As it is written,"All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD,and is profitable for doctrine,for reproof,for correction,for instruction in righteousness:That the man of GOD may be perfect,thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
As you know,our enemy"is wiser than Daniel;there is no secret that they can hide from him".Paul Apostle warned,saying:Put on the whole armour of GOD,that ye may BE ABLE to stand AGAINST the wiles of the Devil.
Think you(and many)also know that the MAN of sin,a Jewish MAN,son of perdition,will manifest himself very soon as messiah and God( John 5:43-47and 2Thessalonians 2:3-4and9-12,and mainly Revelation 13:11 and so on),so we all MUST be careful.Get ready.
However,the prophecy of Ezekiel is very clear:Ez.28:7-10-->7 Behold,therefore I will bring strangers upon thee,the terrible of the nations:and they shall draw their Swords against the beauty of thy wisdom,and they shall defile thy brightness.
8They shall bring thee down to the pit( Revelation 20:1-3),and thou shalt die the deaths of them that are slain in the midst of the seas.(peoples,and nations,and multitudes of all tongues-Re.17:15)
9Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee,I am God?but thou shalt be a MAN,and no God,in the hand of him that slayeth thee.
10Thou shalt die the deaths of the uncircumcised(he's a Jewish MAN)by the hand of strangers:for I have spoken it,saith the Lord GOD.
Re.12:9-12-->9And the great dragon was cast out,that old serpent,called the Devil,and Satan,which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth,and his angels were cast out with him.
10And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven,Now is come salvation,and strength,and the kingdom of our GOD,and the power of His Christ:for the accuser of our brethren is cast down,which accused them before our GOD day and night.11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb,and by the word of their testimony;12Th
Yesterday perhaps the enemy (although I suspect it is my pinkie left finger touching the esc key) caused the first part of what will probably be a lengthy dissertation on Satan's methods to be wiped out. It gave me an opportunity to think about some more stuff today. I thought an outline at present would help; perhaps finding some interest out there to detail a particular area.
Here's a brief summary of what I was starting yesterday.
1. Self-We are our own worst enemies.
Attacks on emotions; mind and soul (will present scriptures to follow).
I wanted to touch on "presumtion" along with other thought patterns within fallen man that can trip us up as well.
2. Others-Peer pressure; manipulation; flattery and any wrong done by others. This of course is rarely not associated with our own actions; particularly ruminating and fretting rather than taking things to God in prayer
3. Spiritual warfare: Again; not isolated but oppression for a believer; possession possible for non believers; and all things in the world system. This would include false religions.
4. Deception. This may be the most concerning and potent weapon the enemy has. The "Trojan horse" approach allows the enemy in the gate whether it is in our hearts or in a particular local church in general.
General thoughts before we begin the main study.
When we look at the Antichrist (Satan's main exhibit) we see characteristics of a SUBSTITUTE for as well as blatent blasphemy AGAINST the true Christ. The enemy will always work in two ways; either giving us what we want (in reality being void of real substance); OR he will directly cause persecution (usually through people and often in seemingly ordinary events) but at times goes full force. This outward persecution shows that he has failed in deception and therefore we understand why Paul said he thanked God he was worthy to suffer persecution for His Name's sake. God ultimately allows all Satan does
Today we covered a book (by Ryrie called Balancing the Christian Life") and the chapter about Satan. There was too much to cover in one study; indeed I could see how a half dozen studies would be needed to examine just the main avenues the enemy of our souls uses to afflict us. The scripture on him coming to steal; kill and destroy was mentioned; along with his techniques.
As the "accuser of the brethren" ( Rev. 12:10) there is no doubt that accusations have been something he has lengthy experience on as it is first observed in the book of Job. (See Job 16:2 where he calls his friends "miserable comforters"). It isn't just coincidence or happenstance that Satan pummeled Job so mercilessly. As was also brought out in the study which we should all know Satan can do nothing without God's permission. The book generally talks about people who think too little and those too obsessed with the wiles of the enemy. The fact that he could assail Paul an Apostle of God; and get into Peter's mind when our Lord had to rebuke him and say "get behind me SATAN" ( MAtt. 16:23) should be a reality check that anyone can be taken out by the enemy should God allow it.
Of course the concept of the "legal power of attorney" that Christ has based on His blood sacrifice and atonement for His children gives us assurance of salvation; but often the Lord uses the enemy to test our faith in this wicked world system.
There is danger of those having false assurance of salvation which is evidenced by bad fruit ( Matt. 7:16); however when a Christian sins the enemy will plant all sorts of terror; accusations; insecurities; etc. in our minds. Godly sorrow leads to repentance ( 2 Cor. 7:10); but if we don't go to the Lord when we first sin the enemy is given free reign more or less to mess with our minds. Thus in my experience even if I went headlong into sin knowing the torment the enemy would cast my way is strong incentive to stay away.
I may have discussed this topic in a previous post. Whether or not we consider "free will" to be a factor or not as to our immediate future; there is no doubt that things will end up with the Tribulation; the Millennium rule and final judgment followed by the eternal state. It is clear scripturally that almost all prophecy is conditional in some way; the fact that God does nothing without warning by one or more Prophets ( Amos 3:7). A prime example of this is with Israel and Judah who more often than not missed the mark whether it was the kings; prophets; priests or everyone else in society. Psalms is rife with examples of God's chastisement of the righteous ( Psalm 107 is one good example of this). We even see it with the other nations such as the Amorites and later in the book of Jonah the Ninevites who were given a lengthy respite of several generations before judgment finally came down as mentioned in the book of Nahum.
The statements in the New Testament such as the prophecy of Agabus shown in Acts 11 and 21 showed famine to come and later Paul's imprisonment. In the first case it has been brought to my attention that perhaps that famine either didn't occur or perhaps less severe because of preparations or repentance. That was what my former Pastor stated; not sure if anyone knows the history better than I do. As to the second circumstance; Paul was constrained to be obedient and bold. There wasn't a mandate it seemed for him going to Jerusalem although it seemed he was aware of it being part of God's plan. Perhaps the implication was martyrdom; after all Paul was no stranger to prison.
I tend to look at the "reap what you sow" context works as a sort of guarantee; like prophecy you can be certain that sin will bring forth punishment and trouble even in this life as the end of Proverbs 13:15 indicates. For God's children in rebellion it is only He who can bring real change but the wicked are lost.
15We say unto you by the Word of the Lord,that we which are alive and remain unto the COMING of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep.
(Comment:Daniel prophesied:Dan.12:1
- At that time(END of Time) shall Michael stand up to fight against the red Dragon,whose satanic religious body has 7 heads,10 horns and a TAIL- Revelation 12:9-12;
- then there shall be a time of trouble (great tribulation), such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time( Matthew 24:21);
- and at that time(current time)thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book ( Revelation 7:1-14).
Furthermore,in this current time or now,even now,from now on,the Devil shall be cast down into the bottomless pit(Re.20:1-3).
Daniel 12:2-THERE WILL BE RESURRECTION SIMULTANEOUSLY
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake(according to the prophecy of Isaiah 26:19-21.Take a look), some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Comment: So, there also shall be resurrection in fulfillment of prophecy of Isaiah combined with 1Thessalonians 4:16, as follow:
16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout (shall descend from the 3rd heaven,we believers are still in the 2nd heaven-Ephesians1:3-8 combined with Philippians 3:20-21),with the voice of the archangel-MICHAEL- , and with the trump of GOD: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1 Thes. 4:17 - Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds( Isaiah 60:8, and 1Corinthians 15:51 combined with Philippians 3:20-21 and Revelation 5:8-14), to meet the Lord in the air(in the 3rd heavenly environment-3rd heaven-far above of the current second heaven- Luke 20:35-36 combined with Matthew 25:6): and so shall we ever be with the Lord.(Where?- Revelation 11:15-18 and Re. 5:10, and Matthew 5:5, and John 17:24. Take a look).
It is very important to know who comes first: Michael or JESUS?
Daniel 12:2
2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Paul prophesied: 1Tess.4:15-17
15 We say unto you by the Word of the Lord,that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven(from the 3rd heaven,we the believers are still in the 2nd heaven-Eph.1:3-8 combined with Phil.3:20-21)with a shout,with the voice of the archangel,and with the trump of GOD:and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds( Isaiah 60:8, and 1Corinthians 15:51 combined with Phi.3:20-21 and Re.5:8-14), to meet the Lord in the air(in the 3rd heavenly environment-3rd heaven-far above the second heaven- Luke 20:35-36 combined with Mat.25:6): and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (Where?-Re.11:15-18 and 5:10, and Mat.5:5).
Daniel 12:3
3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. (The stars were made by our GOD since the beginning- Genesis 1:16-made with own light given by GOD for them to shine in heaven(Eph.1:3-8), but the Greater Light is JESUS, and the Lesser Light is the person of the Holy Spirit- John 15:26 and 16:12-15. Take a look).
PUNISHMENT OF THE ANCIENT AND CORRUPT CHURCH OF ROME FROM NOW ON -THE ANTICHRIST'S CRADLE
Revelation 18:1-5
1And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven,having great power;and the earth was lightened with his glory.
2And he cried mightily voice,saying,Babylon the great is fallen,is fallen,and is become the habitation of devils,and the hold of every foul spirit,and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird
3For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies
4Come out of her,my people,that ye be not partakers of her sins,and that ye receive not of her PLAGUES
5For her sins have reached unto heaven,GOD hath remembered her iniquities
In my foresee,I wrote in another site at April 19,2021-Death of Pope Francis-it must happen soon,until 2024 at the latest,no more.
- The Beast of the earth(of Israel-the clay-Is.64:8)with two horns LIKE A LAMB rises up-Re.13:11
-Election of the a new Pope-his nickname may be Paulus VII(?)
-The Beast of the earth LIKE A LAMB manifests himself as God in Israel;in fact a false messiah,an esoteric,and kabbalistic and spiritist false messiah; John 5:43-47
-The kabbalistic false messiah of the Jews,Beast of the earth, makes great signs and wonders of lie,even makes fire come down to the earth before men;(things of spiritism)
-The Pope(Paulus VII?)will meet the Beast like lamb;
-Both will develop a union between the RCC and Judaism,iron with clay-Dan.2:41-43,but they shall not cleave one to another, as iron is not mixed with clay;
-A religious and universal satanic Empire will be build by both religious leaders;Re.11:1-2;
-The esoteric Beast of the earth will make a deal with the Beast of sea and will give to the Beast of sea his Power,his Throne and great Authority-Re.13:2.The Antichrist's Empire is conceived by both Beasts.Then begins the last week-Dan.9:27
The cradle of Antichrist is the primitive Church of Rome-1Jo.2:18-21
The Word of GOD reveals the birthplace of Antichrist by the VISUAL testimony of Apostle John about the Church of Rome
18 Little children,it's the last time:and as ye have heard that Antichrist shall come,even NOW are there many Antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
19They(Church of Rome)went out from us(apostate),but they were not of us;if they had been of us,they would no doubt have continued with us:but they went out,that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
20Ye have an unction from the Holy One,and know all things.
Re.13:1-18,written around 65 years after JESUS's ascension,two distinct Beasts are described:The first lasts around 2000 years,we can discern and foresse both Beasts will lead two distinct satanic religious systems in near future.The FIRST MAN Beast of sea exists millennia ago,the another MAN Beast has not yet,but he will manifest in near future.Catholicism&Judaism.
The Beast of sea,a satanic religious system developed within the former Church of the Lord in Rome and into Roman Empire,after Satan corrupted the church established by Apostle Paul,killed by persecution,then was developed satanic Antichrist's movements through the corrupt church of Rome,called first Catholic Church.Revelation describes 7 churches,church of Rome would be the eighth,but it was left out because was completely disapproved by JESUS.
The religious structures and organizations of the RCC,which rides upon the Beast of sea,the Pope,within the Roman Empire,since the confuse election of the first Pope in first century,it can be Linus or Clement,later to increase the confuse election of whom really is the first Pope,Satan,the main leader of the blasphemer movement of Antichrist in the church of Rome,he himself,time after,around the 2nd or early 3rd century by convention began of regarding Peter as the first pope.It's more a satanic blasphemy of the MAN Beast of sea.
All glory goes to God; although I am glad if it is helpful. I am trying to promote reading of scriptures so always trying to find something new there. Gigi clearly has greater depth and more precise details related to historical context; a far better writer than I. My style is very swift with little if any preparation; although I have done a lot of thinking about things in my own life which I am able to rapidly assimilate.
My gifting is in discernment and sadly I have still much softening needed in my heart and soul; partially due no doubt to the divorce I had to go through the better part of 10 years ago. My views against remarriage when a spouse is alive isn't something I'm going to push on this site but I know the Lord has given me another specific calling to warn others about the subject. It is risky mentioning this as there are some who I love in Christ who have been offended but I must speak what I believe He has given me to say.
I suppose I could use prayer that I can somehow be bolder sharing on my job; although often I'm too busy working fast paced in my food service work. If the Lord tarries once my elderly parents (in their 90s) have passed then I probably will revert back to spending more of my time witnessing; so that is part of the reason I belt out so much stuff now; along with whatever writing talent the Lord has given me.
I can only hope that as Daniel states some will shine as the stars in the sky (or firmament- Daniel 12:3) as a result of some message whether it is myself or someone else at this site or elsewhere. The true experience of being filled with the Spirit I contend is rare and you have to search like it for gold and eventually you will begin to be able to know when it is present.
You will see it in others mainly; and is in a minority of professing believers. Again I appeal to the scriptures on running for the prize ( Philippians 3:3) and even Paul said it can be forfeited ( 1 Cor. 9:27; see also Revelation 3:11).
It has been said by those at least somewhat aware of the state of the church in this hour that we are far too obsessed on ourselves; especially in relation to this life. Living our "worst life now" I find humerous and sobering as Paul Washer has stated in the past in regard to another (I'll keep anonymous" person emphasizing the opposite sentiment. There has been much said about a very popular psychologist who has passed a few years back who tried to incorporate "moral and Christian values" with tenets of Psychology. Sophia; the founder of the "Rainbow Redemption Project" recently commented on the concept of "Gender Dysphoria" and how it is a harmful concept (I suggest you read her testimony on the site). There are some in the conservative media who realize the harm of "vitimization" is in society today with spoiled; lazy kids which is inexorably tied into the concepts of Dr. Spock from the 1960s and the disintegration of the two parent household and associated marriages.
With that introduction; I once again will point out that we can go to extremes such as what I mentioned in the last point of self depreciation constantly. That in ITSELF can be a pride issue. Ultimately we should let the Spirit of God work in us; and have His way and we can simply put less focus on ourselves and more on Christ being "on display". Psalm 139 states we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" at birth; certainly after the new birth. I can relate a brief experience i had about 15 years ago when someone on the street who was panhandling and seemed to have some problems suddenly seemed convicted that I was a real "man of God" and he said he was ashamed of himself. I can only pray that he is clean and sober today. We can have confidence no one will touch us unless God allows it. We have the fullness of life now or the abundant life ( John 10:10) and that verse contrasts that with Satan who steals; kills and destroys.
I have touched on several good devotional sources in posts last year; namely Oswald Chambers "utmost for the Highest" and Daily Bread. This site also is helpful when highlighting a daily Bible verse for the surrounding text to consider.
If I have the terminology correct Expository preaching is systematic reading of a book chapter by chapter. There is another term for topical studies that I am sure someone here knows. For a new believer it is hard to argue with the standard approach of beginning in the Gospels (usually John is picked) and then transitioning to Paul's Epistles. Scripture memory is helpful for two reasons particularly for new believers; one for edification and second to have verses to explain the hope within us in Christ when witnessing. Taking the example of John 3:16 for instance we have the assurance of eternal life but if we read the surrounding text we see in verse 18 that he who does NOT believe in Him is condemned already. This is one danger of "cherry picking" an isolated verse that gives us "positive vibes" and not comprehending God's Word as to repetitive themes; in this case blessings for obedience and faith and cursings for not believing. This contrast between good and bad is throughout scriptures; whether we look at warnings in Deuteronomy as to conditions affecting the entire nation because of disobedience vs obedience; Psalms and Proverbs related to characteristics of righteous and wicked and books of Chronicles and Kings as to righteous and unrighteous kings.
We are to be cautious; therefore with any devotionals that always have "encouraging" verses or if the author is skewed in that direction. The opposite could be said of the Oswald Chambers as some have accused it of being works oriented too much; they certainly are challenging unlike anything I've read. In terms of scripture memory; it is useful but internalizing the Living Word through meditation and application also.
"And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words."Earlier when John the Baptist arrived at the scene, stirring up great many people who came to be baptized at his hand we read,"And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?" John categorically rejected any notion that he was the Christ. It did not stop there."Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us."( John 1:19-22). Now the chief priests scribes and various sects who came to Jesus, "and they wanted to catch him in his words" firstly simulated fear for God, "They say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth" the same method that Satan employed to tempt Jesus and he also began," he said, If thou be the Son of God, command". The playbook of Satan is for whosoever who would want to be a power player in the world and the Herodians were one such in the time of Jesus, and in our times we have their ilk appearing in droves behind their candidate and sets Christian Visibility Day for other reason than they are sent. It is the spirit of wickedness at work, "And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming."(2 The.2:8). For those who abide in Christ and seek to see the light in his light does Christian visibility Day make any sense? St Paul is clear in warning, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."(2 Co.4:4)
Jesus warned of this wicked and adulterous generation. Evangelicals want a sign and and Jesus refers to the son of perdition,Matt.24:15. the sign of our times Desolation is sure to come
You mentioned Bible Dictionary. Can you give more details as to the publisher and whether from any specific denomination or sects? Your Jewish calendar, and I quote "Through Jewish calendar the Jewish people use it for counting time and commemorating birthdays, festivities, weddings, deaths, religious celebrations and other solemnities. According to the Hebrews, the years are counted from what they believe to be the creation of Adam" is not how the Spirit uses the genealogies in OT and Nt. " Jesus said "Before Abraham was, I am". St Paul inspired by the same Holy Spirit gives Jesus Christ as the benchmark. By him all things consist and it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell. (Col1:15-19). Being a Jew does not make his calendar correct.
Matthew also gives us this colloquy where he dilates upon their controversy with parables. At the end he says,"And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them./But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.(Matt.21:28-46). There was the fear of men that governed the chief priests and Pharisees while Jesus as the Word become flesh would only serve what he represented in his humanity. "Thy word is truth." Unless he had let the word sanctify him how could he sanctify any man?"For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one. "I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee," was a Messianic prophecy which fulfilled in him.(Ps.22:22)
On the other hand the chief priests scribes and Pharisees made doctrine of God to none effect. "Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye."(7:13) .
St Paul explains it thus, "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." Jesus came from God while his detractors angled for the praise of men.
Mark gives us several instances of the word of God being fulfilled in Jesus so it was not past or future of now that weighed uppermost but the eternal word. In cursing the fig tree he did not have to prove his claim that he was the rightful heir but his faith established the truth. Both power and glory operating in heaven and earth is encapsulated in faith.(vv.23-24). "And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and castitinto the sea"(Re.18:21) is a fulfillment of the word: of the rock cut out without hands"(Dan.2:34-35)
"And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots." Jesus explained simply, "Have faith in God."
"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." Here the man in question is Adam. By making him a living soul he is set down in the Lucan genealogy as the son of God. On day six he was blessed and placed all his creation under his hands (Ge.1:28-29). 'Male and female created him sets him in terms of his will stated as a forerunner of Christ and his bride. Only after He sanctified the day seven Eve, was taken out of his ribs. Later He brought all his creation for his review and no helpmeet was found from them. Only then God set about creating flesh of his flesh and bone of his bones. The everlasting covenant between God and Man gives us a final separation, as with Day and Night and waters above and below the firmament and it is a precursor for the ministry of reconciliation for the Word become flesh. It is to this St Paul refers, "For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church." (Ep.5:29. )Christ and his body is therefore implied in day Six. Creation of Eve in the following chapter thus creates a family tree connecting Jesus Christ to Adam in Luke Ch.3.
The breath of God made all the difference to Adam who was formed of the ground. He correctly guessed his calling and did not find anyone worthy from without. He was created in 'his likeness' which is the head. For this reason Jesus referred the deep sleep of Adam was precursor to his own death. He as the word become flesh made himself chaste. Compare his saying, "and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it."(Matt.19:12) With Jesus Christ came grace and truth. What God has joined together referred to his own case. In human likeness he nourished and cherished what God had entrusted him with. His prayer makes it clear. ( John 17:11-12)
Matthew gives the passage in a slight altered form. It is the Mother of the sons of Zebedee approaches Jesus for a special favor."Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshippinghim, and desiring a certain thing of him."(Matt.20:20). The Word or the Law is interpreted differently according to the world of the Spirit and by the flesh and spirit respectively. In one the glory of God is the foremost so Elias or Moses serve as a double for the Son. In the case of the Mother of Zebedee's sons, her desire was the glory of her sons. She serves as a stand in for her Son. Of this St Paul gives us two contrary laws. "So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."(Ro.7:25)
Law of the Spirit presupposes a Lawgiver is it not. It is thus God has left all judgment to his Son who also is the Word become flesh. On the other hand Satan the Lawless one has become by default of Adam a law given so the law of sin characterizes works of flesh and blood. Whosoever rejects the commandment as King Saul did is subject to an unclean spirits. "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."( 1 John 3:8)
vv.38-39 "And with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized." Jesus refers to the anointing he received (Ps.45:5-6) and in their case of the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, and adds,"But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared." Jesus scrupulous chose to obey the word and as was reminded by Moses at the mount. of his death and glory would fulfill what was written of him in the scripture. the same choice was left to the sons of Zebedee and it was their free will.
The other ten disciples were naturally upset over their behind the back maneuvering for power.
Liars: Final warning of those in hell from Revelation 21:8
Definition: Merriam-Webster defines a liar as someone who tells lies. No comment here on how great that definition is..:(
I will state as I have numerous times that no names need to be given here; just a mere mention of politics whether "donkeys or elephants" should suffice. I have said to people on occasion that a liar is worse than a murderer. The Apostle Paul is my "exhibit A" in that he at least was complicit in murder but did it in ignorance ( 1 Timothy 1:13). What we can't say is that he ever lied about his intentions; everyone knew his impassioned motives in the persecution. Lying is probably the most common methodology for maintaining a lifestyle of sin; if not lying to ourselves as to what we are doing and the consequences it is lying to others for self promotion. There are scriptural instances of lying where the midwives told Pharoah that the babies he wanted to kill were born before they could get to them. ( Exodus 1:19). There are other cases where for instance the full census wasn't given of the Israelites (Levites excluded) because the evil was sensed in King David's request that Satan himself had supplanted his heart to perform. I won't quibble here on that but certainly when we find a lie as the only way to preserve a life it is different than when it is merely self promoting.
In concealing a matter; as a case study we aren't helping ourselves ( Prov. 28:13). Hiding our sins is only going to be destructive. We will in time be found out. Lying of course can attempt to distract from any sort of transgression so again it seems that it may be most dangerous and deliberately at the end of sins leading to damnation. We need to heed carefully David's reaction when Nathan said "YOU ARE THE MAN" ( 2 Samuel 12:7). Saul wasn't ever able to repent; even though he said that he sinned ( 1 Samuel 15:24). This is like Pharaoh in Exodus 9:27 or Judas in Matthew 27:4. Worldly sorrow.
Things didn't work out this time for my trip; won't bore anyone with the details.
I am meditating on Phillipians 1:12-14
12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
There are other verses as well that show God using Paul; such as the story in Acts 16:33-35 where the jailor and his family were baptized.
There is no doubt that what caused people to grow bolder was Paul's continuing determination under fierce persecution as well as his heartelt love and committment to the churches he founded. Today; it seems with many missionaries in far away countries at least here in the USA people can keep their distance in terms of feeling a close kinship; and in the intensity of prayers. Of course it is reciprocal to some degree as it was with Paul who was encouraged by those who gave which made up for the lack of others. Paul of course was the perfect example of a selfless believer; accepting hunger and thirst when necessary and doing work of menial labor of tentmaking to supplement monies so as not to be a burden.
Such opportunities do exist today among certain organizations that write to prisoners in restricted countries who are incarcerated due to their faith in terms of written communications with careful restrictions for their own safety as to the contents. God measures every tear in a bottle as ( Psalm 56:8). Psalm 30:5 says For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. This verse is better suited for the explanation of the chastisement of God with Israel and their eventual restoration but also shows that our sufferings in this life are temporal.
I do not believe is bad to be interested in that, we can study other people's beliefs and understanding of a particular scripture, but we must pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When I discuss anything with a brother or sister on this site a subject that we have different understandings of, I in prayer study to see both views and confirm the truth even if I am wrong the Holy Spirit will show us the truth maybe not that minute but if continue to pray about it the truth will come. All things are not revealed to us like Paul said about milk and meat it is not our time it is God's time.
I cannot say anyone is bad because of their understanding of prophecy, I can only say my understanding is different if they are willing to sit down together and study for the truth do so. We must not be dogmatic we must do it in love of the truth.
Salvation is by faith Jesus the Son of God shed His blood for our sins and was raised from the dead, a gift of grace from God His Father who gave Him to die for us in the plan of God that was conceived before the foundation of this world not understanding prophecy.
I do not know how much you have studied Revelation; you may know this but the events in Revelation are in order but it's not chronological order from start to finish. It is more of a circular order of the same events; John adds more information of parts of the same event in other chapters of what is going on at the same time.
As in Rev. 11, the two witnesses, parts of Rev. 12 and Rev. 13 show different things going on, but they are happening during the 42 months, a time, and times, and half a time, 3.5 years of Satan, the beast out of the bottomless pit, and the false prophet not different times. There are parallels between the visions John wrote down all through Revelation that we must recognize.
"And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables" Mark gives us mystery of the family as is in heaven and on earth where God is one. He has set his throne which is the throne of sovereignty. He blessed all in his Son and the mystery is of his Will.
St Paul makes his sovereignty as the central plank so his good pleasure in his Son extended to all who received him in faith:
1:"hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." This refers to the everlasting covenant where on day Six God expresses "behold, it was good"(Ge.1:31). This covenant is inclusive so it is not any nation but whosoever received the Son should have adoption, of children as stated in the next:
2: "as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, "unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,(Ep.1:3-6). So the man is adopted to himself so he is 'the Father who art in heaven.'
3: everlasting life is conditional so John's Gospel assures us "That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."( John 3:16). Today is the day of salvation is now while we are in our vile bodies and it refers our world of flesh and blood. Simultaneously the day refers in heaven as long as the Alpha and Omega mode of Jesus Christ extends and it is not for us to know. The point is we are saved according to the covenant, when we died to the world and to sin. We have a building of God, a spiritual body awaiting us. (2 Co.5:1)
Mark tells us in the next verse those who have dismissed this mystery shall not benefit from parables. "That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."(4:12). Heresies did not occur happenstance.
"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.
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.
Did Jesus exist before creation? Did the Holy Spirit exist before creation?
Jesus existed in God's plan, Jesus is the beginning of creation Rev. 3:14 and by Him were all things created Col. 1:16 my understanding is Jesus, was the first in God's plan of creation and everything was created by God, in and through the plan and purpose of Jesus. My understanding Jesus did not physically exist until the fullness of time. Ephesians 1:10 He was born of Mary the Son of God. the seed of woman. Genesis 3:15Matthew 1:20
My understanding is the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, not a person, Genesis 1:2. We see all the greetings are from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:71 Corinthians 1:32 Corinthians 1:2Galatians 1:3Ephesians 1:2Ephesians 6:23Philippians 1:2Colossians 1:2 and 6 more. The Holy Spirit not being included is a good clue the Holy Spirit was not considered a person by Paul and others at that time.
If so, who were they in relation to the Father?
I believe the above answers this.
How did the Father, the Son, and the Spirit all create all that is, seen or unseen?
My understanding is God the Father created all, Genesis 1:1Genesis 1:31Proverbs 16:4Isaiah 45:18Nehemiah 9:6.
Does Scripture teach that God is only one person who manifests in three forms, but all these manifestations are only one person?
Scripture does not support Modalism I have never considered this and do not know anything about it.
"The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;/As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee."(vv.1-2)
Mark presents Jesus as the Son of God. He does not say he was the Word become flesh but in his obedience to the Word, he is shown as born of God. His faith makes him human as John or anyone of us. "Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."( John 1:12-13) Above the quote is from Malachi (3:1) which has not become entangled with that of the quote from next verse. About this we shall take up at the end of the note on v.3
"The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." (v.3)
This cites Prophet Isaiah who did not say it in a vacuum but inspired of God who commanded so the knowledge of his glory in terms of man gave expression to the word of God which itself manifests the other worldly quality of faith."The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God."(2 Co.4:6;Is.40:3) St Paul asks, "But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world." It is thus truth written in our inward parts make sense of it.(Ro.10:18)
quote from Isaiah is set in place by the preceding verse. "Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins." This refers to the remnant of Israel at the eleventh hour as it were, delivered from fire. Compare the quote from Malachi. "behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts."(Mal.3:1) Mark's quote therefore fits with the Advent of Jesus Christ as more closer in time. The voice of the Lord reaches the ends of the world as risen Christ promises. (Matt.28:20) '
Neither the Spirit has told us how to breathe but we do it naturally through our nostrils. When God breathed through the nostrils of man we understand God a Spirit made us a living soul. The soul establishes His authority.There is more to life than existing.
We have body spirit and soul which corresponds with the 'us' in God's commandment "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness."(Ge.1:26) Likeness gives a body, spirit and soul which is after the similitude existing in heaven.
"A body hast thou prepared me"(He.10:5) a glorious body for the Son consequently must hold true for us, is it not? It is to this spiritual body St Paul refers,"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."(2 Co.5:1) Glory of body is as what God gives. Adam was earthy, since from the ground he was formed. For those have born again as a new creation, the body is glorious as that of Christ who is the Lord of heaven. Thus glory of body differs as those of earth and of heaven differs.
We breathe merely as natural man. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven. So as new creation we breathe as indwelling Spirit equipped us, seeking the perfect will of God. It is a matter of faith. Either you breathe so your soul shall escape condemnation when called to account Or you breathe till you body hit the dust, awaiting judgment.
Prima facie one is likely to assume that Evangelist Matthew as one of the twelve is more likely to be advantaged over Mark as one given a ringside view of Jesus, his life, passion death and resurrection. The generation of Mark was farther from controversies whipped up for and against the man but what he had set off, the visible form of worship and attitudes unusual in the prevailing moral laxity the nascent church was gaining strength despite all odds. Mark however was among the stalwarts like Simon Peter and Paul and also early convert.
The Spirit having taken a hand over both Matthew and Mark has set down the truth regardless of the time lapse. How can he not present the Word become flesh but with authority so his truth sanctifies to which no scholarship of man is equal. Without any hesitation we can say that Mark as a faithful believer benefits from the Holy Ghost as other canonical gospel writers to set what is true. The risen Christ said, "And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Given the truth set in inward parts whosoever thus equipped it is fit to the job.
As a disciple the Spirit entrusted St Matthew to delineate the preeminence of Jesus Christ; so with a large canvass at his disposal the risen Christ caps his Gospel with these stirring words of comfort, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." As having overcome death for believers both heaven and earth are reconciled in a believer by his assurance: St Mark is as inspired as he but his is like lapidary work, focusing more on his inner life, prayer life for instance
After mentioning his temptation in the wilderness we have this verse: 'And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed(1:35)'. (6:31-32)(6:34)
Many believe as you do in the Trinity, as you say, "The Trinity is God so how can you be saved and not believe in the Trinity". The Trinity was developed almost 400 years after Jesus ascended to heaven. This is not to debate. I think most on this site know my understanding of this.
Just a thought, to eliminate any doubt, if we must believe God is a Triune God to receive salvation shouldn't there be Scripture telling us this? You may have found where John, Peter, Paul, or any other apostles have written and told us we must believe in the Trinity for salvation, but I have not found it.
"All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth"
Jesus came to fulfill the law. He was the Word become flesh. When he presented the doctrine of his Father he was presenting himself as its fulfillment. He said with vehemence what he as the Man the message would do. "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." His death was in dishonor but in his resurrection he proved the Power of the Word Simon Peter addressing men of Israel speaks,"Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:/Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it."(Ac.2:23-24). He opened a new way, the path of righteousness. "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."(1 Co.1:30). All who followed him shall have a standard which is affixed by faith and not by praditions or by precepts of men. "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."
This is the power given to men.
"And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Here we have a demonstration of what one means by Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and forever. Mark 16:18 supplied us signs and 'in my name' what happen. "They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them." St Paul in Malta proved the viper did not hurt him in fulfillment of the word. Elisha in Gilgal was told by sons of the prophets, "O thou man of God, there is death in the pot." They were not hurt because Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of the Law or the Word. (2 Ki.4:38-41) "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending."
The Spirit in organizing the Alpha and Omega aspects of the Son brings out the word of God as true which is validated in his Son. The world made flesh and the word revealed by the humanity works equally well with all those who believe in him. An example we have in the Gospel of St Mark. In the last chapter the risen Christ gives the signs that shall follow the believers. It is valid only, 'in my name' for example "They shall take up serpents." ( Mark 16:18), the Spirit adds "And it shall not hurt them."
The Spirit gives us an example in the case of St Paul on the isle of Malta.
"And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand./And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live./And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm./Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god." (Ac.28:3-6)
From lack of understanding with regards to the Holy Spirit and the purpose of the scripture there are some children of Belial in our times who handle serpents as a test of their spiritual prowess. Is God to be tempted by serpent handling?
Greetings in Christ JESUS our Lord and Saviour
Thank you for your reply.
As it is written,"All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD,and is profitable for doctrine,for reproof,for correction,for instruction in righteousness:That the man of GOD may be perfect,thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
As you know,our enemy"is wiser than Daniel;there is no secret that they can hide from him".Paul Apostle warned,saying:Put on the whole armour of GOD,that ye may BE ABLE to stand AGAINST the wiles of the Devil.
Think you(and many)also know that the MAN of sin,a Jewish MAN,son of perdition,will manifest himself very soon as messiah and God( John 5:43-47and 2Thessalonians 2:3-4and9-12,and mainly Revelation 13:11 and so on),so we all MUST be careful.Get ready.
However,the prophecy of Ezekiel is very clear:Ez.28:7-10-->7 Behold,therefore I will bring strangers upon thee,the terrible of the nations:and they shall draw their Swords against the beauty of thy wisdom,and they shall defile thy brightness.
8They shall bring thee down to the pit( Revelation 20:1-3),and thou shalt die the deaths of them that are slain in the midst of the seas.(peoples,and nations,and multitudes of all tongues-Re.17:15)
9Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee,I am God?but thou shalt be a MAN,and no God,in the hand of him that slayeth thee.
10Thou shalt die the deaths of the uncircumcised(he's a Jewish MAN)by the hand of strangers:for I have spoken it,saith the Lord GOD.
Re.12:9-12-->9And the great dragon was cast out,that old serpent,called the Devil,and Satan,which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth,and his angels were cast out with him.
10And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven,Now is come salvation,and strength,and the kingdom of our GOD,and the power of His Christ:for the accuser of our brethren is cast down,which accused them before our GOD day and night.11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb,and by the word of their testimony;12Th
Yesterday perhaps the enemy (although I suspect it is my pinkie left finger touching the esc key) caused the first part of what will probably be a lengthy dissertation on Satan's methods to be wiped out. It gave me an opportunity to think about some more stuff today. I thought an outline at present would help; perhaps finding some interest out there to detail a particular area.
Here's a brief summary of what I was starting yesterday.
1. Self-We are our own worst enemies.
Attacks on emotions; mind and soul (will present scriptures to follow).
I wanted to touch on "presumtion" along with other thought patterns within fallen man that can trip us up as well.
2. Others-Peer pressure; manipulation; flattery and any wrong done by others. This of course is rarely not associated with our own actions; particularly ruminating and fretting rather than taking things to God in prayer
3. Spiritual warfare: Again; not isolated but oppression for a believer; possession possible for non believers; and all things in the world system. This would include false religions.
4. Deception. This may be the most concerning and potent weapon the enemy has. The "Trojan horse" approach allows the enemy in the gate whether it is in our hearts or in a particular local church in general.
General thoughts before we begin the main study.
When we look at the Antichrist (Satan's main exhibit) we see characteristics of a SUBSTITUTE for as well as blatent blasphemy AGAINST the true Christ. The enemy will always work in two ways; either giving us what we want (in reality being void of real substance); OR he will directly cause persecution (usually through people and often in seemingly ordinary events) but at times goes full force. This outward persecution shows that he has failed in deception and therefore we understand why Paul said he thanked God he was worthy to suffer persecution for His Name's sake. God ultimately allows all Satan does
Today we covered a book (by Ryrie called Balancing the Christian Life") and the chapter about Satan. There was too much to cover in one study; indeed I could see how a half dozen studies would be needed to examine just the main avenues the enemy of our souls uses to afflict us. The scripture on him coming to steal; kill and destroy was mentioned; along with his techniques.
As the "accuser of the brethren" ( Rev. 12:10) there is no doubt that accusations have been something he has lengthy experience on as it is first observed in the book of Job. (See Job 16:2 where he calls his friends "miserable comforters"). It isn't just coincidence or happenstance that Satan pummeled Job so mercilessly. As was also brought out in the study which we should all know Satan can do nothing without God's permission. The book generally talks about people who think too little and those too obsessed with the wiles of the enemy. The fact that he could assail Paul an Apostle of God; and get into Peter's mind when our Lord had to rebuke him and say "get behind me SATAN" ( MAtt. 16:23) should be a reality check that anyone can be taken out by the enemy should God allow it.
Of course the concept of the "legal power of attorney" that Christ has based on His blood sacrifice and atonement for His children gives us assurance of salvation; but often the Lord uses the enemy to test our faith in this wicked world system.
There is danger of those having false assurance of salvation which is evidenced by bad fruit ( Matt. 7:16); however when a Christian sins the enemy will plant all sorts of terror; accusations; insecurities; etc. in our minds. Godly sorrow leads to repentance ( 2 Cor. 7:10); but if we don't go to the Lord when we first sin the enemy is given free reign more or less to mess with our minds. Thus in my experience even if I went headlong into sin knowing the torment the enemy would cast my way is strong incentive to stay away.
I may have discussed this topic in a previous post. Whether or not we consider "free will" to be a factor or not as to our immediate future; there is no doubt that things will end up with the Tribulation; the Millennium rule and final judgment followed by the eternal state. It is clear scripturally that almost all prophecy is conditional in some way; the fact that God does nothing without warning by one or more Prophets ( Amos 3:7). A prime example of this is with Israel and Judah who more often than not missed the mark whether it was the kings; prophets; priests or everyone else in society. Psalms is rife with examples of God's chastisement of the righteous ( Psalm 107 is one good example of this). We even see it with the other nations such as the Amorites and later in the book of Jonah the Ninevites who were given a lengthy respite of several generations before judgment finally came down as mentioned in the book of Nahum.
The statements in the New Testament such as the prophecy of Agabus shown in Acts 11 and 21 showed famine to come and later Paul's imprisonment. In the first case it has been brought to my attention that perhaps that famine either didn't occur or perhaps less severe because of preparations or repentance. That was what my former Pastor stated; not sure if anyone knows the history better than I do. As to the second circumstance; Paul was constrained to be obedient and bold. There wasn't a mandate it seemed for him going to Jerusalem although it seemed he was aware of it being part of God's plan. Perhaps the implication was martyrdom; after all Paul was no stranger to prison.
I tend to look at the "reap what you sow" context works as a sort of guarantee; like prophecy you can be certain that sin will bring forth punishment and trouble even in this life as the end of Proverbs 13:15 indicates. For God's children in rebellion it is only He who can bring real change but the wicked are lost.
Paul prophesied:1Tessalonians 4:15
15We say unto you by the Word of the Lord,that we which are alive and remain unto the COMING of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep.
(Comment:Daniel prophesied:Dan.12:1
- At that time(END of Time) shall Michael stand up to fight against the red Dragon,whose satanic religious body has 7 heads,10 horns and a TAIL- Revelation 12:9-12;
- then there shall be a time of trouble (great tribulation), such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time( Matthew 24:21);
- and at that time(current time)thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book ( Revelation 7:1-14).
Furthermore,in this current time or now,even now,from now on,the Devil shall be cast down into the bottomless pit(Re.20:1-3).
Daniel 12:2-THERE WILL BE RESURRECTION SIMULTANEOUSLY
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake(according to the prophecy of Isaiah 26:19-21.Take a look), some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Comment: So, there also shall be resurrection in fulfillment of prophecy of Isaiah combined with 1Thessalonians 4:16, as follow:
16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout (shall descend from the 3rd heaven,we believers are still in the 2nd heaven-Ephesians1:3-8 combined with Philippians 3:20-21),with the voice of the archangel-MICHAEL- , and with the trump of GOD: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1 Thes. 4:17 - Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds( Isaiah 60:8, and 1Corinthians 15:51 combined with Philippians 3:20-21 and Revelation 5:8-14), to meet the Lord in the air(in the 3rd heavenly environment-3rd heaven-far above of the current second heaven- Luke 20:35-36 combined with Matthew 25:6): and so shall we ever be with the Lord.(Where?- Revelation 11:15-18 and Re. 5:10, and Matthew 5:5, and John 17:24. Take a look).
That's for your meditation
Daniel 12:2
2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Paul prophesied: 1Tess.4:15-17
15 We say unto you by the Word of the Lord,that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven(from the 3rd heaven,we the believers are still in the 2nd heaven-Eph.1:3-8 combined with Phil.3:20-21)with a shout,with the voice of the archangel,and with the trump of GOD:and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds( Isaiah 60:8, and 1Corinthians 15:51 combined with Phi.3:20-21 and Re.5:8-14), to meet the Lord in the air(in the 3rd heavenly environment-3rd heaven-far above the second heaven- Luke 20:35-36 combined with Mat.25:6): and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (Where?-Re.11:15-18 and 5:10, and Mat.5:5).
Daniel 12:3
3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. (The stars were made by our GOD since the beginning- Genesis 1:16-made with own light given by GOD for them to shine in heaven(Eph.1:3-8), but the Greater Light is JESUS, and the Lesser Light is the person of the Holy Spirit- John 15:26 and 16:12-15. Take a look).
Revelation 18:1-5
1And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven,having great power;and the earth was lightened with his glory.
2And he cried mightily voice,saying,Babylon the great is fallen,is fallen,and is become the habitation of devils,and the hold of every foul spirit,and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird
3For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies
4Come out of her,my people,that ye be not partakers of her sins,and that ye receive not of her PLAGUES
5For her sins have reached unto heaven,GOD hath remembered her iniquities
In my foresee,I wrote in another site at April 19,2021-Death of Pope Francis-it must happen soon,until 2024 at the latest,no more.
- The Beast of the earth(of Israel-the clay-Is.64:8)with two horns LIKE A LAMB rises up-Re.13:11
-Election of the a new Pope-his nickname may be Paulus VII(?)
-The Beast of the earth LIKE A LAMB manifests himself as God in Israel;in fact a false messiah,an esoteric,and kabbalistic and spiritist false messiah; John 5:43-47
-The kabbalistic false messiah of the Jews,Beast of the earth, makes great signs and wonders of lie,even makes fire come down to the earth before men;(things of spiritism)
-The Pope(Paulus VII?)will meet the Beast like lamb;
-Both will develop a union between the RCC and Judaism,iron with clay-Dan.2:41-43,but they shall not cleave one to another, as iron is not mixed with clay;
-A religious and universal satanic Empire will be build by both religious leaders;Re.11:1-2;
-The esoteric Beast of the earth will make a deal with the Beast of sea and will give to the Beast of sea his Power,his Throne and great Authority-Re.13:2.The Antichrist's Empire is conceived by both Beasts.Then begins the last week-Dan.9:27
The Word of GOD reveals the birthplace of Antichrist by the VISUAL testimony of Apostle John about the Church of Rome
18 Little children,it's the last time:and as ye have heard that Antichrist shall come,even NOW are there many Antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
19They(Church of Rome)went out from us(apostate),but they were not of us;if they had been of us,they would no doubt have continued with us:but they went out,that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
20Ye have an unction from the Holy One,and know all things.
Re.13:1-18,written around 65 years after JESUS's ascension,two distinct Beasts are described:The first lasts around 2000 years,we can discern and foresse both Beasts will lead two distinct satanic religious systems in near future.The FIRST MAN Beast of sea exists millennia ago,the another MAN Beast has not yet,but he will manifest in near future.Catholicism&Judaism.
The Beast of sea,a satanic religious system developed within the former Church of the Lord in Rome and into Roman Empire,after Satan corrupted the church established by Apostle Paul,killed by persecution,then was developed satanic Antichrist's movements through the corrupt church of Rome,called first Catholic Church.Revelation describes 7 churches,church of Rome would be the eighth,but it was left out because was completely disapproved by JESUS.
The religious structures and organizations of the RCC,which rides upon the Beast of sea,the Pope,within the Roman Empire,since the confuse election of the first Pope in first century,it can be Linus or Clement,later to increase the confuse election of whom really is the first Pope,Satan,the main leader of the blasphemer movement of Antichrist in the church of Rome,he himself,time after,around the 2nd or early 3rd century by convention began of regarding Peter as the first pope.It's more a satanic blasphemy of the MAN Beast of sea.
Get ready
My gifting is in discernment and sadly I have still much softening needed in my heart and soul; partially due no doubt to the divorce I had to go through the better part of 10 years ago. My views against remarriage when a spouse is alive isn't something I'm going to push on this site but I know the Lord has given me another specific calling to warn others about the subject. It is risky mentioning this as there are some who I love in Christ who have been offended but I must speak what I believe He has given me to say.
I suppose I could use prayer that I can somehow be bolder sharing on my job; although often I'm too busy working fast paced in my food service work. If the Lord tarries once my elderly parents (in their 90s) have passed then I probably will revert back to spending more of my time witnessing; so that is part of the reason I belt out so much stuff now; along with whatever writing talent the Lord has given me.
I can only hope that as Daniel states some will shine as the stars in the sky (or firmament- Daniel 12:3) as a result of some message whether it is myself or someone else at this site or elsewhere. The true experience of being filled with the Spirit I contend is rare and you have to search like it for gold and eventually you will begin to be able to know when it is present.
You will see it in others mainly; and is in a minority of professing believers. Again I appeal to the scriptures on running for the prize ( Philippians 3:3) and even Paul said it can be forfeited ( 1 Cor. 9:27; see also Revelation 3:11).
It has been said by those at least somewhat aware of the state of the church in this hour that we are far too obsessed on ourselves; especially in relation to this life. Living our "worst life now" I find humerous and sobering as Paul Washer has stated in the past in regard to another (I'll keep anonymous" person emphasizing the opposite sentiment. There has been much said about a very popular psychologist who has passed a few years back who tried to incorporate "moral and Christian values" with tenets of Psychology. Sophia; the founder of the "Rainbow Redemption Project" recently commented on the concept of "Gender Dysphoria" and how it is a harmful concept (I suggest you read her testimony on the site). There are some in the conservative media who realize the harm of "vitimization" is in society today with spoiled; lazy kids which is inexorably tied into the concepts of Dr. Spock from the 1960s and the disintegration of the two parent household and associated marriages.
With that introduction; I once again will point out that we can go to extremes such as what I mentioned in the last point of self depreciation constantly. That in ITSELF can be a pride issue. Ultimately we should let the Spirit of God work in us; and have His way and we can simply put less focus on ourselves and more on Christ being "on display". Psalm 139 states we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" at birth; certainly after the new birth. I can relate a brief experience i had about 15 years ago when someone on the street who was panhandling and seemed to have some problems suddenly seemed convicted that I was a real "man of God" and he said he was ashamed of himself. I can only pray that he is clean and sober today. We can have confidence no one will touch us unless God allows it. We have the fullness of life now or the abundant life ( John 10:10) and that verse contrasts that with Satan who steals; kills and destroys.
I have touched on several good devotional sources in posts last year; namely Oswald Chambers "utmost for the Highest" and Daily Bread. This site also is helpful when highlighting a daily Bible verse for the surrounding text to consider.
If I have the terminology correct Expository preaching is systematic reading of a book chapter by chapter. There is another term for topical studies that I am sure someone here knows. For a new believer it is hard to argue with the standard approach of beginning in the Gospels (usually John is picked) and then transitioning to Paul's Epistles. Scripture memory is helpful for two reasons particularly for new believers; one for edification and second to have verses to explain the hope within us in Christ when witnessing. Taking the example of John 3:16 for instance we have the assurance of eternal life but if we read the surrounding text we see in verse 18 that he who does NOT believe in Him is condemned already. This is one danger of "cherry picking" an isolated verse that gives us "positive vibes" and not comprehending God's Word as to repetitive themes; in this case blessings for obedience and faith and cursings for not believing. This contrast between good and bad is throughout scriptures; whether we look at warnings in Deuteronomy as to conditions affecting the entire nation because of disobedience vs obedience; Psalms and Proverbs related to characteristics of righteous and wicked and books of Chronicles and Kings as to righteous and unrighteous kings.
We are to be cautious; therefore with any devotionals that always have "encouraging" verses or if the author is skewed in that direction. The opposite could be said of the Oswald Chambers as some have accused it of being works oriented too much; they certainly are challenging unlike anything I've read. In terms of scripture memory; it is useful but internalizing the Living Word through meditation and application also.
"And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words."Earlier when John the Baptist arrived at the scene, stirring up great many people who came to be baptized at his hand we read,"And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?" John categorically rejected any notion that he was the Christ. It did not stop there."Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us."( John 1:19-22). Now the chief priests scribes and various sects who came to Jesus, "and they wanted to catch him in his words" firstly simulated fear for God, "They say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth" the same method that Satan employed to tempt Jesus and he also began," he said, If thou be the Son of God, command". The playbook of Satan is for whosoever who would want to be a power player in the world and the Herodians were one such in the time of Jesus, and in our times we have their ilk appearing in droves behind their candidate and sets Christian Visibility Day for other reason than they are sent. It is the spirit of wickedness at work, "And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming."(2 The.2:8). For those who abide in Christ and seek to see the light in his light does Christian visibility Day make any sense? St Paul is clear in warning, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."(2 Co.4:4)
Jesus warned of this wicked and adulterous generation. Evangelicals want a sign and and Jesus refers to the son of perdition,Matt.24:15. the sign of our times Desolation is sure to come
You mentioned Bible Dictionary. Can you give more details as to the publisher and whether from any specific denomination or sects? Your Jewish calendar, and I quote "Through Jewish calendar the Jewish people use it for counting time and commemorating birthdays, festivities, weddings, deaths, religious celebrations and other solemnities. According to the Hebrews, the years are counted from what they believe to be the creation of Adam" is not how the Spirit uses the genealogies in OT and Nt. " Jesus said "Before Abraham was, I am". St Paul inspired by the same Holy Spirit gives Jesus Christ as the benchmark. By him all things consist and it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell. (Col1:15-19). Being a Jew does not make his calendar correct.
Matthew also gives us this colloquy where he dilates upon their controversy with parables. At the end he says,"And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them./But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.(Matt.21:28-46). There was the fear of men that governed the chief priests and Pharisees while Jesus as the Word become flesh would only serve what he represented in his humanity. "Thy word is truth." Unless he had let the word sanctify him how could he sanctify any man?"For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one. "I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee," was a Messianic prophecy which fulfilled in him.(Ps.22:22)
On the other hand the chief priests scribes and Pharisees made doctrine of God to none effect. "Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye."(7:13) .
St Paul explains it thus, "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." Jesus came from God while his detractors angled for the praise of men.
Mark gives us several instances of the word of God being fulfilled in Jesus so it was not past or future of now that weighed uppermost but the eternal word. In cursing the fig tree he did not have to prove his claim that he was the rightful heir but his faith established the truth. Both power and glory operating in heaven and earth is encapsulated in faith.(vv.23-24). "And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and castitinto the sea"(Re.18:21) is a fulfillment of the word: of the rock cut out without hands"(Dan.2:34-35)
"And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots." Jesus explained simply, "Have faith in God."
"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." Here the man in question is Adam. By making him a living soul he is set down in the Lucan genealogy as the son of God. On day six he was blessed and placed all his creation under his hands (Ge.1:28-29). 'Male and female created him sets him in terms of his will stated as a forerunner of Christ and his bride. Only after He sanctified the day seven Eve, was taken out of his ribs. Later He brought all his creation for his review and no helpmeet was found from them. Only then God set about creating flesh of his flesh and bone of his bones. The everlasting covenant between God and Man gives us a final separation, as with Day and Night and waters above and below the firmament and it is a precursor for the ministry of reconciliation for the Word become flesh. It is to this St Paul refers, "For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church." (Ep.5:29. )Christ and his body is therefore implied in day Six. Creation of Eve in the following chapter thus creates a family tree connecting Jesus Christ to Adam in Luke Ch.3.
The breath of God made all the difference to Adam who was formed of the ground. He correctly guessed his calling and did not find anyone worthy from without. He was created in 'his likeness' which is the head. For this reason Jesus referred the deep sleep of Adam was precursor to his own death. He as the word become flesh made himself chaste. Compare his saying, "and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it."(Matt.19:12) With Jesus Christ came grace and truth. What God has joined together referred to his own case. In human likeness he nourished and cherished what God had entrusted him with. His prayer makes it clear. ( John 17:11-12)
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, even so "IN CHRIST" shall all be made alive.
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming"
What an marvelous saying!!
The key is being "in Christ"
This is the baptism he came to perform on all those who accepts him as savior! ( Jews and Gentiles alike)
This is what Paul is saying in 1 Corinthians 12:13. "unto the Jews first and then to the Gentiles"
This is what John the Baptist is saying to the Jews when preparing the way for their Messiah.
THE RESURRECTION.
The belief in the resurrection of the body is an vital aspect of our faith as we see in 1 Corinthians 15:17-20
Also the resurrection promotes a "New birth" taken place!
This is where the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead quickens our mortal bodies as mentioned in Romans 8:11-14.
So, we are baptized into Jesus death as mentioned in Romans 6:3.
Romans 6:4-11 gives us our present state by the power of the Holyspirit.
Verse 11 says we are to reckon "or to recognize" ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We have been given an earnest of the Holyspirit to will and perform inside us!
So, We have been given the earnest of the Spirit,
Sealed and predestinated, with a promise of redemption for the purchased possession. "by the blood of Christ."
This is what the resurrection means to us.
God bless.
Matthew gives the passage in a slight altered form. It is the Mother of the sons of Zebedee approaches Jesus for a special favor."Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshippinghim, and desiring a certain thing of him."(Matt.20:20). The Word or the Law is interpreted differently according to the world of the Spirit and by the flesh and spirit respectively. In one the glory of God is the foremost so Elias or Moses serve as a double for the Son. In the case of the Mother of Zebedee's sons, her desire was the glory of her sons. She serves as a stand in for her Son. Of this St Paul gives us two contrary laws. "So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."(Ro.7:25)
Law of the Spirit presupposes a Lawgiver is it not. It is thus God has left all judgment to his Son who also is the Word become flesh. On the other hand Satan the Lawless one has become by default of Adam a law given so the law of sin characterizes works of flesh and blood. Whosoever rejects the commandment as King Saul did is subject to an unclean spirits. "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."( 1 John 3:8)
vv.38-39 "And with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized." Jesus refers to the anointing he received (Ps.45:5-6) and in their case of the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, and adds,"But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared." Jesus scrupulous chose to obey the word and as was reminded by Moses at the mount. of his death and glory would fulfill what was written of him in the scripture. the same choice was left to the sons of Zebedee and it was their free will.
The other ten disciples were naturally upset over their behind the back maneuvering for power.
Definition: Merriam-Webster defines a liar as someone who tells lies. No comment here on how great that definition is..:(
I will state as I have numerous times that no names need to be given here; just a mere mention of politics whether "donkeys or elephants" should suffice. I have said to people on occasion that a liar is worse than a murderer. The Apostle Paul is my "exhibit A" in that he at least was complicit in murder but did it in ignorance ( 1 Timothy 1:13). What we can't say is that he ever lied about his intentions; everyone knew his impassioned motives in the persecution. Lying is probably the most common methodology for maintaining a lifestyle of sin; if not lying to ourselves as to what we are doing and the consequences it is lying to others for self promotion. There are scriptural instances of lying where the midwives told Pharoah that the babies he wanted to kill were born before they could get to them. ( Exodus 1:19). There are other cases where for instance the full census wasn't given of the Israelites (Levites excluded) because the evil was sensed in King David's request that Satan himself had supplanted his heart to perform. I won't quibble here on that but certainly when we find a lie as the only way to preserve a life it is different than when it is merely self promoting.
In concealing a matter; as a case study we aren't helping ourselves ( Prov. 28:13). Hiding our sins is only going to be destructive. We will in time be found out. Lying of course can attempt to distract from any sort of transgression so again it seems that it may be most dangerous and deliberately at the end of sins leading to damnation. We need to heed carefully David's reaction when Nathan said "YOU ARE THE MAN" ( 2 Samuel 12:7). Saul wasn't ever able to repent; even though he said that he sinned ( 1 Samuel 15:24). This is like Pharaoh in Exodus 9:27 or Judas in Matthew 27:4. Worldly sorrow.
I am meditating on Phillipians 1:12-14
12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
There are other verses as well that show God using Paul; such as the story in Acts 16:33-35 where the jailor and his family were baptized.
There is no doubt that what caused people to grow bolder was Paul's continuing determination under fierce persecution as well as his heartelt love and committment to the churches he founded. Today; it seems with many missionaries in far away countries at least here in the USA people can keep their distance in terms of feeling a close kinship; and in the intensity of prayers. Of course it is reciprocal to some degree as it was with Paul who was encouraged by those who gave which made up for the lack of others. Paul of course was the perfect example of a selfless believer; accepting hunger and thirst when necessary and doing work of menial labor of tentmaking to supplement monies so as not to be a burden.
Such opportunities do exist today among certain organizations that write to prisoners in restricted countries who are incarcerated due to their faith in terms of written communications with careful restrictions for their own safety as to the contents. God measures every tear in a bottle as ( Psalm 56:8). Psalm 30:5 says For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. This verse is better suited for the explanation of the chastisement of God with Israel and their eventual restoration but also shows that our sufferings in this life are temporal.
We're in this together
I do not believe is bad to be interested in that, we can study other people's beliefs and understanding of a particular scripture, but we must pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When I discuss anything with a brother or sister on this site a subject that we have different understandings of, I in prayer study to see both views and confirm the truth even if I am wrong the Holy Spirit will show us the truth maybe not that minute but if continue to pray about it the truth will come. All things are not revealed to us like Paul said about milk and meat it is not our time it is God's time.
I cannot say anyone is bad because of their understanding of prophecy, I can only say my understanding is different if they are willing to sit down together and study for the truth do so. We must not be dogmatic we must do it in love of the truth.
Salvation is by faith Jesus the Son of God shed His blood for our sins and was raised from the dead, a gift of grace from God His Father who gave Him to die for us in the plan of God that was conceived before the foundation of this world not understanding prophecy.
I do not know how much you have studied Revelation; you may know this but the events in Revelation are in order but it's not chronological order from start to finish. It is more of a circular order of the same events; John adds more information of parts of the same event in other chapters of what is going on at the same time.
As in Rev. 11, the two witnesses, parts of Rev. 12 and Rev. 13 show different things going on, but they are happening during the 42 months, a time, and times, and half a time, 3.5 years of Satan, the beast out of the bottomless pit, and the false prophet not different times. There are parallels between the visions John wrote down all through Revelation that we must recognize.
God bless,
RLW
"And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables" Mark gives us mystery of the family as is in heaven and on earth where God is one. He has set his throne which is the throne of sovereignty. He blessed all in his Son and the mystery is of his Will.
St Paul makes his sovereignty as the central plank so his good pleasure in his Son extended to all who received him in faith:
1:"hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." This refers to the everlasting covenant where on day Six God expresses "behold, it was good"(Ge.1:31). This covenant is inclusive so it is not any nation but whosoever received the Son should have adoption, of children as stated in the next:
2: "as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, "unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,(Ep.1:3-6). So the man is adopted to himself so he is 'the Father who art in heaven.'
3: everlasting life is conditional so John's Gospel assures us "That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."( John 3:16). Today is the day of salvation is now while we are in our vile bodies and it refers our world of flesh and blood. Simultaneously the day refers in heaven as long as the Alpha and Omega mode of Jesus Christ extends and it is not for us to know. The point is we are saved according to the covenant, when we died to the world and to sin. We have a building of God, a spiritual body awaiting us. (2 Co.5:1)
Mark tells us in the next verse those who have dismissed this mystery shall not benefit from parables. "That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."(4:12). Heresies did not occur happenstance.
"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.
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.
Part 2 Trinity discussion
Did Jesus exist before creation? Did the Holy Spirit exist before creation?
Jesus existed in God's plan, Jesus is the beginning of creation Rev. 3:14 and by Him were all things created Col. 1:16 my understanding is Jesus, was the first in God's plan of creation and everything was created by God, in and through the plan and purpose of Jesus. My understanding Jesus did not physically exist until the fullness of time. Ephesians 1:10 He was born of Mary the Son of God. the seed of woman. Genesis 3:15 Matthew 1:20
My understanding is the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, not a person, Genesis 1:2. We see all the greetings are from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7 1 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 1:2 Galatians 1:3 Ephesians 1:2 Ephesians 6:23 Philippians 1:2 Colossians 1:2 and 6 more. The Holy Spirit not being included is a good clue the Holy Spirit was not considered a person by Paul and others at that time.
If so, who were they in relation to the Father?
I believe the above answers this.
How did the Father, the Son, and the Spirit all create all that is, seen or unseen?
My understanding is God the Father created all, Genesis 1:1 Genesis 1:31 Proverbs 16:4 Isaiah 45:18 Nehemiah 9:6.
Does Scripture teach that God is only one person who manifests in three forms, but all these manifestations are only one person?
Scripture does not support Modalism I have never considered this and do not know anything about it.
See part 3.
"The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;/As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee."(vv.1-2)
Mark presents Jesus as the Son of God. He does not say he was the Word become flesh but in his obedience to the Word, he is shown as born of God. His faith makes him human as John or anyone of us. "Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."( John 1:12-13) Above the quote is from Malachi (3:1) which has not become entangled with that of the quote from next verse. About this we shall take up at the end of the note on v.3
"The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." (v.3)
This cites Prophet Isaiah who did not say it in a vacuum but inspired of God who commanded so the knowledge of his glory in terms of man gave expression to the word of God which itself manifests the other worldly quality of faith."The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God."(2 Co.4:6;Is.40:3) St Paul asks, "But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world." It is thus truth written in our inward parts make sense of it.(Ro.10:18)
quote from Isaiah is set in place by the preceding verse. "Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins." This refers to the remnant of Israel at the eleventh hour as it were, delivered from fire. Compare the quote from Malachi. "behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts."(Mal.3:1) Mark's quote therefore fits with the Advent of Jesus Christ as more closer in time. The voice of the Lord reaches the ends of the world as risen Christ promises. (Matt.28:20) '
Neither the Spirit has told us how to breathe but we do it naturally through our nostrils. When God breathed through the nostrils of man we understand God a Spirit made us a living soul. The soul establishes His authority.There is more to life than existing.
We have body spirit and soul which corresponds with the 'us' in God's commandment "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness."(Ge.1:26) Likeness gives a body, spirit and soul which is after the similitude existing in heaven.
"A body hast thou prepared me"(He.10:5) a glorious body for the Son consequently must hold true for us, is it not? It is to this spiritual body St Paul refers,"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."(2 Co.5:1) Glory of body is as what God gives. Adam was earthy, since from the ground he was formed. For those have born again as a new creation, the body is glorious as that of Christ who is the Lord of heaven. Thus glory of body differs as those of earth and of heaven differs.
We breathe merely as natural man. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven. So as new creation we breathe as indwelling Spirit equipped us, seeking the perfect will of God. It is a matter of faith. Either you breathe so your soul shall escape condemnation when called to account Or you breathe till you body hit the dust, awaiting judgment.
Prima facie one is likely to assume that Evangelist Matthew as one of the twelve is more likely to be advantaged over Mark as one given a ringside view of Jesus, his life, passion death and resurrection. The generation of Mark was farther from controversies whipped up for and against the man but what he had set off, the visible form of worship and attitudes unusual in the prevailing moral laxity the nascent church was gaining strength despite all odds. Mark however was among the stalwarts like Simon Peter and Paul and also early convert.
The Spirit having taken a hand over both Matthew and Mark has set down the truth regardless of the time lapse. How can he not present the Word become flesh but with authority so his truth sanctifies to which no scholarship of man is equal. Without any hesitation we can say that Mark as a faithful believer benefits from the Holy Ghost as other canonical gospel writers to set what is true. The risen Christ said, "And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Given the truth set in inward parts whosoever thus equipped it is fit to the job.
As a disciple the Spirit entrusted St Matthew to delineate the preeminence of Jesus Christ; so with a large canvass at his disposal the risen Christ caps his Gospel with these stirring words of comfort, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." As having overcome death for believers both heaven and earth are reconciled in a believer by his assurance: St Mark is as inspired as he but his is like lapidary work, focusing more on his inner life, prayer life for instance
After mentioning his temptation in the wilderness we have this verse: 'And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed(1:35)'. (6:31-32)(6:34)
Many believe as you do in the Trinity, as you say, "The Trinity is God so how can you be saved and not believe in the Trinity". The Trinity was developed almost 400 years after Jesus ascended to heaven. This is not to debate. I think most on this site know my understanding of this.
Just a thought, to eliminate any doubt, if we must believe God is a Triune God to receive salvation shouldn't there be Scripture telling us this? You may have found where John, Peter, Paul, or any other apostles have written and told us we must believe in the Trinity for salvation, but I have not found it.
God bless.
RLW
"All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth"
Jesus came to fulfill the law. He was the Word become flesh. When he presented the doctrine of his Father he was presenting himself as its fulfillment. He said with vehemence what he as the Man the message would do. "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." His death was in dishonor but in his resurrection he proved the Power of the Word Simon Peter addressing men of Israel speaks,"Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:/Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it."(Ac.2:23-24). He opened a new way, the path of righteousness. "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."(1 Co.1:30). All who followed him shall have a standard which is affixed by faith and not by praditions or by precepts of men. "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."
This is the power given to men.
"And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Here we have a demonstration of what one means by Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and forever. Mark 16:18 supplied us signs and 'in my name' what happen. "They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them." St Paul in Malta proved the viper did not hurt him in fulfillment of the word. Elisha in Gilgal was told by sons of the prophets, "O thou man of God, there is death in the pot." They were not hurt because Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of the Law or the Word. (2 Ki.4:38-41) "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending."
The Spirit in organizing the Alpha and Omega aspects of the Son brings out the word of God as true which is validated in his Son. The world made flesh and the word revealed by the humanity works equally well with all those who believe in him. An example we have in the Gospel of St Mark. In the last chapter the risen Christ gives the signs that shall follow the believers. It is valid only, 'in my name' for example "They shall take up serpents." ( Mark 16:18), the Spirit adds "And it shall not hurt them."
The Spirit gives us an example in the case of St Paul on the isle of Malta.
"And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand./And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live./And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm./Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god." (Ac.28:3-6)
From lack of understanding with regards to the Holy Spirit and the purpose of the scripture there are some children of Belial in our times who handle serpents as a test of their spiritual prowess. Is God to be tempted by serpent handling?
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