7 Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 4:8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 4:9 Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to gloom. 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you.

James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brothers. Didn't God choose those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which he promised to those who love him?

Moreover, many have went to their graves regretting believing they were not good enough because they didn't get their prayers answered for greater material wealth upon earth like others so they could share and do good works for mankind. Furthermore, many have been tricked into a broad road leading off into destruction over getting material blessings, thinking they were from God, because of some personal specialness in them. Which puts them above others, only to fall victim too many evils causing God's name to be blasphemed among the nations!

1 Timothy 6:9 But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.

1 Timothy 6:17 Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy;

Are you content with substance and covering for you flesh? Christ was! Do you feel blessed that God is helping you and you will also be taken care of if you are content with these things? Conversely, are you discontented comparing yourself to other Christian's whom have material wealth, and fame, feeling cheated blaming God for playing favorites?

2 Corinthians 10:12 For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding.

2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich.

Do we striving for recognition in a religion, which not one of the apostles prayed for, or did, that is, having more prominence in the flesh to have a better position in Christ is not found in your bibles any where. Not even Christ disciples did that, why? Because they knew something most Christian's don't now days, and what is that? We are privilege to be a servant in Christ knowing God does not give us evil gifts.

Luke 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Philippians 2:8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross.

Philippians 4:12 I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.

Created New

Let us be completely honest here so there can be no doubt that God is light and our world is in darkness. God is one, and that which is light and/or becomes light must be one with God. The division, hate and wickedness of mankind is not of God, or his creating. When God creates something new it will not be from the old world and its unrighteousness God creates sinless people, not sinful people.

1 John 1:5 This is the message which we have heard from him and announce to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:

2 Corinthians 4:4 in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the Good News of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn on them.

Many Christian's never get their prayers answered from God because they are taking unrighteousness and expecting God to make it better for them by adding blessings to the lust of their own flesh. That is, their needs, wants and desires to build something for themselves in an unrighteous world.

Romans 2:19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light to those who are in darkness?

James 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don't boast and don't lie against the truth. 3:15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed. 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 3:18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

They are vastly confused thinking God loves this world and its desire for good or evil, so if I build a religion, a business, or a government that helps the world God loves me and my projects! Wrong! God love this world, how? He sent us his son Christ Jesus to redeem us from sin (this world), so that we might have a relationship with the Father is Spirit and truth. God has take us out of this world, and its unrighteousness by putting us into a new life(sinless), not created from this world, but by him which life is incorruptible, and immortal dwelling in heaven, Christ Jesus (is the new heavens).

1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world: your faith.

1 John 3:13 Don't be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.

1 John 2:15 Don't love the world, neither the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father's love isn't in him.

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, isn't the Father's, but is the world's.

1 John 2:17 The world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God's will remains forever.

He did not put us into a religion created by man hands, he did not put us on earth to reform it by our good efforts. He put us "in Christ", whom is no part of this world. The confusion is for us is to learn not to be mislead by our own desires, and when those desire become fertile they give birth to sin and death, just like Adam past onto us. Nothing of eternal life can come from our pet project no matter how much we love them, eventhough they benefit the human race, it is not of God, whom created a new creation in Christ to save this world by his kingdom which is no part of this world, a kingdom that cannot be shaken by humans demands, its wars, and/or desires.

2 Peter 2:20 For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in it and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.

Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, receiving a Kingdom that can't be shaken, let us have grace, through which we serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe.

Nothing in your bible teaches there is any other way to salvation but Christ (Spirit and truth). Nothing in your bible teaches we are to do our own will (flesh), or that our prayers will be answered by God not unless they goe through his Son Christ Jesus as our head and one will.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.

The flesh is proud, it is full of death by its desire, and it cannot be in subjection to God. Let us understand this basic truth found in all bibles. Sadly, most Christian's prayers are for their own will and desires, then they add God's words to justifying their faulty fleshly reasoning with verses from the bible to falsely sancifiying their motives, and/or desires to promote whatever is they lust for upon this earth.

James 1:14 But each one is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed.

James 1:15 Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin; and the sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death. Peter 1:4 by which he has granted to us his precious and exceedingly great promises; that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.

A Good Tree Cannot Bear Bad Fruit

One seed, not many, one road into life, not many, one door, not many, one faith, not many, one head, Christ Jesus, not many. One will, not many?

James 1:16 Don't be deceived, my beloved brothers.
1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow. 1:18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. 1:19 So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;

2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

One tree of life with good fruit, not many! Where is that tree we partake of, and we pray that others partake of for eternal life? Nothing is selfish in Christ, nothing is about self. Without doubt we are told from day one where our hope for eternal life exist, not on earth in a group, in a government, in a religion, or in a business. Eternal life exist in heaven with Christ, being guarded by our faith in God's heavenly kingdom not know by this world.

2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me for his heavenly Kingdom; to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

If we pray God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven where we should direct people to not to a religion which is from man's will. Why then do we defend a religion that has bad fruit on it? Now this is serious, if we sin we are fit for destruction. Hence, God then has to save us out of death by Christ Jesus life, we are placed into him a new creation without sin that is how God loves the world in Christ ,dying and paying the price for our sins. Not one bit of this world is in Christ, he is a new creation, a new lump of unleavened bread made that way by God Spirit, free from any corruption of this world (sins of the flesh).

Hebrews 10:20 by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

1 Corinthians 5:7 Purge out the old yeast, that you may be a new lump, even as you are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed in our place.

We cannot be in religion, and be saved, religion it has bad fruit (sin) on its branches just like we are in a fallen vessel fit for destruction (sin). We are not saved in sin, we are saved in a sinless life Christ Jesus with no bad fruit of sin on him. God is not making our flesh new, he has and will destroy the sinful flesh of all mankind. Giving us a new uncorrupted life, in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 4:24 and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.

2 Peter 3:13 But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

Now here is the problems that most Christian's cannot get past. They clearly understand they must be made new by God's power of Holy Spirit from the kingdom of Christ to have only good fruit, that is, Christ fruit from the one tree of life, or they our in death!

Colossians 3:4 When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.

John 3:36 One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys{The same word can be translated "disobeys" or "disbelieves" in this context.} the Son won't see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."

But fail to understand because a religion does good works, does not mean it is from God or does it justify the bad fruit. In other words, because people can do good towards others does not mean they are sinless and have eternal life by their own good works.

Romans 4:4 Now to him who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as debt.

No! There is one source of life, that is, eternal life for us human Christ Jesus, he is the one tree having good fruit (works of God), the rest of us who want to do good works for God. However, the only good works God accepts are “sinless” good works, those are the works of eternal life found only in Christ, who has won them for us being himself sinless upon earth.

1 John 3:8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. To this end the Son of God was revealed, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Romans 8:10 If Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the spirit is alive because of righteousness.

1 John 3:6 Whoever remains in him doesn't sin. Whoever sins hasn't seen him, neither knows him.

1 John 3:9 Whoever is born of God doesn't commit sin, because his seed remains in him; and he can't sin, because he is born of God.

Religion has bad fruits no matter how good the fruits taste and smells, they are not the one tree of life. Those fruits of doing good in Christ name does not mean the religion is from God, nor does it mean God is using the fruits. God has clearly and emphatically stated without any confusion where our hope is found, in Christ Kingdom above, not here on this earth.

This is why we must listen carefully what Christ actually said, and not confuse ourselves with human wisdom based upon the emotion of wanting to good to justify the bad all of us actually have in our flesh, practicin sin and/or hiding it by good works instead accepting grace in Christ. If religion is of man making, and their desires it can do no less but produce fleshly acts which are bad fruit to the Spirit (corruption can not produce incorruption), it must have bad fruit, and it must like all fallen flesh justify the bad by good it does!

1 John 3:4 Everyone who sins also commits lawlessness. Sin is lawlessness.

1 John 3:5 You know that he was revealed to take away our sins, and in him is no sin.

Now listen! Christ said a good tree cannot produce bad fruit, he did not say a little little bad fruit is OK. No! Absolutely none at all! He did not say turn a blind eye to the bad by looking at the good, no! He said instead this:

Matt.7:17 Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. 7:18 A good tree can't produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit.

He said a bad tree cannot produce good fruit – period! Christ caused a division between light and darkness with no middle ground where human must be saved by Him through Christ good works. Think about that for a moment. Let your yes mean yes, and your no, no! For anything in between is from where the? The wicked one.

Matt.5:37 But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be 'No.' Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.

If we are to bless others where do we send them, to what tree? The hope of the whole human race is found in Christ that is how God loves for this world, by taking some out of its corruption making them sinless in Christ, not the world, not false religion created by man's desire for greatness upon earth. False religion puts people into the world, by uses of biblical words. Christ takes us out of this world by the power of his kingdom, and gives us Spirit and truth freeing us from the corruption of this world.

1 Thessalonians 1:5 and that our Good News came to you not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we showed ourselves to be among you for your sake.

Colossians 1:13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love;

Colossians 1:11 strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy;

Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

1 Corinthians 4:20 For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

Do you think our prayers will be answered if we understand this truth, not confusing our wants and likes with power of God's kingdom to regenerated us into vessel for God's glory? This is the prayer of a righteous man, made righteous by Christ, such prayers have power, not of self, not of self goodness, but Christ power working through a vessel made righteous by his precious blood.

Titus.3:2 to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men. 3:3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
3:4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared,
3:5 not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
3:6 whom he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior; 3:7 that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 3:8 This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men;

Let us state a truth, a fact of life we all must face now. and/or in the future. We are surrounded by what is common to all humans our fallen flesh. That flesh lust against the Spirit of God, it is a liar, and it will deceived us in every emotions and thoughts. When we consider it noble and good, a friend with good motives that it can save people, it is a lie. You can save a life now(in the sinful flesh), but they will lose eternal life. That is what Christ taught, but if we understand the truth of our fallen condition we will not wonder why prayers for the flesh and its desires are not getting answered from God. Nor will we impute evil to God, because he cannot pollute Holy Spirit and truth with a lies of the fallen flesh fit for destruction.

John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down out of heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. Yes, the bread which I will give for the life of the world is my flesh."

On the other hand, let us remember as well that we have a high priest in Christ that has suffered the same weakness of our sinful flesh, and is sympathetic, and compassionate of our condition. Because of that he will not let go of us, even if we never completely get it in our flesh. He has saved us, by our faith, not our fallen flesh thinking or judgments, he will not give up on our eternal life, that is, our spirit separated from our fallen flesh. Our faith is guard in Christ, by the power of indestructiable life, not controlled the human reasoning of judgments of our flesh.

Rom. 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 8:36 Even as it is written, "For your sake we are killed all day long. We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter."{Psalm 44:22} 8:37 No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 8:39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Most of us, pray from our flesh, this does not mean God is looking to us with judgment. He is not, we are freed from judgment by God killing our flesh in Christ this love cannot fail or be revoked by human reasoning. However, many are confused over what part is flesh, and what part is God's Spirit in Christ. Simply put, the fruit of God's Spirit arfe clear, if we are not in that Spirit and its fruit we are in the flesh. There is no confusion between light and darkness flesh and Spirit if our yes is yes and your no is no!

Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,{or, faithfulness}

Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let's also walk by the Spirit.

If we pray in Spirit we are in Christ, and those prayers will be in harmony with God's will, but they will not be about the flesh and all if its needs, why?

Gal.5:7 You were running well! Who interfered with you that you should not obey the truth? 5:8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 5:9 A little yeast grows through the whole lump.
5:10 I have confidence toward you in the Lord that you will think no other way. But he who troubles you will bear his judgment, whoever he is.

Gal.5:13 For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don't use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another. 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."{Leviticus 19:18}
5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, be careful that you don't consume one another. 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won't fulfill the lust of the flesh. 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire. 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, 5:21 envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Because God has promised all our needs in our flesh on this earth are already taken care; just like the birds of the heaven, why? Because that is the power of Christ Kingdom and the promise to those loving him, the creator of everything small and great.

Matt.6:24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can't serve both God and Mammon.
6:25 Therefore, I tell you, don't be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 6:26 See the birds of the sky, that they don't sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you of much more value than they? 6:27 "Which of you, by being anxious, can add one moment{literally, cubit} to his lifespan?
6:28 Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin, 6:29 yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. 6:30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won't he much more clothe you, you of little faith? 6:31 "Therefore don't be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?', 'What will we drink?' or, 'With what will we be clothed?'

Let us thank God for delivering the things we need and walk on in faith as though it happen!

We are predestined from the founding of this world, we will never be left alone. What God has purposed by Holy Spirit cannot fail. Our needs in this flesh are already answered, what is required of us is our faith in trusting God will not give us a serpent when asking for a fish, and that he is good and only good gifts come from the Father of light. With this faith all our prayers will answered in Christ our truth.

Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered them, "Most certainly I tell you, if you have faith, and don't doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you told this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it would be done.

Mark 11:23 For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and doesn't doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Completed: August 18. 2015

by: Daniel a Slave of Christ

May Jehovah. Keep. blessing with these discussions.! You help,
me get it. Straight. In my head and help realize. Its from my flesh.
that I am fighting. Thank You for help me understand that! 😀

Hi Sandra!

Good to hear from you. The contest of walking in faith i.e., in Christ, is a war not of flesh and blood, but against wicked spirit force in heavenly places. The world they have built is however from the desire of the flesh which really mean they give people the desires of their flesh to control them through their system of things.

When we come to understand Christ stripped those powers by conquering death and Hades (the grave), and death from sin (our fallen flesh), than what is left is nothing but faith in Christ and the power of his kingdom (Spirit). All that is in our flesh has been dealt with, completed in Christ (death). There is no mystery to God about sin, or what sin produce in us (death). That mystery lies in Babylon the Great where people are taught how to perfect the flesh as though it is of value in combating wicked spirit force (lurking place of demons). The bible does not teach that, it teaches the only way we conquer is in Christ by Spirit, which is the power of God's Kingdom working in us and for us.

When we separate the flesh (us) from the Spirit, by the mind of Christ (Spirit above where Christ is seated) our prayers are very effective. When we are in a state of condemning the flesh (us), and its actions all the time thinking it will be cleaned up making it of value to God, and perfected, as adding to God's Kingdom, we are in death and darkness veil to the glorious freedom in Christ. It is when we turn from the laws of the flesh, the condemnation of the mundane flesh mind already judged by God, and dealt with in Christ (put away buried) is when true freedom comes. When we turn to Jehovah the Spirit there is freedom it does not exist in our flesh, or any work of our flesh because those works are dead, as is our flesh and its judgments are dead in Christ to God.

Freedom is knowing in faith that we have been delivered from darkness into the wonderful light by the redemption of our sins, dead, by the power of Christ, and accounted worthy (in spirit, by being in Christ) to worship God in Spirit and truth, that is, worshiping him just as he is in truth, as the God of love (taught by the Spirit to us).

That is the contest of our faith, the separation of death dealing thoughts of our fallen flesh ( fleshly mind) which always condemn us, and other, into (Spirit) being translated into the Spirit mind of God (the Christ); and the only process given too us to do that is our faith, that is, our trust that God is good, and he is love, and he will not leave us. When have that mind that was in Christ we understand all we need for this life and next is taken care of in Christ Jesus our Savior by the power of his Kingdom.

May God bless you this day dear sister,

Daniel

Greetings my kind Brother Daniel

Thank you for the amazing thoughts and direction from your comments above. Fifty seven years of the new earth society teachings are not easily uprooted from ones heart. But I always find some encouragement from your efforts.

Love Brian

My Dear Friend Brian,

I am also happy to hear from you. We spent a number of years together now on this site, and knowing you are out there is a wonderful encouragement for me. I would not be overly concerned that some thoughts here take time to absorb. That is proof Holy Spirit is working in you that way none of us can boast in our flesh.

Our fallen flesh is always trying to make us think we must be perfect or we can't get God's understand. However, when I have been at my lowest God has given me the most understanding.

We must remember it is God whom is creating all things new which is perfect because we can certainly see that mankind cannot handle the job.

Your Brother in Christ,

Daniel