Mystery of heaven or of the earth is not in itself but is in the Son. Mystery of his Father was in his Will and consequently it as the unseen world was made to appear. God framed the worlds by his world and this mystery can only be explained by what is made to appear. (He.11:3). This being the case the Spirit gives us this line, " If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."(v.23). The key is faith, nothing else. So Jesus employed parables mystery of the kingdom of God can only be opened by faith and enter therein with the help of the Son. All other vain exercises, are temporal and not from God. So the world and how the system works so any fool may aspire to the highest office and sit there is temporal. "while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."(2 Co.4:18) So when we saw a dictator like Joseph Stalin striding like a Colossus for some 30 years, there was this mystery of divine Will also at work. Having caused some 20 million deaths he went out like a flesh. What was he but a flash in the pan! What is seen is temporal. Crooks fools innocents saints and all, have had their day. But the earth abides forever because the mystery of the Will is in lockstep with the Son fulfilling it. It is to this the key text refers. "He (man) knoweth not how./For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." It is as deep calls unto the deep.
In an astonishing cosmic cycle that occurs every 2.4 million years, Mars' gravitational pull is shifting Earth's path around the sun, warming its climate and increasing vigorous deep ocean circulation, according to a new study published a week ago in the journal Nature Communications. God is in charge, for sure. So nations beat the drum, instead of joy what it brings, destruction! The Soviet empire collapsed within 8 decades.
Concluding thoughts for now on misuse of scripture.
Remembering the Pharisees shows us a prime example of how not to use scripture. Mark 7:11 is exhibit one in this subject matter; where for financial gain the needs of a parent were said to be avoided and was used in their logic to exonerate themselves for what was "dedicated to God". Psalm 105:15 stating to do no harm to God's anointed ones or prophets has also been mishandled by the "prosperity" preachers in particular and could of course be used by any cult leaders who are false prophets.
Again we know how much Satan knows scripture. Anything that can be used to tickle men's ears and misused such as God's promises for blessings being boiled down to presumption of financial gain for all of God's people is made even more insane when attempting to justify such logic with other scriptures. Jesus was clearly a man of sorrows as Isaiah prophesied; and was essentially homeless; or at least a full time missionary along with the disciples; fully dependent on God for provisions. If He could state that we shouldn't concern ourselves with food and clothing ( Matthew 6:25) it is more than a stretch to entrust him for a Lamborghinis or jet plane. Note that Jesus didn't even mention SHELTER; and also indicated that the Son of Man has no place to lay His head ( Matt. 8:20). No point going further on that subject!
A further consideration ties in with what I mentioned about the Pharisees in regard to making scriptures legalistic to maintain pride. This used to be more popular when parents were strict with children two and three generations ago. It still occurs in some denominations today under a guise of "holiness" but seen for what it is when Christ's love isn't on display. We can list all day long what we don't do or don't permit; but we also need to realize that it is the love of Christ that constrains us and draws people in ( 2 Cor. 5:14; John 12:32).
in short; scripture is truth unless used for another agenda
If I may say when we open our Bible to read and study, if we are not willing to leave the baggage of traditions at the door and what we think we know, and in prayer with the mindset that we do not know anything our eyes and ears will be closed to the Spirit of truth. Until we are willing to humble ourselves the truth will be hidden.
Deuteronomy 29:4 Yet the Lord hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.
There are things in scripture despite all of it being of value that shouldn't be emulated; this would include Satan's tactics in twisting the Word for his own benefit or all the examples of individuals including true saints of God falling into patterns of sin.
Truly we can say the Bible gives a true account of what sinners did but we don't want to follow after their footsteps.
I would also contend that sections such as Genesis 6 and others about the Nephilim and descendants of the giant races shouldn't evolve into an obsession which often leads us to the Apocrypha and other spurious writings (such as about the "watchers" that can lead us down a rabbit trail leading to our own destruction). Hidden wisdom and such is something we need to be wary of; along with texts from other religions. This all; of course evolves from what was released when the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was tampered with by our first ancestors.
We are told also not to be caught up in "endless geneologies" ( 1 Tim. 1:4). The study of the origin of the Patriarchs certainly can be edifying; but of course such nonsense as the descendants of Cain being extrapolated as meaning all dark skinned races are cursed is obviously twisting scripture beyond where it is intended. Just the fact that all the old world was wiped out and started anew with Noah should dispel that idea; let alone the fact that we all are descendants of Adam and all related. Those who were not truly men; that is the sons of the giants may be "men of renown" ( Gen. 6:4); but we aren't to make huge idols of them like the pagans did.
Scripture also shouldn't be used to push our own agenda; whether "Christian nationalism" that purports to be a theocracy like ancient Israel with a Dominionism mentality that we will make the world suitable for Christ to return or other such malarky. The Word has been interpreted incorrectly through cherry picking as well.
The Bible if we accept what it says is true is said to be totally inspired by God and is profitable for teaching; rebuke; etc. ( 2 Tim. 3:16). That being said; we need to have time in our devotions to study the Living Word ( Heb. 4:12) for our edification. It is clear; however especially in time past such as the 19th Century the Bible as literature was standard curriculum in American schools; and still is utilized in developing nations to ostensively teach English as a second language and oftentimes with the motivation of fulfilling the Great Commission. There are also historical and archaelogical sources of information in scripture which help to back up scientific finds; including the account of Creation. Finally; of course we have the other types of literary study that focus on the poetry including hidden acrostic patterns in the original language.
Going beyond these standard methodologies; we have what is known as the Bible Code originally pursued in depth by Michael Drosnin which in the 1990s apparently found equidistant patterns that allowed him to warn Rabin in Israel that he would be assassinated which later proved to be true. We see in that book and more recent literature what seems pretty solid proof of patterns of other things seen in a rear view lens quite often. The original books of the Bible at least with the Pantateuch had to be copied with the end result being the EXACT number of letters of the original manuscript in a copy or else the entire copy would be destroyed and would have to be started AGAIN. Such painstaking translation allows for accuracy to be something we can have great confidence in and any patterns that do exist maintained. Basically; however I would appeal to Deuteronomy 29:29 that some things in the hidden counsel of God shouldn't be pursued. We can study patterns or even have much head knowledge of the Word but without the Spirit at work and salvation message preached it is in vain
Can't you just picture it in your mind? How beautiful it will be the new earth pure untouched by sin, we will have a joy and peace we have never known. There is much given to us in these verses.
22) And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23) And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 24)And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 25) And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26) And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. 27) And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh it a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Revelations: 22: 1-7:
1) And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2) in the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3) And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4) And they shall see His face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5) And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God give the them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. 6) And he said unto me, "These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
(verse 7 is in red) "Behold I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
Heresies did not occur happenstance; but their knowledge of good and evil is still where the fall of man left it. Eve let truth given to her aside and let the counsel of the serpent, that seemed better' decide. She let the context determine if it is good or evil. Thus the context of glory of this world has created in them a contextual truth so they serve both God and mammon. If Adam was not trustworthy with the glory and true riches let him as the Parable of the Shred Steward tells,"for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light./And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations./ He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."( Luke 16:8-11)
"And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables" Mark gives us mystery of the family as is in heaven and on earth where God is one. He has set his throne which is the throne of sovereignty. He blessed all in his Son and the mystery is of his Will.
St Paul makes his sovereignty as the central plank so his good pleasure in his Son extended to all who received him in faith:
1:"hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." This refers to the everlasting covenant where on day Six God expresses "behold, it was good"(Ge.1:31). This covenant is inclusive so it is not any nation but whosoever received the Son should have adoption, of children as stated in the next:
2: "as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, "unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,(Ep.1:3-6). So the man is adopted to himself so he is 'the Father who art in heaven.'
3: everlasting life is conditional so John's Gospel assures us "That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."( John 3:16). Today is the day of salvation is now while we are in our vile bodies and it refers our world of flesh and blood. Simultaneously the day refers in heaven as long as the Alpha and Omega mode of Jesus Christ extends and it is not for us to know. The point is we are saved according to the covenant, when we died to the world and to sin. We have a building of God, a spiritual body awaiting us. (2 Co.5:1)
Mark tells us in the next verse those who have dismissed this mystery shall not benefit from parables. "That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."(4:12). Heresies did not occur happenstance.
2 Kings 8:26 Ahaziah was 22 years old when he began his reign after his father died.
2 Chronicles 22:2 Ahaziah was 42 when he began his reign.
I've heard numerous explanations; I am looking for a consensus viewpoint.
Was there a mistranslation as it was supposed to say "Sum of Years" as in the 42 years of reign that had passed since the house of Omri. Or was it mistranslated and intended to say 22 years like 2 Kings. Or is there another explanation.
The question is all the more striking since Jesus does not include his father. Jesus never had doubt as to where he came from or was going to. St Luke informs us, "And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"( Luke 2:49). His Father was in heaven and he knew his deity was still entwined in his Father's bosom. So the words that he spoke as he heard while in heaven and what he put in his mouth. So the conclusion? Man can only be part of their relationship by acknowledging that he has to fulfill the will of the Father which art in heaven while in flesh and blood. No other shortcuts.
"For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother."
God breathed in the nostrils of man so everyone of us is represented in Adam. The spirit of God breathed into us must be for entering into the rest of God. The kingdom of God rules over all so His sovereignty is what makes His creation bask in his power and glory.(Ps.103:19). We shall understand the power of the Spirit in controlling movements. Murmuring of starling is fascinating to watch. As they sway en masse and form clouds no one can be identified in the multitude. One may be any where and yet nowhere. They flit and float without any mishap. How do they do it? There is a skill the spirit of God has given them, the wherewithal so they prosper.
The same power of God and glory and the fall of man shows where he differs from the birds of the air. Instead of being sustained by the grace from the throne of God he speaks of culture as Jews would wave 'the traditions of their fathers' that brought condemnation from Jesus. Without acknowledging God as the Father and doing his will perfectly no nations shall survive.
Jesus was ever dutiful Son who would while hanging on the cross entrusted the care of his mother to John, "When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!/Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home."( John 19:26-27). By literal approach how false teachers consistently strip passages of their pith and serve the husks instead. This is one example. Covenant between God and Man entrusts man with His creation and does he care?
God had prepared a worm as he a great fish to instruct Prophet Jonah. At the end of the book He tells Jonah,"And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?"( Jonah 4:11) Family of man is incomplete without this same care for His creation. The Four beasts in heaven is a memorial.
Pilgrims in 1630 settled in the Americas to make a New Canaan. However it was like sewing old garment to the new in the manner the divine Will was shortchanged. Salt crystal is made up of chlorine and sodium which by themselves have their distinctive characteristics. Sodium is metal, and corrosive while chlorine is a gas and poisonous. How billions of these atoms are precisely arranged by force keeping the formation gives the table salt its savor. In the manner culture wars have dogged the country tells making a family or nation without fulfilling the will of the Father is a non-starter. "And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles."(2:22)
In this passage the Spirit is setting two sets of families each representing the world of the Spirit and of the body. In the former world familial relationship is pendent to the covenant between God and Man, The latter is symbolic of heaven but in keeping with the body formed of the dust, it is the union of dust to dust and ashes to ashes. "For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven."(12:25; Matt.22:30). Resurrection of the dead is restoration of the covenant to its former glory where Power and glory of God renders the Man his throne so "and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."(Re.21:3)
Thus the saying of Jesus refers to the world of the Spirit,"But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren./And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven."(Matt.23:8-9)
In marriage man and woman leave their parents and they shall be one flesh, "And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?"( Luke 16:12; Ge.2:23)
This was provisioned for in the covenant. In Ge.1:28-29 we are shown what our Father in heaven had entrusted them with His creation. "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." This was entrusted with man in his Son. It is to this God willed and the covenant exists, and as a proof sent his only begotten Son to the world in fulness of time.
As the key verse states there is no gender difference. Only those who do the will of God.
And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. ( John 8:35).
When we consider the state of the human soul as well as the angelic realm we realize that access to the heavenly abode is only for those who kept their first estate; as opposed to those mentioned in Jude 6 who fell away after Lucifer's deception. Such is the case as well for men; unregenerate men are truly slaves to sin ( Romans 6:20). We find that our freedom indeed puts us into bondage while being a servant of Christ brings victory.
It is tempting to include some verses from secular songs which at least admit to the dazzling display that Satan appearing as an angel of light uses to delude the masses. ( 2 Cor. 11:14). Since he can no longer magnify God's name; Satan and his minions can only appeal to the nature of man; as he did when influencing Peter to speak as he did about Christ ( Matthew 16:23). Men's thoughts are on self preservation; not sacrificial love. We want to keep close those who are closest to us; which isn't necessarily wrong in itself but is if God is subservient; thus we hate our lives and keep it ( John 12:25). Hence is the paradox of living in Christ and it will come to it's fullest realization during the fires of the Tribulation. It is hard to comprehend just how powerful the delusion will be mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:11. GOD sends the strong delusion! As stated previously; the trumpet judgments still won't deter the world of it's sins; and in Revelation 9:14-21 after the 200,000,000 demon horde kill one third of all of the earth people STILL won't stop their abominable acts. Keep in mind this is well after the sixth SEAL where people at that time are still hiding in caves and fully aware of God and Christ on their thrones beginning judgment ( Rev. 6:16-17).
This of course will lead to the delusion mentioned in Psalm 2 and Revelation 19 where men come together at Armageddon and eventually try to fight God.
John 5:43 seems to allude of the Antichrist who comes "in his own name". This substitute or opposing Christ to the genuine Savior will; as Revelation states be worshipped ultimately by ALL whose names are NOT written in the book of life from before the foundation of the world ( Rev. 13:8). Whatever "quality" of life will be enjoyed by those taking the infamous mark of the beast it certainly won't be worth it considering eternal torment in hell to follow. I can envision it being much like a drug addict who is little more than skin and bones because they are so intoxicated with their "fix" that their whole self has turned from natural bahaviors taking care of themselves. The Tribulation may begin for those enjoying the benefits of the Babylon system for the first half of the event as what seems like a long party. Hence we see fornications; murders; idol worship and other abominations endure until the fifth trumpet judgment. At that point the wicked get a foretaste of sufferings to come; which I suspect Antichrist who arises immediately after will say he has put to an end after the 5 months; and also he will demonstrate immortality by the apparently miraculous revival from a deadly wound (see Zech. 11:17; ( Rev. 13:3). He also will give himself credit no doubt for killing the 2 witnesses which the world will celebrate; but their Resurrection will clue those in who are of God that the game is soon up and to run for their lives.
God has demonstrated throughout scripture that he has an end game in mind once sin reaches a certain level. We can see this as early as Genesis 15;16 with the iniquity of the Amorites. God has dealt with the United States for hundreds of years and for us to think we are exempt from the fate of everyone else is folly. When we consider how many hundreds of millions of abortions and other killings occur with the principle of Genesis 9:5; it is no wonder billions will die.
The Laodicean church is what many consider to typify the last stages or phase of church history. It is clear from that passage that only a few there are worthy; as we see in Revelation 3:4 with the church of Sardis as well. The general state is one of a pitiful state of spiritual poverty which the outer adornment; much like the Pharisees cleaning the outer parts of their vessels which appear to be showing opulence. Matthew 25:9 reminds me of those who need to pay the price for receiving the refreshing of the Holy Spirit as it will be with the fiery trial and mass martyrdom of the Tribulation. I see this as an example of those who have patiently waited for the Lord and now receive their reward because of enduring much as Lot did until the Lord rescued him from the disaster to come (see 2 Tim. 4:8). Those who are in a Laodicean church aren't putting themselves or anyone else into persecution as all those who are godly in Christ Jesus suffer ( 2 Tim. 3:12). Whether they are truly saved or not ultimately will be determined by God; I tend to see the Rapture as a reward issue but if I'm wrong then rewards will be lost for those backslidden ( Rev. 3:11); and it is certain many aren't truly saved now but many will wake up on the other side of the rapture; whether left behind people who professed Christ beforehand or new converts.
As to the second part of my study on the Jews suffering Tribulation first; we can of course see that pattern in many Old Testament passages as well as the many wars in history; the most obvious recent one of worldwide significance being World War two. This current Hamas battle also started with an attack causing suffering to Jews. These verses would show the military campaigns that will occur prior to Armageddon as well when God finally defends His people ( Zech. 14:2) and then the nations are dealt with. The various judgments will be centered on Israel as well.
Romans 2:9 states: There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile..
(NIV); but says tribulation and anguish in the KJV. There is another verse stating that judgment begins at the house of God. ( 1 Peter 4:17).
Just as not all Israel is Israel ( Romans 9:6); not all the "professing" church is the possessing church; that is possessing the Holy Spirit and true salvation. Jesus made that perfectly clear to those who thought because they were the physical descendants of Abraham that gave them some sort of benefit were sadly mistaken ( John 8:39-44). Those who had seen Christ; knew the prophecies about the Messiah and yet rejected Him would in fact be worse off than Sodom and Gomorrah in their punishment. ( Matt. 11:21-24). We see similar warnings for those who have knowledge of the truth and become reprobate; in that it would be better not to have known it in the first place ( 2 Peter 2:21).
Testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith is sadly lacking today among professing believers; or we would see a reality check in the fruits of many lives. ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). We can glibly see this example as a carnal bunch of people and think that being steeped in our own religious training or theology that we are automatically exempt from this test. I have said before that there are dangers in any extreme that is lacking the balancing attribute; such as with loving people and warning them of judgment to come ( John 16:8). We see in the Ephesian church everything being done properly but their first love somehow becoming distant in their hearts. Look at 1 Corinthians 13:6; love rejoices in the truth. The basic fact that man's heart is desperately wicked ( Jeremiah 17:9) and that our sin makes us enemies of God ( James 4:4) means that there is a wall between opposing parties and yes God is angry with the wicked (i.e. us) every day. ( Psalm 7:11). Having our heads in the sand doesn't help anyone.
" No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house."
Of whose house are we? " But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." (He.3:6).One whose hope is firm to the end and works are done in faith cannot be a weak vessel. He is instead an overcomer" Jesus Christ has overcome the world and abiding in him all things are possible because he has promised and we know all promiseds of God are yea in his Son. If we have the Son we have the Father as well.
The verse speaks of anyone who serves God and mammon; like Samson there comes a point in his life that he gets taken like the dumb beast for the slaughter-house. "And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him."(Ju.16:20)
Parable of Jesus tells how the unclean spirit spoils his house.
"When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none./ Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished./Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation." (Matt.12:43-45)
When Jesus sent his disciples he authorized them to cast out demons. "And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease."(Matt.10:1) Jesus was among them as a sign; so are believers whose lives identify with it. "And these signs shall follow them,"(16:17). 'In my name'
"But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation./ Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit."
Jesus was in a synagogue when he cast out the man with the unclean spirit. He called Jesus," Let us alone; what have we to do with thee". He was using the spirit of man so uses the plural form and tells "I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God."(1:24-25). St Paul warned us that no one with indwelling Spirit shall say Jesus is accursed. ("Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost."-1 Co.12:3). The unclean spirit in the man having taken over his life would not curse Jesus but only want him to leave him in peace. He showed faith in his speech, did he not, testifying,' I know thee who thou art, the Holy one of God'. This is what faith without works mean. In our times some of the so-called believers deny the deity of Jesus while not leaving it altogether, ought to warn not to have any trek with them. They are besides themselves to hold on to their belief. Their heresies and holding on to them, does not remain on a single point but becomes entangled with great many other errors. If one says, resurrection of the body is a lie, he is likely to cover it by the glory of this world. It is what the devil offered Jesus before he would preach the gospel. Christian nationalism, white evangelicalism are similarly are telltale signs of believers who simply appropriate Jesus, and their faith is the truncated tail of a lizard without the body of Christ."And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him."(1:25)
While we groan in this vile body we have a building of God eternal in heavens. So do we live both worlds as one or not? "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." In thy light we see the light.
Jesus formally chose the twelve "And they went into an house." Here we a curious passage,"And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread./And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself."(vv.20-21).
Fame of the new prophet we read earlier in the Gospel of Mark was no different than of John the Baptist. "And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee."(1:28) Jesus having seen the masses who were as sheep without a shepherd.(Matt.9:36) began to preach of the gospel while his cousin before him aroused much speculation and curiosity. "Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan." to hear his message.(Matt.3:5) " And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?"( John 1:19). His testimony was received and they saw him as well. "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Here we have an unvarnished look at fame or celebrity status. The ear hears so much as eye sees so often yet Jesus was an unknown quantity to his friends. "He is possessed!" summed up their report. The Spirit gives us the instance of his mother, "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."( Luke 2:19).
Hearing without faith is a dumb thing to do and it is how Jesus became so many things to so many. She heard with her ear of faith and digested over it. What many have witnessed or heard are good seed sown into the heard but it poves to be no man's land."When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side."(Matt.13:19). Is it strange to hear that some believers do not believe in trinity?
"And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him."
Sabbath day was designated as entering into the rest of God who testified, "This is my beloved Son". As a father takes delight in watching his infant takes control of his movements he doted on the Son. Jesus testified, "And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him."( John 8:29). This rest is two -way street as God testified with a voice from heaven, the Son of man glorified his Father. The rest comes from the two worlds of the Spirit and of the flesh, as two beams of light on a single standard of obedience: of the body to God, a Spirit. This true worship kept both worlds in focus, and sharp. It is thus Satan, he may quote as many words from the Scripture but was to no avail. Jesus well knew his Father having heard from his bosom and he was not fooled..
As the Word become flesh he did everything that is pleasing in his sight.
Sabbath signified faith and as logical conclusion of one who was blessed by the Father in his Son (that was stipulated in day Six) would want to enter directly therein. Pharisees stalking every step of Jesus to accuse him breaking the Sabbath reveal that they were of bad seed. " 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./ And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not."( John 8:44-45)
Sabbath is for those who has the seed in itself, "And the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good."(Ge.1:12) Day Three is also a command number for the Son. He is the tree of life, fruit of which for man to eat freely. Fall of man began in preferring the tree commended by the serpent.
You ask how can I say what I said about those who do not believe Jesus is God or in the Triune nature of God to a friend. i did not say that personally to you, but since you don't believe Jesus is God nor that God is Triune, then it does apply to you. I don't say anything like this lightly, especially when I know a friend will be offended. But, the reason I can say this to a friend is because of the love of Christ Jesus in me for you and others. It is difficult to take a stance like I have because I run the risk of losing friendships, like yours. I don't want that to happen. I am glad you will pray for me. And I have been and will continue to pray for you, my brother. May the Holy Spirit teach and guide us both in all truth. I hope to have more conversations with you in time. For now, perhaps it is good to take a break from one another and spend tie in prayer for one another instead. But my love for you and your friendship remains as it has been, strong and true. God bless you in all sincerity.
God is in need of nothing because He is all within Himself. There is nothing outside of Himself that can enhance His life or enjoyment of living, nothing that can add to His glory or majesty, nothing that can increase his power or knowledge, nothing that He can acquire to enhance His life experience. He is totally satisfied in Himself. the fellowship He has always had within the Godhead between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit fulfills Him to the unlimited maximum.
He is so Great and amazing. I can't wait to be resurrected and behold Him in Christ and learn of His greatness throughout eternity. And since He is self-sufficient, self-existent, and self-satisfied, then we will lack no good thing in Him.
Existence (LIFE) us what God is. He does not derive His life from outside of Himself. He has always existed and will exist forever. He cannot not Exist. And His life is life abundant, completely full without any room for more fullness, nor can His Life diminish in any way. He is changeless in His existence.
So, we, as chosen believers, are given the privilege of having life in God through the salvation of Christ Jesus our Lord. This is eternal life. To have live in the life of God. We have temporal life now that is not the best nor maximum life we can experience. But in the resurrection we will enter into His life fully when our mortalliy is removed and our earthly life is transformed.
In this life we do have eternal life in Christ, but there is a "yet to be realized" aspect of it that waits for the resurrection.
Jesus says to the Samaritan woman "God is Spirit" Jn. 4:24.
This means that God is not just "a" spirit being, like angels. But He is pure Spirit. He is ALL Spirit, without components or parts.
Some say He is "simple" in this way, not made up of parts that He must derive outside of Himself. He is all of His attributes, they are not "things' that He possesses. He is Love, Power, Life, etc.
It is difficult for us who are material creatures to imagine what God is like in this, His "aseity" (what He is in essence)
How beautifully "OTHER" He is than any beings He created.
Also, the Holy Spirit is God, a distinct person in the Godhead along with the Father and the Spirit. He is spoken of as having a will, thoughts, can speak, pray, be grieved, be lied to, can regenerate, sanctify, and convict; teach, resurrect, and cause conception. He indwells, believers and the Father and the Son. He unites believers to God. He is not the Father, nor the Son, but has all the attributes of God and of a distinct person who has all of the divine nature fully.
Is. 19:20 says that God will send a savior and defender. ad God identifies the Savior as the Holy One of Israel ( a name of God) in Is. 43:3. In 43:11 God says that apart from Him there is NO Savior. Also Hos. 13:4
God calls Himself Savior in Is. 45:21; 49:26; 60:16. Jesus is called the Savior of the world John 4:42; Acts 5:31; 13:23, 1 Tim. 4:10,
the Father sent the Son to as Savior ( 1 Jn. 4:14)
and Jude 1:25 says that Jesus our only God and Savior and He should be glorified and honored the SAME as the Father who is God ( Jn. 5:23) thus claiming equality with the Father. (also see Jn. 5:18; Jn. 10: 30-38; 8:58)
So, in light of these truths of Scripture, It is fact that God alone is our Savior, and the Father sent His Divine Son into the world to save sinners.
Hallelujah! Because every human that has ever lived needs to be saved from their sins, and Jesus, God the Son, is this Savior, and no mere man can save anyone.
Mystery of heaven or of the earth is not in itself but is in the Son. Mystery of his Father was in his Will and consequently it as the unseen world was made to appear. God framed the worlds by his world and this mystery can only be explained by what is made to appear. (He.11:3). This being the case the Spirit gives us this line, " If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."(v.23). The key is faith, nothing else. So Jesus employed parables mystery of the kingdom of God can only be opened by faith and enter therein with the help of the Son. All other vain exercises, are temporal and not from God. So the world and how the system works so any fool may aspire to the highest office and sit there is temporal. "while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."(2 Co.4:18) So when we saw a dictator like Joseph Stalin striding like a Colossus for some 30 years, there was this mystery of divine Will also at work. Having caused some 20 million deaths he went out like a flesh. What was he but a flash in the pan! What is seen is temporal. Crooks fools innocents saints and all, have had their day. But the earth abides forever because the mystery of the Will is in lockstep with the Son fulfilling it. It is to this the key text refers. "He (man) knoweth not how./For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." It is as deep calls unto the deep.
In an astonishing cosmic cycle that occurs every 2.4 million years, Mars' gravitational pull is shifting Earth's path around the sun, warming its climate and increasing vigorous deep ocean circulation, according to a new study published a week ago in the journal Nature Communications. God is in charge, for sure. So nations beat the drum, instead of joy what it brings, destruction! The Soviet empire collapsed within 8 decades.
Remembering the Pharisees shows us a prime example of how not to use scripture. Mark 7:11 is exhibit one in this subject matter; where for financial gain the needs of a parent were said to be avoided and was used in their logic to exonerate themselves for what was "dedicated to God". Psalm 105:15 stating to do no harm to God's anointed ones or prophets has also been mishandled by the "prosperity" preachers in particular and could of course be used by any cult leaders who are false prophets.
Again we know how much Satan knows scripture. Anything that can be used to tickle men's ears and misused such as God's promises for blessings being boiled down to presumption of financial gain for all of God's people is made even more insane when attempting to justify such logic with other scriptures. Jesus was clearly a man of sorrows as Isaiah prophesied; and was essentially homeless; or at least a full time missionary along with the disciples; fully dependent on God for provisions. If He could state that we shouldn't concern ourselves with food and clothing ( Matthew 6:25) it is more than a stretch to entrust him for a Lamborghinis or jet plane. Note that Jesus didn't even mention SHELTER; and also indicated that the Son of Man has no place to lay His head ( Matt. 8:20). No point going further on that subject!
A further consideration ties in with what I mentioned about the Pharisees in regard to making scriptures legalistic to maintain pride. This used to be more popular when parents were strict with children two and three generations ago. It still occurs in some denominations today under a guise of "holiness" but seen for what it is when Christ's love isn't on display. We can list all day long what we don't do or don't permit; but we also need to realize that it is the love of Christ that constrains us and draws people in ( 2 Cor. 5:14; John 12:32).
in short; scripture is truth unless used for another agenda
If I may say when we open our Bible to read and study, if we are not willing to leave the baggage of traditions at the door and what we think we know, and in prayer with the mindset that we do not know anything our eyes and ears will be closed to the Spirit of truth. Until we are willing to humble ourselves the truth will be hidden.
Deuteronomy 29:4 Yet the Lord hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.
God bless,
RLW
There are things in scripture despite all of it being of value that shouldn't be emulated; this would include Satan's tactics in twisting the Word for his own benefit or all the examples of individuals including true saints of God falling into patterns of sin.
Truly we can say the Bible gives a true account of what sinners did but we don't want to follow after their footsteps.
I would also contend that sections such as Genesis 6 and others about the Nephilim and descendants of the giant races shouldn't evolve into an obsession which often leads us to the Apocrypha and other spurious writings (such as about the "watchers" that can lead us down a rabbit trail leading to our own destruction). Hidden wisdom and such is something we need to be wary of; along with texts from other religions. This all; of course evolves from what was released when the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was tampered with by our first ancestors.
We are told also not to be caught up in "endless geneologies" ( 1 Tim. 1:4). The study of the origin of the Patriarchs certainly can be edifying; but of course such nonsense as the descendants of Cain being extrapolated as meaning all dark skinned races are cursed is obviously twisting scripture beyond where it is intended. Just the fact that all the old world was wiped out and started anew with Noah should dispel that idea; let alone the fact that we all are descendants of Adam and all related. Those who were not truly men; that is the sons of the giants may be "men of renown" ( Gen. 6:4); but we aren't to make huge idols of them like the pagans did.
Scripture also shouldn't be used to push our own agenda; whether "Christian nationalism" that purports to be a theocracy like ancient Israel with a Dominionism mentality that we will make the world suitable for Christ to return or other such malarky. The Word has been interpreted incorrectly through cherry picking as well.
The Bible if we accept what it says is true is said to be totally inspired by God and is profitable for teaching; rebuke; etc. ( 2 Tim. 3:16). That being said; we need to have time in our devotions to study the Living Word ( Heb. 4:12) for our edification. It is clear; however especially in time past such as the 19th Century the Bible as literature was standard curriculum in American schools; and still is utilized in developing nations to ostensively teach English as a second language and oftentimes with the motivation of fulfilling the Great Commission. There are also historical and archaelogical sources of information in scripture which help to back up scientific finds; including the account of Creation. Finally; of course we have the other types of literary study that focus on the poetry including hidden acrostic patterns in the original language.
Going beyond these standard methodologies; we have what is known as the Bible Code originally pursued in depth by Michael Drosnin which in the 1990s apparently found equidistant patterns that allowed him to warn Rabin in Israel that he would be assassinated which later proved to be true. We see in that book and more recent literature what seems pretty solid proof of patterns of other things seen in a rear view lens quite often. The original books of the Bible at least with the Pantateuch had to be copied with the end result being the EXACT number of letters of the original manuscript in a copy or else the entire copy would be destroyed and would have to be started AGAIN. Such painstaking translation allows for accuracy to be something we can have great confidence in and any patterns that do exist maintained. Basically; however I would appeal to Deuteronomy 29:29 that some things in the hidden counsel of God shouldn't be pursued. We can study patterns or even have much head knowledge of the Word but without the Spirit at work and salvation message preached it is in vain
Can't you just picture it in your mind? How beautiful it will be the new earth pure untouched by sin, we will have a joy and peace we have never known. There is much given to us in these verses.
God bless,
RLW
22) And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23) And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 24)And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 25) And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26) And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. 27) And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh it a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Revelations: 22: 1-7:
1) And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2) in the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3) And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4) And they shall see His face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5) And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God give the them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. 6) And he said unto me, "These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
(verse 7 is in red) "Behold I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
Heresies did not occur happenstance; but their knowledge of good and evil is still where the fall of man left it. Eve let truth given to her aside and let the counsel of the serpent, that seemed better' decide. She let the context determine if it is good or evil. Thus the context of glory of this world has created in them a contextual truth so they serve both God and mammon. If Adam was not trustworthy with the glory and true riches let him as the Parable of the Shred Steward tells,"for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light./And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations./ He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."( Luke 16:8-11)
"And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables" Mark gives us mystery of the family as is in heaven and on earth where God is one. He has set his throne which is the throne of sovereignty. He blessed all in his Son and the mystery is of his Will.
St Paul makes his sovereignty as the central plank so his good pleasure in his Son extended to all who received him in faith:
1:"hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." This refers to the everlasting covenant where on day Six God expresses "behold, it was good"(Ge.1:31). This covenant is inclusive so it is not any nation but whosoever received the Son should have adoption, of children as stated in the next:
2: "as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, "unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,(Ep.1:3-6). So the man is adopted to himself so he is 'the Father who art in heaven.'
3: everlasting life is conditional so John's Gospel assures us "That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."( John 3:16). Today is the day of salvation is now while we are in our vile bodies and it refers our world of flesh and blood. Simultaneously the day refers in heaven as long as the Alpha and Omega mode of Jesus Christ extends and it is not for us to know. The point is we are saved according to the covenant, when we died to the world and to sin. We have a building of God, a spiritual body awaiting us. (2 Co.5:1)
Mark tells us in the next verse those who have dismissed this mystery shall not benefit from parables. "That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."(4:12). Heresies did not occur happenstance.
2 Chronicles 22:2 Ahaziah was 42 when he began his reign.
I've heard numerous explanations; I am looking for a consensus viewpoint.
Was there a mistranslation as it was supposed to say "Sum of Years" as in the 42 years of reign that had passed since the house of Omri. Or was it mistranslated and intended to say 22 years like 2 Kings. Or is there another explanation.
"Who is my mother, or my brethren?"
The question is all the more striking since Jesus does not include his father. Jesus never had doubt as to where he came from or was going to. St Luke informs us, "And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"( Luke 2:49). His Father was in heaven and he knew his deity was still entwined in his Father's bosom. So the words that he spoke as he heard while in heaven and what he put in his mouth. So the conclusion? Man can only be part of their relationship by acknowledging that he has to fulfill the will of the Father which art in heaven while in flesh and blood. No other shortcuts.
"For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother."
God breathed in the nostrils of man so everyone of us is represented in Adam. The spirit of God breathed into us must be for entering into the rest of God. The kingdom of God rules over all so His sovereignty is what makes His creation bask in his power and glory.(Ps.103:19). We shall understand the power of the Spirit in controlling movements. Murmuring of starling is fascinating to watch. As they sway en masse and form clouds no one can be identified in the multitude. One may be any where and yet nowhere. They flit and float without any mishap. How do they do it? There is a skill the spirit of God has given them, the wherewithal so they prosper.
The same power of God and glory and the fall of man shows where he differs from the birds of the air. Instead of being sustained by the grace from the throne of God he speaks of culture as Jews would wave 'the traditions of their fathers' that brought condemnation from Jesus. Without acknowledging God as the Father and doing his will perfectly no nations shall survive.
Jesus was ever dutiful Son who would while hanging on the cross entrusted the care of his mother to John, "When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!/Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home."( John 19:26-27). By literal approach how false teachers consistently strip passages of their pith and serve the husks instead. This is one example. Covenant between God and Man entrusts man with His creation and does he care?
God had prepared a worm as he a great fish to instruct Prophet Jonah. At the end of the book He tells Jonah,"And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?"( Jonah 4:11) Family of man is incomplete without this same care for His creation. The Four beasts in heaven is a memorial.
Pilgrims in 1630 settled in the Americas to make a New Canaan. However it was like sewing old garment to the new in the manner the divine Will was shortchanged. Salt crystal is made up of chlorine and sodium which by themselves have their distinctive characteristics. Sodium is metal, and corrosive while chlorine is a gas and poisonous. How billions of these atoms are precisely arranged by force keeping the formation gives the table salt its savor. In the manner culture wars have dogged the country tells making a family or nation without fulfilling the will of the Father is a non-starter. "And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles."(2:22)
"Who is my mother, or my brethren?"
In this passage the Spirit is setting two sets of families each representing the world of the Spirit and of the body. In the former world familial relationship is pendent to the covenant between God and Man, The latter is symbolic of heaven but in keeping with the body formed of the dust, it is the union of dust to dust and ashes to ashes. "For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven."(12:25; Matt.22:30). Resurrection of the dead is restoration of the covenant to its former glory where Power and glory of God renders the Man his throne so "and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."(Re.21:3)
Thus the saying of Jesus refers to the world of the Spirit,"But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren./And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven."(Matt.23:8-9)
In marriage man and woman leave their parents and they shall be one flesh, "And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?"( Luke 16:12; Ge.2:23)
This was provisioned for in the covenant. In Ge.1:28-29 we are shown what our Father in heaven had entrusted them with His creation. "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." This was entrusted with man in his Son. It is to this God willed and the covenant exists, and as a proof sent his only begotten Son to the world in fulness of time.
As the key verse states there is no gender difference. Only those who do the will of God.
And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. ( John 8:35).
When we consider the state of the human soul as well as the angelic realm we realize that access to the heavenly abode is only for those who kept their first estate; as opposed to those mentioned in Jude 6 who fell away after Lucifer's deception. Such is the case as well for men; unregenerate men are truly slaves to sin ( Romans 6:20). We find that our freedom indeed puts us into bondage while being a servant of Christ brings victory.
It is tempting to include some verses from secular songs which at least admit to the dazzling display that Satan appearing as an angel of light uses to delude the masses. ( 2 Cor. 11:14). Since he can no longer magnify God's name; Satan and his minions can only appeal to the nature of man; as he did when influencing Peter to speak as he did about Christ ( Matthew 16:23). Men's thoughts are on self preservation; not sacrificial love. We want to keep close those who are closest to us; which isn't necessarily wrong in itself but is if God is subservient; thus we hate our lives and keep it ( John 12:25). Hence is the paradox of living in Christ and it will come to it's fullest realization during the fires of the Tribulation. It is hard to comprehend just how powerful the delusion will be mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:11. GOD sends the strong delusion! As stated previously; the trumpet judgments still won't deter the world of it's sins; and in Revelation 9:14-21 after the 200,000,000 demon horde kill one third of all of the earth people STILL won't stop their abominable acts. Keep in mind this is well after the sixth SEAL where people at that time are still hiding in caves and fully aware of God and Christ on their thrones beginning judgment ( Rev. 6:16-17).
This of course will lead to the delusion mentioned in Psalm 2 and Revelation 19 where men come together at Armageddon and eventually try to fight God.
Try not to read this if you are ready to eat. The World Health Organization states that about 73 MILLION abortions occur worldwide PER YEAR.
That would in little over 100 years be equivalent to the entire population of those living on the earth today.
Nothing more to say here.
John 5:43 seems to allude of the Antichrist who comes "in his own name". This substitute or opposing Christ to the genuine Savior will; as Revelation states be worshipped ultimately by ALL whose names are NOT written in the book of life from before the foundation of the world ( Rev. 13:8). Whatever "quality" of life will be enjoyed by those taking the infamous mark of the beast it certainly won't be worth it considering eternal torment in hell to follow. I can envision it being much like a drug addict who is little more than skin and bones because they are so intoxicated with their "fix" that their whole self has turned from natural bahaviors taking care of themselves. The Tribulation may begin for those enjoying the benefits of the Babylon system for the first half of the event as what seems like a long party. Hence we see fornications; murders; idol worship and other abominations endure until the fifth trumpet judgment. At that point the wicked get a foretaste of sufferings to come; which I suspect Antichrist who arises immediately after will say he has put to an end after the 5 months; and also he will demonstrate immortality by the apparently miraculous revival from a deadly wound (see Zech. 11:17; ( Rev. 13:3). He also will give himself credit no doubt for killing the 2 witnesses which the world will celebrate; but their Resurrection will clue those in who are of God that the game is soon up and to run for their lives.
God has demonstrated throughout scripture that he has an end game in mind once sin reaches a certain level. We can see this as early as Genesis 15;16 with the iniquity of the Amorites. God has dealt with the United States for hundreds of years and for us to think we are exempt from the fate of everyone else is folly. When we consider how many hundreds of millions of abortions and other killings occur with the principle of Genesis 9:5; it is no wonder billions will die.
The Laodicean church is what many consider to typify the last stages or phase of church history. It is clear from that passage that only a few there are worthy; as we see in Revelation 3:4 with the church of Sardis as well. The general state is one of a pitiful state of spiritual poverty which the outer adornment; much like the Pharisees cleaning the outer parts of their vessels which appear to be showing opulence. Matthew 25:9 reminds me of those who need to pay the price for receiving the refreshing of the Holy Spirit as it will be with the fiery trial and mass martyrdom of the Tribulation. I see this as an example of those who have patiently waited for the Lord and now receive their reward because of enduring much as Lot did until the Lord rescued him from the disaster to come (see 2 Tim. 4:8). Those who are in a Laodicean church aren't putting themselves or anyone else into persecution as all those who are godly in Christ Jesus suffer ( 2 Tim. 3:12). Whether they are truly saved or not ultimately will be determined by God; I tend to see the Rapture as a reward issue but if I'm wrong then rewards will be lost for those backslidden ( Rev. 3:11); and it is certain many aren't truly saved now but many will wake up on the other side of the rapture; whether left behind people who professed Christ beforehand or new converts.
As to the second part of my study on the Jews suffering Tribulation first; we can of course see that pattern in many Old Testament passages as well as the many wars in history; the most obvious recent one of worldwide significance being World War two. This current Hamas battle also started with an attack causing suffering to Jews. These verses would show the military campaigns that will occur prior to Armageddon as well when God finally defends His people ( Zech. 14:2) and then the nations are dealt with. The various judgments will be centered on Israel as well.
(NIV); but says tribulation and anguish in the KJV. There is another verse stating that judgment begins at the house of God. ( 1 Peter 4:17).
Just as not all Israel is Israel ( Romans 9:6); not all the "professing" church is the possessing church; that is possessing the Holy Spirit and true salvation. Jesus made that perfectly clear to those who thought because they were the physical descendants of Abraham that gave them some sort of benefit were sadly mistaken ( John 8:39-44). Those who had seen Christ; knew the prophecies about the Messiah and yet rejected Him would in fact be worse off than Sodom and Gomorrah in their punishment. ( Matt. 11:21-24). We see similar warnings for those who have knowledge of the truth and become reprobate; in that it would be better not to have known it in the first place ( 2 Peter 2:21).
Testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith is sadly lacking today among professing believers; or we would see a reality check in the fruits of many lives. ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). We can glibly see this example as a carnal bunch of people and think that being steeped in our own religious training or theology that we are automatically exempt from this test. I have said before that there are dangers in any extreme that is lacking the balancing attribute; such as with loving people and warning them of judgment to come ( John 16:8). We see in the Ephesian church everything being done properly but their first love somehow becoming distant in their hearts. Look at 1 Corinthians 13:6; love rejoices in the truth. The basic fact that man's heart is desperately wicked ( Jeremiah 17:9) and that our sin makes us enemies of God ( James 4:4) means that there is a wall between opposing parties and yes God is angry with the wicked (i.e. us) every day. ( Psalm 7:11). Having our heads in the sand doesn't help anyone.
" No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house."
Of whose house are we? " But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." (He.3:6).One whose hope is firm to the end and works are done in faith cannot be a weak vessel. He is instead an overcomer" Jesus Christ has overcome the world and abiding in him all things are possible because he has promised and we know all promiseds of God are yea in his Son. If we have the Son we have the Father as well.
The verse speaks of anyone who serves God and mammon; like Samson there comes a point in his life that he gets taken like the dumb beast for the slaughter-house. "And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him."(Ju.16:20)
Parable of Jesus tells how the unclean spirit spoils his house.
"When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none./ Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished./Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation." (Matt.12:43-45)
When Jesus sent his disciples he authorized them to cast out demons. "And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease."(Matt.10:1) Jesus was among them as a sign; so are believers whose lives identify with it. "And these signs shall follow them,"(16:17). 'In my name'
"But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation./ Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit."
Jesus was in a synagogue when he cast out the man with the unclean spirit. He called Jesus," Let us alone; what have we to do with thee". He was using the spirit of man so uses the plural form and tells "I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God."(1:24-25). St Paul warned us that no one with indwelling Spirit shall say Jesus is accursed. ("Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost."-1 Co.12:3). The unclean spirit in the man having taken over his life would not curse Jesus but only want him to leave him in peace. He showed faith in his speech, did he not, testifying,' I know thee who thou art, the Holy one of God'. This is what faith without works mean. In our times some of the so-called believers deny the deity of Jesus while not leaving it altogether, ought to warn not to have any trek with them. They are besides themselves to hold on to their belief. Their heresies and holding on to them, does not remain on a single point but becomes entangled with great many other errors. If one says, resurrection of the body is a lie, he is likely to cover it by the glory of this world. It is what the devil offered Jesus before he would preach the gospel. Christian nationalism, white evangelicalism are similarly are telltale signs of believers who simply appropriate Jesus, and their faith is the truncated tail of a lizard without the body of Christ."And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him."(1:25)
While we groan in this vile body we have a building of God eternal in heavens. So do we live both worlds as one or not? "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." In thy light we see the light.
Jesus formally chose the twelve "And they went into an house." Here we a curious passage,"And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread./And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself."(vv.20-21).
Fame of the new prophet we read earlier in the Gospel of Mark was no different than of John the Baptist. "And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee."(1:28) Jesus having seen the masses who were as sheep without a shepherd.(Matt.9:36) began to preach of the gospel while his cousin before him aroused much speculation and curiosity. "Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan." to hear his message.(Matt.3:5) " And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?"( John 1:19). His testimony was received and they saw him as well. "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Here we have an unvarnished look at fame or celebrity status. The ear hears so much as eye sees so often yet Jesus was an unknown quantity to his friends. "He is possessed!" summed up their report. The Spirit gives us the instance of his mother, "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."( Luke 2:19).
Hearing without faith is a dumb thing to do and it is how Jesus became so many things to so many. She heard with her ear of faith and digested over it. What many have witnessed or heard are good seed sown into the heard but it poves to be no man's land."When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side."(Matt.13:19). Is it strange to hear that some believers do not believe in trinity?
"And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him."
Sabbath day was designated as entering into the rest of God who testified, "This is my beloved Son". As a father takes delight in watching his infant takes control of his movements he doted on the Son. Jesus testified, "And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him."( John 8:29). This rest is two -way street as God testified with a voice from heaven, the Son of man glorified his Father. The rest comes from the two worlds of the Spirit and of the flesh, as two beams of light on a single standard of obedience: of the body to God, a Spirit. This true worship kept both worlds in focus, and sharp. It is thus Satan, he may quote as many words from the Scripture but was to no avail. Jesus well knew his Father having heard from his bosom and he was not fooled..
As the Word become flesh he did everything that is pleasing in his sight.
Sabbath signified faith and as logical conclusion of one who was blessed by the Father in his Son (that was stipulated in day Six) would want to enter directly therein. Pharisees stalking every step of Jesus to accuse him breaking the Sabbath reveal that they were of bad seed. " 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./ And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not."( John 8:44-45)
Sabbath is for those who has the seed in itself, "And the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good."(Ge.1:12) Day Three is also a command number for the Son. He is the tree of life, fruit of which for man to eat freely. Fall of man began in preferring the tree commended by the serpent.
You ask how can I say what I said about those who do not believe Jesus is God or in the Triune nature of God to a friend. i did not say that personally to you, but since you don't believe Jesus is God nor that God is Triune, then it does apply to you. I don't say anything like this lightly, especially when I know a friend will be offended. But, the reason I can say this to a friend is because of the love of Christ Jesus in me for you and others. It is difficult to take a stance like I have because I run the risk of losing friendships, like yours. I don't want that to happen. I am glad you will pray for me. And I have been and will continue to pray for you, my brother. May the Holy Spirit teach and guide us both in all truth. I hope to have more conversations with you in time. For now, perhaps it is good to take a break from one another and spend tie in prayer for one another instead. But my love for you and your friendship remains as it has been, strong and true. God bless you in all sincerity.
God is in need of nothing because He is all within Himself. There is nothing outside of Himself that can enhance His life or enjoyment of living, nothing that can add to His glory or majesty, nothing that can increase his power or knowledge, nothing that He can acquire to enhance His life experience. He is totally satisfied in Himself. the fellowship He has always had within the Godhead between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit fulfills Him to the unlimited maximum.
He is so Great and amazing. I can't wait to be resurrected and behold Him in Christ and learn of His greatness throughout eternity. And since He is self-sufficient, self-existent, and self-satisfied, then we will lack no good thing in Him.
Existence (LIFE) us what God is. He does not derive His life from outside of Himself. He has always existed and will exist forever. He cannot not Exist. And His life is life abundant, completely full without any room for more fullness, nor can His Life diminish in any way. He is changeless in His existence.
So, we, as chosen believers, are given the privilege of having life in God through the salvation of Christ Jesus our Lord. This is eternal life. To have live in the life of God. We have temporal life now that is not the best nor maximum life we can experience. But in the resurrection we will enter into His life fully when our mortalliy is removed and our earthly life is transformed.
In this life we do have eternal life in Christ, but there is a "yet to be realized" aspect of it that waits for the resurrection.
Jesus says to the Samaritan woman "God is Spirit" Jn. 4:24.
This means that God is not just "a" spirit being, like angels. But He is pure Spirit. He is ALL Spirit, without components or parts.
Some say He is "simple" in this way, not made up of parts that He must derive outside of Himself. He is all of His attributes, they are not "things' that He possesses. He is Love, Power, Life, etc.
It is difficult for us who are material creatures to imagine what God is like in this, His "aseity" (what He is in essence)
How beautifully "OTHER" He is than any beings He created.
Also, the Holy Spirit is God, a distinct person in the Godhead along with the Father and the Spirit. He is spoken of as having a will, thoughts, can speak, pray, be grieved, be lied to, can regenerate, sanctify, and convict; teach, resurrect, and cause conception. He indwells, believers and the Father and the Son. He unites believers to God. He is not the Father, nor the Son, but has all the attributes of God and of a distinct person who has all of the divine nature fully.
God alone is the Savior of men.
Is. 19:20 says that God will send a savior and defender. ad God identifies the Savior as the Holy One of Israel ( a name of God) in Is. 43:3. In 43:11 God says that apart from Him there is NO Savior. Also Hos. 13:4
God calls Himself Savior in Is. 45:21; 49:26; 60:16. Jesus is called the Savior of the world John 4:42; Acts 5:31; 13:23, 1 Tim. 4:10,
the Father sent the Son to as Savior ( 1 Jn. 4:14)
and Jude 1:25 says that Jesus our only God and Savior and He should be glorified and honored the SAME as the Father who is God ( Jn. 5:23) thus claiming equality with the Father. (also see Jn. 5:18; Jn. 10: 30-38; 8:58)
So, in light of these truths of Scripture, It is fact that God alone is our Savior, and the Father sent His Divine Son into the world to save sinners.
Hallelujah! Because every human that has ever lived needs to be saved from their sins, and Jesus, God the Son, is this Savior, and no mere man can save anyone.