"BLESS" in Bible Discussions

 
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 10 hours ago
    Hey Sonofman1973,

    I am sorry, you may have misunderstood me, the discussion was first on God's eternal purpose, and then What came first Light or darkness? Those are deep subjects that make us think I thought I was giving my understanding on those two questions. I know I am not the best at explaining my understanding. You added Lucifer and something happening between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2 my understanding of those two things in my mind did not fit in the discussion of your two questions.

    When I said my understanding was different, I did not mean to discuss prophecy, I still do not see the word Lucifer in Isaiah 14:12 and something happened between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2 like a gap theory is associated with prophecy or the two questions, that is just me. If you could give more of your understanding of the devil some call Lucifer and what you think happened between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2 and your two questions.

    Thank you and God bless,

    RLW
  • Bennymkje - 10 hours ago
    Mark 8:1-9 "Three and Seven" (2 of 2)

    How Jesus presented the loaves in the Feeding of Five Thousand is different than in the Four Thousand. Mark presents the Son of man, "And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed" (6:41). His humanity is revealed here. He looks up to heaven so when he gathers the 12 baskets of broken loaves it is the testimony of the word become flesh. Compare it with the Four Thousand,-"And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people."(8:6-7) As the Son he gave thanks or blessed them. He does not look up to heaven as in other case. The Spirit is very particular as draw a distinction between the Son (the heaven) and the Son of man (the earth). In short the body of the scriptures revolve about two loci, from his deity and from his humanity respectively.

    It is also noteworthy that the Spirit has given us this short colloquy in order to instruct us the point we make in these posts:

    "When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve./ And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.? And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?" (8:19-21) For those who approach his word superficially the Spirit asks ,"How is it that ye do not understand?"
  • Bennymkje - 18 hours ago
    Mark-7 Synopsis

    In vv.3-4 Mark explains for the non Jewish converts about the tradition of the elders. Similarly he quotes the words and supplies its meaning. "Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise."(5:41)

    In vv. 5:40 "And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying." The world would not know the distinction between sleeping and dying. In the land of the living Jesus knew his Father better than they all. He is the God of the living. So he did not want the disbelieving world in the house where he was present.

    Another interesting feature of the gospel is in the manner the Evangelist uses the tag of the house to designate two worlds. In the raising of the dead Jesus goes into the house and in healing the daughter of the Syrophoenician woman he rewarded her implicit faith by sending her off,"And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed."(7:30).In both cases the house has to have belief for its own sake. "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?"( Luke 18:8). The earth abides forever because it belongs to the Son.

    vv.14-16 Jesus preaches gospel to the world and the Spirit gives us a clue as to how it is to be interpreted." If any man have ears to hear, let him hear." St Mark thereafter inserts this verse, "And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable."(v.17) The house is where the Master expounds truth to those who hunger after righteousness."But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear./ For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them./Hear ye therefore." (Matt.13:16-18)
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 1 day ago
    Hey Sonofman1973,

    As S Spencer said, this is an interesting question, just some last thoughts and whether or not we have enough Scripture to know the complete answer. Scripture is relatively silent about the eternal past, even in the New Testament, where the clearest and fullest light of God's revelation shines. Very few passages reach backward in their scope further than the foundation of the world at the beginning of the ages of our time. God's plan was before the foundation of this earth was laid.

    God is light and there is no darkness in Him at all, 1 John 1:5, and we know from Job 38 that the angels and the principalities and powers in heaven were created before Genesis 1. A thought, God created darkness as a place to put the earth outside of the third heaven, the earth was without form and void, this would be empty of all life and covered in surging water of chaos enclosed in total darkness that God's Spirit moved upon and God said let there be light, God called light out of darkness His light moved into the space of darkness.

    God called out of this darkness everything there is below the third heaven and the time we live in. My understanding is different on Lucifer in Isaiah 14, and something happened between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2 but that may be for other discussions.

    Thank you for these questions, they inspire study.

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Bennymkje - 1 day ago
    Mark 7:1-9 Doctrinal war"

    God framed the worlds by the word of God. So the Word lays down the constitution of His kingdom where both unseen and what was made to appear are complete in his Son Jesus Christ. (He.11:3; Col.1:19). Of him we received grace for grace which empowers us to not only believe in him and enjoy the liberty of producing the fruits of the Spirit. Besides the blessings of his Father in him also has given us the peace which is not as the world can give so death signifies only dissolution of our vile bodies. Everlasting life that comes with faith shall continue.

    Mark narrates how the Pharisees and the scribes coming from Jerusalem were offended at the disciples of Jesus. "Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?"(v.5). How did the tradition of the elder become the Law without God permitting doctrine of men supersede his word? Recent news illustrates the same dilemma. Is Constitution of a nation and their Bill of Rights are to be given same sanctity and worshiped? Jesus did drive out those who made it a business, "And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves."(Matt.21:13). There is a place where state's business are transacted and when we pray it has to be done with all our heart our soul and might. This is how tradition of the elders where money is to be made becomes a doctrine. Where does it come from? Not from unwashed hands but from the heart of man. " For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,/Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:/All these evil things come from within, and defile the man."(vv.21-23)

    What goes into the mouth shall find their own passage while what comes out of heart can be very deceptive. So love of God is either whole hearted for his glory or none at all.
  • GiGi - In Reply - 1 day ago
    Dear Kevin,

    I will pray for a job to be provided to you that will allow you to work in peace of mind and heart My son also suffers from anxiety and depression and has panic attacks from stressful situations also. Finding the right fit job has been an ongoing journey for him. He is 34. His first baby is due in May and he just began a new job this week. So, if you could pray for him I would appreciate that. His name is also Kevin.

    Kevin, I want to declare to you that your sins are all forgiven in Jesus Christ when He died in our place. This forgiveness is given to us as a gift and we can be assured that we are forgiven when we embrace Him and His work of salvation in faith. So, you say your faith is weak, yet you do believe the gospel. You do not need to have but simple faith in what He has done and declared in the Scriptures. He died and rose for you to provide forgiveness and salvation unto those who believe on Him.

    I am so glad you have shared your needs on this site. It is always a good thing to ask others to pray for oneself. So, be blessed by the Lord today and trust that He hears our prayers, knows our desires and every need and will bring answers that are the best for us.
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 2 days ago
    Hi Sonofman.

    That's a very interesting question! "What came first? Light or darkness?"

    I believe when God created the heavens and the earth he also created "Time" and from our point of view that started with darkness. (And the evening and the morning were the first day.)

    However, there is more to it when considering what they represent spiritually.

    We can gather references out of John 1.

    I haven't gave much thought or study on this but I believe "spiritually or otherwise" one cannot exist without the other.

    Genesis 1:2-4 it reads, "And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

    And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

    Here I don't believe darkness and light "being created" is not in these verses but their existence is present. (God spoke and "brought in the Light." and darkness as well already existed. "Again, this is from our point of view and the beginning of time.

    However Spiritually, Psalms 139:10-12 may give us a glimpse of what it's like from God's point of view and spiritually.

    "Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

    Also. Genesis 1:2 can read "And the earth (Became) without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.

    I'm interested in your full take.

    Thanks and God bless.
  • Sonofman1973 - In Reply - 1 day ago
    Yes the Light is indeed the Light of the knowledge of God in the face of Jesus Christ. And upon careful study of the scriptures the darkness was already there, thus it was created because as you pointed out in Isaiah 45:7. I have revelation that that darkness was the Old Lucifer who turned the light God gave to him into that darkness and God knew he would,for it is All according to his eternal purpose. The Light of the knowledge of God excelleth that darkness. Thus something happened between Genesis 1:1-2. For everything was overturned and made a wilderness at the fierce anger of the Lord. I think it's in Jeremiah 4:23- (Paraphrase) got I'm speaking the truth from the heart. " I beheld and lo the earth was void and empty and darkness and it was overthrow by the fierce anger of the Lord. And Isaiah 14 says Lucifer made the world as a wilderness. And he calls the darkness - NIGHT. So it was overthrown in the night by The lord.- Job 34:25. And paraphrasing Jesus Christ. He said are their not 12 hours in a day? And John 9:4 I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is DAY: THE NIGHT COMETH, WHEN NO MAN CAN WORK JOHN 9:5- while I Am in the world,I am the Light of the world. He will come as a thief in the night. I am persuaded I have the testimony of Jesus which is the Spirit of prophecy. Not that I am anything or anyone. But Jesus Christ And Him loving My poor and needy self. Thank you so much for blessing me with an opportunity to share the deep things of God's unsearchable word. God bless you
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 2 days ago
    Hey Sonofman1973,

    I am not sure to whom you asked this question. If I may, I feel you have put on chest waders, I love it. I would love to hear your thoughts; may we all grow in the knowledge of our LORD. "What came first? Light or darkness? And where and when were they created or formed or made."

    If we look at Genesis darkness was, and God said let there be light, and He divided them. Does that make darkness before light? God called the light day and the darkness night. What was this light since there was not a sun until day four?

    Light has both physical and theological aspects. The "complete light" is that "true light that gives light to every man", the light of God which has come into the world in the person of Jesus Christ, John 1:9. Jesus said of himself "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world".

    Or should we consider Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.

    Does not all creation come from the only God, our Father?

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Bennymkje - 2 days ago
    Mark 6:41 Two fishes"

    "And the two fishes divided he among them all./And they did all eat, and were filled." Here we have an example of kangaroo words. The two primarily refers to the number of fishes while there were five loaves of bread. What you eat has it way of passage, and as Jesus took pains to explain it is eaten "Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?(7:19). What the heart can do leads to everlasting life while traditions of man, with his table manners in the Roman times often lasted into late hours in suppers where the guests would end under the table in their own vomit. What the Spirit is demonstrating are heaven and earth as two worlds so Jesus " And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them."(v.41)

    Before appointing the twelve he goes up to a mountain, and called them who would. His Sermon on the Mount set the Rock of Ages for a testimony and Mark similarly narrates that Jesus bound the twelve to service so their authority came from heaven as his came. As the master so were the disciples.

    As indicative of their singleness of purpose Jesus took the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them." In short the disciples were partakers of the heavenly calling.(He.3:1). The number of fishes is two and signifies a number of objects each is set in terms of God. God fashions all hearts alike and tries their works. In the Parable of the Talents each servant was bound to give account over them. Number of men in this chapter "And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men".(v.44) In the other,"And they that had eaten were about four thousand: "(8:9). These are set for a purpose.
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 3 days ago
    Hi Jaz,

    I do not believe is bad to be interested in that, we can study other people's beliefs and understanding of a particular scripture, but we must pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When I discuss anything with a brother or sister on this site a subject that we have different understandings of, I in prayer study to see both views and confirm the truth even if I am wrong the Holy Spirit will show us the truth maybe not that minute but if continue to pray about it the truth will come. All things are not revealed to us like Paul said about milk and meat it is not our time it is God's time.

    I cannot say anyone is bad because of their understanding of prophecy, I can only say my understanding is different if they are willing to sit down together and study for the truth do so. We must not be dogmatic we must do it in love of the truth.

    Salvation is by faith Jesus the Son of God shed His blood for our sins and was raised from the dead, a gift of grace from God His Father who gave Him to die for us in the plan of God that was conceived before the foundation of this world not understanding prophecy.

    I do not know how much you have studied Revelation; you may know this but the events in Revelation are in order but it's not chronological order from start to finish. It is more of a circular order of the same events; John adds more information of parts of the same event in other chapters of what is going on at the same time.

    As in Rev. 11, the two witnesses, parts of Rev. 12 and Rev. 13 show different things going on, but they are happening during the 42 months, a time, and times, and half a time, 3.5 years of Satan, the beast out of the bottomless pit, and the false prophet not different times. There are parallels between the visions John wrote down all through Revelation that we must recognize.

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 3 days ago
    Hello ToshiroWhite,

    There are several speculations on what the mark may be, a literal mark, a computer chip, symbols, and more but the mark of the beast will be based on worship. It is the false prophet, the second beast who causes people to worship the first beast and his image. The number 666 goes back to Babylon, the 36 gods numbered 1 through 36, 6 columns and 6 rows the numbers were arranged in such a way that the sum of any given row, column, or diagonal was 111, and therefore the sum of all six rows or all six columns was 666, like 18+20+22+21+17+13 =111, 1+2+3 to 36=666.

    We are told to have faith and patience Luke 21:19 Hebrews 6:12 and hear in Revelation 13:10 and Revelation 14:11 that if we are strong in our faith and patience we will have the steadfastness and endurance (the meaning of patience) to not give into the temptation of the three who is to come, Satan, the beast out of the bottomless pit and the beast who will be the false prophet, even if we face death, the hour of temptation, Rev. 3:10.

    Something like this was done in the past in the Decian persecution in 250 AD. The decree ordered sacrifices be performed in the presence of a Roman magistrate, it was a signed and witnessed certificate, issued to that effect. People had to perform a sacrifice to the Roman gods and the well-being of the emperor.

    Christians were put to death for refusing to perform the sacrifices, many others apostatized and performed the ceremonies, and others went into hiding. Those who compromised were able to prosper economically. By way of contrast, those who did not have the certificate were unable to buy or sell and suffered economic hardship. Buying and selling was done in marketplaces ruled by Rome. This may be similar to what is coming but a mark instead of a certificate.

    Hope this helps.

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Bennymkje - 3 days ago
    Mark 6:36-45 "Multiplying loaves" (2 of 2)

    Jesus Christ as the Lord is the Lord of heaven so he is heavenly. All the prophets until John served the Son as the double for Jesus Christ. "The law and the prophets were until John."( Luke 16:16)

    "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,/Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son" (He.1:1-3). It is of him Moses had warned,"The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken."(De.18:15). Moses stood as a stand-in for him. So did every prophet. He is the heir so seven days in the covenant in which seven is a kangaroo word.

    The Spirit gives us multiplying of loaves 8:7-9 "And he (Jesus) blessed, and commanded to set them also before them./So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets./And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away." Here we seven baskets of the broken meat which stands as the testimony of the Son to his Father. Generally speaking the command numbers are incorporated in the God document to distinguish which is which. Considering the manner imposter church has let them proliferate shows the enemy is within the house. Jesus would soon clear his house of the Canaanites. "and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of theLordof hosts."(Ze.14:21)
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 3 days ago
    Hi Jaz,

    Full Preterists believe Revelation happened in the first century. Partial Preterists believe that most of the prophecies of Revelation have been fulfilled but the second coming of Jesus is still to happen. This is not my understanding.

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Jaz - In Reply - 3 days ago
    Hello brother I have to agree with you . The Bible does say that there is one Spirit of Truth and we are neither male or female in Christ we are all the Bride . Christ got his bride the same way Adam got his . From a wound in his side . Both were in a deep sleep . Personally I don't think that women should take to the pulpit and give a lesson in a formal church service and none do in my congregation . I have met many sisters who have more knowledge and understanding of the Bible than I do and I have been very happy to learn from them in private conversation . This site is not a formal church situation so I don't have any problem in reading and learning from messages posted by women . Anyone who can enhance my understanding of God's Word is a blessing to me . God uses many different types of people to get His message across and God is Righteous so we can't argue with His methods .
  • Jaz - In Reply - 3 days ago
    Hello Brother Adam and thank you for replying to me . I have only recently come across this interpretation and I have read through Revelation with this theory in the back of my mind . It's been very interesting and I can see how it could fit from chapter six up to the end of chapter eighteen . This theory does depend on the reader having some knowledge about the history of the Roman empire so it requires a bit of study . I was just wondering if any brother or sister had heard of this and wondered what they thought . Thank you and God bless .
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 4 days ago
    Hey Sonofman 1973

    God's eternal purpose

    Jesus the Messiah/Christ God's only begotten Son is the purpose, I do not know if I am reading your question correctly, may you and others have more or different understandings.

    1 Corinthians 2:16 tells us we have the mind of Christ, but no one can know the mind of God. 2 Peter 3:18 tells us to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus. All began with Jesus; Jesus is the beginning of God's plan. Isaiah 45:18 Isaiah 46:8-10 God and there is none like Him, He declared the end from the beginning His counsel (His purpose and plan by His will) shall stand and God will do all His pleasure, Psalms 33:11.

    God is not in our time the end of His plan is as the beginning God's plan was completed when He made it, we have the Bible, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit His plan is made known to us as our time comes to be, as in Ephesians 1:10-12 to be the praise and glory to God.

    God declared from the very beginnings of history, Acts 17:24-26 there is but one human race, we all are of the same blood, and in Jesus Christ we become brothers and sisters. In God's plan, it is finished, nothing will change. In God, it is finished already to Him who is from everlasting to everlasting, Psalms 90:2 and how He can "calleth those things which be not as though they were." Romans 4:17-18.

    Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

    Ephesians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

    God bless,

    RLW
  • One eighty - In Reply - 3 days ago
    Blessings Shafer!,

    Why wouldn't women be allowed to preach as long as they speak from the Spirit of Truth? The term "woman" simply refers to a form of flesh. There's no such thing as female or male Spirit. The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts as nothing. God is Spirit. Spirit gives birth to spirit; flesh gives birth to flesh. Certainly males can and do often times speak and preach NOT from the Spirit of Truth , but from faith in the flesh as being one's identity. Again God is Spirit and Spirit gives birth ONLY to spirit.

    Speaking Truth given us ONLY by the Holy Spirit, is communicated from the Mind of God to the mind of His creation, discerning not whether the speaker perceives one's self as male or female. We All were created by His Spirit as perfect equals. Focusing on bodies will show us this isn't true. The Vision of Christ overlooks the physical and knows you exactly as you were created; out of Holiness. If God is perfect and eternal, then by definition anything He creates would also have to be perfect and eternal. This is flawless logic. Nothing and no one can change God's Mind. Truth should not be complicated.
  • One eighty - In Reply - 3 days ago
    Blessings Sonofman1973,

    Regarding your question: "Is anyone up for discussing God's eternal purpose?" (question mark added):

    The use of the word "eternal" is appropriate because everything regarding God is "eternal" and I might add "perfect". Nothing He does is limited by time, due to His omnipresence. He's never done anything in the past or future. Anything He creates always has and always will be exactly as He created it NOW. God did not do anything yesterday, nor tomorrow.

    His PURPOSE is always creation NOW, extended and shared always NOW, never wavering, changing, or ceasing. What He creates is fully created and created perfect Now for eternity. He does not acknowledge time, thus not bound by time's laws. He creates in His Own Likeness, i.e. of like quality; and in His Own Image, i.e. His Own Thought. We are the Thought of God, and He retains His extensions of His Thoughts (you, us) in His Mind. And thoughts can never leave their Source.

    God created us to extend His Thoughts. As God created us, this is actually our natural God given ability; yet extending God's Love can be put off temporarily, resulting from believing in lies told us by our own self-serving ego.

    Only beings of like order can truly communicate, which is why Jesus APPEARED as human flesh. Yet ONLY minds can truly communicate, and communication with the Mind of God Who is SPIRIT (not a body) is life. God created every mind by communicating His mind to it. Again, communication with God is Life.

    God created you to create. It is His PURPOSE and WILL. His Will and purpose be done because there is no other will or purpose that can usurp His power. It does not exist in His Mind, but only in the minds of the insane (myself included). Is it difficult to accept the law of creation that you love your creations as your self because they are literally a part of you? If so, we should be joyful Love creates Itself and NOTHING but Itself. We should not perceive ourselves in any other light.

    Peace
  • Momsage - In Reply on Deuteronomy 28 - 4 days ago
    Hello Heir: What you have said is very interesting. It may seem hard to imagine why someone would be willing to forgo the wonderful blessings God promises them for the terrible curses they ended up suffering. But if we look at the way the world has been and how it is now we can see that the human heart is so terribly disobedient to God. Most people don't want to be on that straight and narrow path that takes them to heaven, they would rather be rebellious and have it their way. I do praise God that we are on the path that leads to heaven.

    I noticed you mentioned that you have never heard priests preach on this chapter. Are you a Catholic? I was raised by a Catholic mother but in my experience I found the religion shallow and hypocritical. Please don't be offended. I know there are a lot of Catholics who love Catholicism. The reason I am asking you this is, frankly, I hope your answer will be no because this religion doesn't tell the truth of salvation; that it is by the blood of Jesus Christ ONLY. I hope I hear from you so we can discuss this more. I love you in the Lord and I am hoping you are a child of God. God Bless :)
  • Bennymkje - 5 days ago
    Mark 5:1-20 "my country" (1 of 2)

    "And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country." (v.10)

    Mark sets Jesus crossing" the other side of the sea into the country of the Gadarenes."The sea mentioned here is the lake of Galilee on the south. Lucan gospel explains the location so we may conclude that Jesus with his disciples arrived there from Galilee. ("which is over against Galilee".-8:26) Gadara is not directly named in the scripture but was a walled city where the Gentiles lived mostly and was a part of the Decapolis. The point of location we need note to our intent and purpose is this: geographically Gadarenes is situated on the east of the Jordan river. Crossing of the Jordan river in spiritual terms signifies death.

    Jesus cast out the many demons from the man. They all had a request:"And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.

    "For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit."/And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many./And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country."(vv.8-10)

    Unclean spirits require a body which is impossible for Satan to create. He is the father of lies and not of life. For this reason he used a serpent to beguile Eve and being cast out they had unanimously chose the herd of swine.

    "All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds."(1 Co.15:38-40). Here we have a country separate from the land of Galilee. In the Parable of Lazarus and the rich man, the latter had a place while Galilee signified the blessed state of the beggar. The other man's riches come in all forms and weights. Sheep, cattle and swines are part contributing to the wealth, and the rich man who wished Lazarus to visit him had chosen his own country. His cry came too late. ( Luke 16:24)
  • Ronald Whittemore - 6 days ago
    Traditions part 2

    In John 12:1-16 this is 6 days before Passover and Jesus rides into Jerusalem the next day which would be the 10th, the day the lambs are taken up five days before Passover day which is called today Palm Sunday.

    Each day is recorded in Matthew 21 through Matthew 27:56 Mark 11:1 through Mark 15:41 Luke 19:28 through Luke 23:49 John 12:1 through John 19:37.

    On the 1st day of the week, we call Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem and returned to Bethany in the evening to lodge.

    The second day shows Jesus going to Jerusalem and returning to Bethany.

    The third day is two days before Passover Matthew 26:2 Mark 14:1.

    On the fourth day, Judas makes the deal to betray Jesus and toward the end of the day, the disciples ask him where he wants them to prepare to eat the Passover. God commanded it to be eaten inside the city walls but they did not eat the Passover, Luke 22:15-16.

    When the sun went down the fourth day what we call Wednesday is the beginning of Passover day the 14th of Nisan the day the Passover lambs are killed, Mark 14:12 Luke 22:7. What confuses things is then and now Passover day and the Feast of Unleavened Bread is referred to as an eight-day feast. Passover day is a preparation day for the seven-day feast of Unleavened Bread not part of the seven-day feast.

    The lambs were killed on the 14th in the evening, the time when the sun starts to go down, any time after noon and before the sun sets. The Passover is eaten the night of the 15th the first day of the seven-day feast which is a holy convocation/Sabbath Exodus 12:8 the same night they went out of Egypt not on Passover day.

    The Lord's Supper and the crucifixion were on Passover day the fifth day from when Jesus rode into Jerusalem which would make that the 5th day of the week we call Thursday.

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Momsage - In Reply - 6 days ago
    Hello Jaz:

    I am glad to welcome you to this site with the blessings of God. I do agree that studying God's word through the decrement of the Holy Spirit and prayer are the most important things we can ever do in our lives. I think on this sometimes, when I'm tempted to spend to much time on entertaining myself, although with goodly things. I compare how much time have I spent with my Savior and His word then I have spent on this entertainment. Psalms 1 was one of the first scriptures I read that woke me up to this. Verse 2 reads: "But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. We study it, we pray it and we meditate on it." God Bless :)
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 6 days ago
    Hi Jaz,

    I believe that game is also called telephone, it shows how easily misunderstandings can happen. There are two simple ones, how many of each of the animals went into the ark with Noah? Many may say two, one male and one female of each of the animals, this comes from many of the Sunday school books but is not what Scripture says.

    And the wise men at the manger with all the nativity scenes out of porcelain and other art mediums and such but Scripture tells us they went to a house and saw the boy Jesus maybe as old as two, not a baby.

    This may be trivial, but it shows us something this small we can be wrong about should humble us to pray for the truth of all of the word of God.

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Momsage - 6 days ago
    Psalms 66: 16-20:

    16) Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. 17) I Cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. 18) If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: 19) But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. 20) Blessed be God, with hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.

    I always kind of wondered exactly how, I as a human, could "bless" God so I looked up the meaning of the original word at Bible Hub, the word is "barak" (baw-rak) which means kneel.



    Psalms 68: 3-5:

    3 But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. 4) Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. 5) A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.

    JAH: abbreviation of Yhovah which is the sacred name of God.
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 6 days ago
    Amen Jaz,

    Welcome to the site, what comes to mind is 2 Timothy 2:15-16, truth only comes from the Spirit of Truth, not our mind which is full of preconceived thoughts that blind our eyes, plug our ears, and block the truth.

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Richard H Priday - 1 week ago
    Concluding thoughts for now on misuse of scripture.

    Remembering the Pharisees shows us a prime example of how not to use scripture. Mark 7:11 is exhibit one in this subject matter; where for financial gain the needs of a parent were said to be avoided and was used in their logic to exonerate themselves for what was "dedicated to God". Psalm 105:15 stating to do no harm to God's anointed ones or prophets has also been mishandled by the "prosperity" preachers in particular and could of course be used by any cult leaders who are false prophets.

    Again we know how much Satan knows scripture. Anything that can be used to tickle men's ears and misused such as God's promises for blessings being boiled down to presumption of financial gain for all of God's people is made even more insane when attempting to justify such logic with other scriptures. Jesus was clearly a man of sorrows as Isaiah prophesied; and was essentially homeless; or at least a full time missionary along with the disciples; fully dependent on God for provisions. If He could state that we shouldn't concern ourselves with food and clothing ( Matthew 6:25) it is more than a stretch to entrust him for a Lamborghinis or jet plane. Note that Jesus didn't even mention SHELTER; and also indicated that the Son of Man has no place to lay His head ( Matt. 8:20). No point going further on that subject!

    A further consideration ties in with what I mentioned about the Pharisees in regard to making scriptures legalistic to maintain pride. This used to be more popular when parents were strict with children two and three generations ago. It still occurs in some denominations today under a guise of "holiness" but seen for what it is when Christ's love isn't on display. We can list all day long what we don't do or don't permit; but we also need to realize that it is the love of Christ that constrains us and draws people in ( 2 Cor. 5:14; John 12:32).

    in short; scripture is truth unless used for another agenda
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 1 week ago
    Hello Richard,

    If I may say when we open our Bible to read and study, if we are not willing to leave the baggage of traditions at the door and what we think we know, and in prayer with the mindset that we do not know anything our eyes and ears will be closed to the Spirit of truth. Until we are willing to humble ourselves the truth will be hidden.

    Deuteronomy 29:4 Yet the Lord hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 1 week ago
    Amen Momsage,

    Can't you just picture it in your mind? How beautiful it will be the new earth pure untouched by sin, we will have a joy and peace we have never known. There is much given to us in these verses.

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Momsage - 1 week ago
    Revelations 21: 22-27

    22) And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23) And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 24)And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 25) And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26) And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. 27) And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh it a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

    Revelations: 22: 1-7:

    1) And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2) in the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3) And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4) And they shall see His face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5) And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God give the them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. 6) And he said unto me, "These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

    (verse 7 is in red) "Behold I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.


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