There are theological disagreements on eschatology; along with some points that I may agree with; at least partially with certain things that have multiple fulfillments; for example. The concept that Christ is already ruling and reigning establishing His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven presently certainly has some truth in regard to the operation of the church in spreading the Gospel. There are certain offices that He has promised the "gates of hell shall not prevail against it." ( Matt. 16:18).
The greatest danger is the concept that Satan is already bound; in the bottomless pit; as Revelation 20 brings out. That is the assumption if we take the 1000 years figurately as we are clearly nearly 2000 years since the Resurrection and ascension of Christ. No wonder there are those who take the Dominionist ideas to heart; somehow thinking things will get better and better until the final rebellion which is thought to occur immediately prior to the Second Coming of Christ rather than the end of the 1000 years! There are some who have a less radical view; and accept in particular the persecutions necessary to continue to faithfully proclaim the Gospel. Satan is either bound or not; I separate the authority Christ has given to His people who are truly saved and Spirit filled who are not affected unless they allow or excuse sin in their lives giving his minions legal authority.
Taken in the wrong context; we see no need for deliverance; really wouldn't expect wars to be continuing in the earth; and don't understand how deception can take us over. How do we effectively fight an Ephesians 6 battle; or why would we if Satan is a non issue? There are other issues; such as the "Replacement Theology" and not taking many scriptures literally for future events; yet often past prophecies are taken this way by the reformers. How can we know we are under Satan's power if we don't believe it is possible? These are serious conerns.
Mike, one way to look at peace is the absent of conflict. Faith sets the mind at one with God so our thinking is no more in conflict with God's will. We simply believe God and take him at His Word which brings peace to our mind. Romans 5:1,2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 7 gives the example of the conflict: "For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I" and outcome of the conflict and the old nature: "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" But Roman 8:5,6 gives the solution to the conflict through walking in the Spirit, "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit, For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace". The Holy Spirit is received through faith.
You are right Chris. Christ is not a surname. Ancient people didn't have surnames by they used a characteristic of them to distinguish them from others who had the same name. Often that was their father's name or the city/place they came from or both or something else. So the right is Jesus the Christ/ Jesus the annointed one.
In the Hebrew and Greek Bibles Jesus is the same as Joshua. So in these Bibles it is Jesus (Hbr Yehoshua) son of Nun.
Matthew 1:23 "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call Him Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
This creed was foisted upon people , the vast majority of whom had no say in the matter . Many of them were unable to read so didn't know any better and many were to scared to disagree . As far as I'm concerned it was adding to the Word of God . The Bible is all I go by , not men forcing something on the population after there were no witnesses to dispute their bullying ways . Trust God and His Word , never ever humans . He is all we need .
Hello Zack. The Name 'Jesus' is an anglicized Name from the Greek, Iesous (pr. ee-ay-soos). And this Name also has a Hebrew equivalent, as seen in the Old Testament (Joshua/Yehoshua). So Jesus/Iesous/Yehoshua all mean the same: "Yahweh is Savation".
And when the title, Christ', is added to Jesus' Name, the Greek is 'Christos' (the Anointed One, Messiah). Even though, Christos, can be a name, especially in Greece, the full Name of Jesus Christ (or, Jesus the Christ), can never be given to any person, as this remains solely reserved to the Holy One Who came down from God to Earth as a Man for Sacrifice for our sins.
If you need any more help about this Divine Name or about the Person of Jesus Christ, there are many here who can help you and answer all your questions.
In Leviticus 19:28 King James Bible states you should not cut your body for the dead. You should not mark yourself, is this referring to tattoos In present time?
LaTonya, So glad to hear from you and that you are continuing to recover. I pray that the Lord will continue to keep your new heart healthy and reliably beating for many years and that your body will completely accept this transplanted heart.
Thanks for checking in with us. We care about you and wonder how you are doing. So, keep posting. you have a wonderful testimony of how God brought you a new heart when all the odds were that it would not happen for you. Praise Him for you and for the work He is doing in you daily.
From the Israelites' repentance, students learned that to sincerely repent, we must forsake our sins and confess them to the Lord. Based on the account of Eli and his family, students also learned that if we choose to follow the world instead of the Lord, then eventually we will experience sorrow and regret.
1 Samuel 2
The book of 2 Samuel chronicles David's anointing and reign as king of Israel. David is remembered as the greatest king in Israel's history. Because of David's faithfulness, the Lord blessed and honored David.
The book of 2 Samuel can be divided into two main sections-David's triumphs (chap 1-10) and David's troubles (chap11-20). The last part of the book (chap 21-24) is a non-chronological appendix which contains further details of David's reign.
The book begins with David receiving news of the death of Saul and his sons. He proclaims a time of mourning. Soon afterward, David is crowned king over Judah, while Ish-bosheth, one of Saul's surviving sons, is crowned king over Israel (ch2). A civil war follows, but Ish-bosheth is murdered, and the Israelites ask David to reign over them as well (chapters 4-5).
David moves the country's capital from Hebron to Jerusalem and later moves the Ark of the Covenant (chapters 5-6). David's plan to build a temple in Jerusalem is vetoed by God, who then promises David the following things: 1 David would have a son to rule after him; 2) David's son would build the temple; 3) the throne occupied by David's lineage would be established forever; and 4) God would never take His mercy from David's house ( 2 Sam 7:4-16).
David leads Israel to victory over many of the enemy nations which surrounded them. He also shows kindness to the family of Jonathan by taking in Mephibosheth, Jonathan's crippled son (chapters 8-10).
Then David falls for a beautiful woman named Bathsheba, commits adultery with her, and then has her husband murdered (chapter 11). When Nathan the prophet confronts David
The Bible says we will sleep until Jesus returns in the following verses and possibly more:
1 Cor 15:18-20
1 Thess 4:13-18
Job 14:12
Daniel 12:2
This scripture debunks what the other people are saying about people NOT sleeping to await Jesus. I believe what God says over what man says. Don't believe what I say either, but just look at God's truth and decide. But when I read these verses and pray about it its 100% clear what it means to me.
Those claiming immediate heaven may require ignoring these 4 verses and choosing only 2 scriptures and interpret them too broadly: (1) the one where Paul says he'd "rather" be with the Lord. Paul only states his preference. I prefer to be with the Lord too, but that doesn't automatically mean 100% of all people forever will skip judgement and be in heaven immediately. And (2) the verse about Jesus telling the criminal on this day he'll be in paradise doesn't automatically mean 100% of all people will have this, and doesn't invalidate the other 4 verses where it clearly says we'll "sleep" awaiting Jesus, and paradise is a different word than heaven and some think it might even be a place of waiting.
Suggest just following the scriptures and praying for wisdom and understanding rather than believing any unscriptural opinions. God bless.
The same topic is also discussed here and probably other places too:
The Inner Life vs the Outward Appearance - In Reply - 1 year ago
What does 2 Corinthians 10:7 mean?
Paul's legitimacy as an apostle is being challenged in the church at Corinth. This is probably coming from outsiders who are false teachers or self-titled apostles. Those opponents point to Paul's continual suffering, his weakness as a speaker when in person, and perhaps the lack of signs and wonders he performs as evidence that he is not much of a spiritual leader. Some Corinthian believers may have begun to believe these challenges, turning not just from Paul but also from Christ, whom Paul represents.
This passage urges these Christians to look at the evidence right in front of them. In other words, why is there a church in Corinth in the first place? Why do most of them even believe in Christ? They believed the gospel when Paul preached it to them. How could they believe themselves to belong to Christ and not believe that Paul also belongs to Christ?
Some translators read the Greek phrase at the beginning of this verse differently. The NIV, for instance, translates it, "You are judging by appearances," meaning that the Corinthians are sizing Paul up based on his unimpressive physical presentation instead of the spiritual reality in Christ. This translation would also make sense in the context of the letter, as does the idea that Paul is urging them to look around and see the results of his teaching with their own eyes.
Comment: outward appearances mean nothing. It's what's on the inside (our spirit in step with the Holy Spirit), that is to be communicated. The Holy Spirit chooses the message; and sometimes the messenger.
Man looks on outward appearances, but God looks on the heart. If a human will not speak it, He may use a donkey.
Some things are spiritually discerned. Is the Holy Spirit welcomed into your Church Service? Flesh has no life in it. Only the Holy Spirit can breathe life into the message.
Thank you GiGi for your further thoughts to which I fully concur. Even if we're not privy to those extra details which could help set us straight in knowledge, our anticipation as we see world events unfold, keeps us hopeful, waiting & longing to meet the Lord Whom we love, Who did everything for us to secure that love.
I think we are warned to be ready for Christ's return. I take that as an admonition to grow in faith, to know the Scriptures, especially what Jesus said would happen, (after all He is the One who truly knows what will come about), and to practice loving God and others each day. This is the walk we are called to. This is the way the Spirit uses to conform us to the image of Jesus. This is the upward calling of Christ Jesus. This is the light we shine out to those who are unsaved. This is the concern we have for those we can help and the help we do give. This is the using of our intellect to gain insight into God's wisdom so that we can explain this wisdom to others. This the willingness to be taught by other believers from the Word.
I could go on and on. I just wanted to emphasize that we have plenty to do with our hours and minutes each day as we live a godly and obedient life. One day we may have to sacrifice our life for the sake of our testimony of Jesus. We should be preparing ourselves to be persecuted and martyred, not raptured, since we do not know the day, nor hour of Christ's return, but we do know that the world will increase in its hostility towards God and those who follow after Him. Jesus said that we will be delivered up by authorities as well as even family members. So, I want to be prepared in the best way. if I am raptured and do not have to go through the sufferings predicted, then that will be great. But, I want to develop a heart that is willing to suffer loss of all for Christ according to His will for me.
Usage: a Nicolaitan, possibly a follower of Nicolaus (a heretic at Ephesus)
Nicolaitan: plural, Revelation 2:6, 15 - a name which, it can scarcely be doubted, refers symbolically to the same persons who in Revelation 2:14 are charged with holding , i. e. after the example of Balaam, casting a stumblingblock before the church of God.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
Samuel, Kings and Chronicles are, in a way, like the HARMONIES of the Gospels in the New Testament.
You might read a story in Samuel or Kings and see more info added to the stories in Chronicles.
When I discovered that, my studies picked up some speed. It is like reading the "rest of the story."
Also King David was alive during those times. You'll find additional nuggets of information in Psalms.
If you don't have a reference edition of the KJV Bible, you may look at some. Those column notes around the edges of the page, send you elsewhere to read " the rest of the story."
Better yet, make good use of The SEARCH ENGINE ON THIS WEBSITE. It makes finding scriptures much faster.
Hi Andy, while the Bible doesn't specifically address that, we know its a sin because Exodus 20:13 says not to kill that would be violating that exact command by destroying God's creation. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17. We are made in His image and are priceless. The bodies we temporarily inhabit are God's holy temples that belong to God and not us.
This topic is asked fairly often and some may be asking for others and some for themselves. In the event you are having such thoughts yourself, please let us know so we can listen to you and offer support. There are hotlines and sites online specifically designed for that too.
It may be a surprise to know how many people know what its like to be in that place by personal experience. To the person in the valley, the temporary struggles often like blinders and makes it hard to see clearly realities outside of that limited thinking. God always provides a way out, even if we don't notice it right away. People usually need a radical paradigm shift and something like volunteering to help people can accomplish that. God is there to help ease or burdens and His body of believers is there to offer support. God bless.
Are you referring to verse 7? I see it spelled (Endor) in the KJV
I then see it spelled En Dor in Bible Hub interlinear study
However you spell it she's a Medium .
Leviticus 19:31 Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after those having occult knowledge, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.
Familiar spiritS - These are evil spirits personating dead human beings, and attaching themselves only to "mediums" and those who give up their will to them.
Thanks Giannis for sharing that. I wanted to post something similar that I had learned from a Greek professor about the Nicolaitans. I'm not sure how much of a difference there is between koine Greek and modern Greek, but what he had taught was that the word Nicolaitan is made up of two Greek words, _IKE, pronounced nee-kay, (please see my note below) which is the word for overcome. It's the word for victory like you say. _IKE means to overcome, and LAOS means the people.
It represented the democratic control of the people in the church, where the leaders ruled. They lorded it over the flock. And the Lord says I hate that!
Note: I tried sharing this a while back but it kept rejecting my post. Come to find out, me spelling it out the way I was taught was the same spelling of the athletic shoe (Just add the letter N where I placed the underscore. It kept rejecting it because it took it as advertising.
Anyways, what are your thoughts on the differences between modern Greek and Koine. I know Greek is your native language so I trust in what you might have to share on this, and thank you ahead of time!
Beautifully said, God bless,
RLW
There are theological disagreements on eschatology; along with some points that I may agree with; at least partially with certain things that have multiple fulfillments; for example. The concept that Christ is already ruling and reigning establishing His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven presently certainly has some truth in regard to the operation of the church in spreading the Gospel. There are certain offices that He has promised the "gates of hell shall not prevail against it." ( Matt. 16:18).
The greatest danger is the concept that Satan is already bound; in the bottomless pit; as Revelation 20 brings out. That is the assumption if we take the 1000 years figurately as we are clearly nearly 2000 years since the Resurrection and ascension of Christ. No wonder there are those who take the Dominionist ideas to heart; somehow thinking things will get better and better until the final rebellion which is thought to occur immediately prior to the Second Coming of Christ rather than the end of the 1000 years! There are some who have a less radical view; and accept in particular the persecutions necessary to continue to faithfully proclaim the Gospel. Satan is either bound or not; I separate the authority Christ has given to His people who are truly saved and Spirit filled who are not affected unless they allow or excuse sin in their lives giving his minions legal authority.
Taken in the wrong context; we see no need for deliverance; really wouldn't expect wars to be continuing in the earth; and don't understand how deception can take us over. How do we effectively fight an Ephesians 6 battle; or why would we if Satan is a non issue? There are other issues; such as the "Replacement Theology" and not taking many scriptures literally for future events; yet often past prophecies are taken this way by the reformers. How can we know we are under Satan's power if we don't believe it is possible? These are serious conerns.
Thou shalt not kill. Exodus 20:13.
Can you commit suicide without killing yourself?
Yes suicide is a sin.
God bless.
In the Hebrew and Greek Bibles Jesus is the same as Joshua. So in these Bibles it is Jesus (Hbr Yehoshua) son of Nun.
Matthew 1:23 "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call Him Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
And when the title, Christ', is added to Jesus' Name, the Greek is 'Christos' (the Anointed One, Messiah). Even though, Christos, can be a name, especially in Greece, the full Name of Jesus Christ (or, Jesus the Christ), can never be given to any person, as this remains solely reserved to the Holy One Who came down from God to Earth as a Man for Sacrifice for our sins.
If you need any more help about this Divine Name or about the Person of Jesus Christ, there are many here who can help you and answer all your questions.
And Jesus saying at the Last Supper, "Peace I leave with you , my peace I give to you." ( John 14:27)
That Jesus is the Prince of Peace. ( Isaiah 9:6)''
There are so many good Scripture on the peace that comes from God. You can google a concordance to check out for yourself.
But, to me, it all comes down to the love of God, who loved us first, and made the way for us to be at peace with God through the Son, Jesus Christ.
Thanks for checking in with us. We care about you and wonder how you are doing. So, keep posting. you have a wonderful testimony of how God brought you a new heart when all the odds were that it would not happen for you. Praise Him for you and for the work He is doing in you daily.
From the Israelites' repentance, students learned that to sincerely repent, we must forsake our sins and confess them to the Lord. Based on the account of Eli and his family, students also learned that if we choose to follow the world instead of the Lord, then eventually we will experience sorrow and regret.
1 Samuel 2
The book of 2 Samuel chronicles David's anointing and reign as king of Israel. David is remembered as the greatest king in Israel's history. Because of David's faithfulness, the Lord blessed and honored David.
The book of 2 Samuel can be divided into two main sections-David's triumphs (chap 1-10) and David's troubles (chap11-20). The last part of the book (chap 21-24) is a non-chronological appendix which contains further details of David's reign.
The book begins with David receiving news of the death of Saul and his sons. He proclaims a time of mourning. Soon afterward, David is crowned king over Judah, while Ish-bosheth, one of Saul's surviving sons, is crowned king over Israel (ch2). A civil war follows, but Ish-bosheth is murdered, and the Israelites ask David to reign over them as well (chapters 4-5).
David moves the country's capital from Hebron to Jerusalem and later moves the Ark of the Covenant (chapters 5-6). David's plan to build a temple in Jerusalem is vetoed by God, who then promises David the following things: 1 David would have a son to rule after him; 2) David's son would build the temple; 3) the throne occupied by David's lineage would be established forever; and 4) God would never take His mercy from David's house ( 2 Sam 7:4-16).
David leads Israel to victory over many of the enemy nations which surrounded them. He also shows kindness to the family of Jonathan by taking in Mephibosheth, Jonathan's crippled son (chapters 8-10).
Then David falls for a beautiful woman named Bathsheba, commits adultery with her, and then has her husband murdered (chapter 11). When Nathan the prophet confronts David
The Bible says we will sleep until Jesus returns in the following verses and possibly more:
1 Cor 15:18-20
1 Thess 4:13-18
Job 14:12
Daniel 12:2
This scripture debunks what the other people are saying about people NOT sleeping to await Jesus. I believe what God says over what man says. Don't believe what I say either, but just look at God's truth and decide. But when I read these verses and pray about it its 100% clear what it means to me.
Those claiming immediate heaven may require ignoring these 4 verses and choosing only 2 scriptures and interpret them too broadly: (1) the one where Paul says he'd "rather" be with the Lord. Paul only states his preference. I prefer to be with the Lord too, but that doesn't automatically mean 100% of all people forever will skip judgement and be in heaven immediately. And (2) the verse about Jesus telling the criminal on this day he'll be in paradise doesn't automatically mean 100% of all people will have this, and doesn't invalidate the other 4 verses where it clearly says we'll "sleep" awaiting Jesus, and paradise is a different word than heaven and some think it might even be a place of waiting.
Suggest just following the scriptures and praying for wisdom and understanding rather than believing any unscriptural opinions. God bless.
The same topic is also discussed here and probably other places too:
Link
Paul's legitimacy as an apostle is being challenged in the church at Corinth. This is probably coming from outsiders who are false teachers or self-titled apostles. Those opponents point to Paul's continual suffering, his weakness as a speaker when in person, and perhaps the lack of signs and wonders he performs as evidence that he is not much of a spiritual leader. Some Corinthian believers may have begun to believe these challenges, turning not just from Paul but also from Christ, whom Paul represents.
This passage urges these Christians to look at the evidence right in front of them. In other words, why is there a church in Corinth in the first place? Why do most of them even believe in Christ? They believed the gospel when Paul preached it to them. How could they believe themselves to belong to Christ and not believe that Paul also belongs to Christ?
Some translators read the Greek phrase at the beginning of this verse differently. The NIV, for instance, translates it, "You are judging by appearances," meaning that the Corinthians are sizing Paul up based on his unimpressive physical presentation instead of the spiritual reality in Christ. This translation would also make sense in the context of the letter, as does the idea that Paul is urging them to look around and see the results of his teaching with their own eyes.
Comment: outward appearances mean nothing. It's what's on the inside (our spirit in step with the Holy Spirit), that is to be communicated. The Holy Spirit chooses the message; and sometimes the messenger.
Man looks on outward appearances, but God looks on the heart. If a human will not speak it, He may use a donkey.
Some things are spiritually discerned. Is the Holy Spirit welcomed into your Church Service? Flesh has no life in it. Only the Holy Spirit can breathe life into the message.
Nice to hear from you.
I think we are warned to be ready for Christ's return. I take that as an admonition to grow in faith, to know the Scriptures, especially what Jesus said would happen, (after all He is the One who truly knows what will come about), and to practice loving God and others each day. This is the walk we are called to. This is the way the Spirit uses to conform us to the image of Jesus. This is the upward calling of Christ Jesus. This is the light we shine out to those who are unsaved. This is the concern we have for those we can help and the help we do give. This is the using of our intellect to gain insight into God's wisdom so that we can explain this wisdom to others. This the willingness to be taught by other believers from the Word.
I could go on and on. I just wanted to emphasize that we have plenty to do with our hours and minutes each day as we live a godly and obedient life. One day we may have to sacrifice our life for the sake of our testimony of Jesus. We should be preparing ourselves to be persecuted and martyred, not raptured, since we do not know the day, nor hour of Christ's return, but we do know that the world will increase in its hostility towards God and those who follow after Him. Jesus said that we will be delivered up by authorities as well as even family members. So, I want to be prepared in the best way. if I am raptured and do not have to go through the sufferings predicted, then that will be great. But, I want to develop a heart that is willing to suffer loss of all for Christ according to His will for me.
Nikolaits
Definition: a Nicolaitan, a follower of Nicolaus
Usage: a Nicolaitan, possibly a follower of Nicolaus (a heretic at Ephesus)
Nicolaitan: plural, Revelation 2:6, 15 - a name which, it can scarcely be doubted, refers symbolically to the same persons who in Revelation 2:14 are charged with holding , i. e. after the example of Balaam, casting a stumblingblock before the church of God.
amen
2 Corinthians 10:3-7
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
In Jesus name amen
You might read a story in Samuel or Kings and see more info added to the stories in Chronicles.
When I discovered that, my studies picked up some speed. It is like reading the "rest of the story."
Also King David was alive during those times. You'll find additional nuggets of information in Psalms.
If you don't have a reference edition of the KJV Bible, you may look at some. Those column notes around the edges of the page, send you elsewhere to read " the rest of the story."
Better yet, make good use of The SEARCH ENGINE ON THIS WEBSITE. It makes finding scriptures much faster.
This topic is asked fairly often and some may be asking for others and some for themselves. In the event you are having such thoughts yourself, please let us know so we can listen to you and offer support. There are hotlines and sites online specifically designed for that too.
It may be a surprise to know how many people know what its like to be in that place by personal experience. To the person in the valley, the temporary struggles often like blinders and makes it hard to see clearly realities outside of that limited thinking. God always provides a way out, even if we don't notice it right away. People usually need a radical paradigm shift and something like volunteering to help people can accomplish that. God is there to help ease or burdens and His body of believers is there to offer support. God bless.
Psalm 34:17-20
I then see it spelled En Dor in Bible Hub interlinear study
However you spell it she's a Medium .
Leviticus 19:31 Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after those having occult knowledge, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.
Familiar spiritS - These are evil spirits personating dead human beings, and attaching themselves only to "mediums" and those who give up their will to them.
It represented the democratic control of the people in the church, where the leaders ruled. They lorded it over the flock. And the Lord says I hate that!
Note: I tried sharing this a while back but it kept rejecting my post. Come to find out, me spelling it out the way I was taught was the same spelling of the athletic shoe (Just add the letter N where I placed the underscore. It kept rejecting it because it took it as advertising.
Anyways, what are your thoughts on the differences between modern Greek and Koine. I know Greek is your native language so I trust in what you might have to share on this, and thank you ahead of time!