"LIVE" in Bible Discussions

 
  • Richard H Priday - 7 hours ago
    Comparing the Resurection to the Rapture

    John 11:26 says... And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

    A true believer is "crucified with Christ" and it is not I who live ( Gal. 2:20). Our experience will differ somewhat in timing from those already asleep ( 1 Thess. 4:16). As Hebrews 9:27 states we are all to "die once and face the judgment". Also it states being "absent from the body is present with the Lord." ( 2 Cor. 5:8). This necessitates the "Bema Seat" judgment to occur at death; or in the case of those still alive and raptured up; at that time. So in a sense; it will be in completing the death process of the sanctification which ultimately brings us eternal life.

    I have often reminded people that martyrdom should it come is the end of a life of sanctification. In some ways that would be much like the Rapture in that there is a sudden end to our time on earth. It is possible someone could be martyred after a rather poor testimony and lukewarmness in this life; but more often scripturally at least it seems the persecutions and sufferings prepare a person for that end and death is simply a final display of Christ's holiness in the life of a saint. These truths are what makes all the claimed dreams about the rapture seem suspect. For one thing the Resurrection of the just is rarely even mentioned even though scripture states it to be the first thing immediately followed it seems by the Rapture of those still alive at the time. Some debate if Revelation 4:1 is indeed a foreshadowing of the Rapture; I would say it is and certainly the vision of Christ in the first chapter and his state of being as though dead will be our own condition when first beholding His glory. There is much ado about deceased relatives and other glories of a heavenly place and whatever is stated scripturally about that is true but of course the majesty of God overshadows that. Whatever the trip up is; the Bema Seat takes front & center
  • Jaz - 16 hours ago
    God does not lie .

    Genesis chapter 2 verse 17 . Adam and Eve did not die on that very day .

    2nd Peter chapter 3 verse 8 .

    How long did Methuselah live ? Genesis chapter 5 verse 27 .

    No one ever lived to fulfill one thousand years or as it states in 2nd Peter chapter 3 verse 8 one day .

    God does not lie . We just don't always put the pieces together correctly .
  • Richard H Priday - 1 day ago
    Further insights on my last post on Ezekiel 18.

    There was a time when we could give many examples of those who were steadfast in the faith; particularly Pastors throughout their career and after passing onto glory no doubt had great reward to look forward to. This was partly because correct doctrines were still more or less practiced and preached in these denominations who had a long history of such to show forth. This was also due to the culture and society that supported basic moral virtues. We shouldn't be so naive as to suppose there weren't rebels and those who found ways to utilize this mindset for their own personal interests for success in this life. In contrast however today we have seen many fall away; whether completely apostatizing; or being found in immorality. It seems the sad downfall of Ravi Zacharias began an acceleration of others away from truth. I won't bother naming names here.

    The sad truth is that someone can go through much of their ministry and lives doing right; and turn away in their last months on earth. This of course is true among the laypersons as well as we see the shocking decline in church attendance; openness to the sexual deviancy and leftist propaganda today; and yes that of the right as well. Again no need to name names here.

    So we can't put confidence in men. Indeed we are reminded of Ezekiel 9:6 where God authorized wholesale slaughter of men; women and children.

    This leads to a lot of sobering thoughts on where we are headed. There are many who think they can side with wickedness and that it helps them be left alone or approved by the world. It is forgotten quickly the adage in Matthew 7:6 on "casting our pearls before swine". You can be sure if and when there is an invasion or full persecution here or anywhere the lukewarm will be the first to suffer loss.

    The few that are sold out for Christ know it and God knows them. Let us press on for the prize ( Philippians 3:14); alone if necessary.
  • Richard H Priday - 1 day ago
    Ezekiel 18:25-28 states:

    25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?

    26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.

    27 Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.

    28 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

    These verses at first glance seem to contradict the idea of the Grace of God. A basic argument that holds some water here is that the Spirit of God didn't work at it does today ( John 16:8) with a permanent indwelling as this and other verses promise.

    We could also look at such instances as King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 20:6 who apparently had a righteous life and God heard his prayer to continue 15 more years. One good study is with Saul's foolishness which ended with an early death after he saught wisdom from the witch of Endor in 1 Samuel 28. We see other wicked kings as well have a shortened life; perhaps also Solomon. Of course we all die physically; and some would argue the soul dies also only the spirit goes on to eternity. I would add the solution is in verse 31 of Ezekiel 18 which mentions getting a new heart and spirit. This only comes through the Lord ( Ezekiel 36:26-27). Without this we can superficially ask forgiveness every time an outward sin is found; but this doesn't make us able to do good because of man's sin nature; and ignores sins of omission as well as one's we aren't aware of. It also shows how we shouldn't boast how long we haven't sinned as some foolishly proclaim; ignoring warnings in 1 John about the fact that we are a liar if we claim we have no sin. God's children are corrected even through their sin in the sanctification process.
  • Bennymkje - 1 day ago
    Mark 7:32-37

    "(Jesus)he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak."

    As with the raising of Jairus' daughter Jesus does healing and St Mark intends us to see it as significant. "And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him./And he took him aside from the multitude,." In the case of the man with palsy, "And it was noised that he was in the house."(2:1) He saw the faith who found an ingenious way to get the man before Jesus. "When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee."(2:1-5,10) Who was Jesus? "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins," it was faith that connected him to the world. His Father sent him with a mandate that made sin standing athwart man and his malady. So he addressed it by forgiving him. Their faith was good as of the impotent man.

    Whether in the house or in the open, the man in need of a cure was on one-to -one with Jesus and faith was what effected the healing. In the case of the Syrophoenician woman who sought out Jesus when he visited their environs, the demon-possessed damsel was in her house while her mother displayed her faith. She was as much an intercessor as Jesus stood in relation to his Father. "Behold I and the children which God hath given me./ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;/And deliver them.(He.2:13-15)" Her daughter was instantly healed as in the case of the deaf and dumb man. " And straightway his ears were opened,... and he spake plain."(v.35) What is the significance of a man's spittle when it was the means to heal him? It just proves," Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same." His humanity fits with his need.
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 2 days 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 - 2 days ago
    Mark 7:13 "Of none effect"

    " Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye."

    Parable of the Sower illustrates how the word sown in the heart of man fails to produce what is intended. God formed all hearts alike but the enemy slipping in tares speak of a heart that is let untended. It is a no man's land or the wayside where birds of the air can make away with the good seed. The heart is like a sluggard's field for many and with such what is truth? It is all things to all occasions. God commanded the man not to eat of the fruit of tree of knowledge of good and evil. But Eve let the serpent an occasion to hear his take on the matter. is truth to be treated for anyone to counsel how? Eve let the context determine her course of action. Her senses took over bypassing what was inscribed in her hearts. Ever since what has knowledge of good and evil given her? God cursed the ground, "for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;/ Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee;"(Ge.3:17-18)

    Spiritual meaning of thorns and thistles we may glean from the Parable of the Sower. For instance the oncologists warns us of a troubling trend that Early onset cancer, which is defined as happening in adults under 50 years of age, is no anomaly. In fact, it is part of a rising global trend in which newly diagnosed cancer patients are getting younger. Further, it deflates the myth that cancer is the preserve of older people. Cumulative effect of sin treated so lightly for instance glossing over the works embedded in faith so fruits of the Spirit is produced by abiding life in Christ. How can those actively engaged in culture wars, and churches that ride the coattails of politicians come to the light lest their works of darkness be reproved by Christ? Instead the imposter religion has traditions of their elders. Sin never remains single but every evil work are carried on without let up
  • Richard H Priday - 2 days ago
    Meditation on "Holy Week"

    There are many churches who are going to detail the last week of Christ's earthly ministry before His death on the cross from Palm Sunday's exaltation and praise to the Passover meal; betrayal and all the sufferings in Gethsemane followed by those leading up to his death in the mock trials involving the Jews and Roman authorities; and finally of course what He endured on the cross.

    Following Passover (which happens to be off a month due to a leap year concept) we have the approximate time of the year correct as to when these things take place; of course now removed nearly 2000 years since the event. We naturally want to deviate from all the pagan rituals of Easter (derived from "Ishtar") along with the celebrations of fertility around the equinox and the variants related to eggs; bunnies and consuming ham. It is doubtful today that we are finding some sinister idol worship when it comes to an egg hunt or consuming certain foods but for those whose conscience doesn't allow that; along with those who won't celebrate Christmas which admittedly has become even more perverted everyone should respect the decisions of others whether abstaining or not (unless somehow we are truly involved with some New Age or occult practices).

    At any event; my main concept involves realizing the deliverance of the Exodus with Passover and of course how blood on the doorposts is symbolic of our Lord and His atonement for us with the perfect sacrifice as an unblemished lamb ( 1 Peter 1:19).

    Remembering that this week is the culmination of the life of our Lord and not isolating the event from all the other perfect acts He did throughout His ministry needs to be taken into consideration along with the fact that He "ever lives to intercede for us now" ( Heb. 7:25). We must remember the sacrificial love He showed in our relations with others. There is no greater love than giving our life for our friends ( John 15:13). That is one day at a time until the end.
  • Richard H Priday - In Reply - 4 days ago
    Since I had several postings on the subject yesterday; I would recommend you to look at that if helpful.

    On my last commentary yesterday, I discussed the "mark of Cain" as mentioned in Genesis 4:15. This was something God allowed after Cain murdured his brother and was promised that he would be a vagabond on the earth from that point forth and Cain protested saying that was too hard. The Lord could have wiped him out at that point; but there was a greater lesson there.

    Later on we see Lamech in Genesis 4:24 saying that he would be avenged seventy seven times after his violent acts.

    Several things can be pointed out here; firstly this was the first time a mark on a person was given; and also God ultimately was the authority. Cain at the time would have been the only man alive; conceivably marrying one of his sisters later born to Adam and Eve so that God had to preserve him to continue the human race at that point at least until Seth was born; of course God knew ahead of time that others would reproduce; but also at the time there was no formal law regarding murder.

    The main concept here and later passages is any mark whether of God or Satan is an identifier of a master and ownership. The idea that we ultimately have free will in regard to this issue seems to be ultimately not true. God once again mentions a mark with those who are mourning over the abominations at the time in the Temple of Jerusalem ( Ezekiel 9:4). God's mark again is mentioned with the 144,000 in Revelation 7 starting in verse 4. This is to make the judgments of God to not affect these men.

    Of course the infamous mark of the Beast in Revelation 13 is something people will take or "decide" on; but all those whose names are not written in the Book of Life will not only take it but worship the Beast. ( Rev. 13:8).

    Computer chips are now assimilating economic and health care information; so likely a chip is meant ("chargma") in original language means a mark on or under theskin
  • Bennymkje - 6 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 1

    Traditions are practices, customs, or rituals that are passed down from generation to generation.

    Truth refers to unbiassed reality, the correct representation of facts, it surpasses personal opinions or feelings.

    Easter Sunday is a holiday celebrated by millions of people around the world who honor the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is also the day that many children excitedly wait for the Easter Bunny to arrive and deliver their treats of baskets filled with chocolate, eggs, and stuffed rabbits.

    Easter is a holiday that is now chosen to correspond with the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox unless the full moon falls on a Sunday then it would be the next Sunday. Passover is now not considered in selecting the day. The Jewish feast that was the same day Jesus resurrected that most overlook is the Feast of First Fruits even though Jesus is the First Fruits of them that slept.

    There are many myths about Easter, but all come from pagan sun worship and their festivals correspond with the sun's equinoxes. The ascension of Christ and Pentecost has been changed to 40 days from Easter and 50 days from Easter not from the first day after the Sabbath after Passover day.

    Easter was originally called Resurrection Morning which was the Feast of First Fruits, the first day after the sabbath day after Passover during the Feast of unleavened bread, this is the first day in counting the days of the seven sabbaths of the Feasts of Weeks, that has been replaced with traditions of Good Friday, two days in the grave, sunrise services, Ezekiel 8:15-16, bunnies, colored eggs, baskets, pretty hats and dresses.

    Does the Bible tell us what day Jesus was crucified? Yes, Jesus is our Passover and for Him to fulfill the Feasts it would have to be exactly as the first Passover. The lambs were taken up on the 10th and killed on the evening before the sunset on the 14th of Nisan, Exodus 12:1-6.

    See part 2.
  • 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 :)
  • Lindaboroski@gmail.com on 1 Kings 7 - 1 week ago
    Thank you, Lord, for Jesus who sent his Spirit to live in our hearts, the only temple you ever wanted. Amen.
  • Richard H Priday - 1 week ago
    More on the Tribulation

    And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. ( John 8:35).

    When we consider the state of the human soul as well as the angelic realm we realize that access to the heavenly abode is only for those who kept their first estate; as opposed to those mentioned in Jude 6 who fell away after Lucifer's deception. Such is the case as well for men; unregenerate men are truly slaves to sin ( Romans 6:20). We find that our freedom indeed puts us into bondage while being a servant of Christ brings victory.

    It is tempting to include some verses from secular songs which at least admit to the dazzling display that Satan appearing as an angel of light uses to delude the masses. ( 2 Cor. 11:14). Since he can no longer magnify God's name; Satan and his minions can only appeal to the nature of man; as he did when influencing Peter to speak as he did about Christ ( Matthew 16:23). Men's thoughts are on self preservation; not sacrificial love. We want to keep close those who are closest to us; which isn't necessarily wrong in itself but is if God is subservient; thus we hate our lives and keep it ( John 12:25). Hence is the paradox of living in Christ and it will come to it's fullest realization during the fires of the Tribulation. It is hard to comprehend just how powerful the delusion will be mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:11. GOD sends the strong delusion! As stated previously; the trumpet judgments still won't deter the world of it's sins; and in Revelation 9:14-21 after the 200,000,000 demon horde kill one third of all of the earth people STILL won't stop their abominable acts. Keep in mind this is well after the sixth SEAL where people at that time are still hiding in caves and fully aware of God and Christ on their thrones beginning judgment ( Rev. 6:16-17).

    This of course will lead to the delusion mentioned in Psalm 2 and Revelation 19 where men come together at Armageddon and eventually try to fight God.
  • Richard H Priday - 1 week ago
    The Tribulation: A general overview of events

    John 5:43 seems to allude of the Antichrist who comes "in his own name". This substitute or opposing Christ to the genuine Savior will; as Revelation states be worshipped ultimately by ALL whose names are NOT written in the book of life from before the foundation of the world ( Rev. 13:8). Whatever "quality" of life will be enjoyed by those taking the infamous mark of the beast it certainly won't be worth it considering eternal torment in hell to follow. I can envision it being much like a drug addict who is little more than skin and bones because they are so intoxicated with their "fix" that their whole self has turned from natural bahaviors taking care of themselves. The Tribulation may begin for those enjoying the benefits of the Babylon system for the first half of the event as what seems like a long party. Hence we see fornications; murders; idol worship and other abominations endure until the fifth trumpet judgment. At that point the wicked get a foretaste of sufferings to come; which I suspect Antichrist who arises immediately after will say he has put to an end after the 5 months; and also he will demonstrate immortality by the apparently miraculous revival from a deadly wound (see Zech. 11:17; ( Rev. 13:3). He also will give himself credit no doubt for killing the 2 witnesses which the world will celebrate; but their Resurrection will clue those in who are of God that the game is soon up and to run for their lives.

    God has demonstrated throughout scripture that he has an end game in mind once sin reaches a certain level. We can see this as early as Genesis 15;16 with the iniquity of the Amorites. God has dealt with the United States for hundreds of years and for us to think we are exempt from the fate of everyone else is folly. When we consider how many hundreds of millions of abortions and other killings occur with the principle of Genesis 9:5; it is no wonder billions will die.
  • Richard H Priday - 1 week ago
    Romans 2:9 states: There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile..

    (NIV); but says tribulation and anguish in the KJV. There is another verse stating that judgment begins at the house of God. ( 1 Peter 4:17).

    Just as not all Israel is Israel ( Romans 9:6); not all the "professing" church is the possessing church; that is possessing the Holy Spirit and true salvation. Jesus made that perfectly clear to those who thought because they were the physical descendants of Abraham that gave them some sort of benefit were sadly mistaken ( John 8:39-44). Those who had seen Christ; knew the prophecies about the Messiah and yet rejected Him would in fact be worse off than Sodom and Gomorrah in their punishment. ( Matt. 11:21-24). We see similar warnings for those who have knowledge of the truth and become reprobate; in that it would be better not to have known it in the first place ( 2 Peter 2:21).

    Testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith is sadly lacking today among professing believers; or we would see a reality check in the fruits of many lives. ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). We can glibly see this example as a carnal bunch of people and think that being steeped in our own religious training or theology that we are automatically exempt from this test. I have said before that there are dangers in any extreme that is lacking the balancing attribute; such as with loving people and warning them of judgment to come ( John 16:8). We see in the Ephesian church everything being done properly but their first love somehow becoming distant in their hearts. Look at 1 Corinthians 13:6; love rejoices in the truth. The basic fact that man's heart is desperately wicked ( Jeremiah 17:9) and that our sin makes us enemies of God ( James 4:4) means that there is a wall between opposing parties and yes God is angry with the wicked (i.e. us) every day. ( Psalm 7:11). Having our heads in the sand doesn't help anyone.
  • Bennymkje - 1 week ago
    Mark 3:25-27 "Strong man's house"

    " No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house."

    Of whose house are we? " But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." (He.3:6).One whose hope is firm to the end and works are done in faith cannot be a weak vessel. He is instead an overcomer" Jesus Christ has overcome the world and abiding in him all things are possible because he has promised and we know all promiseds of God are yea in his Son. If we have the Son we have the Father as well.

    The verse speaks of anyone who serves God and mammon; like Samson there comes a point in his life that he gets taken like the dumb beast for the slaughter-house. "And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him."(Ju.16:20)

    Parable of Jesus tells how the unclean spirit spoils his house.

    "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none./ Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished./Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation." (Matt.12:43-45)

    When Jesus sent his disciples he authorized them to cast out demons. "And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease."(Matt.10:1) Jesus was among them as a sign; so are believers whose lives identify with it. "And these signs shall follow them,"(16:17). 'In my name'
  • Bennymkje - 1 week ago
    Mark 3:29-30 "Faith with works"

    "But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation./ Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit."

    Jesus was in a synagogue when he cast out the man with the unclean spirit. He called Jesus," Let us alone; what have we to do with thee". He was using the spirit of man so uses the plural form and tells "I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God."(1:24-25). St Paul warned us that no one with indwelling Spirit shall say Jesus is accursed. ("Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost."-1 Co.12:3). The unclean spirit in the man having taken over his life would not curse Jesus but only want him to leave him in peace. He showed faith in his speech, did he not, testifying,' I know thee who thou art, the Holy one of God'. This is what faith without works mean. In our times some of the so-called believers deny the deity of Jesus while not leaving it altogether, ought to warn not to have any trek with them. They are besides themselves to hold on to their belief. Their heresies and holding on to them, does not remain on a single point but becomes entangled with great many other errors. If one says, resurrection of the body is a lie, he is likely to cover it by the glory of this world. It is what the devil offered Jesus before he would preach the gospel. Christian nationalism, white evangelicalism are similarly are telltale signs of believers who simply appropriate Jesus, and their faith is the truncated tail of a lizard without the body of Christ."And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him."(1:25)

    While we groan in this vile body we have a building of God eternal in heavens. So do we live both worlds as one or not? "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." In thy light we see the light.
  • GiGi - 1 week ago
    "S" GOD IS SELF-EXISTENT

    Existence (LIFE) us what God is. He does not derive His life from outside of Himself. He has always existed and will exist forever. He cannot not Exist. And His life is life abundant, completely full without any room for more fullness, nor can His Life diminish in any way. He is changeless in His existence.

    So, we, as chosen believers, are given the privilege of having life in God through the salvation of Christ Jesus our Lord. This is eternal life. To have live in the life of God. We have temporal life now that is not the best nor maximum life we can experience. But in the resurrection we will enter into His life fully when our mortalliy is removed and our earthly life is transformed.

    In this life we do have eternal life in Christ, but there is a "yet to be realized" aspect of it that waits for the resurrection.
  • GiGi - 1 week ago
    "S" God is SAVIOR

    God alone is the Savior of men.

    Is. 19:20 says that God will send a savior and defender. ad God identifies the Savior as the Holy One of Israel ( a name of God) in Is. 43:3. In 43:11 God says that apart from Him there is NO Savior. Also Hos. 13:4

    God calls Himself Savior in Is. 45:21; 49:26; 60:16. Jesus is called the Savior of the world John 4:42; Acts 5:31; 13:23, 1 Tim. 4:10,

    the Father sent the Son to as Savior ( 1 Jn. 4:14)

    and Jude 1:25 says that Jesus our only God and Savior and He should be glorified and honored the SAME as the Father who is God ( Jn. 5:23) thus claiming equality with the Father. (also see Jn. 5:18; Jn. 10: 30-38; 8:58)

    So, in light of these truths of Scripture, It is fact that God alone is our Savior, and the Father sent His Divine Son into the world to save sinners.

    Hallelujah! Because every human that has ever lived needs to be saved from their sins, and Jesus, God the Son, is this Savior, and no mere man can save anyone.
  • GiGi - 1 week ago
    For "S"

    GOD IS SUPREME OVER ALL

    The supremacy of God is unrivaled. All that is belongs to Him. " Ps. 24:1 the earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof, the world and all that dwell therein".

    1 Chr.29:11 "Thine O, Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, and thou art exalted as head above all."

    God reigns as the supreme sovereign of all creation. He is the maker of heaven and earth, all that is seen and unseen, even the powers, principalities, dominions, rulers in high places are ruled by Him.

    In the consummation when Jesus returns, ALL things will be given to Jesus and then Jesus will conquer the final enemy death, and then He will turn ALL things over to His Father for a reign that lasts forever. ( 1 Cor 15:24-28)

    I love this doxology often added at the end of the Lord's prayer.

    "For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever Amen."

    It is foolish for anyone to think they can or try to thwart God's will and purposes. Satan was foolish and continues in his folly forever because he did not wanted to be ruled by God. We should be careful not to fall into rebellion against God's rule in our lives. It is for our best that we submit to Him in everything in every way. We are really powerless in light of His greatness. And we know that He is the "only wise God" and the only one who is truly good.

    So we can trust Him and not lose heart when things are allowed to happen in our lives that are painful, difficult, perplexing, or cause us to despair or doubt. We remember that Jesus is familiar with our weakness and infirmities and is our great High Priest, perfect in every way to not only mediate for us but is perfect and can help us in the best way in all circumstances.
  • Momsage - In Reply - 1 week ago
    Hello Chrisdube:

    You asked this about the Apocrypha: "So if it wasn't "God inspired," how did it manage to remain between the Testaments for 270+ years?" Why the Apocrypha was included in the KJV until 1885 is a kind of mystery but it shouldn't be a cause to believe in this book as Holy Ghost inspired. What matters is this book contains some very serious false doctrines which proves it is not Holy Ghost inspired.

    In 2nd Maccabees 12: 40-43 it gives credence in giving prayers and alms so that the dead can be forgiven and eventually go to heaven. After a major battle during the preparation for burial of soldiers who had died, it was discovered that each of them was wearing amulets of devotion to pagan gods under their clothes which was sin: "Then under the tunic of each one of the dead, they found sacred tokens of the idols of Jamnia, which the law forbids the Jews to wear. And it became clear to all that this was the reason these men had fallen. So they all blessed the ways of the Lord, the righteous Judge, who reveals the things that are hidden; and they turned to supplication, praying that the sin that had been committed might be wholly blotted out,"

    In Baruch 3:4 it teaches that the dead can pray for themselves to eventually go to heaven. "O Lord Almighty, thou God of Israel, hear now the prayers of the dead Israelites, and of their children, which have sinned before thee, and not hearkened unto the voice of thee their God: for the which cause these plagues cleave unto us.

    In Tobit 9:12 it claims that alms can purge away sin. "For alms doth deliver from death, and shall purge away all sin. Those that exercise alms and righteousness shall be filled with life:"

    So whether we can give a precise reason why God allowed the Apocrypha to be included in the KJB for a time or not, it is a book to be avoided by true believers. God Bless :)
  • GiGi - 1 week ago
    GOD IS RIGHTEOUS

    Part 3.

    When I consider that the righteousness of Jesus is the righteousness of God lived out in the incarnation of His Son, then I am awed by how great must be the pure and holy way Jesus lived on this earth in His lifetime here. He must have stood out among all other people because NO ONE could lay any charge against Him of wrongdoing or ill-will or disobedience to God or offense against any man. he was completely and divinely pure and holy, without any taint of sin, no corruption of soul, no part of his human nature in rebellion against His Father or divine nature. In Him was perfect harmony of God and man without any conflict or dissonance. He as altogether righteous and because He was God in the flesh, His righteousness was infinitely immense enough to cover the sins of every person who every lived or will live.

    We can know that all of our own sin can be covered by His righteousness and that His perfect sacrifice was infinitely sufficient to save my from my sins, death, hell, and the devil. His righteousness provides me with justification before God and awards me salvation and eternal life with him and the Father and the Holy Spirit forever. What a priceless treasure and gift God has given us. he gave us Himself. Hallelujah!
  • Bennymkje - 1 week ago
    Mark 2:27-28 Sabbath (1 of 2)

    Luke and Matthew also give the context and the quote, "And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath."( Luke 6:5;12:8) The everlasting covenant is between two equals so the eternal word is the Law backed by the kingdom of the Father. In case of faith we have the basis of these two worlds (He.11:3) which we shall leave aside for the moment. What are the equal entities here? They are Power on the part of God Wisdom on the part of Man. St Paul separates Man as the Lord of heaven, from man who is the earthy. "The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven."(1 Co.15:47-48)

    When Jesus was born of woman his deity was never in jeopardy since he is the Word become flesh and sent with the divine Mandate. ( John 3:16)

    When Jesus spoke "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work" it is this Word was God it refers.( John 1:1; 5:17-23)

    Speaking of the context Mark 2:24 we have the Pharisees questioning "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him."

    Next point of Sabbath is that the day Seven. God has decree the day which touches his Alpha Omega aspect. " I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee./Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession."(Ps.2:7-8) There is no sanctity for observing Sabbath without the Son element incorporated in our lives. This heresy has arisen because the Christians interpret the word of God literally and assume it is the seventh day of a week. It is an error. It is thus approaching the Bible with out the aid of the Spirit. John's epistle speaks of those who have the Son has also the Father.
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 1 week ago
    GiGi,

    Part 5 and last Trinity discussion,

    Do you believe that Jesus lived a sinless life?

    Scripture is clear Jesus had no sin, Hebrews 4:15 1 Peter 2:22 1 John 3:5 Romans 5:12-15.

    Do you believe that the Father and the Son are one as Jesus said in Jn. 17 or that He and the Father are "in" one another and if they see Jesus, they see the Father?

    Both, Jesus said I and my Father are one John 10:30 and in other places, one means unity. Jesus was one with the Father not because Jesus was God but because He was filled with the Spirit and God dwelt in him, John 14:10, as we see God was in Christ 2 Corinthians 5:19

    God dwelt in Jesus and empowered Him by His Spirit that gave Jesus the power and authority like Matthew 11:27 All things are delivered to Jesus of His Father, Jesus did not have it, all was given to Him. God was manifest in Jesus, John 12:49 John 14:10. This is why Jesus said if you have seen me, you have seen the Father, John 14:9.

    Jesus in His prayer asked the Father that we may be one, as He and His Father are one through the words of the disciples, John 17:20-23. God and Jesus will dwell in us and we in them, 1 John 4:13-16 1 John 3:23-24.

    How is it that Jesus AND the Father send the Holy Spirit if there is only one person as God?

    Jesus said He would pray to the Father to give another comforter, John 14:16, we see in John 14:26 the Father will send in Jesus's name. In John 15:26 Jesus said I will send but this is from the Father and the Spirit of truth that proceedeth from the Father. This is not a person it is the Spirit of God.

    Please don't take this wrong, in the Trinity there is one God who eternally exists as three distinct Persons: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each Person is fully God, coequal, coeternal, and consubstantial. I'm sorry my understanding, is Scripture does not support that, Scripture is clear the Father is above all.

    Thank you, GiGi, I hope this is what you wanted I am not the best at this.

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 1 week ago
    GiGi,

    Part 4 Trinity discussion.

    Do you believe that the will of the Father and the will of the Son are always the same or different?

    Jesus was obedient to the Father, Jesus said many times it is not His will but the will of the Father who sent Him, the same as we are to do, John 4:34 John 5:30 Mark 3:35.

    Do you believe that a human being can truly save all men from sin and death by a perfect life in their own will?

    First, I will have to say it was the will of the Father, Jesus at the end even asked His father if there was another way but not Jesus's will but the will of His Father, Matthew 26:39 Luke 22:42. We are told this is the foundation of our faith, Jesus' sacrificial death. God cannot die God is Spirit He has no blood to shed for sin it had to be a man, His Son, born of a woman.

    John 3:16 God gave His Son not Himself 1 John 2:22 1 John 4:3 2 John 1:7 Romans 5:8 2 Corinthians 5:21, God cannot be made sin, 1 Corinthians 15:17 Jesus died, and God raised Him from the dead, the first man to live a perfect life, the first fruits of those who sleep in death. 1 Corinthians 15:14 as said if Jesus was not a man who lived a perfect life and died and was raised from the dead all is vain.

    The first Adam was the first man Jesus was the last Adam and the second man, 1 Corinthians 15:45-47. 1 Corinthians 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. The law had to be fulfilled by a man.

    How would a human being know that they are the Messiah from birth and thus know not to ever sin?

    As we see Luke 2:51-52 Jesus grew up increasing in wisdom and stature in favor with God and man. Jesus was twelve years old and He knew His father was God, but it doesn't say Jesus knew then He was to be the Messiah. God also said He would raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, Deuteronomy 18:15, Isaiah 11:1-5 Isaiah 61:1-2 confirmed in Luke 4:18-21. Romans 1:1-4 2 Timothy 2:8.

    See part 5
  • Richard H Priday - 1 week ago
    Prayer (continued)

    It is hard not to feel an impetus to prod on this subject. I am well aware that I don't have a spiritual gift of service and helps.

    There are always needs and we can't live our lives in a vacuum; and that goes for church as well as in the rest of our lives. Perhaps it is doing what is needed rather than endless activities that also matters. I don't personally find it comfortable having a "Game night" at church nor have I been a social "butterfly" in general but these events when accompanied with prayer (and not with sinful activities that so often come about) these events can be edifying. As I stated previously discussions on world events often deviate toward speculation; there are times when scriptures can be discussed; and can be edifying when these discussions go into detail of Bible truths.

    Evangelism

    I probably said sometime in the last few years of posts that prayer is also good accompanying evangelism for anyone genuinely seeking it. I am not into the "sinner's prayer" in initial conversations; once we get to know people and see a genuine conviction that is the time to seek if they are ready to commit their lives to the Lord. We are partially responsible for someone's fate (blood on our hands) if we don't warn people of taking a vow to God flippantly. We should warn that the more we know the more we are responsible for. We should give many warnings as Christ did about it being the "narrow" path not the broad road leading to destruction ( Matthew 7:13-14). We should also give caution on the trials; thorns and temptations that God uses to test us to see if we are true believers ( Matt. 13:22). Such exhortations may filter out some; but I am convinced will in the end have a greater percentage of committed believers who endure to the end. The song by David Meese "You've gotta count the cost if you want to be a believer" isn't exactly the lingo in today's Christian music "industry" and that is to it's shame.
  • Richard H Priday - 1 week ago
    Whole counsel of God: Church membership.

    Here is an issue that can leave us at times with more questions than answers. I may have stated in a past post about a friend of mine in a former church who gladly cleans bathrooms and does other "servile" actions. The definition of that word is interesting because it both encompasses someone who is exuberant about serving others as well as someone often looked down as a low class member of society. Food for thought...

    At any event; this friend of mine along with a sizeable group in my current church more than meet the commitment of those who are considered "members" (in fact they seem to exceed them in many ways). In general their explanation of not being a member when I have inquired is that they feel no need to make a formal commitment to something that is a man made sort of concept. Here are a few summary bullet points.

    WHY WE SHOULD BE A CHURCH MEMBER

    WE MAKE A FORMAL DECLARATION AND ARE HELD TO THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF OUR COMMITMENTS TO SERVICE; PRAYER; SCRIPTURE READING; EVANGELISM AND WHATEVER ELSE IS IN A DENOMINATIONAL "STATEMENT OF FAITH"

    WE ARE IN MANY CASES GIVEN ACCESS TO COMMINION AS WELL AS DECISIONS IN CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS ON FINANCES AND VOTES FOR NEW LEADERSHIP

    Now I am going to go through a couple reasons that we should be cautious about becoming a member. Most pressing in my situation is something I was concerned about before I was made a member; that is those who are taking communion unworthily (either in adultery or fornication in particular). I won't go into the subject again as to how I view remarriage when a spouse is still alive as being adultery. In general though if we are a church member we have a responsibility to hold leadership as well as other laypersons accountable which is often uncomfortable. Clearly we should expect our own conduct to be examined carefully as well; exhortation is said to be a spiritual gift but we rarely see it these days.
  • Richard H Priday - 1 week ago
    Preaching the whole counsel of God.

    Perhaps Acts 20:27 about the whole will of God is closest to the concept in this title. I have found a growing issue of many who have aberrant doctrines (losing one's salvation; or "modalism" but who have a correct interpretation of certain specific issues. Specifically; I have been looking at those who preach what I consider correct doctrine on the permanence of a marriage covenant while a first spouse remains alive. I have mentioned previously churches where I have fellowshipped that are either "Post or Amillenial" which I disagree with but nonetheless felt that I would regard it as a "secondary" issue after seeing the conviction of faith in general. Therefore; the first thing we have to consider is if the errant doctrine is in our own church or in someplace we are either surfing online or perhaps occasionally attending such as a Bible Study. I have been to VERY liberal groups on occasion where I have had the opportunity to challenge leadership when I had some time alone as well as try to be a witness to those needing some further insights into the Bible. Clearly even in this setting; when someone else wants to teach and says that we only need Jesus not the Bible (such as happened with a friend of mine recently) it is time to pull the Kenny Rogers and know when to walk away or run if we can't convince leadership to stop someone like this (in this case it was the guy's best friend and hopefully he heeded the warning of my friend).

    A big component related to this subject goes from the extreme of "hyper grace" individuals to overly legalistic. Again; some latitude needs to be considered as to a style of worship and more importantly the REASON certain procedures are followed along with the character of those in leadershiip. It is an honor to jealously guard the honor of a congregation from wolves and to use scripture to back all things up; but we shouldn't make the way more narrow than Jesus intends.
  • Bennymkje - 1 week ago
    Mark 2:1-12 "We never saw it on this fashion" (1 of 2)

    "And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion."

    Authority of Jesus evidently came from the doctrine of his Father; and the word become flesh could say,"I am the truth". Unlike the scribes whose authority, as Jesus faulted them, reeked of hypocrisy (1:22) he walked the straight and narrow line. John testifies,"For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken./I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say."( John 12:49-50) Where did he learn from? He was in the bosom of his Father so what he said and did was defining the Father inside out.( John 1:18)

    While healing the man with palsy, his response we read,"immediately" he arose. He proved "I and my Father are one" and Mark's delineation spares no pains to tell this relation. "He that has the Father has the Son as well. He that has the Son has the Father also' when Jesus made it possible 'inso much that they were all amazed." They glorified God.( 1 John 2:23)

    In the previous chapter he was in a synagogue in Capernaum, the unclean spirit 'cried out,"I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God." In the world of the Spirit even unclean spirits know the Holy One of God" but they do not want to follow him. In what was the scribes and the Pharisees who did not live by what they preached? Their uncleanness arose from hypocrisy a spiritual malady. Mark here takes us again to Capernaum. In the domestic setting what does the scribes say," Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?"(2:7) He was indeed of God to see through them. The tag 'immediately' in v.8 "And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit", is an indication that his deity worked even when he emptied himself.


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