"MARRIAGE" in Bible Discussions

 
  • Richard H Priday - 1 day ago
    John 6:54 states: Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

    There are two views on the subject; the "transubstantiation" argument of the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions and the purely symbolic or metaphorical doctrines we find in many Protestant churches. In the first view we have to hold to an abhorrent view that there is an ongoing or perpetual reinstitution of Christ's sacrifice at every communion; clearly contrary to where Christ stated "it is finished" on the cross and Hebrews 9:28 speaking of His one time sacrifice for many. The Protestant viewpoint; however can tend to treat communion and in fact many other rites or ceremonies as merely symbolic and thus be calloused to verses such as 1 Corinthians 11:30 which states that many have become sick and died (fallen asleep) due to taking communion unworthily.

    Communion therefore is something which each individual is held accountable for but also involves a union in the Body of Christ through the function of the Holy Spirit. We certainly can't isolate these warnings just for communion; for instance we have no business being baptized without a proper confession of faith and marriages also need to be taken seriously in regard to the covenant vows. The New Covenant brings the blood ATONEMENT which essentially exchanges His life for our own as our spiritual sustenance; along with His broken body. He purchased us with the cost of His life and redeemed us from death and hell by taking our place on the cross of Calvary. Such a detestable imagery of a snake on a pole was an early representation of this Numbers 21. A man was cursed when hung on a tree ( Deut. 21:22-23). We are then partakers in Christ and His sufferings ( 1 Peter 4:13); see also Hebrews 3:14 on enduring to the end.

    In terms of eternal physical life; we of course have the tree of life as mentioned in the Garden. We also will be raised incorruptible if we are in Him.
  • Bennymkje - 1 week ago
    Mark 3:31-35 "Our Father in heaven" (1 of 2)

    "Who is my mother, or my brethren?"

    In this passage the Spirit is setting two sets of families each representing the world of the Spirit and of the body. In the former world familial relationship is pendent to the covenant between God and Man, The latter is symbolic of heaven but in keeping with the body formed of the dust, it is the union of dust to dust and ashes to ashes. "For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven."(12:25; Matt.22:30). Resurrection of the dead is restoration of the covenant to its former glory where Power and glory of God renders the Man his throne so "and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."(Re.21:3)

    Thus the saying of Jesus refers to the world of the Spirit,"But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren./And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven."(Matt.23:8-9)

    In marriage man and woman leave their parents and they shall be one flesh, "And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?"( Luke 16:12; Ge.2:23)

    This was provisioned for in the covenant. In Ge.1:28-29 we are shown what our Father in heaven had entrusted them with His creation. "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." This was entrusted with man in his Son. It is to this God willed and the covenant exists, and as a proof sent his only begotten Son to the world in fulness of time.

    As the key verse states there is no gender difference. Only those who do the will of God.
  • Richard H Priday - 1 week ago
    Marriage

    It is said by Catholics that marriage is a sacrament that is only necessitated by the vow a man makes with a woman; and I agree with that view despite disagreeing with many other things in their belief system. The idea of a minister to oversee the event from what I can tell helps to involve two or three witnesses (usually along with parents) such as 2 Corinthians 13:1 states. There are other verses as well; none directly discuss a marriage or any other vow; but it does apply in the fact that should one or more parties violate the covenant church discipline can be used against them. I am not sure how things are in the big picture but it seems whenever marriages do occur it is often in another church that the family prefers and many times there is little sense of a whole congregation being involved at least like they used to in the past. Maybe I am off somewhat but that's how I see it.

    Good counsel is helpful in that respect however; if anything to keep a healthy balance of older women guiding the youth and allowing for good interactions and support. This is something more favorable it seems today in the Reformed churches from my experiences. Such interactions of a church being a family of course should extend to foreign missionaries that are affiliated with a denomination. It is a shame when we think of missionaries being "out there" and we detach ourselves emotionally when we give financial support. Their marriages and family are components of their witness as much as their evangelism and one can't be separated from the other; although of course some are single individuals on the mission field.

    Again; it is sad to say that from my viewpoint there is a tolerance for remarriage in these same sort of congregations (although many won't perform them). I would say that existing marriages have greater chance of longevity and less for divorce in the Reformed circles than others who have 50 percent divorce rates as all of society if they marry at all.
  • 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.
  • Momsage - 1 week ago
    So why would a true believer not want to believe in the Trinity? We know God the Father, our creator. We know Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, God Himself becoming incarnate as man so He could shed His divine blood for the salvation of mankind. We know the Holy Spirit, the fire that came to the Church so she can be wholly sanctified so the Bride can make Herself ready for the Marriage to Her precious Groom, the Lamb of God. A Bride without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, including the sin nature we are born with. All of it gone because Jesus isn't going to marry a grimy bride.

    God is God so if He is all three in one, then He is. It is very plainly seen in the scripture for any child of God who rightly divides the word of God, which, I don't believe means arguing about His sovereignty. God Bless :)
  • Richard H Priday - In Reply - 1 week ago
    Agape still comes from the Spirit; if I understand correctly it is equivalent to the fellowship or communion of the saints hence a commandment to love one another. It is part of His body; with Christ the head being the source of all things and the head of that body. I appreciate your expertise in Greek.

    My point is as you can tell that all other loves in themselves have no inherent good in them without the Lord in control of us. It is like anything else in the sense that there is nothing bad in itself provided that God's laws are followed with a covenant marriage for instance in expressing the deepest human love. Even in that context; however when we allow any human passions to be in charge of our souls our sin nature utilizes these innate desires to steer us in the wrong way. The issue; of course is that there is no eternally lasting love that is in the human soul that can live outside of the life of Christ in us; and in 1 John 2:17 we see evidence of that truth. Doing the will of God is of course impossible ultimately in our human understanding. The world system for instance steers people toward a mindset that any punishment is too harsh and is judging someone and taking away their inherent value. Thus the innocent aren't vindicated and the guilty forced to deal up front with their issues and allow God's chastisement to take effect; which according to scripture can even lead believers to an early demise in taking communion unworthily; for instance. We can also look to the thief on the cross; his salvation came when dying for what he justly deserved which he himself stated to the other thief mocking Christ. Overprotectiveness for kids also is related at least in this country where kids who are spoiled and underworked find all kinds of trouble (drugs; sex; theft) rather than being in a household where there is a value of respect for parents; a work ethic; etc. Agape love presents the truth so one can be saved not make people content in sin.
  • Richard H Priday - 2 weeks ago
    Love is patient; love is kind. ( 1 Corinthians 13:4-8). This section of scripture gets into all of the attributes of true love which characterizes "agape" which is the deepest kind of love which we can experience coming from heaven itself. Every other type of human affection is stereotyped by a particular relationship; but cannot stand the test of time truly without the Lord's love being in the mix. "Storge" for instance is defined as a type of familiar bond; which I would think describes a kinship with family members.

    This is often flipped as to the responsibility and frustrations of a parent for a child then later on for a caretaker as myself the burden of assisting family members losing their physical stamina; mental acuity; as well as the emotional volatility that can result from such deterioration. fThere is another term for "self love" which up until now I am unfamiliar with called "philautia" which I suspect is retlated to "philia" which is a sort of plutonic affection (without eros) for others. As a Christian; of course we are instructed to die to self and live out the new life of Christ; nonetheless the law itself says to love your neighbor as yourself ( Leviticus 19:18 as well as quoted in the Gospels. There are other passages that state we should care for our wives as our own body ( Ephesians 5:29).

    What is necessary; of course is to honor what God has given us stewardship over; whether it is our own bodies; our finances; marriages; or anything else the Lord has given us. Trusting God to provide; as well as guide us through self deprivation; fasting; and suffering even leading to death needs to be done trusting that God has the best ultimately even if it means martyrdom in terms of our eternity. This allows us to have the proper commitment to others entrusted to our care as well as having a love for the brothers and sisters both in our midst and abroad preaching the Good News. We need to trust God in maintaining what He has provided for us
  • Richard H Priday - 2 weeks ago
    Necessary doctrines: Concluding thoughts

    I am one who believes in the hard sayings in particular that those who are living in adultery we should warn of their fate and also that taking communion should not involve those who are living in fornication and adultery or any other unrepentant sin involving a lifestyle of sin in particular. In my mind that involves second or later marriages of those whose first spouse is still living which is an issue I am currently dealing with in my church. I am not here going to debate on this particular posting the meaning of the "exception clause" due to "fornication" in Matthew 5 and 19 which is NOT present in parallel passages in Luke and Mark; and further bolstered by passages in Romans and Corinthians.

    My concluding concept here is that ALL doctrines according to 2 Timothy 3:16 are important for teaching; edification; etc.

    There are always some things debated; and no church has a perfect understanding or is sinless. Nonetheless the things that are clearly taught should be obeyed whether we like it or not to maintain a place where the Spirit is welcome and we aren't in danger of the "candlestick" going out as we see with the Ephesian church in Revelation who abandoned their "first love." This doesn't leave any room for partiality or pride whether it be for our leadership or church members; traditions; etc. It is God's church; not our own. The Lord disciplines His own; and we are being tested to see if we will be faithful until the end. If the enemy comes into the camp; through our own wickedness or the invasion of others then we are negligent in our duties if we don't try to stop it. We do what we can; God may indeed have determined to let a local church fail to fulfill greater purposes; but we need to be jealous for the truth as long as some truth prevails; at least until God opens a door for us to move on; or we are thrown out. The ten thousand dollar question is whether the Spirit is welcomed or locked out.
  • Richard H Priday - 2 weeks ago
    Further details on necessary doctrine

    My last post (if it gets uploaded) gets into the basic doctrines needed to be understood for salvation. I would better state that as necessary doctrines that accompany a correct proclamation of our salvation which need to come from a truly regenerated heart to have any real effect. In terms of the law; we no longer need to continue to uphold all the hundreds of laws in the Torah. This is due to some being only for those who were in National Israel; and some which were ceremonial. Following the law never resulted in anyone being saved due to a state of perfection; and in the same logic adhering to the "doctrines of grace" or any and all correct ones doesn't guarantee anything either. The true essence of the law was explained by our Lord when He discussed the attitudes of the heart in Matthew 5 (in the case of verse 28 how looking after a woman lustfully means adultery in the heart).

    I would contend that there are universal laws which involve the dignity of human life related to murder; marriage; etc. which are incumbent on all men to follow and which were established from the time of Adam and his immediate offspring as we see with the murder of Abel by Cain the firstborn male of our common ancestory. Even in the Ten Commandments there are certain things such as coveting in the Tenth Commandment that may not have punishment that is as extreme as a death penalty; and clearly we all break God's law in commission; omission or thought on a regular basis. The main concept here is that we are not to be lawless (as we are about to see the coming of the "lawless one" ( 2 Thess. 2:8). We are also not to be legalists by attempting to follow scripture but with a cold heart; or in the sense of creating new rules not in scripture (don't dance; don't smoke; don't drink; etc) which may be fine in their own right; but can't be pushed as a direct scriptural commandment.

    Thus I would contend rules about our conduct also as essential.
  • Bennymkje - 3 weeks ago
    Matt.25:13 "Watch therefore"

    " Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."

    The driver is "faith" which activates his body, spirit and soul and when God breathed into the nostrils of man so no one may say he is an exception. The parable of the foolish virgins inform their failure was in quenching the spirit, the oil in their lamps. Without trimming the wick and all other motions are waste of time. Either they replenished their store or let it go waste. They were like the unprofitable servant who simply did not put the one talent he was entrusted with, to work for the glory of his Lord. The wise virgins gathered with the Lord were blessed to be found ready. "For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath."(13:12)

    The bride hath made herself ready. The bride is distinct from the five foolish virgins who shall be shut out from the joy in heaven. "Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us./But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. "(vv.11-12) "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready."(Re.19:7)

    Either Or is rooted in the very first separation. "And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness." (Ge.1:4) Based on this your labor in your field or at home shall not deliver you. Jesus refers to the antediluvian world

    " But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."

    But selection shall follow the divine Will (Ge.1:4)

    "Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left./ Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left./ Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come."(24:37-42)
  • GiGi - In Reply - 3 weeks ago
    Dear Bennymlje,

    You can always move to another area of the world that would work better for your mindset. As for me, I will stay in the U.S.A. because it offers the greatest amount of personal freedom and inalienable rights than ANY other country. None are perfect, but some are better than others for every tier of society. Those who are in poverty in America would be shocked to know the depth of poverty in other parts of the world and see that their own poverty is not near as difficult as billions of others.

    I am long on America, with all of its warts and wounds, it is still a great place to live. Focusing on all the negative things you bring up is certainly your prerogative, but for me, I will look at the good as well as the bad. In doing this, I know that U.S.A. is far from a perfect republic of the people and by the people and for the people, but it has offered opportunities for advancement that no other country can say they possess. I come from a multigenerational legacy of poverty with ancestors coming here from Europe to get a better life. There have been much success through the generations and my generation is the first to raise our kids outside of poverty. It took 5 generations. My ancestors worked hard and faced more severe difficulties than most people alive today in our country, but they did not speak against the country that gave them opportunity and better prospects for their futures. Why do you feel a need to do this?

    I have two relatives who came here from Africa through marriage. They speak of what happens today in their countries, slavery, raping of women, kidnapping of women, physical abuse of women, violence and death of relatives at young ages is more common than here. So many children are orphans due to AIDS and abandonment by their parents or children are sold to other Africans. Tribalism is very strong there and so people do not help people from other tribes or are discouraged from marrying outside of their tribe.

    Sin is worldwide.
  • Richard H Priday - 3 weeks ago
    The Tribulation: Final reckoning.

    In my last post I discussed what could be described as the lust of the eyes in 1 John 2:16 along with the lust of the flesh. The last part of the verse is involved with the pride of life. That certainly could cover covetousness; greed and materialism. There are two things to watch for here beyond our own hearts; there is the endless routine of daily activities; buying; selling; marrying and given in marriage which are said to characterize a day when the Lord arrives suddenly (see Matthew 24:38). There is nothing wrong with such activities; as we are told to be productive on earth as well as to be fruitful and multiply. But it is making this the whole meaning of our existence which is dangerous; rather than giving thanks for all blessings the Lord has and realizing that He "gives and takes away." ( Job 1:21). Keep in mind that came from Job AFTER his first wave of devastating losses.

    The second thing is the spiritual forces in the demonic realm that are constantly seeking to drive us away from our steadfastness in Christ and be rendered ineffective at spiritual warfare. Please understand carefully what I am about to say-a TRUE believer ALWAYS recognizes the Lord's presence (His sheep hear His voice: ( John 10:27). Other spirits can overwhelm us with desire or temptation but they give themselves away because of the cost involved in following; they are found through wisdom as promoting sin and rebellion as we are exhorted in ( Proverbs 5:1-3 and sequential verses).

    When we see the end result of demonic persuasion in Revelation 16:13 leading men to Armageddon a few chapters later we realize along with the Mark of the Beast that no one who is a nonbeliever will follow the Lord; all will follow Antichrist ( Revelation 13:8). The enemy if he cannot kill us physically or spiritually can certainly render us ineffective and trap us in sin if we are not careful. He will steal and destroy if he can't kill if God allows.
  • Richard H Priday - 3 weeks ago
    The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? ( Jeremiah 17:9).

    I thought that I should be honest here as to the state of my own heart. When a woman the other day showed kindness to me at the store a few days ago I suddenly found myself thinking about how it made me feel and if there was something in the future there. Those situations are times when those not grounded in the Word can suddenly be swept away into something outside the will of God. Being a man; of course there are some women no doubt who would chalk that off to the stupidity of a man as opposed to their greater senses of judgment on such matters. Frankly I don't really care about that analysis; I have done much thinking about my actions and much scriptural analysis in recent years but have to admit that there are some real weaknesses here that the enemy could easily exploit if I am off guard.

    Such madness of course in my own situation as many may know led to my wife excusing her own actions in getting involved with a long term friend at work (which probably commenced long before I realized it). My former Pastor had the wisdom when I was going through the separation to advise me NOT to be alone with a woman in a car or similar situation as I was still a married man but didn't seem to mind when the divorce was final. My belief holds firm about remarriage being wrong when a former spouse is alive but that isn't the focus here. Such vigilence that my former Pastor had is similar to what Billy Graham did not allowing himself to be in an elevator alone with a woman. "I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?" ( Job 31:1).

    I am of the firm belief that fornication and adultery are two chief ways that men will "drown in perdition" ( 1 Timothy 6:9). There are other sins related here such as covetousness; which I may go into more detail in the next post.

    When temptation calls; flee.
  • Bennymkje - 3 weeks ago
    Matt.22:30-33 "Doctrine of Christ"

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

    We need examine v.30 in detail since the gospel presented the doctrine of God in the Man. John testified that he was the Word (he 'was made flesh) "And we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father. God is a Spirit so his glory in the world of the Spirit was translated when he delivered the Sermon on the Mount, in real time so to speak. John also refers the glory of the Word, "full of grace and truth."

    So what shall we make of the mountain in the back drop? ("And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain.") This mountain is set as an emblem indicating the glory of the Word which is eternal. The cloud of witnesses attest that he presented the doctrine of God in his Person. It is truth. "(Thy word is truth") His voice likewise carried the voice of the Lord, full of grace. It is very similar to the voice from heaven witnessing. "While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him."(17:5).

    Jesus compares the witnesses in the cloud as angels of God in heaven. In the transfiguration Jesus made manifest the spiritual body he carried in his Person which was to come into its own after his resurrection. He wanted his disciples to keep it a secret. Without death there was no resurrection/ It applied to his humanity. The glory of God in his resurrection therefore had bearing on the cloud as well as on his disciples. His doctrine gives us few examples. God is the God of the living. Death belongs to the world of the flesh and blood.

    31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,

    32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
  • Bennymkje - 3 weeks ago
    Matt.22:28-29 "Power of God"

    "Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her./ Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God."

    When the Scriptures speak of everlasting covenant death as an entity is not recognized by both parties to it. The world of the Spirit recognizes only life and it is for this reason the Spirit calls Jesus Christ as the Prince of life. "And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses."(Ac.3:15) Simon Peter as a witness in the world of the body refers to death which has only relevance because of sin. "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"(Ro.5:12) Salvation Program of God consequently entailed sending his only begotten Son to which Simon refers as a witnesses.

    It is thus we allow as the Spirit has set down in many places, the cloud of witness closely associated with this covenant. Heresy of churches of today owe to the misreading of the Scriptures and it only takes cognizance of the world of here and now. Prosperity as taught by false shepherds give glory in a success of abundance of worldly goods and impute it to God's favor. Jesus tells them as he tells the Sadducees."Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." Without being part of the life that Jesus signifies where his life, his truth and the way must be where we put ourselves we are deceiving ourselves.

    "For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven."(v.30). Everlasting Covenant, in the world of the Spirit refers to Christ as the head of the body, the church. "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."(19:6). This is the correct approach and not what is instituted for the flesh. So Moses had to take note of the hardness of their heart. (19:7-8)
  • Bennymkje - 3 weeks ago
    Matt.22: Marriage of the King's Son

    This Parable is noteworthy since this along with the previous one are two of a kind. "And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them."(21:45) The householder in the previous parable lets out his vineyard (the earth) to husbandmen (nations) and expects fruits in return. Here the king commands his subjects to be present during the marriage of his Son. In both cases the nation of Israel were included among nations obligated to perform. Whether as tenants or as subjects their places are outside the holy city of God. "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 honor into it."(Re.21:25) Those who belonged to New Jerusalem was called the Bride. "Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me," ( Luke 22:28-29). The parable is about the righteousness which is freely provided on the House. All that the guests required was to take the trouble of exercising faith trusting in the one who promised entry. All His promises are yea in his Son.

    "And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:/ And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless."(vv.11-12). He did not think it was worthwhile to ask what was ready for him. It was as trifle in his sight as the nation of Israel taking the King'd invitation lightly. "But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city./Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy".(vv.7-8)

    Similarly we could speak of the manner the churches approach the word of God arbitrarily without comparing the spiritual with spiritual.
  • Richard H Priday - In Reply - 1 month ago
    Dear Loisanne: I pray that you will get some rest; physically; emotionally or spiritually as needed in due time.

    I have had to face my own mortality since getting some adhesion issues after abdominal surgery last summer; where complications kept me hospitalized a couple sessions adding up to a total of 21 days. There are some other issues trying to care and live with my parents in their nineties.

    We both know that our sojourn here is brief; life is as a vapor. I have seen in my lifetime since a generation ago the interest in the Rapture which has been delayed past when expected (there is a verse that says when hope is deferred it makes the heart sick). I have felt called to preach on the end times since then; but never have found a "niche" in that sort of ministry. What we expect and what is the actual meaning of the "Fig Tree Generation" clearly has had some misunderstanding; which has lead some to go the way of Preterism (the Lord somehow has mysteriously returned in some form); or Post Millennial persuasion not believing in the Rapture. Sadder still; of course is that those that espouse a belief in such often are so lukewarm that one wonders what their true spritual state is in making the Rapture.

    I don't know your situation from the posting; many such as I went through betrayal from a spouse and divorce. I have my own conviction in preaching that remarriage is wrong based on scripture while my spouse is still alive despite her remarriage. It has led to much confusion; nonetheless there are those out there that support that view. I am the only believer in my family as well. I'm grateful to have a roof over my head and food on the table in a well policed suburban area. I have known in the past the fear of living next to a Satan worshipper; drug dealers loose in my apartment; and those having violent altercations below me. I pray God grants you courage wherever you are.

    I pray that we as Paul can rejoice during these momentary trials.
  • Bennymkje - 1 month ago
    Matt.18:13 "Joy in heaven" (1of 2)

    "Verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray." The Spirit is referring the Son who is the Good Shepherd. He is the visible image of the invisible God so all emotions attributed to God must be seen as coming from the Son.

    Similarly the Spirit refers to an hour which is with reference to the ministry of Jesus Christ. "In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight./ All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him."( Luke 10:21-22)

    Jesus at the Marriage at Cana referred,"Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come."( John 2:4). By the same token he is referring to the wine which is distinctly with reference to the kingdom to come, " But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."(26:29) It is thus the Spirit has organized the Salvation Program of God giving a tag for his ministry and his Father's kingdom. When he explains his work he tells his captors, "but this is your hour, and the power of darkness." Comparing spiritual with spiritual we are on the right track to explain the two witnesses in terms of Jesus Christ. "And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand:" the same hour is the duration of his ministry and the two represents the testimony of the Son which his Father. It is same as in Re.1:1. It is the glorious gospel of Christ covering two worlds of the Spirit and of the body. Everlasting gospel is another name.
  • GiGi - In Reply - 1 month ago
    David Allen, thanks for letting me know about this serious and sensitive situation with Jessica. So sad that she has been enduring abuse and threats from the one she loves and is committed to in marriage. But moving out of the situation is the best for her and Addie. May God b ring safety and healing to both of them and conviction and reformation to her husband.
  • Oseas - 1 month ago
    Matthew 25:5-8

    5 The bridegroom tarried, and they ALL slumbered and slept.

    6 And at MIDNIGHT (at the turn from the sixth to the seventh and last Day, or seventh and last millennium) there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him.

    7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

    8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. - Sad, very sad. -

    9 ... go ye rather to them that sell oil, and buy for yourselves. (Only lamp is not suffice for salvation. Wake up)

    10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

    Get ready, otherwise you will scream loud: Lord, Lord, open to us.

    Oh no, you won't have any more chances, the perdition is for ever and ever.
  • Richard H Priday - In Reply - 1 month ago
    No doubt you have to consider how far your relationship is going to go with this guy. If God is calling you both toward marriage; of course that will bring some of this to the rear view mirror. You will have to see if the Lord would have you enter into this commitment because undoubtably there will be long term issues that he has even if extricated from that bad home environment.

    (I assume you are of age for such decisions posting on this site).

    I suppose I shouldn't assume one way or another if this family calls themselves Christian or not. That definitely would affect how you or he would interact with them; for instance if he needs to be bolder about his own convictions of faith and call them out for being hypocritical. Naturally they need to respect you and the relationship; that is something he will have to consider moving forward as well and if he is willing to make the hard decisions necessary if he needs to move out himself first; etc. Obviously what you don't want to do is move in together and compromise in the meantime.

    Ultimately whatever happens in the relationship if you both know the Lord you have an eternity in your hearts; and are seated in heavenly places with heavenly treasures set forth. Committing time to scripture reading and prayer both by yourselves and together no doubt is something you are aware of but the enemy I would surmise is doing his best to block that from happening.

    I will pray for clarity on these issues and state that if the Lord wants this relationship to continue He will overcome all obstacles.

    Hope there is some good news on this front soon.

    God bless; Rich P
  • GiGi - In Reply - 1 month ago
    Hi Sally I will be keeping Felix and you and your marriage in my prayers. Thanks for asking for prayer. It is always good to seek prayer in times of need. God bless you today.
  • Richard H Priday - 1 month ago
    A comment on the eternal nature of the Godhead

    A simple point may do here. That point is; that God Himself created time along with gravity and all the other forces of nature in the universe that we still have today. He created light and all sources of light as well as the sun; moon and stars so that the measure of time could begin at its speed (186000 miles/second) along with mass and energy to verify Einstein's theory of E=MC2.

    The movement of the heavenly bodies then designated times and seasons (in years and divisions of such into days; weeks and months). The fact that death entered into the world before sin shows that before that and of course after it is finally removed from the world man and all of nature will live eternally; which of course is in tandem with an eternal God.

    Before my original post got wiped out; I was going to say that the Godhead is much like Adam before Eve was taken out of him; complete in unity. It's not a perfect example; as Eve didn't exist as a separate entity before she was taken out of Adam's rib; but does demonstrate through Christ and God's relationship something akin to the human marriage relationship with the wife being submissive to the husband. John 14:23 shows how the Father and Son make their abode within a believer; who also of course has the indwelling Holy Spirit as many other verses indicate sealing us until the day of Redemption ( Eph. 4:30).

    In this posting I will also end for now my exploration of the "emotions" of God once again reminding everyone that everything God has in perfect righteousness in terms of His reactions is reflected in some degree with man created in His image. Perhaps the next series should be discussing the actions of God. In light of the earlier mention of the situation between Moses and God where a dialogue seemed to stop God's intention of destroying everyone we can learn ourselves to never let emotions dictate action without careful counsel with the Lord on the right action.
  • Momsage - In Reply - 1 month ago
    "I don't believe that the Pope is speaking for God allowing for same sex marriages and the Pope isn't great, matter of fact I believe the the Pope is Satan himself." I don't believe he speaks for God either and, indeed, he personifies Satan himself. I was being factious. I left Catholicism too when I left my Catholic home at 18. I couldn't stand it and was so relieved when it was in my past.

    I don't know exactly what you mean when you say "and have been searching for a long time for the "true" religion." "True religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:7. Because you are a true believer, God is in your heart, soul and mind. You belong to God. Those who are true believers are The Church of God, sometimes called the Kingdom of God. You are a part of the Body of Christ. This is your religion. James is saying if you love God you will show His love unconditionally, but especially to the needy and keep yourself holy. If you wonder how you can "keep unspotted in the world" do this - read Exodus 20: 1-17. These are the ten commandments of God-not laws-commandments written by God Himself. "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." 1 John 5: 3 and Jesus said: "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:30. Some Christians teach a Sinning/Christian doctrine but this is false. We may have weakness and faults as a true believer. These are not sins. When we are born again we are not "perfect", of course, but God helps us overcome these weaknesses and faults by maturing in Him but we are to "go and sin no more." John 8: 3-11/ 11- ....... And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." I know I have been preaching :) and if I have presumed things about you that are wrong please forgive me, I just want to help if I can. God Bless :) I hope you will respond.
  • Tntnival - In Reply - 1 month ago
    Thank you for your comment Monsage, I don't believe that the Pope is speaking for God allowing for same sex marriages and the Pope isn't great, matter of fact I believe the the Pope is Satan himself. I lost my faith in Catholic religion a long time ago and have been searching for a long time for the "true" religion but I find fault in most that I have researched. Its hard in these days and times to find the narrow road with all that is happening in the world today. I pray everyday for Jehovah's kingdom and wait patiently hoping all will find the right path to everlasting life. God Bless everyone.
  • Richard H Priday - 1 month ago
    "Emotions of God" as related to Moses (cont).

    The act of intercession; therefore is something crucial to communication throughout scripture that indeed gives us some insight of Hebrews 7:25 (He ever lives to intercede for us). Daniel also repeated this theme in Daniel 9:8-10. God's promise here was the prophetic insight given in Jeremiah 29:10. God stated this would happen; so it appears to be a done deal. There was no promise how many would do this; as is evident from the small group that initially rebuilt the wall; and the disobedience of many was seen with marriages to foreign wives. No doubt worldliness had affected the hearts of those who should have remembered the prosperity God gave them in Babylon and His promises to return after that time. It is a wonder that confession of the sins of church congregations isn't given much attention as compared to particulary egregious ones of individuals as it still affects the overall witness as we see from exhortations written for the churches in Revelation 2 and 3; for example.

    Look at God's faithfulness to Israel as stated in Jeremiah 31:36 where the courses of nature would have to change with the sun and moon for God to abandon His covenant promises. In fact the only covenant changed is that related to the method of worship with the law and sacrifices which was of course replaced by the perfect sacrifice under Christ which abolished therefore the old ordinances. (see Hebrews 9-10). The object of worship was therefore Christ; God had stated in Isaiah 1:11; see also Psalm 69:31.

    In understanding the New Covenant we should perceive that it is still the same God with the same characteristics today that existed in the Old Testament from eternity. We would on the surface expect that to be a "no brainer"; but how often do we see the fear of God demonstrated as in Acts 5:1-11 with Ananias and Sapphira? Our commitments to God should not be of fools ( Ecclesiastes 5:4). See Matthew 5:33-35 for ungodly vows.
  • Richard H Priday - 1 month ago
    The "emotions" of God: Covenant of Abraham

    When examining this covenant promising the land to Abraham (actually to his descendants eventually who would actually own the land) starting in Genesis 15; we notice that what this had in common with Adam's covenant was the fact that the recipient was put into a deep sleep; in neither case did either party have anything to do with it; it was therefore God swearing by Himself (again showing in the Trinity there was more than one witness involved; perhaps alluded to in Deut. 19:15; Heb. 6:13).

    Genesis 16:18-33 we have the famous interchange between Abraham and the Lord over the matter of preserving Lot if there were 50 righteous men; down to the total of 10 where Abraham finally stopped nagging God on the subject for the lack of a better description. Here we have a perfect example of chastisement of Lot during the ensuing judgment where he later escapes as through through the skin of his teeth. Abraham no doubt was considering this situation as it is unlikely anyone else in that wicked place would be on his mind. We also see through the two angels that went on to see if things were as reported to God the idea of authority; and the fact that God cannot look onto sin.

    In the situation of Moses pleading with God not to destroy everyone in the wilderness and start a new nation through Moses

    in Deuteronomy 9:14 the Lord actually says to leave Him alone to do this. We can take this as rhetoric to initiate a response; but this apparent conflict with sovereignty is our problem not God's: we haven't the right to bend scripture around things that seem out of character in our minds. This should give us insight into how the Godhead operates; again Christ's sacrifice keeps us from the wrath of God and His role in the Godhead was clearly distinct from the Father. It shows clearly that God wants us to remind Him of His covenant; that is good application to a marriage struggle when praying for healing and restoration.
  • Richard H Priday - 1 month ago
    The "emotions" of God: Covenant relationships and their implications.

    My previous posting mentioned covenants as a major facet in explaining the reactions of God toward His own children as a focus but having repercussions for the whole earth. God has established this world itself for eternal purposes; and He will have a new heaven and earth to eventually rectify the sin issue once and for all. Death; of course entered the picture and marred everything on earth and even apparently in the heavens as even the stars aren't pure in His sight ( Job 25:5).

    The first "marriage" may not seem as such without any formal ceremony but nonetheless God designed it with Eve being taken out of man to be a permanent covenant. They would of course have lived forever without sin (likely without the tree of life) but nonetheless they would have ensured it by eating from that tree. But they were entranced with another; that of the knowledge of good and evil. Of course that name basically is something Satan implied it represented; God had just said not to eat the tree in the midst of the garden without going into further detail. My point here is that this covenant between man and woman to be repeated up to this day was originally designed to be for life and like all other covenants we can violate it or apparently "break" it but on God's end it remains binding. This goes to any scriptural vows where God's name is invoked as well (although that can be permanent). Since man sinned death now is the only permissible way this lifetime commitment can be broken the way I see it.

    I have discussed before the situation with the Gibeonites who tricked Israel to make a covenant with them and it was therefore binding as to the terms agreed on. These terms exist with property covenants as well; and also to the Promised Land as promised to the Patriarchs to this day (again some would argue with that). This gives God's hot wrath an explanation to this day for enemy invaders.
  • Momsage - In Reply - 1 month ago
    So the POPE, the great one himself, has declared that God said that same sex marriages are approved by God??? What other lies do you suppose the doctrine is lying about? The answer is simple; everything - you are talking about Catholicism, one of the most lying, false doctrines invented by the devil for the ruin of the human soul.

    God Bless :)


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