As it was in days of Noah,so it will be in the days of the Son of man.They ate,drank,married,gave in marriage,until the day Noah entered the ark,the flood came and destroyed them all.So"This was the"modus vivendi" in Noahs'days.
We would say it was the same 'modus vivendi' of society in recent times,say around 1950-1985,it was similar to society in the days of Noah.It was common to eat and drink with development of large malls around the world at that time,it was common the celebration of weddings,existence of strong family ties,but as time went by,it began to deteriorate morally as in the time of Noah,when the sons of GOD mixed their seed with seed of the evil ones,giving rise to a corrupt and evil society- Genesis 6:2-3, due to the proliferation of adulterers and adulteresses.And the punishment came,yes,the flood came and only 8 people were saved by the Ark.
Comparing the society of Noah's days with a posterior society of Sodom and Gomorrah,at the time of Lot,let's see the differences,according Scriptures:
Luke 17:28-30 reveal:
28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;
29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
30 Even thus shall it be in the day (in the current time) when the Son of man is revealed.
society of Noah's day..........................society of Sodom/Gomorrah
they ate and drank ..............................they ate and drank
they married and gave in marriage ....they bought and sold,they planted and built
Men of Sodom were wicked,immoral exceedingly,and sinners before the Lord- Genesis 13:13.There was no marriage,society was polluted of prostitutes,sodomites/ effeminate(gays),society was infested of prostitution and great sinners. The same occurs today. Lot was vexed with filthy conversations seeing and hearing their unlawful deeds- 2Peter 2:7-8 & Jude 1:6-7.
The last part of the first stanza of the song "He knows my name" from the 2014 "If We're Honest" album of Francesca Battestelli states this:
True to who You are
You saw my heart
And made
Something out of nothing
We really can't disengage the concept of the comprehension that we have nothing to offer but a "broken and contrite heart" as Psalm 51:8 states when we first come to a saving faith. God Himself grants repentance ( 2 Tim. 2:25 and 2 places in Acts) but this results in our heartfelt plea for God's mercy. In the same logic salvation isn't a one way street. Realizing our own unworthiness and helplessness is what unregenerate man cannot or will not concede in this lifetime as we see illustrated in Jeremiah 18:12. Man finds ways to justify demon worship as giving them something; of course we see a perfect example in Acts 19:25-28 for example where a whole town spent an afternoon rioting; or in 1 Kings 18:28 with the so called "prophetic contest" between idols and the true and living God.
This illustration of what theologians title "Irresistable Grace" (not my favorite term) seems to fit here. Some could say that our response of realization of our sins; along with a verbal affirmation ( Romans 10:9-12) is a choice we make; rather than a response to the Spirit's prompting. I would agree as to the general search for truth that some have may come first for many; although we can't rule out a "Damascus Road" sort of conversion today either. In the mindset of unregenerate man; to be controlled or "possessed" by the Holy Spirit which results in a predictable response makes us robots and is a frightening concept in "losing our individual freedom of choice"; etc. Man's logic doesn't consider that our Creator should have ownership or mastery over His own created beings and of course we can struggle even as believers in trusting God to see us through the trials of life. This ties into the verse in Luke 17:33-37 in regard to really living when we lose our life
In 2016 we heard a televangelist asking for a Jet Falcon for his missionary tours. His explanation was, "I really believe that if Jesus was physically on the Earth today he wouldn't be riding a donkey," he said. "Think about that for a minute. He'd be in an aeroplane preaching the gospel all over the world." Jesus explained the quality of servants, "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do."( Luke 17:10) We are commanded to do a certain task and we set out to do them trusting fully in His promises.
The Gentile kings have a custom, and it perpetuates the master servant distinction. Regarding the tribute money Jesus posed this question,"What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?/ Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free." (17:25-26) The earth lieth in wickedness because Satan's ploy has worked well with man who would serve both God and mammon with little success. Jesus set the reward of everlasting life for those who are led by the Spirit.
"The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord./It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord." (10:24-25). Simon Peter towards the end wanted to know, " Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?/And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."(19:27-28)
The verse doesn't say that. Paul states his preference in that verse.
But in 1 Corinthians 5:3 Paul says he actually is absent in body, but present in spirit to the Corinthians.
Luke 17:37 says wherever the body is (deceased) that eagles (like vultures) gather.
Someone stating his preference to be with the Lord doesn't automatically invalidate all the other scripture in the Bible that says we will sleep (in death) until Jesus returns. But I know there's a strong incentive to believe it for funerals and because the phrase has been repeated so many times. No one skips judgment day though.
Daniel 12:2, Job 14:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:18-20, Matthew 9:24.
Jesus of Nazareth came; in the flesh to fulfill numerous prophecies from the Old Testament of the Messiah to come; yet most didn't believe. This is inclusive of His own family members; the Pharisees and Saducees; and at times attitudes from His own disciples.
Eventually after He was risen the stupor was lifted at least for those who He had called and chosen. (see John 1:11; John 7:4-5).
In assessing the situation with the very real parable of Lazarus and the unnamed rich man; the very clear reality is shown that even if one was to rise from the dead they wouldn't believe ( Luke 16:31). This was proven by the soldiers and the concocted tale of how the body of Christ was stolen while they slept ( Matthew 28:13). It would be expected that the supernatural signs with the sun and moon during the Crucifixion would have been enough to convince everyone what had just happened; but we see similar things during the plagues in Revelation; yet the unregenerate in the end will attempt to fight Christ upon His return after hiding from Him during the sixth seal judgment.
Thus; the Holy Spirit is hidden from the world. Much as Christ's acts were recognized; many would not understand that He was indeed the Son of God. Some; as the Pharisees would blaspheme stating that the source was Beelzebub which prompted the warnings of Mark 3:29. Others such as the crowds being fed or those being healed were caught up with having their stomachs filled or earthly ills relieved; and as we see in Luke 17:11-19 only one of ten lepers comes back to Christ to worship Him after being healed. The rest followed Christ's instructions technically to go show themselves to the priests to affirm healing but weren't giving priority to the Messiah over Levitical law. This speaks to us on how we should not have fear to authenticate what are genuine healings as opposed to false ones which sadly are commonplace today.
The word sent forth by God shall prosper in the very thing it was sent.(Is.55:11). The Spirit is narrating events from the perspective of the Gospel of God that we need conclude the quality of the disciples that Jesus sent out to preach "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand."(10:7). God the Sower has sown into the field and with the expression the kingdom 'is at hand' the Spirit is referring to the gathering of sheaves." This kingdom does not come with observation but it is within the heart which is knowable. The Pharisees wanted to know 'when' and Jesus replied ( Luke 17:20-21) Truth written in the heart is a witness and shall condemn those who go by appearances and those who walk by sight.
In understanding these chapters we need reorient our observation in terms of faith and the eternal Word. Firstly we shall take up the answer given Jesus to the disciples of John,"Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:/The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them." Before Jesus we read that Namaan was healed; raising the dead has been done before Jesus. "And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet."(2 Ki.13:21). Before the eternal Word the prophets like Elias, Elisha are interchangeable with Jesus in terms of the Power and Wisdom that Word become flesh signifies. John did no miracle but his testimony was true.( John 10:41-42). Jesus was reminding obliquely that John had missed how he was tied up his own ministry according to the Gospel. " For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee."(11:10)
" Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black." Sermon on the Mount is a compilation of the holiness of God that has been made manifest by holy men of Old. We mentioned the name of Moses who had beheld after the similitude of the Lord, signifying the Son. In the key text we can trace the terrible domestic tragedy of Jephthah. The Spirit of Christ made him a mighty man of valor as he made Moses the meekest of all men. All their exploits and their excellence are but examples of the holiness of God and its source must be traced to the Son, who is the visible image of God, the Father. Jephthah erred in missing the connection. "Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD" This saying of Jeremiah came from the Lord. (Je.17:5). How Jephthah missed or Rueben defiled his father's bed have one thing in common. They do not put themselves in place of the Son. How are we to view our own ministry? "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do."( Luke 17:10) We are running the ministry on the slipstream of the Spirit of Christ and the sovereignty of the word sent forth by God.
Where Reuben failed Joseph gained control over his flesh at the house of Potiphar. He won it 'for my sake.' He suffered as Jesus would suffer in the generation of adulterous and the wicked. So far we have understood the doctrine of God is same as that of the Son since he perfected is Will. "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him."( John 7:16-18) Either we rely on our own flesh or do it as though Christ in us did
We are told to come out from among them churches, to be a separate people.
2nd Cor 6:14] Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
[15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
[16] And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
[17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
[18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
2nd Cor 7:[1] Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Many people want to stay behind to see what happens. Just like a burning building, many people want to stay around and watch to see what happens. Lot's wife did the same thing, she wanted to see what was going to happen when she was instructed not to. Jesus told us the same thing as well.
Luke 17:30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.
31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.
32 Remember Lot's wife.
[33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.
We have to come out from among these churches and look for fellowship with those in the light and not in darkness with sinners. People complain about their church like my parents for example, but they will not come out as the church has them bound in their sin. The synagogue of Satan which claim thry are Christians and are not. Come out
You say"the third heaven is the dwelling of God'',but what does the Word of GOD say? Ps.148:4-Praise GOD,ye heavens of heavens(highest heavens),and ye waters that be above the heavens(peoples,and nations,and multitudes of all tongues; so,those which will be above the heavens are them which will be caught up out of the FIRE and be placed in the 3rd Heaven,for the 1st and 2nd heavens will be DISSOLVED- 2Peter 3:12-13,as follow:
12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the Day of GOD(the LORD's Day),wherein the HEAVENS(the 1st and 2nd heavens-THE CELESTIAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS)being on FIRE shall be DISSOLVED,and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?How?Yes, how?It is revealed and explained in Isaiah 33:10-14 combined with Hebrews 12:29 and 10:27.Take a look.
13Nevertheless we,according to GOD's promise,look for New Heavens(the next is the 3rd heaven- Luke 20:35-36.Take a look) and a new earth(new Israel),wherein dwels righteousness.
As you know,the Word is GOD,self-executing. Romans 9:28-31:
-->28For GOD WILL FINISH the work(the finish of GOD's work is from now on according to the WRATH OF GOD described in Revelation 11:15-18),and He shall cut it short in RIGHTEOUSNESS: because a SHORT WORK will the Lord make upon the earth(even now, from now on, in the last week divided in two halfs of severe and terrible chastisements),as JESUS warned in Matthew 24:22,saying:"Except those days should be SHORTENED,there should no flesh be saved:but for the elect's sake those days shall be SHORTENED
Verse 29-And as Esaias said before,Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed,we had been as Sodoma(as is written in Luke 17:29-30),and been made like unto Gomorrha
30What shall we say then?That the Gentiles,which followed not after righteousness,have attained to righteousness,even the righteousness which is of faith
31But Israel,which followed after the Law of righteousness,has not attained to the law of righteousness
26And as it was in the days of Noah,so it will be in the days of the Son of man.
27They ate,drank,married,gave in marriage,until the day Noah entered the ark,the flood came and destroyed them all.
Luke 17:28-30
28Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot;they did eat,they drank, they bought,they sold,they planted,they builded;
29But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven,and destroyed them all.
30Thus shall it be in this day of revelation of Son of man.
society of Noah's day ......................... society of Sodom
they ate and drank .......................... they ate and drank
they married and gave in marriage ....... they bought and sold
................ -x-x-x- ......................... they planted and built
The prophecy of Noah's days has already literally fulfilled around years 1950 to 1990,in this period of time there were celebration of weddings similar to society in the days of Noah.The society of Noah's day had let's say a natural"modus vivendi",or a normal way of life, there were celebration of weddings.From 1950 to 1990,It was common to eat and drink due to the development of large malls at that time,it was common celebration of weddings,and existence of strong family ties,as in the days of Noah.
The differences are great between Noah's society,and days of Sodom.See,the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly-Gen.13:13-they were wicked and corrupt,and immoral exceedingly,as the society is today.
There was not marriage among them,the society was polluted of prostitutes and sodomites/effeminate(gays),the society was infested of prostitution and great sinners.Lot dwelling among them was vexed in seeing and hearing the filthy conversation of the wicked,Lot vexed his righteous soul from day to day due the unlawful deeds of them-2 Pe.2:7-8 combined with Jude 1:6-7.
"For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that theLordof hosts hath sent me./Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith theLord."
And here we have Messianic prophesy of the word becoming flesh."And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.:( John 1:14). Jesus also witnessed, "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you."( Luke 17:21)
Now in this context v.11 refers to 'in that day' which expression we shall come across in this book more often. Specifically he is referring to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all flesh and it then elides over the tribulation period, the time of the Gentiles to the Day of regeneration. "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea." (Hab.2:14; 2 Co.4:6). This knowledge is the glory of the word and it is the angel of the Lord represents in explaining the significance of the vision one after the other. It shall be internalized 'at that day'. "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. The tragedy of the apostate church is not that it has allied as miry clay with iron and both hang at odds with one another but what it has missed. As with the Parable of the Talents, it has hidden the glory of God in the ground. God shall certainly call to account.
11And many nations shall be joined to theLordin that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that theLordof hosts hath sent me unto thee.
12And theLordshall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again.
I will answer this in reverse at first to make a point. What evidences to we have that show that the churches which do openly practice tongues (in particular) are living in more holiness than church members elsewhere who don't practice this? Generally speaking; it seems the same number of parishioners divorce; conversations often are on worldly things outside services; etc. There seems to be no more impact in new converts or evangelistic street witnessing efforts as well as other venues. We don't see healings occuring when preaching in hospitals; prisons; etc at any greater level than with other churches in many cases.
First off; I don't tell God what "signs and wonders" gifts He is capable of doing today; nor use the verse 1 Cor. 13:10 to justify cessation of gifts (just new scriptures after Revelation). On the other hand; when we look at medical verification of healings (also valid with such verses as Luke 17:14 when the Priests were to ascertain a true healing) we see few healings corroborated beyond hearsay. We cannot deny megachurches and the "fithly lucre" ( 1 Peter 5:2) that often shows bad fruit of the Pastors and leaders there motivating individuals to name "healing ministries" after themselves. We also cannot ignore how rarely most churches attempt any interpretation of tongues; and how often the same pattern of babbling seems to infect a crowd; rather than an unknown earthly language that edifies others; or a heavenly language that seems distinct. If we keep in mind Paul's admomitions about a few clear words than 10,000 unknown (1 Corithians 14:19) and things are done decently and in order; OR in our personal prayer alone then I certainly am open to tongues.
As far as teaching and wisdom most believers certainly seek these gifts. Those on the mission field have for decades reported more dramatic things such as visions and dreams particularly among Muslims about Christ. God will perform works in His timing to suit His purposes.
Hi Jema. Just a couple of points to note from your understanding of those passages you quoted. You believe that Simon the Leper ( Matthew 26:6) might be the same person, now named Lazarus (in John 11:1-6). As I understand it, the account of the sickness, death & resurrection of Lazarus (brother of Mary & Martha) took place some time before the account of Simon the Leper. Jesus was on His second journey (after first leaving Jerusalem (in Winter): John 10:22, then onto Jordan: John 10:40) when news came to Him of Lazarus' sickness ( John 11:3). But Jesus continued to stay at Jordan ( John 11:6) & then went to Bethany to deceased Lazarus.
Now the account of Simon the Leper, also in Bethany, occurred very near to the Passover Feast ( Matthew 26:2). And we know this to be so, because after the woman's anointing of Jesus in Simon the Leper's home, Jesus' disciples were annoyed at the waste of this ointment, & Judas Iscariot then left them to put into effect his wicked act. And of course, Jesus then celebrates the Passover with His disciples at the appointed time. So the Lazarus (in John 11) & Simon the Leper (in Matthew 26) can't be the same person and of course it would have saddened Lazarus (& others) tremendously that he who died because of some sickness & was raised by Jesus, yet wasn't healed of his leprosy.
As well, the account of the rich man & (the other) Lazarus ( Luke 16:19-31) is understood to have happened after the Lazarus (of John 11) was raised to life, not before. A synopsis of the Gospels shows that after Jesus began His journey towards Bethany, He also ministered along the way ( Luke 13:22 to Luke 17:1-10). After this, Jesus arrives in Bethany to see the lifeless body of his friend.
Always nice to hear from you, and thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I see it as: It is His way, not our way. Regarding the kingdom, hopefully it should be residing in us as in Luke 17:21 but we must be aware of 1 John 3:28 and Matt 6:24 as well as trying to save our lives, and surely we need to Matt 16:24 and must surely die to this life/world Matt 16:25.
And finally, Matthew 16:26
"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
the rapture that everyone is talking about in today Christendom is a myth, divise from a theological cemetry in Dallas Tx if I understand right & yes I meant cemetery, cemetery & seminary are spiritual synonyms
Jesus prayed, John 17:15John 17:20
Titus 2:11-14 appearing of the Great God & Savior is the Grace of God that appears to all mankind, His spiritual appearance in everyones heart, making it possible for all the other Scriptures you quoted possible.
The tribulations are our spiritual inward trials & suffering as Christ breaks thru the darkness that we're captivated too,& redeems, delivers & translate us into the kingdom of His dear Son, through the washing of regeneration & renewing of the Holy Spirit unto the new creature, culminating the work of sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience & sprinkling of of the Blood/Life of Jesus within us. When were truely born again, experientially Matt 3:11,12 He gathers us unto the Garder, seeing Him spirituallly come in the clouds in great glory. We're still here on earth, but we're spiritual conscious of heaven 2Cor 2:17
The writers of the NT were speaking in the present tense, they said "we" it would be a cruel hoax to tell them to look for Him when it would be over 2000yrs later. Jesus said Luke 17:20-23 Luke 9:27 to those who were with Him then.
Luke 11:2Luke 12:32 here & now, this is the exceedingly great glory of the Christ sacrifice John 17:21-24
Knowing that God is a God of order & the simplicity in Christ Jesus & Jesus tells us to follow Apostle Paul & His establishment commandment.
Thus, we read daily starting in Romans & when we are done for that day take a tassel & mark that ( where we will begin to read the next day) & do our daily business
Later we read again in Genesis & when done tassel that page. Romans 16:26 so each day we continue this (and will read Ro to Rev.) many times more as we progress through the scriptures of the prophets
Then when we completed Acts, "Proclaiming God wins and the devil loses"! Restart the same process again
I had alway wondered why there were 2 tassels for years & that is why
We are truly justified in Romans 3:24-26 equals Gods free gift! (Please also note Ro. Chapters 9/10/11 where Paul is speaking to his brethren/ Israelites/ at that present time beseeching them & only them to perform Ro. 10:9 and know praying is a work & how the Jews at that present time in life THEY would be accepted by The Lord.
Many publishers like Gideon's for example had in the beginning of there book (1941-1958) where to find Salvation also listed Romans 3:24-26 !!! Then satan got more involved derailing souls to Ro. 10:9 in 1960's until present day! 2023.
My soul would be damned doomed for leading you wrongly
1 Corinthians 16:22
If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
Luke 17:2
It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
Hopefully David, you do understand I wouldn't be with my brothers & sisters in Christ and in His Kingdom later in time, if i was leading any soul wrongly
The writing of Paul's gospels = Doctrine Reproof and correction
Romans doctrine Corinthians doctrine with reroof & correction and such
Being only one writing to the Galatians & not knowing how many of them are above!
1 John 2:19Ephesians 4:14 these apostates took over the ministry of Christ, the Gifts, Ephesians 4:11 & has raise of a ministry & sanctuary that of this world, all saying here is Christ & there is Christ. All in the lust 1John 2:16 some more some less, but a little leaven, leavens the whole lump, there are over 45,000 different favors/sect's of Christianity world wide, is Christ divide?
The Church in is first pure innocent primitive state Acts 4:32 fulfilling Ephesians 4:12,13, & would have remain so, excepting for God in His infinite Wisdom choses otherwise, Rev 13:7
The work of the Ephesians 4:11 first is to point them to Christ within them, their Isa 9:6, then to become servants to His Body, the Church. John 13:13-16, then at the appointed time of the Father, proving themselves faithful to the ministry they have received, Act 6:2 God gave them an increase, in rewards to their faithfulness to Him. Read on there & see the increase they received multiplied.
Jesus said, Luke 17:21Ephesians 4:4-7 all pointing to God within them. All of this is not figuratively, but a spiritual reality to be lived, known & felt in the heart.
In Revelation we find the Spirit of the Lord is Crying out to His people Rev 18:4 connecting 2Cor 6:14-18, I ask you who will hear His Call & if required of them to sell all that he has to follow Jesus & to forsake all that he believes that's contrary to Holy Spirit teaching, Matt 7:14 For surely the teaching in Babylon is the same as the devil taught in Eden, Genesis 3, they too being evasive, twisting God's word to their own 2Pet 3:16
A day in the life of Christ: Ministering to individuals
Luke 17:17 shows how one man out of ten came back to worship God after being healed by Christ. If we read the text carefully; Jesus did instruct them to go to the priests (verse 14) after the healing. No doubt He knew their hearts as to those who would follow protocol and those who would recognize God at work and take time to appreciate that fact. To be technical unlike some other references at this stage it is unclear if this man knew He was the Messiah as it doesn't state that He worshipped Christ just gave Him thanks.
As we can see in this situation; Jesus would look for individuals when it came to healing; seeking those who had genuine faith. It is uncertain how many who He touched actually came to saving faith; and likely there were even less when it came to the crowds being fed. John 6:26 makes it clear that the signs weren't even something that moved them to consider the importance of these feeding sessions; at least with healings that couldn't be denied. Whether they had some sort of other reason for the miraculous provisions is unclear; or if they only cared about free food. Not finding any verses where God was praised for such an event makes us wonder.
Ministry to the Disciples
Some individuals; no doubt were incorporated into new disciples along with the 12 Apostles. The parables; however were given complete explanation by Christ to the 12; sadly often bringing upbraiding for their lack of faith and understanding. So; in a sense Christ had His favorites (the 12) and even a select few such as the 3 who went up in the Transfiguration; and John was apparently most beloved. In the preceding posting; we see how Peter was often severly rebuked; and in the one case Satan who was influencing his thoughts was exposed. Infighting as to who was the greatest certainly wasn't going to make Christ's day any easier and sadly they still were doing this the last week of His life.
I wish to put the focus of this study on the time before the last week of Christ's ministry leading to the cross; as His daily stresses and activities tend to be underplayed in comparison. I would be amiss not to discuss the Passion week; although I will need much prayer and planning for such a prodigious and solemn undertaking. A cursory statement here will suffice: Christ always had others in focus above His own needs; which was especially noticeable from the Last Supper on. This short week takes up a huge chunk of volume in the Gospels of His life; sort of like a zip file on a computer. We could spend a lifetime contemplating its meaning in regard to the unconditional love for us; undeserving sinners that held Him to that cross.
Putting that aside for now; suffice to say that the coming cross certainly was first and foremost as mentioned in the introduction; on the mind of Christ.
Let us begin our examination with Luke 16:12 to Luke 17:10. This was a very LONG day. Christ started with ALL NIGHT prayer before He chose the 12 Disciples. He was in that roundup to call them all; INCLUDING Judas Iscariot; who He knew was prophesied to betray Him (see verse 16). Immediately after that the crowds came to Christ and then He healed many (verse 17-19). Then He began the Beatitudes. Note that HE FACED HIS DISCIPLES when saying this discourse; which encompasses the rest of that chapter. The sermon had a specific message for them.
Chapter 7 begins with the story of the story of the Centurion. He showed great faith in understanding the authority of Christ and how a man in that position shouldn't be imposed on unnecessarily and that he was unworthy to have Christ in His house.
This gave great commendation from Christ. What we don't think about is the physical exhaustion that was somewhat relieved in not having to undertake the rest of the journey. We need to always look at Christ as perfect God and perfect man.
Strangely enough that debate along with that of the veracity or lack thereof of the moon landing came into a contentious discussion at my small group. Isaiah 40:22 talks about the "circle" of the earth; and there are verses such as Luke 17:34-36 which discuss those asleep (in night) and those awake working during the day in the field. This shows the different time zones. The seasons also make things pretty clear; it is winter in the southern hemisphere and summer in the northern currently; vice verse in 6 months. This surely shows the nearly spherical (in reality slightly pear shape) of the earth. The fact that there is 6 months of light and darkness in each pole which gradually reduces in length and the sun at it's highest point is lower than anywhere else shows evidence as well; and also indicates the 23 degree tilt of the earth (hence the sun only shines straight up to the south of the tropic of cancer; north of capricorn.
Movement of stars with it's annual cycle coming back to where it started also shows how the earth rotates around the sun in close to 365 days (leap year bringing things closer to exact measurement). Again; creful examination of the scriptures is needed; as indeed the sun does move through the solar system while we and other planets rotate around it. The local star group moves through local constellations; in turn the whole galaxy moves in a circle as well as through space (with upcoming Andromeda "collision" predicted in some millions of years from now.
Tidal forces are not just on the earth but on the moon (whose curvature is obvious). We also see in Job an indication of the hydrological cycle (moving of course in opposite directions for cyclone and anticyclone between the northern and southern hemisphere) such as indicated in Job 28:26 and other verses.
I'm not sure of other verses; this is more of a logic argument here. Obviously; if the world was flat gravity would be disproportionate. Hope some of this helps.
Today; a brother from my church discussed what He said was a time the Lord told him not to fear; and today it seems like confirmation as I was admonishing him in much the same way. Specifically; it was related to the nearness of His coming as well as several things related to what appears to be the imminent demise of our country as judgment draws nigh.
The Lord has held back the day of the Lord with His great patience to this point but it will come suddenly ( Habakkuk 2:3 and many other N.T. verses). Jesus also states that people will be buying; selling; giving in marriage etc. much like the time of Noah when He returns ( Luke 17:27 also referring to the days of Lot.)
I remembered how 40 years ago many were talking about giving up everything and standing on a mountain as they were convinced Christ would arrive by 1988. Clearly that didn't happen. We also discussed the timing of when the last generation actually begins; the Antichrist and other issues. What I would say characterizes both of us is a hunger and thirst to preach on the end times which for me is something I feel I have put on a shelf for most of my adulthood since the early 80's.
These days spiritual warfare is harder than ever; again something which we seemed to have gone through. We cannot afford to leave any sin unforgiven; as the enemy is ready to pounce on us with any weak links in the chain; and also the fear of death needs to be overcome through trusting Christ. That can't; of course be done without total surrender to Christ and having good fellowship is a key especially as we see the Day of the Lord coming ( Heb. 10:25).
I would venture to say that there are very few left who are living out a totally surrendured life to Christ as charactarized by the Laodicean church. We should test ourselves to see if we are in the faith now ( 2 Cor. 13:5); if anything to flee the Tribulation as well as assure that we are saved from hell.
It is sobering to look at the history of great kingdoms such as Rome and the eventual downfall by corruption within. I have read about many similar events as to today in America that caused Rome to fall; such as many government type handouts; and of course licensiousness sexually. There is even a theory about the verse Luke 17:27 that there may have been same sex unions in the past that is being referred to.
Certainly Sodom and the surrounding cities shows a similar pattern to today. We should take note of Lot there; who decided to settle originally in the fertile plain; allowing appearances with his eyes to be what drove his decision to move there in the first place; while Abraham sought a better country as it were; and had promises not fulfilled in his lifetime through his progeny. The same concept of course brought Moses out of Egypt to wander in the wilderness for 40 years in what should have been a journey of a few months.
The pride that came before the fall of course is a sin associated with sodomy amongst other things. As I alluded to previously; the first seal of Revelation comes before war; famine and pestilence; a false peace confirmed with many according to Daniel 9:27. There has not been a mesmerizing orator since the time of Hitler and perhaps Mousallini in World War two that was able to conquer so quickly; gone are the Napoleans of the past. As Daniel states in chapter 8; verse 23 rulers will become completely wicked in that time when Antichrist; a man of intrigue arises. The one world religion will also promote the one world government. Through peace he shall destroy many ( Daniel 8:25). With world economies dissolving; and the removal of the ancient landmarks ( Prov. 22:28); no doubt he will realign the nations when he "divides the land for gain" ( Dan. 11:39) and that with the help of a "strange god."
Some think we can tough it out in the Tribulation. Let's not be there if we can avoid it!!
Basic points: Scripture makes it clear that we as believers are to "suffer for His name's sake" ( Philippians 1:29). We are given a new heart with our stony heart removed ( Ezekiel 36:26). We are to love the brethren ( 1 John 3:14) if we have "passed from death to life." We also love our enemies ( Matt. 5:44) and we should read the entire passage to meditate on how we pray for them who despitefully use you"; etc. We are aliens ( 1 Peter 2:11-12; see also 1 Chron. 29:15) and not of this world. We are truly born again and seated in heavenly places ( Eph. 2:6) and our treasure is now in heaven as well ( Matt. 6:20-21). We understand that we were saved as hopeless sinners and therefore serve as "unworthy servants" ( Luke 17:7-10). We still have peace that passes understanding (Phillipians 4:7); and is not of this world ( John 14:27).
With all this we have an understanding of how we have been called and chosen and predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son ( Romans 8:29).
We learn to love His ways and His Word; trusting God for the difficult and hard scriptures and sayings as well. A true believer is being transformed by the renewing of His mind ( Romans 12:2) and is concerned about the needs of others; particularly within the house of God. Hebrews 13 as well as Paul's example ( 2 Cor. 11:28) despite the persecutions he endured. We desire to grow and also must believe He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him ( Heb. 11:6). That means we also desire to win the prize of the high calling (Phillipians 3:14). Therefore those in Christ should be careful not to lose their reward ( Rev. 3:11).
All this being said; there are examples of those who think they are saved but are not; as well as those who make it into heaven but suffer loss. Evidence of fruit can be seen in time; and each of us are responsible to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5). Seek and ye shall find ( Matt 7:7-8
How many people know what John chapter 14 is saying?
He was talking to his generation, Jesus was talking about after the resurrection, like the day of Pentecost. 2000 years ago Jesus has been coming to everyone that invites Him into their lives.
Jesus is coming to you as the Comforter, as the Holy Spirit. He was God in the flesh, an individual to be the perfect sacrifice for sin on the cross, and then come back in spirit form to dwell in you! You are God's (Dwelling Place in Greek for mansion) You are the temple that he's building. Read these scriptures again
John 14:16-21
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Luke 17:20,21 I dare you to read these scriptures
Jesus is saying I'm going to dwell in you and I'm going to reach the world through you.
Don't separate Jesus from God or the Holy Spirit, they are one spirit and he is risen in you! So stop waiting for Jesus, stop waiting for heaven, Heaven is spirit! what is spirit? It's the fruit of the spirit, Love Joy Peace and a sound mind! Who's mind? The mind of Christ! Jesus Said I have no place to lay my head! Put on the mind of Christ! You can have heaven right hear right now while hell breaks lose all around you, God didn't give you the spirit of fear but of love joy peace it's Jesus! Christ In You! that's the mystery of your salvation.
Lemme just ramble a bit plz....Rev.14 :6 And i saw a mighty angel flying in the midst of heaven having the everlasting gospel to preach to all that dwell on the EARTH....To every nation and ppl and tongue and Kindred this is indicative of everybody...If i be lifted up i will draw ALL men unto me...At Calvary Jesus died for everybody....If ya read Jeremiah 31:34 its all inclusive I will know them ALL from the least to the greatest...But this is that N.C. The book in the right hand of the father that our Lord wrote with his own blood...And i wept much b/c no man cd look into it....Which answers to that secret Jesus spoke of....These things are hid ( a secret ) from the wise and prudent but only revealed unto babes which is the H.G. as that which is BORN of the spirit is spirit from the seed of the sower...She brought forth a man child that is gona rule all nations with his rod of iron...The word of God is that rod or iron that cannot be broken....We refer to the H.G. as a baby Christ simply b/c he has to be BORN in us via the seed of the bridegroom...Our new Birth..Thats y he has to know us Thus a new innerman...That New heart and new spirit...That Child of Promise via the seed of Christ the living word....ALL nations is indicative of everybody right here on this Beautiful earth.... Luke 17:21...Jesus is saying that the kingdom of God is gonna be with in you...He dwelleth with you but shall be with in you... John 14:17....Thats y he always refers to himself as the son of man...Simply b/c mankind has to be married to Christ and bring forth fruit unto God... Romans 7:4 Which is a Baby Christ...That Child of Promise...Thats y Jesus has to be multiplied as the stars of heaven...Thus the sower and his seed the wheat is a Baby Christ...Thats y Jesus was saying unless you receive the Kingdom of God as a lil Child ( the new birth ) you will in no wise enter there in...This was Jesus version of the Rapture which is in the SPIRIT right here on this Earth...As the Gift is the H.G.
Jim no offence but it is you that is twisting the scriptures with that mans Concordence interpretation...The scripture is very CLEAR Rev. 11:15...Jim listen up....The 7 th angel sounded and there were great voices in heaven saying the Kingdoms of THIS WORLD have become the Kingdoms of our lord and his Christ....And he shall Reign FOR EVER AND EVER....Do you not see that the Kingdom of God is gonna be here on this earth....And Christ is gonna reign for ever and ever....Thats y Jesus is telling us not here nor there but with in you...The Kingdom is gona be with in you...Thats y the kINGDOM SEED IS SOWN in our hearts... Matthew 13 .. Luke 17:20 And right here on this earth....Jim do you not understand that God wd not send the manchild to rule all nations with a rod of iron ( the word of God ) if the Kingdom were not on this earth....The Clouds are just symbolic of ppl that have the H.G. That Living water, The water that i shall give you is well of water springing up up everlasting life..Which is the H.G. THE Gift OF God.. when God will pour out of his spirit on all flesh... Joel 2 :28...Thats right here on this earth....Jim let the anointing teach you...Not a concordence that is made up of a zillions of different Mans interpretations...Clouds is just symbolic language of ppl us sinners that have been washed in his blood...The bride the ELECT LADY....The very fact that the good seed the living word is sown in our hearts proves the kingdom is gonna be with in us....He dwelleth with you but he shall be with in you....The bride the Elect lady is only the Elect lady b/c Christ shed his blood for her....We are all bought with a price his blood....Jim God wd not send that angel to preach the everlasting Gospel to all that dwell on this earth if the Kingdom were not on this earth and with in us... Rev 14 :6 kjv And Jim we will not meet him in the AIR...Air is just symbolic of the Spirit...They met him in the AIR on the day of Pentecost but the mighty wind WAS THE SPIRIT THE H.G.
Who are those who are left? ( Mt 24:40-41) and ( Luke 17:34-36) Tell us "one shall be taken, and the other "left" ( 1 Thessalonians 1:10) Tells us "which (delivered) us from the wrath to come" The word (delivered) is #4506; it means to rush or draw (for oneself) rescue. So True Believers are (delivered) or (rescued) (saved) from the wrath to come! The True Believers are the ones taken, the ones left will face the wrath to come. ( Jn 3:36) Tells us He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life (those taken), and those who believeth not the Son the wrath of God abideth on him (those left). ( Romans 5:9) Tell us we are (saved) from wrath through him. The word (saved) is #4982; it means "safe" to save, i.e. deliver or protect. The same meaning as the word (body) in ( Luke 17:37) Which are those who are (taken) (saved) from the wrath to come, they are the (body) of Christ. ( Romans 1:18) The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteous of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness. ( Col 3:6) "the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience" ( Eph 5:6) "because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience" The word (disobedience) is #543; it means to disbelieve (willfully and perversely) not believe, disobedient, obey not, unbelieving. (These unbelievers will be the ((ones left)) to face the wrath of God) As for True Believers? ( 1 Thessalonians 5:9) "For God hath not appointed (us) to wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ". Believers will be (saved) (delivered) (rescued) from the wrath to come. He will receive True Believers unto Himself. The word (taken) means to receive near. ( John 14:3) Tells us "I will come again, and receive you unto myself". The ones (taken) are saved from the wrath to come! The ones (left) the wrath of God abideth on them! ( Mt 24:29-31) clearly tells us (when) this event takes place. (Immediately after the tribulation) Truth matters. Blessings.
True Believers in Jesus are not appointed to wrath! 1 Thes 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which (delivered) us from the wrath to come. The word (delivered) is #4506; it means to rush or draw (for oneself) rescue. Believers in Jesus are rescued from the wrath to come, which means it has not happened when the church, or elect are called to meet the Lord in the clouds. Jn 3:36 tells us if we believe in the Son we will have everlasting life. But those who believeth not the Son will not see life, but have the wrath of God abideth on them. Romans 5:9 Tells us being now justified by his blood, we shall be (saved) from wrath through him. The word (saved) is #4982; it means "safe" to save, i.e. deliver or protect, preserve, be (made) whole. Remember Luke 17:34-37 where we are told one shall be taken, and the other left. And Wherefore the (body) is, thither will the eagles be gathered together. The word (body) is #4983; it means the body (as a sound whole) "safe" to save, i.e. deliver or protect. The word (body) here has pretty much the same meaning as those who are (saved) from the wrath to come. 1 Thes 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to (wrath) The word (wrath) is #3709; it means violent passion, or [justifiable] abhorrence, by implying punishment, anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath. (God pours out His wrath, His violent passion, His punishment on those non-believers in Jesus Christ spoken of in Jn 3:36 who were left on the earth). Eph 5:6 and Col 3:6 tell us He pours His wrath on the children of disobedience. The word (disobedience) is #543; it means disbelief, (obstinate and rebellious) unbelief. While this violent passion is being poured on the children of disobendence on the earth. True Believers in Jesus were caught up to meet Him in the clouds and taken to the marriage supper of the Lamb. The tribulation period has nothing to do with the wrath of God, they are two very different time periods. Blessings.
I will give you my view and I will extend to vs 37.
vs 36-37 is where the answer is.
"Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, THITHER WILL THE EAGLES BE GATHERED TOGETHER.
Now parallel it with.
Revelation 19:11-18. "focusing on vs 17."
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
( vs14) And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, CLOTHED IN FINE LINEN, WHITE AND CLEAN.
(Parallels with; Jude 1:14.)
Those clothed in fine linen is the same group in Revelation 19:7.
THIS GROUP IS THE BRIDE OF CHRIST. THE CHURCH!!
15) And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
16) And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
17) And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the FOWLS THAT FLY IN THE MIDST OF HEAVEN, COME AND GATHER YOURSELVES TOGETHER unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
THIS GROUP IS TAKEN FOR JUDGMENT.
This is after the tribulation and the Church comes with him, They were raptured atleast 7 years prior.
Those left goes on into the Millennium. Those taken, Judgment as well in Matthew 24.
Luke 17:26-27
As it was in days of Noah,so it will be in the days of the Son of man.They ate,drank,married,gave in marriage,until the day Noah entered the ark,the flood came and destroyed them all.So"This was the"modus vivendi" in Noahs'days.
We would say it was the same 'modus vivendi' of society in recent times,say around 1950-1985,it was similar to society in the days of Noah.It was common to eat and drink with development of large malls around the world at that time,it was common the celebration of weddings,existence of strong family ties,but as time went by,it began to deteriorate morally as in the time of Noah,when the sons of GOD mixed their seed with seed of the evil ones,giving rise to a corrupt and evil society- Genesis 6:2-3, due to the proliferation of adulterers and adulteresses.And the punishment came,yes,the flood came and only 8 people were saved by the Ark.
Comparing the society of Noah's days with a posterior society of Sodom and Gomorrah,at the time of Lot,let's see the differences,according Scriptures:
Luke 17:28-30 reveal:
28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;
29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
30 Even thus shall it be in the day (in the current time) when the Son of man is revealed.
society of Noah's day..........................society of Sodom/Gomorrah
they ate and drank ..............................they ate and drank
they married and gave in marriage ....they bought and sold,they planted and built
Men of Sodom were wicked,immoral exceedingly,and sinners before the Lord- Genesis 13:13.There was no marriage,society was polluted of prostitutes,sodomites/ effeminate(gays),society was infested of prostitution and great sinners. The same occurs today. Lot was vexed with filthy conversations seeing and hearing their unlawful deeds- 2Peter 2:7-8 & Jude 1:6-7.
True to who You are
You saw my heart
And made
Something out of nothing
We really can't disengage the concept of the comprehension that we have nothing to offer but a "broken and contrite heart" as Psalm 51:8 states when we first come to a saving faith. God Himself grants repentance ( 2 Tim. 2:25 and 2 places in Acts) but this results in our heartfelt plea for God's mercy. In the same logic salvation isn't a one way street. Realizing our own unworthiness and helplessness is what unregenerate man cannot or will not concede in this lifetime as we see illustrated in Jeremiah 18:12. Man finds ways to justify demon worship as giving them something; of course we see a perfect example in Acts 19:25-28 for example where a whole town spent an afternoon rioting; or in 1 Kings 18:28 with the so called "prophetic contest" between idols and the true and living God.
This illustration of what theologians title "Irresistable Grace" (not my favorite term) seems to fit here. Some could say that our response of realization of our sins; along with a verbal affirmation ( Romans 10:9-12) is a choice we make; rather than a response to the Spirit's prompting. I would agree as to the general search for truth that some have may come first for many; although we can't rule out a "Damascus Road" sort of conversion today either. In the mindset of unregenerate man; to be controlled or "possessed" by the Holy Spirit which results in a predictable response makes us robots and is a frightening concept in "losing our individual freedom of choice"; etc. Man's logic doesn't consider that our Creator should have ownership or mastery over His own created beings and of course we can struggle even as believers in trusting God to see us through the trials of life. This ties into the verse in Luke 17:33-37 in regard to really living when we lose our life
In 2016 we heard a televangelist asking for a Jet Falcon for his missionary tours. His explanation was, "I really believe that if Jesus was physically on the Earth today he wouldn't be riding a donkey," he said. "Think about that for a minute. He'd be in an aeroplane preaching the gospel all over the world." Jesus explained the quality of servants, "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do."( Luke 17:10) We are commanded to do a certain task and we set out to do them trusting fully in His promises.
The Gentile kings have a custom, and it perpetuates the master servant distinction. Regarding the tribute money Jesus posed this question,"What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?/ Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free." (17:25-26) The earth lieth in wickedness because Satan's ploy has worked well with man who would serve both God and mammon with little success. Jesus set the reward of everlasting life for those who are led by the Spirit.
"The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord./It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord." (10:24-25). Simon Peter towards the end wanted to know, " Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?/And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."(19:27-28)
The verse doesn't say that. Paul states his preference in that verse.
But in 1 Corinthians 5:3 Paul says he actually is absent in body, but present in spirit to the Corinthians.
Luke 17:37 says wherever the body is (deceased) that eagles (like vultures) gather.
Someone stating his preference to be with the Lord doesn't automatically invalidate all the other scripture in the Bible that says we will sleep (in death) until Jesus returns. But I know there's a strong incentive to believe it for funerals and because the phrase has been repeated so many times. No one skips judgment day though.
Daniel 12:2, Job 14:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:18-20, Matthew 9:24.
Jesus of Nazareth came; in the flesh to fulfill numerous prophecies from the Old Testament of the Messiah to come; yet most didn't believe. This is inclusive of His own family members; the Pharisees and Saducees; and at times attitudes from His own disciples.
Eventually after He was risen the stupor was lifted at least for those who He had called and chosen. (see John 1:11; John 7:4-5).
In assessing the situation with the very real parable of Lazarus and the unnamed rich man; the very clear reality is shown that even if one was to rise from the dead they wouldn't believe ( Luke 16:31). This was proven by the soldiers and the concocted tale of how the body of Christ was stolen while they slept ( Matthew 28:13). It would be expected that the supernatural signs with the sun and moon during the Crucifixion would have been enough to convince everyone what had just happened; but we see similar things during the plagues in Revelation; yet the unregenerate in the end will attempt to fight Christ upon His return after hiding from Him during the sixth seal judgment.
Thus; the Holy Spirit is hidden from the world. Much as Christ's acts were recognized; many would not understand that He was indeed the Son of God. Some; as the Pharisees would blaspheme stating that the source was Beelzebub which prompted the warnings of Mark 3:29. Others such as the crowds being fed or those being healed were caught up with having their stomachs filled or earthly ills relieved; and as we see in Luke 17:11-19 only one of ten lepers comes back to Christ to worship Him after being healed. The rest followed Christ's instructions technically to go show themselves to the priests to affirm healing but weren't giving priority to the Messiah over Levitical law. This speaks to us on how we should not have fear to authenticate what are genuine healings as opposed to false ones which sadly are commonplace today.
The word sent forth by God shall prosper in the very thing it was sent.(Is.55:11). The Spirit is narrating events from the perspective of the Gospel of God that we need conclude the quality of the disciples that Jesus sent out to preach "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand."(10:7). God the Sower has sown into the field and with the expression the kingdom 'is at hand' the Spirit is referring to the gathering of sheaves." This kingdom does not come with observation but it is within the heart which is knowable. The Pharisees wanted to know 'when' and Jesus replied ( Luke 17:20-21) Truth written in the heart is a witness and shall condemn those who go by appearances and those who walk by sight.
In understanding these chapters we need reorient our observation in terms of faith and the eternal Word. Firstly we shall take up the answer given Jesus to the disciples of John,"Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:/The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them." Before Jesus we read that Namaan was healed; raising the dead has been done before Jesus. "And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet."(2 Ki.13:21). Before the eternal Word the prophets like Elias, Elisha are interchangeable with Jesus in terms of the Power and Wisdom that Word become flesh signifies. John did no miracle but his testimony was true.( John 10:41-42). Jesus was reminding obliquely that John had missed how he was tied up his own ministry according to the Gospel. " For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee."(11:10)
" Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black." Sermon on the Mount is a compilation of the holiness of God that has been made manifest by holy men of Old. We mentioned the name of Moses who had beheld after the similitude of the Lord, signifying the Son. In the key text we can trace the terrible domestic tragedy of Jephthah. The Spirit of Christ made him a mighty man of valor as he made Moses the meekest of all men. All their exploits and their excellence are but examples of the holiness of God and its source must be traced to the Son, who is the visible image of God, the Father. Jephthah erred in missing the connection. "Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD" This saying of Jeremiah came from the Lord. (Je.17:5). How Jephthah missed or Rueben defiled his father's bed have one thing in common. They do not put themselves in place of the Son. How are we to view our own ministry? "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do."( Luke 17:10) We are running the ministry on the slipstream of the Spirit of Christ and the sovereignty of the word sent forth by God.
Where Reuben failed Joseph gained control over his flesh at the house of Potiphar. He won it 'for my sake.' He suffered as Jesus would suffer in the generation of adulterous and the wicked. So far we have understood the doctrine of God is same as that of the Son since he perfected is Will. "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him."( John 7:16-18) Either we rely on our own flesh or do it as though Christ in us did
2nd Cor 6:14] Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
[15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
[16] And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
[17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
[18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
2nd Cor 7:[1] Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Many people want to stay behind to see what happens. Just like a burning building, many people want to stay around and watch to see what happens. Lot's wife did the same thing, she wanted to see what was going to happen when she was instructed not to. Jesus told us the same thing as well.
Luke 17:30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.
31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.
32 Remember Lot's wife.
[33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.
We have to come out from among these churches and look for fellowship with those in the light and not in darkness with sinners. People complain about their church like my parents for example, but they will not come out as the church has them bound in their sin. The synagogue of Satan which claim thry are Christians and are not. Come out
You say"the third heaven is the dwelling of God'',but what does the Word of GOD say? Ps.148:4-Praise GOD,ye heavens of heavens(highest heavens),and ye waters that be above the heavens(peoples,and nations,and multitudes of all tongues; so,those which will be above the heavens are them which will be caught up out of the FIRE and be placed in the 3rd Heaven,for the 1st and 2nd heavens will be DISSOLVED- 2Peter 3:12-13,as follow:
12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the Day of GOD(the LORD's Day),wherein the HEAVENS(the 1st and 2nd heavens-THE CELESTIAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS)being on FIRE shall be DISSOLVED,and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?How?Yes, how?It is revealed and explained in Isaiah 33:10-14 combined with Hebrews 12:29 and 10:27.Take a look.
13Nevertheless we,according to GOD's promise,look for New Heavens(the next is the 3rd heaven- Luke 20:35-36.Take a look) and a new earth(new Israel),wherein dwels righteousness.
As you know,the Word is GOD,self-executing. Romans 9:28-31:
-->28For GOD WILL FINISH the work(the finish of GOD's work is from now on according to the WRATH OF GOD described in Revelation 11:15-18),and He shall cut it short in RIGHTEOUSNESS: because a SHORT WORK will the Lord make upon the earth(even now, from now on, in the last week divided in two halfs of severe and terrible chastisements),as JESUS warned in Matthew 24:22,saying:"Except those days should be SHORTENED,there should no flesh be saved:but for the elect's sake those days shall be SHORTENED
Verse 29-And as Esaias said before,Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed,we had been as Sodoma(as is written in Luke 17:29-30),and been made like unto Gomorrha
30What shall we say then?That the Gentiles,which followed not after righteousness,have attained to righteousness,even the righteousness which is of faith
31But Israel,which followed after the Law of righteousness,has not attained to the law of righteousness
That said Get ready
Luke 17:26-27
26And as it was in the days of Noah,so it will be in the days of the Son of man.
27They ate,drank,married,gave in marriage,until the day Noah entered the ark,the flood came and destroyed them all.
Luke 17:28-30
28Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot;they did eat,they drank, they bought,they sold,they planted,they builded;
29But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven,and destroyed them all.
30Thus shall it be in this day of revelation of Son of man.
society of Noah's day ......................... society of Sodom
they ate and drank .......................... they ate and drank
they married and gave in marriage ....... they bought and sold
................ -x-x-x- ......................... they planted and built
The prophecy of Noah's days has already literally fulfilled around years 1950 to 1990,in this period of time there were celebration of weddings similar to society in the days of Noah.The society of Noah's day had let's say a natural"modus vivendi",or a normal way of life, there were celebration of weddings.From 1950 to 1990,It was common to eat and drink due to the development of large malls at that time,it was common celebration of weddings,and existence of strong family ties,as in the days of Noah.
The differences are great between Noah's society,and days of Sodom.See,the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly-Gen.13:13-they were wicked and corrupt,and immoral exceedingly,as the society is today.
There was not marriage among them,the society was polluted of prostitutes and sodomites/effeminate(gays),the society was infested of prostitution and great sinners.Lot dwelling among them was vexed in seeing and hearing the filthy conversation of the wicked,Lot vexed his righteous soul from day to day due the unlawful deeds of them-2 Pe.2:7-8 combined with Jude 1:6-7.
Get ready
And Thou Shalt Know
"For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that theLordof hosts hath sent me./Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith theLord."
And here we have Messianic prophesy of the word becoming flesh."And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.:( John 1:14). Jesus also witnessed, "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you."( Luke 17:21)
Now in this context v.11 refers to 'in that day' which expression we shall come across in this book more often. Specifically he is referring to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all flesh and it then elides over the tribulation period, the time of the Gentiles to the Day of regeneration. "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea." (Hab.2:14; 2 Co.4:6). This knowledge is the glory of the word and it is the angel of the Lord represents in explaining the significance of the vision one after the other. It shall be internalized 'at that day'. "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. The tragedy of the apostate church is not that it has allied as miry clay with iron and both hang at odds with one another but what it has missed. As with the Parable of the Talents, it has hidden the glory of God in the ground. God shall certainly call to account.
11And many nations shall be joined to theLordin that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that theLordof hosts hath sent me unto thee.
12And theLordshall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again.
First off; I don't tell God what "signs and wonders" gifts He is capable of doing today; nor use the verse 1 Cor. 13:10 to justify cessation of gifts (just new scriptures after Revelation). On the other hand; when we look at medical verification of healings (also valid with such verses as Luke 17:14 when the Priests were to ascertain a true healing) we see few healings corroborated beyond hearsay. We cannot deny megachurches and the "fithly lucre" ( 1 Peter 5:2) that often shows bad fruit of the Pastors and leaders there motivating individuals to name "healing ministries" after themselves. We also cannot ignore how rarely most churches attempt any interpretation of tongues; and how often the same pattern of babbling seems to infect a crowd; rather than an unknown earthly language that edifies others; or a heavenly language that seems distinct. If we keep in mind Paul's admomitions about a few clear words than 10,000 unknown (1 Corithians 14:19) and things are done decently and in order; OR in our personal prayer alone then I certainly am open to tongues.
As far as teaching and wisdom most believers certainly seek these gifts. Those on the mission field have for decades reported more dramatic things such as visions and dreams particularly among Muslims about Christ. God will perform works in His timing to suit His purposes.
Agape.
Now the account of Simon the Leper, also in Bethany, occurred very near to the Passover Feast ( Matthew 26:2). And we know this to be so, because after the woman's anointing of Jesus in Simon the Leper's home, Jesus' disciples were annoyed at the waste of this ointment, & Judas Iscariot then left them to put into effect his wicked act. And of course, Jesus then celebrates the Passover with His disciples at the appointed time. So the Lazarus (in John 11) & Simon the Leper (in Matthew 26) can't be the same person and of course it would have saddened Lazarus (& others) tremendously that he who died because of some sickness & was raised by Jesus, yet wasn't healed of his leprosy.
As well, the account of the rich man & (the other) Lazarus ( Luke 16:19-31) is understood to have happened after the Lazarus (of John 11) was raised to life, not before. A synopsis of the Gospels shows that after Jesus began His journey towards Bethany, He also ministered along the way ( Luke 13:22 to Luke 17:1-10). After this, Jesus arrives in Bethany to see the lifeless body of his friend.
Always nice to hear from you, and thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I see it as: It is His way, not our way. Regarding the kingdom, hopefully it should be residing in us as in Luke 17:21 but we must be aware of 1 John 3:28 and Matt 6:24 as well as trying to save our lives, and surely we need to Matt 16:24 and must surely die to this life/world Matt 16:25.
And finally, Matthew 16:26
"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
GBU
the rapture that everyone is talking about in today Christendom is a myth, divise from a theological cemetry in Dallas Tx if I understand right & yes I meant cemetery, cemetery & seminary are spiritual synonyms
Jesus prayed, John 17:15 John 17:20
Titus 2:11-14 appearing of the Great God & Savior is the Grace of God that appears to all mankind, His spiritual appearance in everyones heart, making it possible for all the other Scriptures you quoted possible.
The tribulations are our spiritual inward trials & suffering as Christ breaks thru the darkness that we're captivated too,& redeems, delivers & translate us into the kingdom of His dear Son, through the washing of regeneration & renewing of the Holy Spirit unto the new creature, culminating the work of sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience & sprinkling of of the Blood/Life of Jesus within us. When were truely born again, experientially Matt 3:11,12 He gathers us unto the Garder, seeing Him spirituallly come in the clouds in great glory. We're still here on earth, but we're spiritual conscious of heaven 2Cor 2:17
The writers of the NT were speaking in the present tense, they said "we" it would be a cruel hoax to tell them to look for Him when it would be over 2000yrs later. Jesus said Luke 17:20-23 Luke 9:27 to those who were with Him then.
Luke 11:2 Luke 12:32 here & now, this is the exceedingly great glory of the Christ sacrifice John 17:21-24
In Love & Truth
Knowing that God is a God of order & the simplicity in Christ Jesus & Jesus tells us to follow Apostle Paul & His establishment commandment.
Thus, we read daily starting in Romans & when we are done for that day take a tassel & mark that ( where we will begin to read the next day) & do our daily business
Later we read again in Genesis & when done tassel that page. Romans 16:26 so each day we continue this (and will read Ro to Rev.) many times more as we progress through the scriptures of the prophets
Then when we completed Acts, "Proclaiming God wins and the devil loses"! Restart the same process again
I had alway wondered why there were 2 tassels for years & that is why
We are truly justified in Romans 3:24-26 equals Gods free gift! (Please also note Ro. Chapters 9/10/11 where Paul is speaking to his brethren/ Israelites/ at that present time beseeching them & only them to perform Ro. 10:9 and know praying is a work & how the Jews at that present time in life THEY would be accepted by The Lord.
Many publishers like Gideon's for example had in the beginning of there book (1941-1958) where to find Salvation also listed Romans 3:24-26 !!! Then satan got more involved derailing souls to Ro. 10:9 in 1960's until present day! 2023.
My soul would be damned doomed for leading you wrongly
1 Corinthians 16:22
If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
Luke 17:2
It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
Hopefully David, you do understand I wouldn't be with my brothers & sisters in Christ and in His Kingdom later in time, if i was leading any soul wrongly
The writing of Paul's gospels = Doctrine Reproof and correction
Romans doctrine Corinthians doctrine with reroof & correction and such
Being only one writing to the Galatians & not knowing how many of them are above!
1 John 2:19 Ephesians 4:14 these apostates took over the ministry of Christ, the Gifts, Ephesians 4:11 & has raise of a ministry & sanctuary that of this world, all saying here is Christ & there is Christ. All in the lust 1John 2:16 some more some less, but a little leaven, leavens the whole lump, there are over 45,000 different favors/sect's of Christianity world wide, is Christ divide?
The Church in is first pure innocent primitive state Acts 4:32 fulfilling Ephesians 4:12,13, & would have remain so, excepting for God in His infinite Wisdom choses otherwise, Rev 13:7
The work of the Ephesians 4:11 first is to point them to Christ within them, their Isa 9:6, then to become servants to His Body, the Church. John 13:13-16, then at the appointed time of the Father, proving themselves faithful to the ministry they have received, Act 6:2 God gave them an increase, in rewards to their faithfulness to Him. Read on there & see the increase they received multiplied.
Jesus said, Luke 17:21 Ephesians 4:4-7 all pointing to God within them. All of this is not figuratively, but a spiritual reality to be lived, known & felt in the heart.
In Revelation we find the Spirit of the Lord is Crying out to His people Rev 18:4 connecting 2Cor 6:14-18, I ask you who will hear His Call & if required of them to sell all that he has to follow Jesus & to forsake all that he believes that's contrary to Holy Spirit teaching, Matt 7:14 For surely the teaching in Babylon is the same as the devil taught in Eden, Genesis 3, they too being evasive, twisting God's word to their own 2Pet 3:16
Consider these things, Proverbs 25:2
Luke 17:17 shows how one man out of ten came back to worship God after being healed by Christ. If we read the text carefully; Jesus did instruct them to go to the priests (verse 14) after the healing. No doubt He knew their hearts as to those who would follow protocol and those who would recognize God at work and take time to appreciate that fact. To be technical unlike some other references at this stage it is unclear if this man knew He was the Messiah as it doesn't state that He worshipped Christ just gave Him thanks.
As we can see in this situation; Jesus would look for individuals when it came to healing; seeking those who had genuine faith. It is uncertain how many who He touched actually came to saving faith; and likely there were even less when it came to the crowds being fed. John 6:26 makes it clear that the signs weren't even something that moved them to consider the importance of these feeding sessions; at least with healings that couldn't be denied. Whether they had some sort of other reason for the miraculous provisions is unclear; or if they only cared about free food. Not finding any verses where God was praised for such an event makes us wonder.
Ministry to the Disciples
Some individuals; no doubt were incorporated into new disciples along with the 12 Apostles. The parables; however were given complete explanation by Christ to the 12; sadly often bringing upbraiding for their lack of faith and understanding. So; in a sense Christ had His favorites (the 12) and even a select few such as the 3 who went up in the Transfiguration; and John was apparently most beloved. In the preceding posting; we see how Peter was often severly rebuked; and in the one case Satan who was influencing his thoughts was exposed. Infighting as to who was the greatest certainly wasn't going to make Christ's day any easier and sadly they still were doing this the last week of His life.
I wish to put the focus of this study on the time before the last week of Christ's ministry leading to the cross; as His daily stresses and activities tend to be underplayed in comparison. I would be amiss not to discuss the Passion week; although I will need much prayer and planning for such a prodigious and solemn undertaking. A cursory statement here will suffice: Christ always had others in focus above His own needs; which was especially noticeable from the Last Supper on. This short week takes up a huge chunk of volume in the Gospels of His life; sort of like a zip file on a computer. We could spend a lifetime contemplating its meaning in regard to the unconditional love for us; undeserving sinners that held Him to that cross.
Putting that aside for now; suffice to say that the coming cross certainly was first and foremost as mentioned in the introduction; on the mind of Christ.
Let us begin our examination with Luke 16:12 to Luke 17:10. This was a very LONG day. Christ started with ALL NIGHT prayer before He chose the 12 Disciples. He was in that roundup to call them all; INCLUDING Judas Iscariot; who He knew was prophesied to betray Him (see verse 16). Immediately after that the crowds came to Christ and then He healed many (verse 17-19). Then He began the Beatitudes. Note that HE FACED HIS DISCIPLES when saying this discourse; which encompasses the rest of that chapter. The sermon had a specific message for them.
Chapter 7 begins with the story of the story of the Centurion. He showed great faith in understanding the authority of Christ and how a man in that position shouldn't be imposed on unnecessarily and that he was unworthy to have Christ in His house.
This gave great commendation from Christ. What we don't think about is the physical exhaustion that was somewhat relieved in not having to undertake the rest of the journey. We need to always look at Christ as perfect God and perfect man.
Movement of stars with it's annual cycle coming back to where it started also shows how the earth rotates around the sun in close to 365 days (leap year bringing things closer to exact measurement). Again; creful examination of the scriptures is needed; as indeed the sun does move through the solar system while we and other planets rotate around it. The local star group moves through local constellations; in turn the whole galaxy moves in a circle as well as through space (with upcoming Andromeda "collision" predicted in some millions of years from now.
Tidal forces are not just on the earth but on the moon (whose curvature is obvious). We also see in Job an indication of the hydrological cycle (moving of course in opposite directions for cyclone and anticyclone between the northern and southern hemisphere) such as indicated in Job 28:26 and other verses.
I'm not sure of other verses; this is more of a logic argument here. Obviously; if the world was flat gravity would be disproportionate. Hope some of this helps.
Today; a brother from my church discussed what He said was a time the Lord told him not to fear; and today it seems like confirmation as I was admonishing him in much the same way. Specifically; it was related to the nearness of His coming as well as several things related to what appears to be the imminent demise of our country as judgment draws nigh.
The Lord has held back the day of the Lord with His great patience to this point but it will come suddenly ( Habakkuk 2:3 and many other N.T. verses). Jesus also states that people will be buying; selling; giving in marriage etc. much like the time of Noah when He returns ( Luke 17:27 also referring to the days of Lot.)
I remembered how 40 years ago many were talking about giving up everything and standing on a mountain as they were convinced Christ would arrive by 1988. Clearly that didn't happen. We also discussed the timing of when the last generation actually begins; the Antichrist and other issues. What I would say characterizes both of us is a hunger and thirst to preach on the end times which for me is something I feel I have put on a shelf for most of my adulthood since the early 80's.
These days spiritual warfare is harder than ever; again something which we seemed to have gone through. We cannot afford to leave any sin unforgiven; as the enemy is ready to pounce on us with any weak links in the chain; and also the fear of death needs to be overcome through trusting Christ. That can't; of course be done without total surrender to Christ and having good fellowship is a key especially as we see the Day of the Lord coming ( Heb. 10:25).
I would venture to say that there are very few left who are living out a totally surrendured life to Christ as charactarized by the Laodicean church. We should test ourselves to see if we are in the faith now ( 2 Cor. 13:5); if anything to flee the Tribulation as well as assure that we are saved from hell.
It is sobering to look at the history of great kingdoms such as Rome and the eventual downfall by corruption within. I have read about many similar events as to today in America that caused Rome to fall; such as many government type handouts; and of course licensiousness sexually. There is even a theory about the verse Luke 17:27 that there may have been same sex unions in the past that is being referred to.
Certainly Sodom and the surrounding cities shows a similar pattern to today. We should take note of Lot there; who decided to settle originally in the fertile plain; allowing appearances with his eyes to be what drove his decision to move there in the first place; while Abraham sought a better country as it were; and had promises not fulfilled in his lifetime through his progeny. The same concept of course brought Moses out of Egypt to wander in the wilderness for 40 years in what should have been a journey of a few months.
The pride that came before the fall of course is a sin associated with sodomy amongst other things. As I alluded to previously; the first seal of Revelation comes before war; famine and pestilence; a false peace confirmed with many according to Daniel 9:27. There has not been a mesmerizing orator since the time of Hitler and perhaps Mousallini in World War two that was able to conquer so quickly; gone are the Napoleans of the past. As Daniel states in chapter 8; verse 23 rulers will become completely wicked in that time when Antichrist; a man of intrigue arises. The one world religion will also promote the one world government. Through peace he shall destroy many ( Daniel 8:25). With world economies dissolving; and the removal of the ancient landmarks ( Prov. 22:28); no doubt he will realign the nations when he "divides the land for gain" ( Dan. 11:39) and that with the help of a "strange god."
Some think we can tough it out in the Tribulation. Let's not be there if we can avoid it!!
Agape.
Basic points: Scripture makes it clear that we as believers are to "suffer for His name's sake" ( Philippians 1:29). We are given a new heart with our stony heart removed ( Ezekiel 36:26). We are to love the brethren ( 1 John 3:14) if we have "passed from death to life." We also love our enemies ( Matt. 5:44) and we should read the entire passage to meditate on how we pray for them who despitefully use you"; etc. We are aliens ( 1 Peter 2:11-12; see also 1 Chron. 29:15) and not of this world. We are truly born again and seated in heavenly places ( Eph. 2:6) and our treasure is now in heaven as well ( Matt. 6:20-21). We understand that we were saved as hopeless sinners and therefore serve as "unworthy servants" ( Luke 17:7-10). We still have peace that passes understanding (Phillipians 4:7); and is not of this world ( John 14:27).
With all this we have an understanding of how we have been called and chosen and predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son ( Romans 8:29).
We learn to love His ways and His Word; trusting God for the difficult and hard scriptures and sayings as well. A true believer is being transformed by the renewing of His mind ( Romans 12:2) and is concerned about the needs of others; particularly within the house of God. Hebrews 13 as well as Paul's example ( 2 Cor. 11:28) despite the persecutions he endured. We desire to grow and also must believe He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him ( Heb. 11:6). That means we also desire to win the prize of the high calling (Phillipians 3:14). Therefore those in Christ should be careful not to lose their reward ( Rev. 3:11).
All this being said; there are examples of those who think they are saved but are not; as well as those who make it into heaven but suffer loss. Evidence of fruit can be seen in time; and each of us are responsible to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5). Seek and ye shall find ( Matt 7:7-8
He was talking to his generation, Jesus was talking about after the resurrection, like the day of Pentecost. 2000 years ago Jesus has been coming to everyone that invites Him into their lives.
Jesus is coming to you as the Comforter, as the Holy Spirit. He was God in the flesh, an individual to be the perfect sacrifice for sin on the cross, and then come back in spirit form to dwell in you! You are God's (Dwelling Place in Greek for mansion) You are the temple that he's building. Read these scriptures again
John 14:16-21
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Luke 17:20,21 I dare you to read these scriptures
Jesus is saying I'm going to dwell in you and I'm going to reach the world through you.
Don't separate Jesus from God or the Holy Spirit, they are one spirit and he is risen in you! So stop waiting for Jesus, stop waiting for heaven, Heaven is spirit! what is spirit? It's the fruit of the spirit, Love Joy Peace and a sound mind! Who's mind? The mind of Christ! Jesus Said I have no place to lay my head! Put on the mind of Christ! You can have heaven right hear right now while hell breaks lose all around you, God didn't give you the spirit of fear but of love joy peace it's Jesus! Christ In You! that's the mystery of your salvation.
Please allow me to correct a mistake I made.
I mentioned to you to take
Luke 17:34-37 and Parallel it with Revelation 19:11-18 Focusing on vs 17. On your way to verse 17 notice verrse 14.
Revelation 19:14.
"And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, CLOTHED IN FINE LINEN, WHITE AND CLEAN.
This is also prophesied in Jude 1:14.
These clothed in fine linen is the same group in
Revelation 19:7-8.
"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
(8) And to her was granted that SHE SHOULD BE ARRAYED IN FINE LINEN, CLEAN AND WHITE: FOR THE FINE LINEN IS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF SAINTS.
I left out one of the connecting verses. ( Vs 8.)
These are a few of the connecting verses why we believe the Church comes with Christ on his second coming.
Luke 17:37.
Revelation 19:17.
Jude 1:14.
Revelation 19:7-8.
God bless.
I will give you my view and I will extend to vs 37.
vs 36-37 is where the answer is.
"Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, THITHER WILL THE EAGLES BE GATHERED TOGETHER.
Now parallel it with.
Revelation 19:11-18. "focusing on vs 17."
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
( vs14) And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, CLOTHED IN FINE LINEN, WHITE AND CLEAN.
(Parallels with; Jude 1:14.)
Those clothed in fine linen is the same group in Revelation 19:7.
THIS GROUP IS THE BRIDE OF CHRIST. THE CHURCH!!
15) And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
16) And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
17) And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the FOWLS THAT FLY IN THE MIDST OF HEAVEN, COME AND GATHER YOURSELVES TOGETHER unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
THIS GROUP IS TAKEN FOR JUDGMENT.
This is after the tribulation and the Church comes with him, They were raptured atleast 7 years prior.
Those left goes on into the Millennium. Those taken, Judgment as well in Matthew 24.
God bless.