Our God Is a Consuming Fire !

Jesus spoke to his  disciples  more than once of a promise coming to those that wait and trusts in him .  Luk 24:49 ASV - And behold, I send forth the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city, until ye be clothed with power from on high.    Except in Act 23:21 it is used only of the "promises" of God. It frequently stands for the thing "promised," and so signifies a gift graciously bestowed, not a pledge secured by negotiation; thus, in Gal 3:14, "the promise of the Spirit" denotes "the promised Spirit:" cp. Luk 24:49; Act 2:33; Eph 1:13; so in Hbr 9:15, "the promise of the eternal inheritance" is "the promised eternal inheritance."      2Co 1:22 ASV - who also sealed us, and gave us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Eph 1:13 ASV - in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation,-- in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 
You must be filled with Gods promised Spirit the power to overcome in this present evil world .  How is it that men believe they can promote their own righteousness ,  to deny the power of the cross is this deception . Because the cross brings holiness and men want their sin and a little religion to satisfy there fleshly desires.  Rev 3:16 ASV - So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17 ASV - Because thou sayest, I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art the wretched one and miserable and poor and blind and naked:
Rev 3:18 ASV - I counsel thee to buy of me gold refined by fire, that thou mayest become rich; and white garments, that thou mayest clothe thyself, and that the shame of thy nakedness be not made manifest; and eyesalve to anoint thine eyes, that thou mayest see.  Matt 22:11-14
Rev 3:19 ASV - As many as I love, I reprove and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Rev 3:20 ASV - Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.  This verse is that abiding with Christ continually , daily communion with Christ  

2Ti 3:5 ASV - holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power therefore. From these also turn away.   You must be filled with the Holy Spirit   Act 2:38 ASV - And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.


Job 13:14 KJV - Wherefore do I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in mine hand?
Job is speaking here of taking hold of his situation and taking control of his life , and trusting in his own ability , relying on his flesh his carnal ability . Jesus said that carnal life will lead to the death of our souls.  Trusting in the arm of our own strength .  It will be like committing suicide , believing we can save our selfs.   Taking my flesh in my teeth ,  Paul has a lesson on this it is about humility and casting down our pride .    2Co 12:7 ASV - And by reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a Messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I should not be Exalted overmuch.   God is sovereign over evil he uses demons to buffet his people .  Isaiah 45:5-7      Satan only has the power God gives him he is a tool of God ,  Just one Angel will dispose of satan in the very end.  Paul said that God sent a messenger of satan to buffet him ,        Buffet Greek: kolaphizo
Buffet:
signifies "to strike with clenched hands, to buffet with the fist" (kolaphos, "a fist"), Mat 26:67; Mar 14:65; 1Cr 4:11; 2Cr 12:7; 1Pe 2:20.
We see here that when a child of God needs chastening God sends his tools to work on his children. Sounds strange right ! but true look at Job God gave satan the right to Touch his things his family his body but not his life .  This is a parable for you and I the Lord was using Paul in a mighty way yet he was cultivating pride in his heart at that moment .   John the baptist said a man can receive nothing except it come from heaven.  Is God in control of his church?   Yes !
Why would God our father use such means to get our attention , why did God use the Moabites the Philistines , Syrians etc .  All these tribes of people were tools for Gods work , Egypt was a tool for God to bring his people back .  To deal with sin and and unbelief, doubting God at every turn.        Exo 9:1 ASV - Then Jehovah said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.
Exo 9:12 ASV - And Jehovah hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them, as Jehovah had spoken unto Moses.
Exo 9:16 ASV - but in very deed for this cause have I made thee to stand, to show thee my power, and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.
All through the bible God has put people in circumstances that are troubling and horrifying situations that is intended to bring faith and trust .  God told Moses to lead the people into a dead end valley no way out once they were there, they were trapped so they thought.  Trials and tribulations will put you in very trying circumstances .  Unless God delivers there is no hope , and he knows how much pressure we can stand he is our father.   
Exo 14:13 ASV - And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of Jehovah, which he will work for you to-day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to-day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
2Ch 20:17 ASV - Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of Jehovah with you, O Judah and Jerusalem; fear not, nor be dismayed: to-morrow go out against them: for Jehovah is with you.
John said the one coming after him will baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with FIRE.

False doctrine  deceives people it blinds them to truth . Jesus was the light of the world and truth is light .  Because the teaching of  Gods word in a deceptive manner will grow , the reason being is that deceptive teachings cater to mans flesh it approves of sin in a light that brings no sorrow unto repentance . Gods Law was sent to convict men of their sin.    God does not wink at sin there is no verse for   little white lies . Each seed has a body of its own depending upon the content of the seed , it will produce its own kind .  Mat 13:24 ASV - Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man that sowed GOOD seed in his field:
Mat 13:25 ASV - but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares also among the wheat, and went away.   Slept   Greek: katheudo  of carnal indifference to spiritual things on the part of believers, Eph 5:14; 1Th 5:6, 10 (as in Mar 13:36), a condition of insensibility to Divine things involving conformity to the world .  The power of your cross is the only thing that will save you in the end of all things ,  it puts to death all things that do not conform to righteous living  the word is separation , the water of separation the word being the water of washing of our souls.  Heb 12:14 ASV - Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord:      Sanctification   Greek: hagiasmos  Sanctification, Sanctify:        the course of life befitting those so separated, 1Th 4:3, 4, 7; Rom 6:19, 22; 1Ti 2:15; Hbr 12:14. "Sanctification is that relationship with God into which men enter by faith in Christ, Act 26:18; 1Cr 6:11, and to which their sole title is the death of Christ, Eph 5:25, 26: Col 1:22; Hbr 10:10, 29; 13:12.

1Co 5:7 ASV - Purge out the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, even as ye are unleavened. For our passover also hath been sacrificed, even Christ:
Gal 5:9 ASV - A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.    Leaven    of corrupt doctrine, Mat 13:33; Luk 13:21, of error as mixed with the truth (there is no valid reason for regarding the symbol here differently from its application elsewhere in the NT); Mat 16:6, 11; Mar 8:15 (1st part); Luk 12:1; that the kingdom of heaven is likened to "leaven," does not mean that the kingdom is "leaven." The same statement, as made in other parables, shows that it is the whole parable which constitutes the similitude of the kingdom; the history of Christendom confirms the fact that the pure meal of the doctrine of Christ has been adulterated with error; 

Job 5:17 ASV - Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: Therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty.
Heb 12:5 ASV - and ye have forgotten the exhortation which reasoneth with you as with sons, My son, regard not lightly the chastening of the Lord, Nor faint when thou art reproved of him;
Heb 12:7 ASV - It is for chastening that ye endure; God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father chasteneth not?
Heb 12:8 ASV - But if ye are without chastening, whereof all have been made partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 
Do you see what this is saying to us !  it is a fathers correction to his children that brings righteous living . It says that if we are in need of correction in our daily walk ,and turn away from Gods chastening than we are not walking in his spirit .  This is where being born again is so important , your christian walk is an on going walk and we are being changed daily by our obedience to this word .
Jhn 1:12 ASV - But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name:  Become   Greek: ginomai  Arise, Arose, Arouse, Raise, Rise,  to become, i.e. to come into existence, begin to be, receive being  use: "to become, to take place
Jhn 1:13 ASV - who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.   Adam became a living soul and Jesus became a life giving spirit . This christian faith is a life time of learning and faithfulness , repenting when you father revels it . Living that separated life unto holiness , sanctification Greek  separation to God, 1Cr 1:30; 2Th 2:13; 1Pe 1:2; (b) the resultant state, the conduct befitting those so separated, 1Th 4:3, 4, 7, and the four other places mentioned above. "Sanctification" is thus the state predetermined by God for believers, into which in grace He calls them, and in which they begin their Christian course and so pursue it. Hence they are called "saints" (hagioi)

 Rom 6:19 ASV - I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye presented your members as servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity, even so now present your members as servants to righteousness unto sanctification.When we go astray God our father brings us back , the true Sheppard of our souls.  When in the parable of the people that were outside the door when the master gave shut ,    Luk 13:25 ASV - When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us; and he shall answer and say to you, I know you not whence ye are;  Jesus is saying I do not know what household you are from , Children of God will look like their father.  And to each seed a body of its Own ,  a good tree will produce good fruit .

 Jhn 1:12 ASV - But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name:  The power of his name
Jhn 1:13 ASV - who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  Being born of God brings change , children will began to manifest  Gods character and his nature and these signs will follow them who believe they will lay hands on the sick and they will be healed they will cast out devils, they will speak with new tongues.   This is the true gospel of God
Jhn 1:14 ASV - And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth.  The word says Jesus was the express image of his father Jesus told Philip you see me you see the father .  And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us.  The word of God in us will transform us into that very image .
Rom 12:1 ASV - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your Bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.
Rom 12:2 ASV - And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Jesus said if any man love the world the love of the father is not in them.     Mat 10:38 ASV - And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.  It says in verse 2 that by the renewing of our minds we can prove what the will of God is in our lives.  How do we renew our minds , being born of Adams loins we were born into sin every man born after Adam was born under the curse God put on Adam. The plan of God is there would be another Adam the last Adam
1Co 15:45 ASV - So also it is written, The first man Adam became a living soul. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.  Adam and Eve were perfect in every way in Gods creation of man .  In their being created God gave man the ability to choose . God gave man his commandments and law of righteous living.       Gen 3:6 ASV - And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat; and she gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. Eve made her choice to obey or disobey .    1Jo 2:15 ASV - Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1Jo 2:16 ASV - For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1Jo 2:17 ASV - And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.     This is what Christianity is all about it is a separation of spirit and flesh .  Looking always to the cross of Christ in us.  Heb says with out sanctification  no man shall see the Lord.     Rom 6:22 ASV - But now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end eternal life.
1Co 1:30 ASV - But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:
Heb 12:14 ASV - Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord:     Sanctification Greek: hagiasmos
Holiness, Holy, Holily:      the resultant state, the conduct befitting those so separated, 1Th 4:3, 4, 7, and the four other places mentioned above. "Sanctification" is thus the state predetermined by God for believers, into which in grace He calls them, and in which they begin their Christian course and so pursue it. Hence they are called "saints" (hagioi).
The average church today seeks no Sanctification there is no gospel preached as to being separated unto God .    Repentance is far from them , 2Co 7:10 ASV - For Godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, a repentance which bringeth no regret: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Regret   Greek: ametameletos
Regret:
"not repented of" (a, negative, and A), is translated "which bringeth no regret" in 2Cr 7:10, RV, said of repentance (AV, "not to be repented of"); elsewhere, in Rom 11:29.
John the baptist had to come before Jesus , the word says John came preaching repentance and than cometh Jesus. Make your paths straight before the Lord , 
1Jo 1:9 ASV - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.    The question for the church today is what is sin , most people do not believe the true gospel  so sin what about it ?  no one will confront sin .   The blood of Jesus was shed for sinners !  to apply that blood you must realize sin in your life .  Godly sorrow brings sorrow and repentance brings sorrow for your sins.

 The men leading the sheep today are they shepherds or are they the hireling Jesus spoke of.
Jhn 10:11 ASV - I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep.
Jhn 10:12 ASV - He that is a hireling, and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, beholdeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth, and the wolf snatcheth them, and scattereth them:
Jhn 10:13 ASV - he fleeth because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
Jhn 10:14 ASV - I am the good shepherd; and I know mine own, and mine own know me,
Jas 5:16 ASV - Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working.
Greek: iaomai  Heal, Healing:
"to heal," is used

(a) of physical treatment 22 times; in Mat 15:28, AV, "made whole," RV, "healed;" so in Act 9:34;

(b) figuratively, of spiritual "healing," Mat 13:15; Jhn 12:40; Acts 28:27; Hbr 12:13; 1Pe 2:24; possibly, Jam 5:16 includes both (a) and (b); some mss. have the word, with sense (b), in Luk 4:18. Apart from this last, Luke, the physician, uses the word fifteen times.

  Saved  Greek: sozo   Heal, Healing:
"to save," is translated by the verb "to heal" in the AV of Mar 5:23; Luk 8:36 (RV, "to make whole;" so AV frequently); the idea is that of saving from disease and its effects.

1Pe 4:18 ASV - And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear?
Men do not know the fear of God , The fear of God is a clean fear
Psa 19:9 ASV - The fear of Jehovah is clean, enduring for ever: The ordinances of Jehovah are true, and righteous altogether.
Psa 19:10 ASV - More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the droppings of the honeycomb.

Heb 12:11 ASV - All chastening seemeth for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yieldeth peaceable fruit unto them that have been exercised thereby, even the fruit of righteousness.   Chastening   Greek: paideia

Chasten, Chastening, Chastise, Chastisement:
denotes "the training of a child, including instruction;" hence, "discipline, correction," "chastening," Eph 6:4, RV (AV, "nurture"), suggesting the Christian discipline that regulates character; so in Hbr 12:5, 7, 8 (in ver. 8, AV, "chastisement," the RV corrects to "chastening"); in 2Ti 3:16, "instruction."


2Co 12:8 ASV - Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
2Co 12:9 ASV - And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2Co 12:10 ASV - Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Job 13:15 KJV - Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

Job 13:16 KJV - He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him.

Job 13:20 KJV - Only do not two things unto me: then will I not hide myself from thee.

Job 13:21 KJV - Withdraw thine hand far from me: and let not thy dread make me afraid.

Job 13:22 KJV - Then call thou, and I will answer: or let me speak, and answer thou me.

Job 13:23 KJV - How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin.

Heb 12:25 ASV - See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not when they refused him that warned them on earth, much more shall not we escape who turn away from him that warneth from heaven:
Heb 12:26 ASV - whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more will I make to tremble not the earth only, but also the heaven.
Heb 12:27 ASV - And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, that those things which are not shaken may remain.
Heb 12:28 ASV - Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe:
Heb 12:29 ASV - for our God is a consuming fire.