Discuss Mark 12


Mark 12 KJV Bible discussions
 
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 1 week ago
    Hi GiGi,

    Part 1 Trinity discussion

    To start; I used to have a similar understanding of the Trinity doctrine but over time it has changed, and I am still studying it. I do not consider myself part of any group or denomination other than a believer and follower of Jesus. I feel we should inspire each other to study in prayer for the truth and to be open to the Holy Spirit to unveil the truth as we know nothing.

    With me, it started with two verses, 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, I contemplated these verses for a long time, it was like they stuck in my mind unanswered. In my study of the Trinity, I found out how it developed and how many deaths it caused even after the Reformation, and the questions I asked in Churches, many could not explain it and said it is a mystery that man cannot comprehend.

    Is God and has He always been one solitary person?

    Deut. 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD, Mark 12:29 and as said in 1 Cor. 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. My understanding is God the Father is eternal He has always been and will always be Psalms 90:2. God is Spirit, if a person means He has a will, emotions, the ability to speak, rationalize, self-awareness, to have a relationship with His creation, love, hate, etc. yes one person.

    Before creation was, He always and only alone, without anyone to love?

    What was before creation in Scripture we have no writings or information, Scripture tells us the hosts of heaven were before the creation of the earth and the galaxies, Job 38:4-7. How long before the physical world and universe we see we do not know. God's plan He declared the end from the beginning, Isaiah 46:9-10. I may be wrong, but God has never been alone inside Himself, time nor space cannot contain who He is, the beginning of His plan was Jesus.

    See part 2
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 1 week ago
    Hi Bennymkje,

    Just me, seems there are fewer discussions lately on this site and Momsage's post suggested discussion. My understanding of discussions is brothers and sisters sharing their understanding of a subject not to belittle or to prove one as being wrong, but by sharing our understanding of a subject that will encourage each other to study in prayer for the truth.

    What is faith? We see in Hebrews 11:1,6 We also have Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

    We are to have faith but our faith cannot be based on the word of man where we can be deceived and taken out of the way. Our faith must come from the word of God guided by His Spirit and His word is the Holy Scripture, He has given us.

    This one subject is based on the word of man, nowhere in Scripture does it tell us we must believe or have faith in a triune God, but the opposite, Deuteronomy 6:4 Mark 12:29 1 Timothy 2:5, and many more. "God made us a living soul" Soul is the Hebrew word nephesh, a living being, any living being, every air-breathing creature is a nephesh, a living being/soul.

    Genesis 1:26 many apply the Trinity to this verse but then we must ignore verse 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. This could also easily be first-person plural, like mom says, let us make tacos and then she is the one who makes the tacos. If we lived before 489 AD, before the Trinity doctrine was made the foundational belief of Christianity, and the punishment of heresy, how would we take this verse?

    If we walk in the world we will perish, if we walk in the Spirit our faith is in Jesus and our hope is as Jesus was resurrected in His glorified body so we shall also be resurrected in our glorified body into eternal life with Him.

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 1 month ago
    Hi Chris,

    Thank you again, from my heart, the truth is my search not to offend. It all goes back to one verse when I read it, it stood out in my heart, Corinthians 11:4. I know I am alone here on this, but saying Jesus is part of the Triune God, who eternally exists and expresses himself as three distinct persons with one essence all three co-equal. One God in three persons-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This to me denies the Son, 1 John 2:23

    What I see in the Bible is the relationship between the Father and the Son, the Son is obedient to the Father. Jesus said His Father is greater than Him, John 14:28. Jesus has said the Father is His God, John 20:17 Revelation 3:12.

    The Bible defines God's nature as eternal and unchanging; there is only one throne of God and through the Bible, only the Father is on the throne until the Father raised His Son from the dead and placed Him on His right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, there is nothing about the Holy Spirit.

    As we see in Revelation Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple and the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof, Rev. 21:22-23 no Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God is the Holy Spirit, not another person.

    Jesus confirmed there is only one true God, Mark 12:28-34, in Jesus's prayer to His Father said in John 17:3. All the greetings in the New Testament are from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Galatians 1:3 Ephesians 6:23 1 Thessalonians 1:1 2 Timothy 1:2 Titus 1:4 2 John 1:3 and more but no Holy Spirit.

    If the Trinity true and is so important, why is it not once taught in Scripture? God cannot change and God cannot die, so how do we understand John 3:16 if God the Father did not send his actual begotten Son to die for our sins? We see Jesus also had His own will, Luke 22:42.

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 1 month ago
    Chris,

    Part 2

    God made Jesus Lord, Acts 2:36, made is thee Greek word ginomai that means to come into being, to happen, to become. This was foreordained before the foundation of the world and this Lamb was slain before the foundation of the world, 1 Peter 1:19-20 Revelation 13:8, foreordained the Greek word proginosko means to know beforehand to appoint or decree beforehand.

    I see too many Scriptures that do not agree with the doctrine. I hope this makes sense. This is Scripture without man's knowledge or wisdom 1 Corinthians 1:22 Jeremiah 10:10 10 Malachi 2:10 Mark 12:32

    Paul wrote these; Romans 3:30 Romans 15:6 1 Corinthians 8:6 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 11:31 Ephesians 1:3 Ephesians 1:17 Ephesians 3:14 Ephesians 4:6 Colossians 1:3 1 Timothy 2:5

    Peter wrote this; 1 Peter 1:3

    These are Jesus's words Himself; Matthew 27:46 Same in Mark 15:34 John 14:28 John 17:3 John 20:17 Revelation 3:12

    What this says to me, there is only one true God who is the God and Father of Jesus,

    These Scriptures are clear without our wisdom or knowledge do not agree with the doctrine of the Trinity. I do thank you and again I hope you do not consider me a Gnostic that would be sad, they are more of a philosophical like the immortal soul came from Greek philosophy, I am believer and follower of Jesus our Lord and savior.

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 2 months ago
    Hi Adam,

    I understand your passion and I believe you may have misunderstood parts of my post; I am sorry. Your first question is yes, I am a follower of Jesus. Jesus answered the scribe and said, Mark 12: 29-30 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And yes, I do, but am I perfect, NO.

    I do not belong to any denomination; I have attended many denominations but Catholic and I am in my 70s and there is not a church close to me now that I feel comfortable going to. John 1:1 I will say my understanding is different and too long to explain in this reply maybe another thread.

    What I meant about Matthew 28:19 is in this verse Jesus told them to go baptizing people in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. People use this to support the Trinity doctrine but nowhere in the New Testament is anyone baptized in the name of the three, people were only baptized in the name of Jesus not that there was no baptizing in the New Testament, but they were only baptized in the name of Jesus.

    As you listed Acts 4:10-12 only by the name of Jesus and "none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. And that name is who they baptized people in the New Testament not of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Now in many churches, a person must believe in the Trinity for salvation, and if they do not confess the Trinity, they are not a Christian. Can you show me where that was said or was taught anywhere in the New Testament?

    I am sorry we do not agree on this, and I hope this helps you understand my last post, and may we be guided by the Holy Spirit in our study for the truth, we are one body.

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Texsis - In Reply - 9 months ago
    Hi Shell, if I may..As GiGi replied, so many translations up to the KJV publishing in 1611 were not always written by council/competent authority so as King, King James appointed competent council giving them the authority to conclude one book, the KJB version(ONLY according to original documents, which there are thousand upon thousands of) & still has not changed. I have a 1698 copy that is 'Jot per Tittle' the same as my KJV from last yr.

    As Hemorlan replied, 'Acts is the transitional book (rightly dividing) OT & NT. For the OT laws were for the Jews i.e. before Jesus DBR (death, burial & resurrection). NT is for All Jews & Gentiles. Christ shed His blood & died for All who choose to believe & All sin past, present & future. Making us All one in salvation.

    As you point out, Romans 15:4..Paul is stating 'For what was written in the past was so we learn from past mistakes & come out unscathed by the world around us. To be strengthened in our hope/faith through patients for the evil around us & be comforted knowing God was w/them then as He is w/us now'. As for 2 Tim3:15, that's partial scripture & is best interpreted/understood if you read entire meaning not merely one verse, 2 Tim 3:12-17.

    As for Matt 5:17-20, Jesus is speaking to the disciples on how things are related/differ tween the OT(Gen-Acts12) & how things will be upon His DBR to come (NT) Acts 13-The Revelation. In Matt:17, He didn't come to destroy anyone/anything but to fulfill prophecy of His Father. God does not make us choose Him, We have 'freewill'. Satan on the other hand will continue to torcher us & those around us till we choose evil. Put on the Armor of God Eph 6:10-18, being guarded from satan devouring souls simply for he knows his Eternity & is angry wanting revenge. Loving God w/all our being, Mark 12:28-33 & of course John 3:12-21. It's not hard as prosperity preachers would have you believe. I for one enjoy learning truth. With His blood, Christ Himself said it best .. "It is finished".
  • Dgjot on Mark 12:44 - 1 year ago
    Mark 12:32- And the scribe said unto him (Him=Jesus)

    Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:

    This was before Jesus was crucified, and God raised Him from the dead, and He ascended into heaven, and the Holy Spirit came down to earth to dwell among us.

    Jews and Mozlems to this day, deny that Jesus is the Son of God, and reject Him and Salvation through Him.

    You can't reason with Jesus deniers. They have been deceived. Their minds are closed. All you can do is pray for those people.
  • T Levis - In Reply on Genesis 6 - 1 year ago
    Matthew 22:30, Mark 12:25, Galatians 1:8, Hebrews 1:5, Hebrews 1:6,7,13,14,

    Sons of GOD: John 1:12, Romans 8:14, Philippians 2:15, Psalms 82,= John 10:34-42, John 3:1,2,

    The Hebrew word for Angel is "mal'ak" Sons of GOD in Hebrew "ben elohiym"

    James 1:5, Colossians 2:8, 2Timothy 2:15,

    Hopefully these are helpful
  • Richard H Priday - In Reply - 1 year ago
    The preverbal question that comes up is what comes first...in this case is it Christmas or pagan stories of a similar nature? If you are already determined to be a diehard atheist; then I suppose you could automatically designate the story of the birth of Christ (which you can see is in those verses as well as the start of other Gospels) as a late version of say Semiramis or the countless mother and child mythologies involving a virgin child; or offspring from the "gods"; etc.

    The genealogical descendants as you will observe are listed in Matthew from Joseph; but in Luke they are from Mary's lineage.

    One point that is brought out in Matthew is the census; clearly the lineage of each family was well known in the list of descendants. There are some complexities involved which on a surface level may appear to be discrepancies. Nonetheless; the whole history of the O.T. had to have descendants for the Messiah to come through certain individuals. David was promised according to Mark 12:36 (referring to an O.T. scripture) that Messiah would be in his lineage.

    The whole Christian faith hinges on God coming in the form of a man who could live as we did but without sin; and becoming the final atoning sacrifice. The O.T. sacrifices have been gone for nearly 2000 years; the occurrence of the curtain tearing in the Temple happened when Christ died. He had to overcome death and was Resurrected as well; all prophesied events. (See Luke 23:44-45). The virgin birth was promised in Isaiah 7:14. Christ had to not be born with the sin nature which all sons of Adam had (so wasn't from natural human seed). He had to take on our sins as the sacrificial lamb.

    He had to be God (as God the Son and part of the eternal Godhead demonstrated as early as the Book of Genesis where God created man in "our image" ( Genesis 1:26). Only God can forgive; and Christ stating that He was the "I am" ( John 8:58) showed He was truly God as only God can forgive sins.
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 1 year ago
    Hey Gerald,

    I agree all scripture is inspired by God, and I respect your understanding of this subject many accept that view. The line of Seth and the line of Cain or as you put it the righteous and unrighteous line.

    Where my understanding comes from, is in all the verses the words sons of God in the Old Testament refer to angelic beings, Job 1:6; 2:1 context shows the sons of God are angels, also Job 38:7, says the sons of God shouted for joy when God created the earth, a man had not been created.

    There are angels that God locked in the darkness for what they did that Peter and Jude witnessed that only Genesis 6 matches what Peter and Jude wrote.

    I understand Matt.22:30 Mark 12:25 is taken angels do not procreate, Jesus said angels in heaven because of their spiritual being there is no need. Peter and Jude both said they kept not their first estate and left their own habitation, and they could not return and are now locked in the bottomless pit the same place Satan will be locked in for 1000 years.

    So, my understanding of the term sons of God has two basic meanings. It refers to the angels, both good and bad, in the Old Testament. But in the New Testament, the phrase refers to believers in Jesus and through Him have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. By this adoption by Jesus, we become sons and daughters of God

    Thanks for your reply,

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Adam - 1 year ago
    "For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ." Jude 1:4 KJV

    "And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God." John 20:28 KJV

    "And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:" Mark 12:29 KJV

    "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:" Deuteronomy 6:4 KJV

    "And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments." Revelation 16:7 KJV

    Romans 10:9 , Luke 2:11, Philippians 2:11, 2 Corinthians 4:5

    Amen.
  • Adam - 1 year ago
    Is the Lord of the New Testament same as Lord of the Old Testament?

    Verses considered thus far: Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 43:11, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:29
  • T Levis - In Reply on Ezekiel 45 - 1 year ago
    Ezekiel 44, Ezekiel 44:2-3, possibly the prophecy for Luke 19:28-48, Luke 21, notice Luke 21:37, Matthew 21, Mark 11, Notice Mark 11:16, Mark 12 Jesus still in the Temple Mark 13, notice Mark 13:1,3, as noted Jesus went & left, the same direction. John 10:23,

    Ezekiel 44:16,17, Revelation 7 note Revelation 7:14,15,

    Ezekiel 47:1-10, healing living water, John 7:38, John 4:11,13,14, Matthew 9:35, Fishers, Ezekiel 47:9,10, Jeremiah 16:16, Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:17,

    If you look at Ezekiel 1:1,2,3, they were already going into captivity as Prophesied by Isaiah 39:1-7, 2Kings 24:15, Jeremiah 52:31, before Daniel, Ezra & Nehemiah before the return & rebuilding, Ezekiel 48 - end; might have been the divine blueprint for the temple that was rebuilt before Jesus was born

    Matthew 1:17

    Hopefully these are helpful
  • Adam - In Reply on Psalms 91 - 1 year ago
    There is a phrase I heard while travelling: "Same, but Different"

    This might explain the seemingly paradoxical relationship of the trinity or Godhead. Exactly how much the same are they and exactly how different are they? We don't know, we're only humans with limited capacity to comprehend this and no Earthly experience with this relationship. We only know what God's word says...

    1 John 5:7

    "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."

    John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

    1 Kings 8:60 That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else.

    John 1:1-2 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

    Mark 12:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

    Isaiah 44:6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

    Matthew 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

    Isaiah 9:6

    John 10:38

    "...the Father is in me, and I in him."

    For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

    1 John 5:20

    "And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life."

    Acts 17:29

    "Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or sto

    Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

    1 Timothy 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;"
  • Richard H Priday - 1 year ago
    Reflections on heaven part 3 Our experiences

    Today's sermon discussed aspects such as the verse saying that there is no more marriage in heaven. ( Mark 12:25). That seems cut and dry but everything else seemed to drift too much into what we enjoy here on earth (such as recreation; endless delicious meals etc.) My earlier comments reflected on service in heaven; which most believers in Christ should acknowledge (unlike those who don't look into the scriptures and think we are all floating on clouds someplace).

    My issue is not that we won't have those pleasures in heaven; but again reflects what I said earlier that all the focus is on serving Him and rejoicing in Him. Christ surely has anticipated sitting down and drinking the "fruit of the vine" which He will do no more until He is in heaven with us ( Mark 14:25). That would presumably be at the Great supper of the Lamb but certainly could occur at other times as well. That surely does indicate that there will be fellowship among saints and Christ as well as with each other. There are also such things as unique names given to us that no one else knows but God and that person ( Rev. 2:17); and Revelation 19:10 also states the same for Christ Himself.

    While it isn't necessarily wrong to reflect on what enjoyment of heaven will be like in our new Resurrection bodies; we shouldn't be so enamored with it that we drift away from rejoicing in the harvest; as well as the attributes of God. We also will be ruling and reigning on the earth; but won't be overtaken by all the unprecedented riches that the kings of the earth bring as tribute to the Lord. Heaven; of course will be ON earth (in terms of the heavenly city itself; that is). For God to restore His creation that surely also will be a thing to behold. Again; without salvation men's minds still won't be able to dissuaded from eventual rebellion despite 1000 years of material blessings on earth; since sin will still be present until the new earth.
  • Richard H Priday - 1 year ago
    Reflections on heaven part 2: Service toward God.

    If we wish to separate those "would be" believers who desire to go to heaven but have no compulsion to serve God from those who already are His bondservants and just would be continuing what they started to practice here on earth we can evaluate their love for God and obedience to obey His commandments ( John 14:15). There are many shallow; foolhardy and at times downright blasphemous concepts of "love" today which permeate much of Christendom; particularly in the "music industry". The concept of obedience because of love seems a foreign concept today; especially in our nation. How many social issues could be deflected if that were the case of more children in their family upbringing for their parents today? Surely; there is more to His love than us being bondservants; as He calls us "friends." ( John 15:15 in the very next verse!) To serve to the length of our own hurt is surely seen in Christ's ministry; not the least of which of course was the crucifixion and all the sufferings beforehand. We often neglect the extent of the rest of His public ministry; where He wasn't even able to mourn the death of John the Baptist; despite making a deliberate attempt at retreat to be alone in a desert place with His chosen few. ( Matthew 14:13). While the Son of Man came to serve and not be served ( Mark 10:45) while on earth; He is certainly worthy to serve and exalt for all eternity for what He did for us. For Him to lift Himself up is not sinful like with the rest of His Creation.

    True; there are "pleasures for evermore at His right hand" ( Psalm 16:11). This has to be balanced with the rest of our reverent service toward Him. The shallow; sentimental emotional "love" is at best a tepid version of the Spirit; at worst just a hyped up emotional mindset which is of the world; or comes from occult persuasion. Our emotions; mind; and soul must be incorporated into worship of God ( Mark 12:30).
  • Levi - What does Jesus say about Biases - 1 year ago
    Mark 12:14 - 17 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?

    And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.
  • T. Levis - In Reply on Genesis 4 - 1 year ago
    Genesis 4:3-24,

    Note Genesis 4:4 "._..._respect unto Abel & his offering:"

    Genesis 4:5 "But unto Cain & his offering._._."

    Genesis 4:7

    It seems to clearly say it was the person, giving it & how. There are other times GOD didn't accept bad attitudes, behavior nor their sacrifices, or offerings. Hosea 8:13, Jeremiah, Amos 5:22, Malachi 1:10,

    Notice Isaiah 58, Proverbs 21:3, Psalms 19:14, Proverbs 21:3,

    Proverbs 18:5,

    Isn't it interesting how when Jesus was helping people, healing & teaching, His brothers in the Temple also were likewise ready to kill Jesus making Jesus sacrifice acceptable to GOD & not their own? Mark 12, Hebrews 12,

    Romans 12:1,2, Ephesians 5:1-21, 1Peter 2:5,20,

    Hopefully these are helpful
  • T. Levis - In Reply on Genesis 6 - 1 year ago
    Why did GOD destroy the earth except Noah & his family = reply : Genesis 6:5,6,7,8,

    Please read again Genesis 6, look back to Genesis 4:26, Genesis 5, Job 1:5,6, Job 1:20-22 continues to Job 2:1, John 1:12, Romans 8:14, Philippians 2:15, Hebrews 1:4,5,6,7

    Angels aren't Sons of GOD 1Corinthians 6:3,

    In KJV 1611 Tobit 3, Tobit 7, Tobit 12, are the only thing even close & there was not what you stated in these scriptures. Mark 12:25, notice the scriptures here are relevant to Tobit; Mark 12:18-25,

    Hopefully these are helpful
  • T. Levis - In Reply - 1 year ago
    Please note these scriptures all seem to include treatment of people : James 2, note James 2:1-6, James 2:8, * James 2:14,15,16,17,

    Matthew 25:31-46, Isaiah 58, John 13:34, Romans 12:10, Romans 13:8, 1Peter 3:8, Hebrews 10:24,

    Romans 4, notice in those 'works' it's speaking of circumcision Romans 4:1, Romans 4:9-13, not acts of compassion

    They don't contradict each other they're completely separate issues, Deuteronomy 10:16-20,

    Malachi 3:5,10 = Deuteronomy 26:10-13 , Exodus 22:22, Deuteronomy 14:22-29, Deuteronomy 24:14-15, Deuteronomy 24:19-21,

    Matthew 5:16-20, Matthew 7:12-27 = Mark 12:38-40, Mark 23, Luke 20:46,47, Isaiah 9:17,

    Hopefully helpful
  • Joe - In Reply on 1 Thessalonians 4 - 1 year ago
    Cheryl: I believe these 2 verses will answer your question

    Mathew 22:30

    For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.

    Mark 12:25

    For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.
  • Richard H Priday - 1 year ago
    Soul sleep; the big lie.

    1 Thessalonians 4:14 to the end of the chapter and 1 Thessalonians 5:10 make it clear; along with other verses that when the body sleeps; the spirit lives on. The question is; of course if His Spirit "testifies with our spirit ( Romans 8:16) that we are God's children." If not; then truly we are spiritually "dead" as it were; which means absent from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and hence forever trapped in our sinful nature. He has put "eternity in the hearts of men" ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). Hebrews 9:27 also makes it pretty clear that we face judgment after death. That will determine where we spend the interim period through the Millennial reign and make the "first resurrection" ( Rev. 20:6) or remains until the Great White Throne judgment. There are; apparently phases to the firstfruits which Christ Himself initiated; then some who came out of their graves AFTER the Resurrection; then those alive at His coming when the saints are Resurrected and finally the Resurrection of those who were martyred in the Tribulation. I will leave this detailed eschatology to other posts.

    I already stated elsewhere where the word "qeber" is referring to the bodily state of "sleep" or death in the grave; and when "sheol" the land of the souls of all in the O.T. (now only just for the wicked) exists. Now; to be "absent from the body is present with the Lord ( 2 Cor. 5:6). The bigger question is WHY people want to hold to this "soul sleep" or nonexistence mentality. Part of it can be not dividing the Word properly ( 1 Tim. 2:15); or 2 Peter 3:16 where unstable people twist scripture to their own destruction. If someone knows they are in sin; and remains unrepentant in their hearts it is easy to follow this mindset so that there can be space before judgment. ( Ecclesiastes 8:11; Psalm 73:17). He is not the God of the dead but the living ( Mark 12:27). Hence; we are already "seated in heavenly places" ( Ephesians 2:6).
  • Richard H Priday - In Reply on Revelation 22 - 1 year ago
    There are verses such as "absent from the body is present with the Lord" ( 2 Cor. 5:8); and others where Jesus says He isn't the God of the dead but the living ( Mark 12:27). There is mention of souls under the altar in Revelation ( Rev. 6:9-11) and the transfiguration; as well as David stating that he would not see his dead son come to him but he would go to him ( 2 Samuel 12:23). When the Rapture comes; then there will be a reuniting of souls with bodies when the dead saints are raised; then we who are alive are changed into Resurrection bodies without death ( 1 Cor. 15:51-52). The final Great White Throne judgment is for those who are in hades or what is now called hell; who are judged according to their works then thrown in the lake of fire. From my undestanding of eschatology; there could very well be those who physically survive the Millenium period and ARE written in the Book of Life.

    There is more that can be said; but I felt that the focus should be on how NOW we can recognize through Christ and the new man in us what will exist someday in eternity by the power of the Holy Spirit. If we are saved; then we are new creatures; and although we see darkly as through a glass; we get a taste of things to come ( 1 Cor. 13:12). We are already spiritually "seated in heavenly places" ( Eph. 2:1-9). We become hearers of His voice; and start to sense His presence; and have the "mind of Christ" ( 1 Cor. 2:16). He has given us good works to do which no doubt will continue in heaven in some form as we are all uniquely created.

    Scripture simply doesn't allow for an nihilism in any way; verses differentiate between the word "qeber" for the body in the grave and "sheol" which is the state of the soul in the O.T. after death. Now; we can go immediately into God's presence; so Satan no longer has power over our souls to keep them under the earth in the paradise part of sheol anymore HEBREWS 2:14-15! Perfect love casts out fear ( 1 John 4:18).
  • Richard H Priday - In Reply on 1 Thessalonians 4 - 1 year ago
    You are probably aware of the verse about us being as the "angels of heaven" ( Mark 12:25). This of course refers to the Resurrection body. There is the question of those who may be pregnant at the time of the rapture. We are all "changed" so there is no real way of knowing whether a pregnancy would continue within the womb or somehow outside of it; in either case it seems scriptural that at least children of believers would go with them to heaven although it can't be proven. That also would have the infant changed into an immortal body if he or she ends up in heaven. It does seem certain from David's comment on the child he lost after sinning with Bathsheeba along with other scriptures that the souls of all unborn will end up in heaven and someday be Resurrected. People want to say all kids will be raptured; I can't see that proven scripturally; just that the souls of all unborn kids will make it to heaven if they die before a certain age.

    Anyway; of course there will be the few that survive through the Tribulation who have kids; many of whom will live until the end of the Millennium; hence being those who ARE in the Book of Life at the Great White Throne Judgment IF they are not killed due to some sort of sin beforehand ( Isaiah 65:20). After the Millenium; it would appear that all mortals also enter immortality; once the new heaven and new earth are created.

    These issues shouldn't of course be a distraction to plans now; having children and getting married. It is good; however to put our mind on things above ( Colossians 3:1-10). God can give us contentedness now; and surely we will rejoice in heaven and not miss our earthly existence. There is always a tendency to concern ourselves with all the things of this world; rather than casting our cares on Him; especially today. Of course it is always best to have a healthy church community which seems to be found more often in the Reformed churches. May He give you wisdom in these trying times.
  • Jesse - In Reply on Mark 12 - 1 year ago
    Mike,

    Thank you for sharing this. As you say, this is a great lesson. We find it in Mark 12:41-44 which speaks about the casting of the widow's mite

    Verse 41 says that Jesus sat over against the treasury. Now I like this one! This would be equivalent to Jesus sitting across the tithing envelopes in the foyer in our church fellowship. That would make someone nervous wouldn't it? And He was watching how the people cast their money into the treasury: how they were doing it, not how much. And many that were rich cast in much.

    Verse 42 says that she threw in two mites (and these are not bugs). Those are the names of coins. It is actually the word LEPTA. A LEPTA is only 1/64th of a day's wage. Somebody figured that out to be about 10 or 12 minutes, 1/64th of a day's wage.

    And so two of them, two mites, it adds up to a KORENTAS, 1/32nd of a day's wage. Not much! She threw in these two coins worth 1/32nd of a day's wage. Today, someone might have sent a visitation committee to her house. Now the word farthing is the word KORENTAS in this text.

    And as you mentioned, it is very interesting on how God views money. In Verse 43, Jesus saw that the people were casting in money and many that were rich threw in a lot of money. And He says that this widow threw in more than all of them put together. So they are kind of baffled at this.

    But the message of scripture is not how much you put in, it's how much you have left over. That is the way God looks at giving. She put in 1/32nd of a day's wage but it was all she had. Everything! She had nothing left over.

    Again, great message. Thanks for sharing this!
  • Jesse - In Reply - 1 year ago
    Hello David,

    I'm not saying that I agree that the two men were Moses and Elijah either as the scripture does not tell us who, other than "two men."

    I'm not sure if I can agree that it was two angels either since it does not say angels. It is possible though that it was two angels. But with that, I would have to agree that it is possible that the two men were Moses and Elijah. But again, I cannot come to a conclusion one way or another.

    And yes, Mark 12:25 says, "For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.



    This tells me that there is no marriage in heaven. There is no male-female functions in heaven. We will be like the angels. We will not be angels, but like the angels.
  • T. Levis - In Reply - 1 year ago
    Alex,

    John 13:34-35, Romans 12:10, 1Timothy 5:1-2,

    I felt led to address the phrase you used when addressing GiGi. It was a phrase use by Jesus when addressing the Sadducees, who appearing to twist the story from Tobit, because it clearly says "before they had lien with her". Tobit 3:8, Jesus went on to rebuke & say Mark 12:24,27 Also in Matthew 22:29,

    James 1:16-27, Galatians 5:15-26,

    Let's us try to be kinder, not bitey
  • T. Levis - In Reply on Genesis 1 - 1 year ago
    Hello Fabian TAIMABRI,

    Genesis 1:27, notice: Genesis 1:26,28,29,

    Genesis 2:7, interestingly here "formed, breathed life" is this symbolic of the Church the body of Christ to come? John 12:25, Genesis 3:22, John 5:26, John 5:24, John 3:36, John 6:48,54, Titus 1:2, Romans 8:6, John 5:39,

    Is chapter 2, symbolic of the stewardship of GOD's Church? Genesis 2:15, Matthew 20:8, Luke 12:42, Mark 12,

    Back to Genesis 1, "man appears to be collective for both" yes in name like human, humanity, humankind "man"

    see even more interesting = Genesis 5:2,

    GOD says distinctly female & male Genesis 1:27,

    It appears it could be those created to multiply, fill the earth, subdue were away from the presence of GOD, again seeming to point to the symbolism in the garden "in the presence of GOD " His church. Genesis 3:8, Genesis 3:23-24, Genesis 4:14-16,

    Genesis 2:17, spiritual death? Matthew 8:22, Luke 9:60, Matthew 22:32, Matthew 23:27,

    In the forming of Eve, it appears also specific, spiritual & special with symbolism, Genesis 2:21-25, Genesis 6:1-3, Mark 10:4-9, 1Corinthians 6:15, Revelation 21:2,9, Isaiah 62:5, John 3:29-36, Matthew 22, Luke 12:36, Ephesians 5:30-32,

    1Corinthians 13:9-12, James 1:5, Ephesians 3:4,

    Hopefully these are all helpful
  • Free - In Reply - 1 year ago
    Matthew 22:37-40

    Mark 12:30-34

    God bless us all with Gods wisdom and insight, in Jesus Name, love u in Christ.
  • T. Levis - In Reply - 1 year ago
    Here's some scripture I feel relevant about tithe today: Matthew 23:23, Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 11:42, James 2:15-17, James 1:27, Malachi 3:10,

    Mark 12:38-44, Leviticus 23:22, Deuteronomy 24:19-21,

    Hopefully these are helpful


Viewing page: 1 of 4

  Next Discussion Page >

1   2   3   4  

 

Do you have a Bible comment or question?


Please Sign In or Register to post comments...