St Mark gives us the v.40 almost identical with that of Matthew ch.23 but the former uses it a point of departure in order to illustrate in real time of a widow parting with her only livelihood. "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation."(23:14). How truth reaches a congregation when the scribes and Pharisee teach is different than the widow whose penury offered no stumbling block from exercising faith. Jesus "And beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much."
The widow "but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living" places her life squarely upon whom it belongs. It catches the eye of our Savior.
In the Parable of the Rich Fool he had all the worldly goods but lacked the good sense. He was not rich towards God. So God tells him, " Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?"( Luke 12:20) Jesus commends the poor widow who exercised faith most wisely. The scribes and Pharisee as we are familiar with the term applied 'active' faith so the poor and needy part with their living, in expectations of a windfall. Jesus calls their shepherding as 'devouring' instead.
God sent his only begotten Son in order to give whosoever believed in him, everlasting life. Jesus also tells how anyone may do the work of God. It can only be with Jesus, "Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?/Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."( John 6:28-29)
This is faith where the poor widow worked with God and for her livelihood she did not have to put on the mind of the scribes and Pharisees, devouring the gullible among their audience. For the faith of the widow was set in heavenly places with the Son.
In the world post-rapture (as I see things in Eschatology) God will begin to use the Jewish people as the primary agent for the Spirit to utilize once again to bring upon "Jacob's trouble" to bring national repentance that only comes to full fruition right
before Armageddon according to verses in Zechariah. Once the church is gone; truly faith will be hard to find on the earth ( Luke 18:8).
Before discussing the mark given to these individuals; we should consider the fact that they are God's servants as these verses indicate. I won't go into various considerations of what the term "virgins" means except to say morally and spiritually these are uncompromised individuals "sold out" for Christ. There will be many "religious" people in the harlot religion at this time which
I suspect is a hybrid of Christianity and mystical elements of other religions tied into the One World Government for the first half of the Tribulation. THESE individuals I believe will cause the greatest persecution at that time; to be replaced later on after the mark of the Beast comes forth that will readily identify the wicked and those who will be damned.
No doubt anyone who is a servant of God rather than an adherant to the false religion which no doubt will bring an expectation of continuing wealth during the seal judgments will go after anyone who loves the Lord like this; which may be only the 144,000 at first then those of the countless multitude saved afterwards mentioned later on in this chapter. I would doubt the seal of the righteous is readily identified by eyesight but certainly seen in the spiritual plane as an identifier. The fact that during the trumpet judgments (which seems to be the time period related to harm to the earth and sea after this sealing) that these individuals won't be touched will make any mystery as to who they are go out the window. They will be no doubt hated by the world and the mark of the beast will be the rebel response for "protection".
"And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the son of David?"(v.35). The scribes as mentioned here is a generic name for those who interpret the Law but they do not consider they are bound by it. "All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not." For they says, and they do not."(Matt.23:2-3). Matthew is referring to the scribes and the Pharisees who sit in Moses' seat. It is a metaphor for spiritual authority of the Law. Isaiah gives us a throne which is the ultimate authority "The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool."(Is.66:1)
Mark gives 'the woe to ye' discourse in Ch.23 as part of his doctrine which explains why the word of God is a two-edged sword (He.4:12).The Gospel is for salvation and if it is neglected it shall prove unto damnation. "And he said unto them in his doctrine," is consequential since it is the eternal word. In our times we could call what the scribes indulged was in Jesus talk. The saying of Jesus "but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not," is a sane advice for Christians who would want to live a godly life.
Jesus.
In vv.35-37 Jesus asks,"How say the scribes that Christ is the son of David?"The scribes erred in their textual criticism by omitting the intent and the integrity of the Psalm 110:1 This is what literal approach does. What they threw out is the everlasting covenant were seven days pendent on the day decreed for the Son. Along with it goes the significance of the Lamb slain, (Ps.2:7; Re.13:8) What happened in a megachurch where The elders had publicly disciplined a woman for refusing to take back her husband owes to their lack of understanding the word. As it turned out, the woman's fears proved true, and her husband went to prison for child molestation and abuse. The church never retracted its discipline or apologised in the 20+ years since.
Than you Brother for your messages . It's sad to say this but the ' church ' whichever one is ran by men and they have always had a shoddy reputation with regard to their treatment of their very own sisters in Christ . As we can read in the Gospels that this has always been the case and very shameful it is too . Our Lord loves male and female equally and ladies are to be treated as equals in his love if not able to perform all church tasks . This does not negate his love for them and shouldn't be seen as a denigration of the weaker vessel . Many men including I'm sad to say even brethren feel very threatened by knowledgeable sisters and feel some strange need to dominate them either openly or surreptitiously . We brethren need to always remember that Our Lord sees our actions towards all of our family in Christ and expects us especially if we hold any position of authority in our congregation to show much love towards the ladies in our care . We are not to be partial if we have to judge a matter between a brother and sister . In my own congregation a sister left because a brother was pestering her romantically and the brethren took his side completely and did not believe her or take her complaint at all seriously . It was a shameful incident which I am thankful I was not part of but I held no office at the time and had no influence at all . He is still a member and she has been gone from us for over twenty years and it still grieves me but doesn't seem to bother any of the other members . We shall have to answer for that I'm sure .
There is no salvation in any man other than Jesus Christ. Calvin would want to create a city of God in his time and it did not work. The basic problem is whoever steps in as shepherd of the flock has to play by the ear and administering a congregation can be pretty challenging. Jesus Christ as the word become flesh made manifest the word of God totally. Calvin who preached limited salvation had a problem. Faulty understanding of the scriptures is playing into the hands of the devil, so Jesus warns of the wolves in sheep clothing; it is thus false shepherds end up as ravening wolves; instead o the will of God they serve their own will.
St Mark gives us two commandments which shall explain what keeps the kingdom of God together. Merriam -Webster explains the scribe as a member of a learned class in ancient Israel through New Testament times studying the Scriptures and serving as copyists, editors, teachers, and jurists. One of their class, who was present when Jesus put to silence the Sadducees had a question to ask. He would have pored over the texts in order to interpret all the law and the prophets wanted to tempt Jesus as St Matthew puts it. That the ten commandments could be reduced to two must have come as a surprise to him. Never in his understanding had this truth dawned as to what Jesus signified. As the Lord from heaven the Decalogue began from one ("God is one") and also ended with him. This made both heaven and the earth on single yardstick in the matter of fulfilling the will of God. God is a Spirit and without its sovereignty and without obeying it a many may make it his business to preach but is an ignoramus as the Pharisees and the scribes who were out to destroy Jesus who was the fulfillment of the Law. When God sent his Son Jesus was a sign to which Prophet Isaiah had predicted (Is.7:14). They also heard him deliver the doctrine of hid Father which we know as the Sermon on the Mount.
The writer to the Hebrews place the role of the Son, "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,/Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son," (He.1:1-2). In their opposition what did the ten in the Decalogue meant? They were judged already. The two commandments represented the deity and humanity of the Son. "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."(Matt.22:40). The Word as the sound and as a sign made the kingdom of God work. Their questions were to no avail because faith without works is dead. The discreet answer of the scribe is in "with all your heart, with all your soul etc., v.33
Looking over the horizon I am suddenly made aware of the controversy; like today's earthquakes in our part of the country which if were over open water would cause a Tsunami (if they were a lot stronger). It seems necessary to navigate through the seas in regard to what VERSION of scripture we should use; but I will swim out far enough and; as with an undertow attempt to go sideways as not to be dragged under.
Okay; facing it head on; I think most of us agree the KJV is the best study version of scripture to use; and I simply will leave all the aftershocks of the debate a couple months back about those dogmatic that it is the only inspired version of scripture for others to bring up as it seems inevitable that it will. I simply want to repeat that ancient Greek in particular has MORE THAN ONE descriptive adjective that can be used in English to get the full meaning thus it CANNOT be translated word for word without jumping around and causing much confusion. I will also say (risking the uproar) that sometimes other versions may have another word that helps to more clearly describe the original text. Now; if we can get past what I hope to be a 90 second event and move on....
Other sources can be used (commentaries; concordances; history books; sermon readings and interpretations of scripture) but enough can usually be understood in the Bible that we have at least a fair comprehension of God's Word. His commands are not grievous ( 1 John 5:3) and that should also mean they aren't overly complex to understand; cumbersome or voluminous. The concept of loving God and our neighbor as ourself ( Mark 12:30-31) sums up the law and should be the primary motivation; mindset and state of our heart and soul when the love of Christ constrains us ( 2 Cor. 5:14-19).
Starting with concordances; I am probably going to leave it to the audience to recommend the top ones. I have found some Bibles have cross references that are baffling.
Mr. Priday, Qs..this is on a different subject however. I've been asked why I feel that anyone that reads & or follows any other book besides the Bible, are wrong. I remember reading that God's word is the only true word yet can't find it. If you know we're it is, please can you help me? Thnx, Texsis
All glory goes to God; although I am glad if it is helpful. I am trying to promote reading of scriptures so always trying to find something new there. Gigi clearly has greater depth and more precise details related to historical context; a far better writer than I. My style is very swift with little if any preparation; although I have done a lot of thinking about things in my own life which I am able to rapidly assimilate.
My gifting is in discernment and sadly I have still much softening needed in my heart and soul; partially due no doubt to the divorce I had to go through the better part of 10 years ago. My views against remarriage when a spouse is alive isn't something I'm going to push on this site but I know the Lord has given me another specific calling to warn others about the subject. It is risky mentioning this as there are some who I love in Christ who have been offended but I must speak what I believe He has given me to say.
I suppose I could use prayer that I can somehow be bolder sharing on my job; although often I'm too busy working fast paced in my food service work. If the Lord tarries once my elderly parents (in their 90s) have passed then I probably will revert back to spending more of my time witnessing; so that is part of the reason I belt out so much stuff now; along with whatever writing talent the Lord has given me.
I can only hope that as Daniel states some will shine as the stars in the sky (or firmament- Daniel 12:3) as a result of some message whether it is myself or someone else at this site or elsewhere. The true experience of being filled with the Spirit I contend is rare and you have to search like it for gold and eventually you will begin to be able to know when it is present.
You will see it in others mainly; and is in a minority of professing believers. Again I appeal to the scriptures on running for the prize ( Philippians 3:3) and even Paul said it can be forfeited ( 1 Cor. 9:27; see also Revelation 3:11).
Absolutely, All glory definitely should go to God.! Your right, I should have asked Gigi & normally I would yet I had just finished reading your responses to another & felt led to ask you. I greatly appreciate your response. If speaking to others about His word I believe we are to pray & God will guide our words, otherwise we, as mere humans, could say the wrong thing at wrong time. Been there done that. Not a good idea.
What we do, especially before being saved, is all forgiven & He won't hold against us. All we go through strengthens us as we grow wiser in His word & for His purpose to lead others to Christ. Believers are guided by His spirit to speak His truth. That's His will for all.!
So if He's calling you to do so please, don't be ashamed/worried what others will think or do. He is the one we are to fear. I regret one time He led me to talk to a lady & I shrugged it off. She passed away 3-4 days later. Now, when He leads me (especially w/my dreams) I follow through. Then I'm amazed by His work when 'said person' starts to change. Praise God.!
Yet at work, I always speak in a way they know I'm a believer. i.e., saying Lord willing, God forbid, Jesus help me or even tell them "I will pray for you" or even wearing my TCU hat while driving the company truck (I live in midst of Mormons).! They are all seeds, God sows in His time.! Plus, I don't get involved in idol gossip & won't lie. I think you definitely have a God given talent & are blessed. Thnx again
I was wondering how you are doing. are you still in Utah? have you been well? How is your son doing since you have been gone from his house. I8 am so glad that you came back on here to post. I love it when we can update with people on here. We care for one another here and I always think it is such a good thing to have met so many new believers since coming on this site. I look forward to hearing from you.
God is good. Love my City job. Absolutely. Will never leave Utah again. Well unless God finds me a Godly man in need of a Godly women.! My son isn't speaking to me. He needs prayer. Remember, last year, he said he could no longer deny Christ? Well, he may not be satanic anymore yet his belief system is out of wack. For one, he isn't for Trump, he wants to move to Brazil to get away from 5g towers (what ever that is) & he is a flat earther.! Prayers for sure. If your ever on YTube I go by Texsistwister. Yet only watch Godly sites for most part. Pray all's well w/you.!
ChristOpher. I love typing it that way.! :) Thanks GiGi. I Prayed all's well w/y'all. Anything you want prayer for? Fixen to try & sleep. Thanks for prayers.! Good nigh & God bless always.
Awesome.. Isaiah 45 is what I needed. Your a blessing as always.! I listened to my sister & have only been concentrating on Romans thru Philimons last few yrs, Rightly Dividing His truth. Yet now, thnx to ppl like you (when I was in Texas), Voddie Baucham (on YT) & Mr. Priday, I'm learning so much more. Thank you thank you thank you & thank you Jesus for bringing these ppl in my life.! Fixen to recaulk the kitchen..God bless, Texsis
You are certainly welcome. I am happy that the Lord led me to respond to your post.
We all have some good things to contribute here and we can be prayerful about all that we post.
Some things people post (me included) are encouraging, others make us think hard, others make us search the Scriptures more on a topic, and others can be convicting or make us uncomfortable. We may even be offended by some posts. But if we seek God and His wisdom we will get right direction from Him and help us to take what people write seriously and try to avoid being dismissive.
I work hard at trying to remain objective as well as thinking the best of others, even if I am offended by what someone posts, I certainly try to be open for the input of the Spirit concerning interactions on here.
I am glad you are back on here once again. I have been wondering about you and keeping you in my prayers. It is good to have a sweet sister like you. You bless me, too.
Books are to be read but understanding for two persons can differ. Satan used the scriptures but his motive was wrong. "Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled." (Ti.1:15) "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."(Ph.4:8)
Reading is to communicate. Do we hang out in the company of minds who are writing potboilers to feed their bellies or those who falsify intentionally what is true, and write for fame and fortune? I find it waste of time. Time is short so get the best out of your spare time. The Bible is the book of life.
Thank you yet, Not sure we believe in the same thing cuz..#1. God's word is what it is. We, as believers, are to read, study & learn what He meant. So as not to twist things as so many "religions" do. The original languages the Bible was written in.. well, their words mean something different then our English language so, again, read His word, study what He meant it to be & learn for yourself, Not merely listening to others..#2. No one is pure, or ever can be, except Christ.! Or His DBR was in vain. #3. I too find most things in life a waist of time. I work, go to church or watch on computer, when can't go to a building & spend my spare time cooking, making toiletries, BBQ sauce & fresh animal food.! God comes first, ALWAYS.! If all of that is what you meant..praise God..if not, I shall pray you come to find the true Jesus Christ & go up w/the rapture & not have to deal w/hell on earth w/ the anti- Christ.! Yet whatever you do..DO NOT get the mark of the beast. It is the only sin God will not forgive, it's blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.! Yet if you read His word, you know all this.
The three points you make are sound. Serving God according to the grace given to me I serve in my 80+years. I work with more zeal because the word of God that I read as child,- and still read as the word meant for our spiritual food; so whatever insights I receive daily I share in this forum. I have a word ministry to which I am equally devoted. Am I looking for readers. No I am not. It is God to whom I am committed my life so I leave what is not in my control alone. Let every one looks to his/her own salvation.
I suppose today's scripture from Joshua 24:18 is as good a place as any to tackle that subject. As for the entire Bible as we have it today; there is no verse in scripture mentioning all the written texts as a whole; probably because they weren't complete yet.
1 Corinthians 13:10 mentions things passing away when the partial is complete; or something to that affect. Revelation also has verses warning about not adding or subtracting which could mean adding to that book or all scripture. Since the written texts originally came from oratory (with the exception of the 10 Commandments originally penned by God Himself); God planned it out so that the scribes would count every LETTER of a scroll; and get rid of a copy to start again if it was even slightly off. 2 Timothy 3:16 explains that all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching; reproof; etc.
I have discussed in older posts a summation of the Apocrypha as to truths of historic or moral truths that are borrowed from true scripture; which always states "thus saith the Lord" except for places like Ruth and Esther; or Song of Solomon. God's truths are absolute; as we see from the claims of Christ's divinity; and the laws in the 10 Commandments. The repetitive themes such as scriptures being repeated again in the New Testament to enhance their true meanings bring a cohesiveness to the Bible. We also have such admonitions as 1 John 4:2 stating what any "spirit" testifies about Christ having come in the flesh.
That would correlate with verses like Matthew 16:17 where it is clear that Christ's DIVINITY (as the "I am") can only be understood or revealed through the Spirit. I noticed that myself pre conversion it didn't enter my mind that Christ was God or part of the "Godhead". As our spirit testifies with "his Spirit"( Romans 8:16) that we are His children and His Word is truth the Lord will build our discernment of truth as we grow and mature in Him to know what is true (see also John 10:27).
I'll be busy studying a while. Love it. Nothing I'd rather do. God bless you Mr. Priday, as always your teachings help me to grow in His word. God bless, Texsis
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding, but acknowledge the Lord and He will direct your paths. Surely our Creator should know what is best for us; and we should have enough examples of past saints and sinners to guide us and keep us on the straight and narrow path ( 2 Timothy 3:16). Giving up all to follow Him is something that certainly takes trust; that is for God to provide basic needs and the fact that there is heavenly rewards for temporal suffering. Those living as the Disciples did would certainly need encouragement such as found in the Book of Hebrews where it says that we MUST believe He is a rewarder of those who do His will ( Hebrews 11:6). Understanding that comes from above is what allows us to believe that Christ is truly God in the flesh ( Matt. 16:17). God's wisdom through the Spirit unlocks scripture and reveals to us eternal truths about individuals as well as the fate of nations. Many hard to read scriptures have meanings cleared up with cross references; and meditating on the Word day and night helps us to bring these things to mind for our own edification and witnessing to others "in and out of season" ( 2 Tim 4:2).
A general rule of thumb is that there is no (or shouldn't be) any line of demarcation between our "spiritual" lives involving various religious duties and the rest of our work and recreational interests. There is no good substitute for daily scripture studies accompanied by prayer; but there has to be more than just head knowledge. Continuing on the subject of TRUST; other people as well need to be able to see evidence of Christ "on display" in our character and interactions before they go for deeper understanding on spiritual matters. Therefore; we must be living out what we believe and naturally be dividing the Word correctly ( 2 Tim. 2:15). In upcoming posts I will try to demonstrate how to effectively read scripture and put it to use.
"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him."
The two worlds of the Spirit and of the body have only language which is faith. (He.11:3) When the Son said,A body hast prepared me it made the DNA between the world made to appear and the world unseen as the only proof of paternity. Thus the body of the Son is the visible image of the invisible God. ( Col 1:15) In the Parable of the Tares we have the good seed and the tares which can be known by their fruits. "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"(Matt.7:16)
So God is a Spirit sent his Son as the word become flesh.He did not ask the impossible when he went to the fig tree. The glory of the tree with seed in itself was determined according to the everlasting covenant, and the blessing of man in 'our likeness' connected as with the body God gave both. It was on the basis of faith and not by the will of the tares, source of which is by courtesy of the enemy who slipped in while the world slept. Caesars have come and gone, none of them has shown their glory endured. Had these men faith in God as the rewarder of the just?
In the hypothetical question the Sadducees put to Jesus vv.19-23 they were in error since the concept of marriage instituted by the tradition of their fathers was not founded on truth. "And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?/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."(vv.24-25) In our times by false shepherds who dismiss works from their faith and espouse politicians as the Herodians, blame the victims for refusing to live with child molesters and perverts? Excommunicating Eileen and condoning the abuser if how the elders read the word of God. The tares shall continue but how long?
"And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words."Earlier when John the Baptist arrived at the scene, stirring up great many people who came to be baptized at his hand we read,"And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?" John categorically rejected any notion that he was the Christ. It did not stop there."Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us."( John 1:19-22). Now the chief priests scribes and various sects who came to Jesus, "and they wanted to catch him in his words" firstly simulated fear for God, "They say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth" the same method that Satan employed to tempt Jesus and he also began," he said, If thou be the Son of God, command". The playbook of Satan is for whosoever who would want to be a power player in the world and the Herodians were one such in the time of Jesus, and in our times we have their ilk appearing in droves behind their candidate and sets Christian Visibility Day for other reason than they are sent. It is the spirit of wickedness at work, "And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming."(2 The.2:8). For those who abide in Christ and seek to see the light in his light does Christian visibility Day make any sense? St Paul is clear in warning, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."(2 Co.4:4)
Jesus warned of this wicked and adulterous generation. Evangelicals want a sign and and Jesus refers to the son of perdition,Matt.24:15. the sign of our times Desolation is sure to come
St Mark gives us the v.40 almost identical with that of Matthew ch.23 but the former uses it a point of departure in order to illustrate in real time of a widow parting with her only livelihood. "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation."(23:14). How truth reaches a congregation when the scribes and Pharisee teach is different than the widow whose penury offered no stumbling block from exercising faith. Jesus "And beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much."
The widow "but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living" places her life squarely upon whom it belongs. It catches the eye of our Savior.
In the Parable of the Rich Fool he had all the worldly goods but lacked the good sense. He was not rich towards God. So God tells him, " Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?"( Luke 12:20) Jesus commends the poor widow who exercised faith most wisely. The scribes and Pharisee as we are familiar with the term applied 'active' faith so the poor and needy part with their living, in expectations of a windfall. Jesus calls their shepherding as 'devouring' instead.
God sent his only begotten Son in order to give whosoever believed in him, everlasting life. Jesus also tells how anyone may do the work of God. It can only be with Jesus, "Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?/Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."( John 6:28-29)
This is faith where the poor widow worked with God and for her livelihood she did not have to put on the mind of the scribes and Pharisees, devouring the gullible among their audience. For the faith of the widow was set in heavenly places with the Son.
before Armageddon according to verses in Zechariah. Once the church is gone; truly faith will be hard to find on the earth ( Luke 18:8).
Before discussing the mark given to these individuals; we should consider the fact that they are God's servants as these verses indicate. I won't go into various considerations of what the term "virgins" means except to say morally and spiritually these are uncompromised individuals "sold out" for Christ. There will be many "religious" people in the harlot religion at this time which
I suspect is a hybrid of Christianity and mystical elements of other religions tied into the One World Government for the first half of the Tribulation. THESE individuals I believe will cause the greatest persecution at that time; to be replaced later on after the mark of the Beast comes forth that will readily identify the wicked and those who will be damned.
No doubt anyone who is a servant of God rather than an adherant to the false religion which no doubt will bring an expectation of continuing wealth during the seal judgments will go after anyone who loves the Lord like this; which may be only the 144,000 at first then those of the countless multitude saved afterwards mentioned later on in this chapter. I would doubt the seal of the righteous is readily identified by eyesight but certainly seen in the spiritual plane as an identifier. The fact that during the trumpet judgments (which seems to be the time period related to harm to the earth and sea after this sealing) that these individuals won't be touched will make any mystery as to who they are go out the window. They will be no doubt hated by the world and the mark of the beast will be the rebel response for "protection".
"And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the son of David?"(v.35). The scribes as mentioned here is a generic name for those who interpret the Law but they do not consider they are bound by it. "All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not." For they says, and they do not."(Matt.23:2-3). Matthew is referring to the scribes and the Pharisees who sit in Moses' seat. It is a metaphor for spiritual authority of the Law. Isaiah gives us a throne which is the ultimate authority "The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool."(Is.66:1)
Mark gives 'the woe to ye' discourse in Ch.23 as part of his doctrine which explains why the word of God is a two-edged sword (He.4:12).The Gospel is for salvation and if it is neglected it shall prove unto damnation. "And he said unto them in his doctrine," is consequential since it is the eternal word. In our times we could call what the scribes indulged was in Jesus talk. The saying of Jesus "but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not," is a sane advice for Christians who would want to live a godly life.
Jesus.
In vv.35-37 Jesus asks,"How say the scribes that Christ is the son of David?"The scribes erred in their textual criticism by omitting the intent and the integrity of the Psalm 110:1 This is what literal approach does. What they threw out is the everlasting covenant were seven days pendent on the day decreed for the Son. Along with it goes the significance of the Lamb slain, (Ps.2:7; Re.13:8) What happened in a megachurch where The elders had publicly disciplined a woman for refusing to take back her husband owes to their lack of understanding the word. As it turned out, the woman's fears proved true, and her husband went to prison for child molestation and abuse. The church never retracted its discipline or apologised in the 20+ years since.
St Mark gives us two commandments which shall explain what keeps the kingdom of God together. Merriam -Webster explains the scribe as a member of a learned class in ancient Israel through New Testament times studying the Scriptures and serving as copyists, editors, teachers, and jurists. One of their class, who was present when Jesus put to silence the Sadducees had a question to ask. He would have pored over the texts in order to interpret all the law and the prophets wanted to tempt Jesus as St Matthew puts it. That the ten commandments could be reduced to two must have come as a surprise to him. Never in his understanding had this truth dawned as to what Jesus signified. As the Lord from heaven the Decalogue began from one ("God is one") and also ended with him. This made both heaven and the earth on single yardstick in the matter of fulfilling the will of God. God is a Spirit and without its sovereignty and without obeying it a many may make it his business to preach but is an ignoramus as the Pharisees and the scribes who were out to destroy Jesus who was the fulfillment of the Law. When God sent his Son Jesus was a sign to which Prophet Isaiah had predicted (Is.7:14). They also heard him deliver the doctrine of hid Father which we know as the Sermon on the Mount.
The writer to the Hebrews place the role of the Son, "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,/Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son," (He.1:1-2). In their opposition what did the ten in the Decalogue meant? They were judged already. The two commandments represented the deity and humanity of the Son. "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."(Matt.22:40). The Word as the sound and as a sign made the kingdom of God work. Their questions were to no avail because faith without works is dead. The discreet answer of the scribe is in "with all your heart, with all your soul etc., v.33
Looking over the horizon I am suddenly made aware of the controversy; like today's earthquakes in our part of the country which if were over open water would cause a Tsunami (if they were a lot stronger). It seems necessary to navigate through the seas in regard to what VERSION of scripture we should use; but I will swim out far enough and; as with an undertow attempt to go sideways as not to be dragged under.
Okay; facing it head on; I think most of us agree the KJV is the best study version of scripture to use; and I simply will leave all the aftershocks of the debate a couple months back about those dogmatic that it is the only inspired version of scripture for others to bring up as it seems inevitable that it will. I simply want to repeat that ancient Greek in particular has MORE THAN ONE descriptive adjective that can be used in English to get the full meaning thus it CANNOT be translated word for word without jumping around and causing much confusion. I will also say (risking the uproar) that sometimes other versions may have another word that helps to more clearly describe the original text. Now; if we can get past what I hope to be a 90 second event and move on....
Other sources can be used (commentaries; concordances; history books; sermon readings and interpretations of scripture) but enough can usually be understood in the Bible that we have at least a fair comprehension of God's Word. His commands are not grievous ( 1 John 5:3) and that should also mean they aren't overly complex to understand; cumbersome or voluminous. The concept of loving God and our neighbor as ourself ( Mark 12:30-31) sums up the law and should be the primary motivation; mindset and state of our heart and soul when the love of Christ constrains us ( 2 Cor. 5:14-19).
Starting with concordances; I am probably going to leave it to the audience to recommend the top ones. I have found some Bibles have cross references that are baffling.
My gifting is in discernment and sadly I have still much softening needed in my heart and soul; partially due no doubt to the divorce I had to go through the better part of 10 years ago. My views against remarriage when a spouse is alive isn't something I'm going to push on this site but I know the Lord has given me another specific calling to warn others about the subject. It is risky mentioning this as there are some who I love in Christ who have been offended but I must speak what I believe He has given me to say.
I suppose I could use prayer that I can somehow be bolder sharing on my job; although often I'm too busy working fast paced in my food service work. If the Lord tarries once my elderly parents (in their 90s) have passed then I probably will revert back to spending more of my time witnessing; so that is part of the reason I belt out so much stuff now; along with whatever writing talent the Lord has given me.
I can only hope that as Daniel states some will shine as the stars in the sky (or firmament- Daniel 12:3) as a result of some message whether it is myself or someone else at this site or elsewhere. The true experience of being filled with the Spirit I contend is rare and you have to search like it for gold and eventually you will begin to be able to know when it is present.
You will see it in others mainly; and is in a minority of professing believers. Again I appeal to the scriptures on running for the prize ( Philippians 3:3) and even Paul said it can be forfeited ( 1 Cor. 9:27; see also Revelation 3:11).
What we do, especially before being saved, is all forgiven & He won't hold against us. All we go through strengthens us as we grow wiser in His word & for His purpose to lead others to Christ. Believers are guided by His spirit to speak His truth. That's His will for all.!
So if He's calling you to do so please, don't be ashamed/worried what others will think or do. He is the one we are to fear. I regret one time He led me to talk to a lady & I shrugged it off. She passed away 3-4 days later. Now, when He leads me (especially w/my dreams) I follow through. Then I'm amazed by His work when 'said person' starts to change. Praise God.!
Yet at work, I always speak in a way they know I'm a believer. i.e., saying Lord willing, God forbid, Jesus help me or even tell them "I will pray for you" or even wearing my TCU hat while driving the company truck (I live in midst of Mormons).! They are all seeds, God sows in His time.! Plus, I don't get involved in idol gossip & won't lie. I think you definitely have a God given talent & are blessed. Thnx again
I was wondering how you are doing. are you still in Utah? have you been well? How is your son doing since you have been gone from his house. I8 am so glad that you came back on here to post. I love it when we can update with people on here. We care for one another here and I always think it is such a good thing to have met so many new believers since coming on this site. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks for getting back to me. Glad to hear you are doing well in Utah.
I would love to pray for your son. If you feel comfortable giving me his name, I would like that. Either way he will be in my prayers.
I have been thinking of you and praying for you. So glad to hear from you again.
Here are some verses that may be helpful. The Lord will guide you in the verses to share with your riend.
Ps . 31.5 Jn. 14:6
Ps. 119:43 Gal. 2:5
Is. 45:19 Eph.1:13
Dan. 10:21 Col. 1:5
James 1:18
You are certainly welcome. I am happy that the Lord led me to respond to your post.
We all have some good things to contribute here and we can be prayerful about all that we post.
Some things people post (me included) are encouraging, others make us think hard, others make us search the Scriptures more on a topic, and others can be convicting or make us uncomfortable. We may even be offended by some posts. But if we seek God and His wisdom we will get right direction from Him and help us to take what people write seriously and try to avoid being dismissive.
I work hard at trying to remain objective as well as thinking the best of others, even if I am offended by what someone posts, I certainly try to be open for the input of the Spirit concerning interactions on here.
I am glad you are back on here once again. I have been wondering about you and keeping you in my prayers. It is good to have a sweet sister like you. You bless me, too.
Books are to be read but understanding for two persons can differ. Satan used the scriptures but his motive was wrong. "Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled." (Ti.1:15) "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."(Ph.4:8)
Reading is to communicate. Do we hang out in the company of minds who are writing potboilers to feed their bellies or those who falsify intentionally what is true, and write for fame and fortune? I find it waste of time. Time is short so get the best out of your spare time. The Bible is the book of life.
Joy and peace with Him, greetings
1 Corinthians 13:10 mentions things passing away when the partial is complete; or something to that affect. Revelation also has verses warning about not adding or subtracting which could mean adding to that book or all scripture. Since the written texts originally came from oratory (with the exception of the 10 Commandments originally penned by God Himself); God planned it out so that the scribes would count every LETTER of a scroll; and get rid of a copy to start again if it was even slightly off. 2 Timothy 3:16 explains that all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching; reproof; etc.
I have discussed in older posts a summation of the Apocrypha as to truths of historic or moral truths that are borrowed from true scripture; which always states "thus saith the Lord" except for places like Ruth and Esther; or Song of Solomon. God's truths are absolute; as we see from the claims of Christ's divinity; and the laws in the 10 Commandments. The repetitive themes such as scriptures being repeated again in the New Testament to enhance their true meanings bring a cohesiveness to the Bible. We also have such admonitions as 1 John 4:2 stating what any "spirit" testifies about Christ having come in the flesh.
That would correlate with verses like Matthew 16:17 where it is clear that Christ's DIVINITY (as the "I am") can only be understood or revealed through the Spirit. I noticed that myself pre conversion it didn't enter my mind that Christ was God or part of the "Godhead". As our spirit testifies with "his Spirit"( Romans 8:16) that we are His children and His Word is truth the Lord will build our discernment of truth as we grow and mature in Him to know what is true (see also John 10:27).
I'll be busy studying a while. Love it. Nothing I'd rather do. God bless you Mr. Priday, as always your teachings help me to grow in His word. God bless, Texsis
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding, but acknowledge the Lord and He will direct your paths. Surely our Creator should know what is best for us; and we should have enough examples of past saints and sinners to guide us and keep us on the straight and narrow path ( 2 Timothy 3:16). Giving up all to follow Him is something that certainly takes trust; that is for God to provide basic needs and the fact that there is heavenly rewards for temporal suffering. Those living as the Disciples did would certainly need encouragement such as found in the Book of Hebrews where it says that we MUST believe He is a rewarder of those who do His will ( Hebrews 11:6). Understanding that comes from above is what allows us to believe that Christ is truly God in the flesh ( Matt. 16:17). God's wisdom through the Spirit unlocks scripture and reveals to us eternal truths about individuals as well as the fate of nations. Many hard to read scriptures have meanings cleared up with cross references; and meditating on the Word day and night helps us to bring these things to mind for our own edification and witnessing to others "in and out of season" ( 2 Tim 4:2).
A general rule of thumb is that there is no (or shouldn't be) any line of demarcation between our "spiritual" lives involving various religious duties and the rest of our work and recreational interests. There is no good substitute for daily scripture studies accompanied by prayer; but there has to be more than just head knowledge. Continuing on the subject of TRUST; other people as well need to be able to see evidence of Christ "on display" in our character and interactions before they go for deeper understanding on spiritual matters. Therefore; we must be living out what we believe and naturally be dividing the Word correctly ( 2 Tim. 2:15). In upcoming posts I will try to demonstrate how to effectively read scripture and put it to use.
"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him."
The two worlds of the Spirit and of the body have only language which is faith. (He.11:3) When the Son said,A body hast prepared me it made the DNA between the world made to appear and the world unseen as the only proof of paternity. Thus the body of the Son is the visible image of the invisible God. ( Col 1:15) In the Parable of the Tares we have the good seed and the tares which can be known by their fruits. "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"(Matt.7:16)
So God is a Spirit sent his Son as the word become flesh.He did not ask the impossible when he went to the fig tree. The glory of the tree with seed in itself was determined according to the everlasting covenant, and the blessing of man in 'our likeness' connected as with the body God gave both. It was on the basis of faith and not by the will of the tares, source of which is by courtesy of the enemy who slipped in while the world slept. Caesars have come and gone, none of them has shown their glory endured. Had these men faith in God as the rewarder of the just?
In the hypothetical question the Sadducees put to Jesus vv.19-23 they were in error since the concept of marriage instituted by the tradition of their fathers was not founded on truth. "And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?/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."(vv.24-25) In our times by false shepherds who dismiss works from their faith and espouse politicians as the Herodians, blame the victims for refusing to live with child molesters and perverts? Excommunicating Eileen and condoning the abuser if how the elders read the word of God. The tares shall continue but how long?
"And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words."Earlier when John the Baptist arrived at the scene, stirring up great many people who came to be baptized at his hand we read,"And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?" John categorically rejected any notion that he was the Christ. It did not stop there."Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us."( John 1:19-22). Now the chief priests scribes and various sects who came to Jesus, "and they wanted to catch him in his words" firstly simulated fear for God, "They say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth" the same method that Satan employed to tempt Jesus and he also began," he said, If thou be the Son of God, command". The playbook of Satan is for whosoever who would want to be a power player in the world and the Herodians were one such in the time of Jesus, and in our times we have their ilk appearing in droves behind their candidate and sets Christian Visibility Day for other reason than they are sent. It is the spirit of wickedness at work, "And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming."(2 The.2:8). For those who abide in Christ and seek to see the light in his light does Christian visibility Day make any sense? St Paul is clear in warning, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."(2 Co.4:4)
Jesus warned of this wicked and adulterous generation. Evangelicals want a sign and and Jesus refers to the son of perdition,Matt.24:15. the sign of our times Desolation is sure to come