I Emphatically disagree with you,,, had you read my "For what it's worth" post, or replied to it, you could have learned something.
So to be clear, "with all due respect" The Rapture is a soul hunt, you are helping to program people into believing Christ comes first when He does NOT,,, you have been conditioned/programmed into worshiping Satan when he arrives on the scene FIRST with this Rapture doctrine, Had you read my breakdown of 1 Thessalonians 4:17. You guy's are doing exactly what Paul said NOT to do in His 2nd letter to the Thessalonians, Sir
I understand you don't believe Ezekiel is speaking of sticks as books.
And I will speak also on the many discrepancies you mentioned.
It does seem extremely coincidental the Book of Mormon people claim to be from the tribe of Joseph.
But I understand you don't see it that way.
The Lord tells Ezekiel to write upon the sticks,
take one stick, and write upon it, For Judah
then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph( Ezekiel 37:16)
The revelation says the sticks will be joined together and shall become one in thine hand( Ezekiel 37:17)
I believe these sticks are books and when the books are joined as one in the hand, just as the sticks are a record of each tribe coming together so they will gather Israel as one nation.
Please, Chris, answer this question
Is the Bible gathering Israel?
Regarding the discrepancies,
I know many false doctrines have been introduced into the Church by its own Church leaders.
And this is foretold in Mormon Scripture.
Of course, suggesting the Sun and Moon are inhabited is ludicrous.
It is mostly ludicrous because of what we know from science and astrology.
In Brigham Young's day the teaching was accepted because of the ignorance of the people.
Furthermore, beyond just this, there are many other false doctrines within the Church fostered by its own Church leaders.
Therefore, I believe only what is found in Scripture, both Bible and Mormon.
No Mormon Scripture speaks of life on the Sun or Moon.
No Mormon Scripture nor the Bible verifies the false doctrine that God the Father has a father.
No Mormon Scripture nor the Bible says Christ and Satan are brothers.
No Mormon Scripture nor the Bible says Mormons will be gods of their own planets.
These are only a few of the false doctrines introduced by Church leader for their own gain and praise.
There are more than one instance where the Bible records this happened...
And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, ( Deuteronomy 34:10)
And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. ( Genesis 32:30)
Jacob boldly says, And my life is perserved...
Why else would Jacob say, And my life is preserved?
And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land: for they have heard that thou LORD art among this people, that thou LORD art seen face to face, ( Numbers 14:14)
And the Bible commands us to seek His face...
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. . ( Psalms 27:8)
Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore. ( Psalms 105:4)
Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. ( 1 Chronicles 16:11)
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. ( 2 Chronicles 7:14)
The Mormons have a book of Scripture that tells us how Moses and others saw God face to face and lived.
Mormon Scripture says the only way man can see God face to face and live is to be out of the body having God's priesthood.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. ( James 1:5)
For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say. ( Luke 12:12)
for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. ( Mark 13:11)
For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. ( Matthew 10:20)
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
And all the men were about twelve. ( Acts 19:6-7)
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. ( 1 Corinthians 12:7, 8, 11)
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. ( 1 Peter 4:11)
You said you disagree that the Holy Spirit would reveal things beyond what is already written.
But there are many Biblical passages that say things will be revealed
I respectfully challenge you to please show me the Biblical passages to support your thoughts as I have done below to support the Spirit of God will reveal things, today.
If the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy, how can there not be more prophecy?
How then could we say we have a testimony of Jesus but not believe in revelation?
When we pray to God for guidance, can the Spirit not help direct us today?
An angel appeared to Cornelius and told him to call for Peter and Peter brought Cornelius the Gospel.
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. ( Hebrews 13:2)
Do you believe angels are among us?
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? ( Hebrews 1:14)
And how can the Scripture be fulfilled Paul saying,
for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; ( 2 Thessalonians 2:3)
Even the Saints in the early days received revelations
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. ( 1 Corinthians 14:27)
If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. ( 1 Corinthians 14 30-31)
How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. ( 1 Corinthians 14:26)
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. ( Romans 8:9)
The needle and the camel and the rich man; to enter into the kingdom of God, is a reference to (ill gotten gain's) For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye,(a small side door of the big open gates), barely big enough for a person to pass, used for entrance after sundown: than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
When caravan's of merchants pass through the big open gate's into the city in those day's, their camel's are packed and loaded with goods for the market.
Christ is saying it is easier for this loaded down camel to pass through the eye(small side door)than a rich man(implying the gain's of most rich men are Ill gotten) to enter into the Kingdom of God.
In this petition of the Lord's Prayer, Jesus is speaking to daily provision of our needs. We are to ask the Father for these things with thanksgiving. We also are to remember that we do not survive on bread alone, but on every word that comes from God. Jesus, indeed, as you say, is the very bread of life, as He is the Word of God, eternally so. He, with the Father and the Holy Spirit are the source and sustainers of all life. We owe our existence to Him.
Acknowledging that we need God to supply our daily needs and asking for this provision keeps us cognizant of our dependence upon Him and His goodness. We can be confident that when we ask Him for our daily needs, in the name of Jesus, the Father will supply for us what we need for that day or moment. This is such a wonderful blessing from God.
I have heard it said that, from the Lord's Prayer, the lead us not into temptation, in its original translation, was more like "and cause us to hold up under temptation, not allowing us to be tempted beyond what we can bear and resist."
So, with the strength that comes from the power of grace through the Holy Spirit, we can say no to temptations and trust that God will supply what we need to have victory over temptation and do His will instead of giving in to sin.
When we read the Lord's Prayer, it is more of an outline rather than a prayer to recite. We can think of it in sections and pray as the Spirit leads us to apply it to our own circumstances.
So, when I read the "lead us not into temptation" I can know that God is there with me when I am tempted and will help me when I ask Him to cause me to bear up under the temptation and defeat it as Jesus did, using the Word of God and the strength given to us by the Spirit.
Please know that salvation is all from God, not by the works of humans.
God sent His Son, Jesus into the world to save humans from sin, death, the devil, and hell. So, the work of salvation is done by Jesus by His perfect life, sacrificial death for the sins of the world, and His glorious resurrection from the dead after three days of death in the tomb. All of this accomplished our salvation. Then the Holy Spirit was sent out to bring God's grace to us through the hearing of this gospel message of Jesus' work of salvation. The Holy Spirit uses the hearing of the Gospel as a means of convicting us of our sinfulness before God and need for His mercy, causing us to repent from sin, creating faith in us to believe the Gospel message and put our trust in Jesus and in what He accomplished for us. This is regeneration or being born anew. It is all accomplished by God in us. When we act on what God has done for us by using the faith the Holy Spirit births in us we will confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord and Savior for us.
So it sounds to me like these things have occurred in you, Oakly. You can be assured that you are saved by God's grace and will. Please believe that this is true because the evil one wants to deceive you into thinking that perhaps you have not done all that is needed to be saved. But you are saved by what God has done. Satan wants to have us believe that we have to do the work of saving ourselves, but this is a lie. We just accept what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. It is simple, even so that a child can believe the Gospel.
Because you are now reconciled to God through the salvation received through Jesus, you are indeed a child of God, whereas prior to salvation you were His enemy and dead in sin. But due to what Jesus has done and the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit in you, you have been made alive to God and are in right relationship with Him. He calls you His friend, His child, His disciple.
Each verse In Rev 12 jumps great lengths of time e.g verse 4 is past history as in (already happened), and then it jumps to the future in verse 7 whereas future still; The war in Heaven between Michael, The Dragon, and his Angels is yet to come, and (This) is when they are KICKED OUT of Heaven,,, actually they are Cast Down.
In Chapter 12, Each verse that begins with the Word (And) in succession are different clauses where they are repetitions of conjunctions in close succession for rhetorical effect, as in the phrase here and there and everywhere.
It is a great comfort knowing that Jesus is with us and on our side of what lies ahead for mankind. We can rest in His power and care for us. This does not mean that we will not have trials nor persecution. He has stated that such will come our way. But we can be assured that He will bring us into the life to come where we will be eternally safe, blessed, and loved by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How good it is to be saved! How gracious is our God to bend low to rescue us from sin and evil. How merciful is our God to forgive us our sins and give us eternal life instead of eternal death!
God bless you today, Marisa. It is good to hear from you on this forum.
Hello Jennifer, I hope you are doing well. I pray today that God will strengthen you in all ways.
Dear Father in heaven, how wonderful You are! Your care for us is beyond measure. We thank You for watching over us. Please help Jennifer throughout her day, giving her strength and stamina to accomplish all she needs to do. We ask that You path the way for her to get her errands done without too much busyness going on around her. We ask that You give her a calm and steady mindset as she goes out and about today and that she will not feel too rushed or overwhelmed by her tasks nor people around and about. We ask this of You, Father, in the name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Heavenly Father, We Praise You for You are good and merciful. We ask that You will make Garrett free of cancer and therefore that his tests today will show that he is does not have cancer. LORD GOD, bring healing to Garrett for whatever is causing him concern to seek a doctor. We ask this of You Father, in the name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
With all due respect sir, "Caught up to meet Him" is not called a "fly by." It is what many believers call the rapture of the church. It will not be a bad day for those who believe in the rapture. The bad day will be for those who are left behind!
Are you referring to the apocrypha as pagan books? If so, evidence is needed. I believe that all books in the KJV 1611 are the word of The Most High God
I can say with complete confidence that the answer is yes, a murderer can be forgiven. Jesus says all manner of sin can be forgiven, and since murder is sin, it would be included in "all manner." The only sin that a person can never receive forgiveness for is when God sends His Spirit to testify to that person, showing them their sinful state, and their need to be redeemed, their need to surrender their life to Christ, if a person rejects that testimony, they will never be forgiven for that.
In Luke 23:34, when Jesus was on the cross, He said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." The fulfillment of that prophecy is from Psalm 22:18. But Jesus is saying Father forgive them for they don't know what they're doing. We know in Ephesians 6:12, Paul said that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against evil spiritual forces in the spirit realm. It is not people. It is Satan using people.
In John 15:18, Jesus said the world hated me so you know the world is going to hate you. And this prayer of Jesus "Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing" was actually answered in Acts Chapter 2, the very first sermon given by Peter after the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Peter said this Jesus (whom you crucified). He is talking to the very people that were there when Jesus was crucified. Were they forgiven? I would say yes because we are told that several thousand souls were saved. The Lord's prayer "Father forgive them for they know not what they do" was answered!
And on Pentecost the gospel was preached and they received the very one that they crucified as their Savior.
Therefore; there is no more holding back judgment (See Jeremiah 15:1 for example). The "plumbline" is drawn ( Amos 7:7-9).
There is a distinct time frame where God says "enough" and Christ is set free with the righteous angels to procure judgment.
We see in the following chapters that in fact He uses Satan by giving him what he always wanted; control over the entire world.
Geographically; he doesn't gain all the territory; but surely with technology and his minions can enforce his mark worldwide through the 10 nations or regional confederacy that rule with him for "one hour". ( Rev. 17:12). It is an interesting sidenote; which I pointed out before about some who fight in the Ezekiel 38 war AGAINST Antichrist. Since one sixth survive it is possible that they did NOT recieve the mark of the Beast and have a chance at surviving into othe Millenium. In Isaiah 49:23 we see kings and queens being "nursing fathers" and mothers as it were (part of that obviously symbolic). In Jeremiah 31:16-17 we see further confirmation of this. This isn't the main point of the passage; but it shows how God may use captivity and even kidnapping to ultimately preserve the lives of children into the Millennium; the alternative being killed in Israel by Antichrist.
We need to see several larger themes here. God is using all this so that FINALLY as Christ is returning the nation will repent; and that in weeping. (see Zechariah 12:12). It seems hard to believe that the nations get it in regard to Christ and God in the sixth seal; and Israel remains blind that long. Romans 11:25 sheds some light on this; in regard to the "fullness of the Gentiles" which could be indicative of the Church Age ending; complete with the Rapture/Resurrections discussed previously.
Altogether; He uses Satan's own planning to draw men to the snare and trap of Armageddon where things come to a swift conclusion. No more delay can occur or no flesh would live ( Matt. 24:22
There is; no doubt an air of mystery (with a literal use of that word in verse 7 explaining the concept of "time no longer" in verse 6.). Given that we still have literal sequential fulfillments to come; surely it doesn't mean that the law of physics related to time and space are no longer in effect. The 1000 year reign to come surely verifies that fact. The most common explanation is that there is no longer any DELAY for these events to happen (see also Habukkuk 2:3).
The "mystery" here has been explained as the end of the church age; or the Rapture of the Church. I would say that it is better explained as the end of the "firstfruits" that are translated from the earth which actually began with Christ Himself; and a portion that came out of their graves after the Resurrection; those raptured and resurrected before the first seal; the 144,000 and the 2 witnesses. This could include the great multitude martyred who no man can count either. Whether some of these martyrs are lukewarm of the church left behind to be tested doesn't need to be argued here. The basic point is that there are faithful of both the Church Age and after (in the case of the O.T. saints another "dispensation" as it were. It is good not to be too bogged down with dispensational time boundaries; we see those saved by grace throughout history.
What we do see in the next few chapters is a shift to the religious and political nations and the Antichrist directly. Clearly some are hidden; and make it to the 2nd Coming. Once the 2 Prophets are martyred there is no more room for witnessing; and in fact God uses angels to preach as men are greatly scattered and no doubt barely can speak out against Satan's man as the beheadings ramp way up. God hiding His people in the wilderness shows that flight is the best option; and God's Word backs that up. We also notice once we get to the Bowl judgments that no man is able to enter in the Temple in heaven to pray ( Rev. 15:8)
Revelation 20:1 And I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain upon his hand
I Emphatically disagree with you,,, had you read my "For what it's worth" post, or replied to it, you could have learned something.
So to be clear, "with all due respect" The Rapture is a soul hunt, you are helping to program people into believing Christ comes first when He does NOT,,, you have been conditioned/programmed into worshiping Satan when he arrives on the scene FIRST with this Rapture doctrine, Had you read my breakdown of 1 Thessalonians 4:17. You guy's are doing exactly what Paul said NOT to do in His 2nd letter to the Thessalonians, Sir
Mormons will believe the Church leaders over Scripture and there is their downfall.
For Peter says, If ye rest the scriptures ye rest them to your own destruction. ( 2 Peter 3:16)
pt 1
I appreciate your thoughts and insight.
I understand you don't believe Ezekiel is speaking of sticks as books.
And I will speak also on the many discrepancies you mentioned.
It does seem extremely coincidental the Book of Mormon people claim to be from the tribe of Joseph.
But I understand you don't see it that way.
The Lord tells Ezekiel to write upon the sticks,
take one stick, and write upon it, For Judah
then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph( Ezekiel 37:16)
The revelation says the sticks will be joined together and shall become one in thine hand( Ezekiel 37:17)
I believe these sticks are books and when the books are joined as one in the hand, just as the sticks are a record of each tribe coming together so they will gather Israel as one nation.
Please, Chris, answer this question
Is the Bible gathering Israel?
Regarding the discrepancies,
I know many false doctrines have been introduced into the Church by its own Church leaders.
And this is foretold in Mormon Scripture.
Of course, suggesting the Sun and Moon are inhabited is ludicrous.
It is mostly ludicrous because of what we know from science and astrology.
In Brigham Young's day the teaching was accepted because of the ignorance of the people.
Furthermore, beyond just this, there are many other false doctrines within the Church fostered by its own Church leaders.
Therefore, I believe only what is found in Scripture, both Bible and Mormon.
No Mormon Scripture speaks of life on the Sun or Moon.
No Mormon Scripture nor the Bible verifies the false doctrine that God the Father has a father.
No Mormon Scripture nor the Bible says Christ and Satan are brothers.
No Mormon Scripture nor the Bible says Mormons will be gods of their own planets.
These are only a few of the false doctrines introduced by Church leader for their own gain and praise.
But I believe only what is in Scripture.
I respect your offer.
I know Mormonism has hurt a lot of people even destroyed lives.
I believe that is because of the many false doctrines introduced into the Church by its own Chruch leaders.
False doctrines like God the Father has a father.
Mormons will be gods of their own planets.
Christ and Satan are brothers.
Adam helped with the creation of this Earth.
Etc. etc
No Bible or Mormon Scripture supports the above listed false doctrines.
Thank you for your comments...
pt 3
Regarding speaking to the Lord face to face...
There are more than one instance where the Bible records this happened...
And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, ( Deuteronomy 34:10)
And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. ( Genesis 32:30)
Jacob boldly says, And my life is perserved...
Why else would Jacob say, And my life is preserved?
And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land: for they have heard that thou LORD art among this people, that thou LORD art seen face to face, ( Numbers 14:14)
And the Bible commands us to seek His face...
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. . ( Psalms 27:8)
Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore. ( Psalms 105:4)
Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. ( 1 Chronicles 16:11)
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. ( 2 Chronicles 7:14)
The Mormons have a book of Scripture that tells us how Moses and others saw God face to face and lived.
Mormon Scripture says the only way man can see God face to face and live is to be out of the body having God's priesthood.
That explains the contradiction.
pt 2
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. ( James 1:5)
For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say. ( Luke 12:12)
for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. ( Mark 13:11)
For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. ( Matthew 10:20)
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
And all the men were about twelve. ( Acts 19:6-7)
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. ( 1 Corinthians 12:7, 8, 11)
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. ( 1 Peter 4:11)
pt 1
Thank you for your insight.
You said you disagree that the Holy Spirit would reveal things beyond what is already written.
But there are many Biblical passages that say things will be revealed
I respectfully challenge you to please show me the Biblical passages to support your thoughts as I have done below to support the Spirit of God will reveal things, today.
If the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy, how can there not be more prophecy?
How then could we say we have a testimony of Jesus but not believe in revelation?
When we pray to God for guidance, can the Spirit not help direct us today?
An angel appeared to Cornelius and told him to call for Peter and Peter brought Cornelius the Gospel.
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. ( Hebrews 13:2)
Do you believe angels are among us?
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? ( Hebrews 1:14)
And how can the Scripture be fulfilled Paul saying,
for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; ( 2 Thessalonians 2:3)
Even the Saints in the early days received revelations
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. ( 1 Corinthians 14:27)
If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. ( 1 Corinthians 14 30-31)
How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. ( 1 Corinthians 14:26)
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. ( Romans 8:9)
Outside but what shines from the inside out.
The needle and the camel and the rich man; to enter into the kingdom of God, is a reference to (ill gotten gain's) For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye,(a small side door of the big open gates), barely big enough for a person to pass, used for entrance after sundown: than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
When caravan's of merchants pass through the big open gate's into the city in those day's, their camel's are packed and loaded with goods for the market.
Christ is saying it is easier for this loaded down camel to pass through the eye(small side door)than a rich man(implying the gain's of most rich men are Ill gotten) to enter into the Kingdom of God.
That's the example, and It's impossible !
Bring His word to pass for us to have a Saviour to defeat our adversary God's arch
Enemy. When Noah was done with the ark and all the animals and Noah family
Was inside who does it say shut the door God. Why do you think God all loving
and almighty closed the door because he knew when Noah's family would hear
The screams of people drowning they would be compelled to open the door.
The problem with that is if someone got it they would have murdered them
Because only Noah found grace with God. Then there would be no one believing
Or listening to God no faith!
So no matter how old they think is is it's still in the beginning, God's never wrong.
It's not the unforgivable sin, but God say's have the next of kin put them to death in, Deuteronomy 19:11-12
Spiritual birth.
In this petition of the Lord's Prayer, Jesus is speaking to daily provision of our needs. We are to ask the Father for these things with thanksgiving. We also are to remember that we do not survive on bread alone, but on every word that comes from God. Jesus, indeed, as you say, is the very bread of life, as He is the Word of God, eternally so. He, with the Father and the Holy Spirit are the source and sustainers of all life. We owe our existence to Him.
Acknowledging that we need God to supply our daily needs and asking for this provision keeps us cognizant of our dependence upon Him and His goodness. We can be confident that when we ask Him for our daily needs, in the name of Jesus, the Father will supply for us what we need for that day or moment. This is such a wonderful blessing from God.
I have heard it said that, from the Lord's Prayer, the lead us not into temptation, in its original translation, was more like "and cause us to hold up under temptation, not allowing us to be tempted beyond what we can bear and resist."
So, with the strength that comes from the power of grace through the Holy Spirit, we can say no to temptations and trust that God will supply what we need to have victory over temptation and do His will instead of giving in to sin.
When we read the Lord's Prayer, it is more of an outline rather than a prayer to recite. We can think of it in sections and pray as the Spirit leads us to apply it to our own circumstances.
So, when I read the "lead us not into temptation" I can know that God is there with me when I am tempted and will help me when I ask Him to cause me to bear up under the temptation and defeat it as Jesus did, using the Word of God and the strength given to us by the Spirit.
Please know that salvation is all from God, not by the works of humans.
God sent His Son, Jesus into the world to save humans from sin, death, the devil, and hell. So, the work of salvation is done by Jesus by His perfect life, sacrificial death for the sins of the world, and His glorious resurrection from the dead after three days of death in the tomb. All of this accomplished our salvation. Then the Holy Spirit was sent out to bring God's grace to us through the hearing of this gospel message of Jesus' work of salvation. The Holy Spirit uses the hearing of the Gospel as a means of convicting us of our sinfulness before God and need for His mercy, causing us to repent from sin, creating faith in us to believe the Gospel message and put our trust in Jesus and in what He accomplished for us. This is regeneration or being born anew. It is all accomplished by God in us. When we act on what God has done for us by using the faith the Holy Spirit births in us we will confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord and Savior for us.
So it sounds to me like these things have occurred in you, Oakly. You can be assured that you are saved by God's grace and will. Please believe that this is true because the evil one wants to deceive you into thinking that perhaps you have not done all that is needed to be saved. But you are saved by what God has done. Satan wants to have us believe that we have to do the work of saving ourselves, but this is a lie. We just accept what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. It is simple, even so that a child can believe the Gospel.
Because you are now reconciled to God through the salvation received through Jesus, you are indeed a child of God, whereas prior to salvation you were His enemy and dead in sin. But due to what Jesus has done and the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit in you, you have been made alive to God and are in right relationship with Him. He calls you His friend, His child, His disciple.
Each verse In Rev 12 jumps great lengths of time e.g verse 4 is past history as in (already happened), and then it jumps to the future in verse 7 whereas future still; The war in Heaven between Michael, The Dragon, and his Angels is yet to come, and (This) is when they are KICKED OUT of Heaven,,, actually they are Cast Down.
In Chapter 12, Each verse that begins with the Word (And) in succession are different clauses where they are repetitions of conjunctions in close succession for rhetorical effect, as in the phrase here and there and everywhere.
It is a great comfort knowing that Jesus is with us and on our side of what lies ahead for mankind. We can rest in His power and care for us. This does not mean that we will not have trials nor persecution. He has stated that such will come our way. But we can be assured that He will bring us into the life to come where we will be eternally safe, blessed, and loved by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How good it is to be saved! How gracious is our God to bend low to rescue us from sin and evil. How merciful is our God to forgive us our sins and give us eternal life instead of eternal death!
God bless you today, Marisa. It is good to hear from you on this forum.
Dear Father in heaven, how wonderful You are! Your care for us is beyond measure. We thank You for watching over us. Please help Jennifer throughout her day, giving her strength and stamina to accomplish all she needs to do. We ask that You path the way for her to get her errands done without too much busyness going on around her. We ask that You give her a calm and steady mindset as she goes out and about today and that she will not feel too rushed or overwhelmed by her tasks nor people around and about. We ask this of You, Father, in the name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Heavenly Father, We Praise You for You are good and merciful. We ask that You will make Garrett free of cancer and therefore that his tests today will show that he is does not have cancer. LORD GOD, bring healing to Garrett for whatever is causing him concern to seek a doctor. We ask this of You Father, in the name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
With all due respect sir, "Caught up to meet Him" is not called a "fly by." It is what many believers call the rapture of the church. It will not be a bad day for those who believe in the rapture. The bad day will be for those who are left behind!
I can say with complete confidence that the answer is yes, a murderer can be forgiven. Jesus says all manner of sin can be forgiven, and since murder is sin, it would be included in "all manner." The only sin that a person can never receive forgiveness for is when God sends His Spirit to testify to that person, showing them their sinful state, and their need to be redeemed, their need to surrender their life to Christ, if a person rejects that testimony, they will never be forgiven for that.
In Luke 23:34, when Jesus was on the cross, He said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." The fulfillment of that prophecy is from Psalm 22:18. But Jesus is saying Father forgive them for they don't know what they're doing. We know in Ephesians 6:12, Paul said that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against evil spiritual forces in the spirit realm. It is not people. It is Satan using people.
In John 15:18, Jesus said the world hated me so you know the world is going to hate you. And this prayer of Jesus "Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing" was actually answered in Acts Chapter 2, the very first sermon given by Peter after the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Peter said this Jesus (whom you crucified). He is talking to the very people that were there when Jesus was crucified. Were they forgiven? I would say yes because we are told that several thousand souls were saved. The Lord's prayer "Father forgive them for they know not what they do" was answered!
And on Pentecost the gospel was preached and they received the very one that they crucified as their Savior.
Thank you for your thoughts.
I believe the Bible, every word.
You said,
"In reference to any temptation or provoking remember James 1:13
God can't be
Tempted neither tempts he any man."
I believe James 1:13.
I also believe my Lord when He taught us how to pray saying to our Heavenly Father,
And lead us not into temptation ( Luke 11:4) ( Matthew 6:13)
And when God told Moses He would harden Pharaoh's heart that Pharaoh would not let the children of Israel go( Exodus 10:27)
And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said. ( Exodus 7:13)
The Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart until the destroying angel came and killed all the first born of Egypt.
And the Lord did so to shew his power by Pharaoh. ( Romans 9:17)
Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. ( Romans 9:18)
Henry, why would our Lord tell us to pray to our Heavenly Father saying,
...and lead us not into temptation?
Why would the God of Isreal harden Pharaoh's heart until He destroyed all the first born of Egypt?
If the Lord does not tempt us, how did He harden Pharaoh's heart?
Do you see the contradictions?
Nevertheless, God will have mercy on whom he will have mercy and, whom he will he hardeneth.
And he is responsible for murdering Uriah Bathsheba's Husband. So biblically
I'd say yes a person can be forgiven for murder.
Therefore; there is no more holding back judgment (See Jeremiah 15:1 for example). The "plumbline" is drawn ( Amos 7:7-9).
There is a distinct time frame where God says "enough" and Christ is set free with the righteous angels to procure judgment.
We see in the following chapters that in fact He uses Satan by giving him what he always wanted; control over the entire world.
Geographically; he doesn't gain all the territory; but surely with technology and his minions can enforce his mark worldwide through the 10 nations or regional confederacy that rule with him for "one hour". ( Rev. 17:12). It is an interesting sidenote; which I pointed out before about some who fight in the Ezekiel 38 war AGAINST Antichrist. Since one sixth survive it is possible that they did NOT recieve the mark of the Beast and have a chance at surviving into othe Millenium. In Isaiah 49:23 we see kings and queens being "nursing fathers" and mothers as it were (part of that obviously symbolic). In Jeremiah 31:16-17 we see further confirmation of this. This isn't the main point of the passage; but it shows how God may use captivity and even kidnapping to ultimately preserve the lives of children into the Millennium; the alternative being killed in Israel by Antichrist.
We need to see several larger themes here. God is using all this so that FINALLY as Christ is returning the nation will repent; and that in weeping. (see Zechariah 12:12). It seems hard to believe that the nations get it in regard to Christ and God in the sixth seal; and Israel remains blind that long. Romans 11:25 sheds some light on this; in regard to the "fullness of the Gentiles" which could be indicative of the Church Age ending; complete with the Rapture/Resurrections discussed previously.
Altogether; He uses Satan's own planning to draw men to the snare and trap of Armageddon where things come to a swift conclusion. No more delay can occur or no flesh would live ( Matt. 24:22
There is; no doubt an air of mystery (with a literal use of that word in verse 7 explaining the concept of "time no longer" in verse 6.). Given that we still have literal sequential fulfillments to come; surely it doesn't mean that the law of physics related to time and space are no longer in effect. The 1000 year reign to come surely verifies that fact. The most common explanation is that there is no longer any DELAY for these events to happen (see also Habukkuk 2:3).
The "mystery" here has been explained as the end of the church age; or the Rapture of the Church. I would say that it is better explained as the end of the "firstfruits" that are translated from the earth which actually began with Christ Himself; and a portion that came out of their graves after the Resurrection; those raptured and resurrected before the first seal; the 144,000 and the 2 witnesses. This could include the great multitude martyred who no man can count either. Whether some of these martyrs are lukewarm of the church left behind to be tested doesn't need to be argued here. The basic point is that there are faithful of both the Church Age and after (in the case of the O.T. saints another "dispensation" as it were. It is good not to be too bogged down with dispensational time boundaries; we see those saved by grace throughout history.
What we do see in the next few chapters is a shift to the religious and political nations and the Antichrist directly. Clearly some are hidden; and make it to the 2nd Coming. Once the 2 Prophets are martyred there is no more room for witnessing; and in fact God uses angels to preach as men are greatly scattered and no doubt barely can speak out against Satan's man as the beheadings ramp way up. God hiding His people in the wilderness shows that flight is the best option; and God's Word backs that up. We also notice once we get to the Bowl judgments that no man is able to enter in the Temple in heaven to pray ( Rev. 15:8)