I am looking forward to your posts concerning prayer in the Scriptures.
I am sort of like you in regards to being somewhat "fuzzy headed" in the early morning.
I happened to come across a funny sign at a thrift store and it hangs on the wall of our house now.
When my husband, who is an early bird" tries to engage in conversation when I have just awakened, I just point to the sign and say, "read the sign and check back with me later"
The sign says "I am not a morning person. I don't do "perky" before noon." Of course this is hyperbole. But I like to take my time in the morning and be by myself most of the time until I have eaten breakfast and spent some time with the Lord.
THREE UNCLEAN SPIRITS LIKE FROGS - Revelation 16:13
I searched deeply an explanation for this biblical mystery, and by the Word of GOD what I found is the follow:
First of all, frogs are amphibians vertebrate animals that live in the aquatic environment and on the terrestrial environment. But is it the same in the spiritual environment? Yes, it is.
1-AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT OF THE EVIL SPIRITS LIKE FROGS
Revelation 17:15-And the angel saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. NOTE: Except the TRUE CHRISTIANS/ ELIEVERS, all the peoples of all the nations are leaded and guided by the THREE UNCLEAN SPIRITS like frogs.TERRIBLE.
The aquatic environment of these three spirits of demons like frogs which guide the peoples or rule nations of all tongues in whole earth, through devilish systems, as religious systems(Catholicism, and Judaism, spiritism, budhism, islamism, among others),and also political systems,and military systems,and social and cultural systems,among others systems. In fact, Satan goes to and fro and from walking up and down among them.
2 - TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE EVIL SPIRITS LIKE FROGS
FIRST we need to understand that Israel is an island among the waters (Gentile nations)or in the middle of the sea, as is described above in according the Scriptures. Israel is the earth, a dry land, Genesis 1:v.10-3rd Day-or still the clay- Isaiah 64:v.8-a dry land surrounded by water on all sides or by allegory surrounded by the Gentile nations. Isaiah prophesyed saying: Is.41:1-2 -> 1-Keep silence before me,O islands; and let the people renew their strength:let them come near;then let them speak:let us come near together to Judgment.
2 Who raised up the righteous man from the east,called him to his foot,gave the nations before him,and made him rule over kings?he gave them as the dust to his Sword- Revelation 2:v.26 to 28-,and as driven stubble to his bow.(bow- Revelation 6:v.2)
Thanks. I have never seen a list of times and years arranged like you have them in your post. A lot of studying and searching and scriptures and more. . Good work.
This likely is the start of another lengthy series of postings. I fear that my sermon like "lecturing" isn't exactly working at times.
I felt it prudent to let the scriptures speak for themselves-and am unaware of anyone who has searched the scriptures both O.T. and N.T. for a comprehensive study of all times that prayer occurred and repeated themes and patterns that could be established.
Praying "in the Spirit" ( Ephesians 6:18 and 2 other references) is hard to precisely define. There are many theological discussions on what is "proper" or improper things to pray about; but I am unaware of any doctrinal statements that nail it down like there are on other church ordinances; and ceremonies. Interestingly as I have brought up several times on this forum there is no scripture that invokes a saint to pray for a SPECIFIC person to come to Christ. It seems the majority of prayers are personal in scripture. With that being said; intercession for the saints is a vital component ( Romans 8:27); and praying for the nation asking for mercy with national sins is another theme; associated with God's covenant promises being affirmed in the long run despite the disobedience as we see in the case of Daniel chapter 9.
As I may have mentioned in the past; a friend of mine a few years back started an early morning prayer group which I briefly attended before moving back home with my parents and stated that he was "desperate" for prayer. I know of at least one person in my current church who is in his 60s but gets up at 4 or so each day to pray and listen to a Bible study before working his full time job. I have known a couple others in the past who have done the same sort of thing. I'd like to be that way myself; rather than the "ZOMBIE" like state that I am in the early morning. My prayer is fairly consistent but later in the morning although traffic to work has cut that short recently.
The previous post seems to show horses; and old time warfare involving shields and bucklers. There has been some attempt here as with other verses in Revelation to say modern warfare is implicit here. The destruction by fire and hail that seems to relate to the sixth bowl event or perhaps some of the earlier trumpet events still emphasizes God's judgment SPECIFICALLY. It seems more likely these events are from God Himself particularly in light of this passage and others like it.
And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.' (Verse 23 at end of Ezekiel 38). There is evidence in verse 21 of people fighting each other; again making an actual sword as a weapon more likely. There are also 1/6 that survive and I believe are submissive and bring captives back to Israel again and are part of the Millennial period. Hence they would NOT take the mark; and that would take away the validity of those who say Antichrist is King of the North. It would appear his part comes after this event when the nations from the North and East invade; although the beginning of that invasion could be with the northern army as to getting his attention.
ARMAGEDDON.
Before I continue; I should point out that Revelation 16:12 mentions the drying of the Euphrates NOT the sixth trumpet judgment. I erred in the last post. This would be the sixth angel; the SEVENTH would be the final hailstone and earthquake (may have said sixth in last posts also).
In any event; we see at this point actual armies being drawn to fight Christ; and it parallels Psalm 2 and doubtless other scriptures. As with Zechariah we see God supernaturally defeating these armies after judging the Beast and False Prophet while still alive with final judgment in the lake of fire. God shortens these days or no man would be saved ( Matt. 24:22).
Based in the Word of God, on GOD's six Days of creation and one Day of rest (a total of seven days) plus the Scriptures that teach that one Day is with the Lord as a thousand years, so MANKIND would go through six GOD Days of 1,000 years each (a total of 6,000 years) plus a Millennium of 1,000 years rest (now a total of 7,000 years).
According biblical Chronology, starting by Genesis 5,as follow:
Adam lived ..............................130 yrs and begat Seth
Seth lived ................................105 yrs and begat Enosh;
Enosh lived ...............................90 yrs and begat Kenan;
Kenanlived.................................70 yrs and begat Mahalalel;
Mahalalellived ............................65 yrs and begat Jared;
Jaredlived ................................162 yrs and begat Enoch;
Enochlived .................................65 yrs and begat Methuselah;
Methuselahlived.........................187 yrs and begat Lamech;
Lamechlived..............................182 yrs and begat Noah;
From Noahs birth until the Flood...600 yrs.
Total of years from Adam to the Flood=1656yrs
Notice that the table above is proved by the Word of GOD, Let us study the times until our days by the Word of GOD-the Word is
GOD. So, see the timetable below:
SIX PERIODS OF BIBLICAL TIMES ------------------ DURATION
I-From Adam to the Flood-( Genesis 5)--------------1656 years
II-From the Flood to Abraham-( Genesis 11&12)-----427years
III-From Abraham to Exodus-(Gal.3:17)-------------430years
IV-From Exodus to king Saul-(1King6:1(480-84)----396years
V-From Saul to the fall of Jerusalem -----------------508 years
VI-From the fall of Jerusalem to Jesus ---------------587 years
Thus,from Adam to the 1stcoming of Jesus --------4004 years
From Jesus to our days(Christian Calendar)---------2023 years
Total from Adam to our days -------------------------6027 years
So,we are living in the beginning of the seventh and last millennium.
John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with GOD, and the Word was GOD.
The Word of GOD is from everlasting to everlasting, the Word is GOD, GOD Himself, self-executing. If the believers(each one) keep GOD's Word in the heart, it means GOD is in him, and he has Life because GOD is Life.
JESUS said: John 5:39-40:->39 Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have ETERNAL life(the Word is GOD,God is Life):and they are they which testify of me-JESUS.40 And ye will not come to me,that ye might have life?JESUS said: John 11: 26:Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.Believest thou this?Phi.3:20-21:-> 20 Our conversation is in heaven(heaven? Ephesians 1:3-8); from whence also we look for the Saviour,the Lord Jesus Christ:21 Who shall CHANGE our vile body,that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body(this is not a magic,it is worked,understand),according to the working whereby He-JESUS-is able even to subdue all things unto himself.(as Luke 20:35-36.Take a look) .
Furthermore they have Light.Jo.1:4 In him-JESUS-was Life;and the Life was the Light of men.1Jo.1:5-7: ->5...GOD is Light,and in Him is no darkness at all.6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him,and walk in darkness,we lie, and do not the Truth:7 But if we walk in the Light,s he is in the light,we have fellowship one with another,and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1Corinthians 15:51-54
51Behold,I shew you a mystery;We shall not all sleep,but we shall all be changed,
52In a moment...at the last trump:for the trumpet shall sound,and the dead shall be raised incorruptible,and we shall be changed.
53For this corruptible must put on incorruption,and this mortal must put on immortality.
54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption,and this mortal shall have put on immortality,then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written,Death is swallowed up in victory.
As it was in days of Noah,so it will be in the days of the Son of man.They ate,drank,married,gave in marriage,until the day Noah entered the ark,the flood came and destroyed them all.So"This was the"modus vivendi" in Noahs'days.
We would say it was the same 'modus vivendi' of society in recent times,say around 1950-1985,it was similar to society in the days of Noah.It was common to eat and drink with development of large malls around the world at that time,it was common the celebration of weddings,existence of strong family ties,but as time went by,it began to deteriorate morally as in the time of Noah,when the sons of GOD mixed their seed with seed of the evil ones,giving rise to a corrupt and evil society- Genesis 6:2-3, due to the proliferation of adulterers and adulteresses.And the punishment came,yes,the flood came and only 8 people were saved by the Ark.
Comparing the society of Noah's days with a posterior society of Sodom and Gomorrah,at the time of Lot,let's see the differences,according Scriptures:
Luke 17:28-30 reveal:
28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;
29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
30 Even thus shall it be in the day (in the current time) when the Son of man is revealed.
society of Noah's day..........................society of Sodom/Gomorrah
they ate and drank ..............................they ate and drank
they married and gave in marriage ....they bought and sold,they planted and built
Men of Sodom were wicked,immoral exceedingly,and sinners before the Lord- Genesis 13:13.There was no marriage,society was polluted of prostitutes,sodomites/ effeminate(gays),society was infested of prostitution and great sinners. The same occurs today. Lot was vexed with filthy conversations seeing and hearing their unlawful deeds- 2Peter 2:7-8 & Jude 1:6-7.
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
Scriptures in Ecclesiastes 9:5 states that " The Dead know nothing at all" How is it that the (rich man) was able recognize Father Abraham and Lazarus being comforted within " Abraham Bosom" as well as carry on a conversation with Father Abraham to tell Lazarus dip his finger in water and touch is (the rich man's) tongue , and also ask Father Abraham to send someone from the dead to tell/warn his 5 other brother's not come to where he (the rich man) was in hell ? If the Dead know nothing
Thank you for your responses. I'm seeking Truth and will continue to thank. I sincerely appreciate it. I been lied to my whole life in school and churches so I question everything but it has given me a passion for the Scriptures and to learn new words and languages.
You are certainly welcome. I am happy that the Lord led me to respond to your post.
We all have some good things to contribute here and we can be prayerful about all that we post.
Some things people post (me included) are encouraging, others make us think hard, others make us search the Scriptures more on a topic, and others can be convicting or make us uncomfortable. We may even be offended by some posts. But if we seek God and His wisdom we will get right direction from Him and help us to take what people write seriously and try to avoid being dismissive.
I work hard at trying to remain objective as well as thinking the best of others, even if I am offended by what someone posts, I certainly try to be open for the input of the Spirit concerning interactions on here.
I am glad you are back on here once again. I have been wondering about you and keeping you in my prayers. It is good to have a sweet sister like you. You bless me, too.
There was a Day when the sons of GOD came to present themselves before the Lord,and Satan came also among them- Job 1:6.
Now another Day arrived,the Lord's Day,seventh and last Day, seventh and last millennium,again Satan is also among the current sons of GOD( John 1:11-12),but strongly structured,more than in the time of Job,i.e. now he is with 7 heads,10 horns and a terrible TAIL- REVELATION 12:3-4-,it's a world religious MONSTER whose satanic system is established through a false Christianity in seven Continents-Europe,Asia,Africa,Oceania(Australia),North America, America Central and South America(7 regions of the Earth-7 heads of the dragon).His main partner is Catholicism ruled by the MAN Beast of sea,the current guide and leader/ruler of the Roman Catholic Church which rides upon the Beast, followed by Orthodox, and Anglicanism and Protestantism and their respective divisions called denominations and sects and movements gospel.Total adherents to Christianity are currently around 2.5 billion,but Scriptures warned:The Spirit speaks expressly,that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith,giving heed to seducing spirits,and doctrines of devils;Speaking lies in hypocrisy;having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 1Timothy 4:1-2combined with Romans 1:18-25.This is the devilish scenary of the 7 heads of the Devil,the red Dragon.
But there is also the religious esoteric,and kabbalistic,and spiritist Judaism, practiced in Israel,represented by ten tribes of the ancient Kingdom of Israel and its 10 Princes,one from each tribe.The MAN of sin,son of perdition,is from one of the 10 tribes,he should be of the tribe of Dan,and he is the little horn,the ileventh horn,which will manifest himself as Messiah,AN IMPOSTER- John 5:43-47 combined with Re.13:11,and will enthrone himself in Jerusalem. The next Pope to be elected in this current year, he will sit in the throne of the Messiah in Jerusalem-Re.13:2-first half of the last week,week 70th Dan.9:24-27
I'm seeking Truth, has anyone read Isaiah 7:14? The Father Named His Son Immanuel, why then was it changed? J E S U S is Latin right? He was a Hebrew. So I'm confused why we wouldn't call Him Immanuel what His Father Named Him. Also in the preface of my Bible it tells me they the translators or scribes changed His Name. I don't see anywhere in the scriptures where He said to do that. In fact I see where He specifically says not to add or take away from His Word. Changing His and His Son's name is doing exactly that. He tells us in Jeremiah they are going to do it and that they would pervert His Words. I know I can't be the only one seeing this.
"But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all."
This was what bravado where oath of man falls contrary to the sovereignty of the word so a mighty warrior like Jephthah is shown as wimp and St Peter proved to be no less. Jesus showed why. " Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away."(13:31). Jesus as the fulfilment of Law places all events consequently in his deity as well as in his humanity. "I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil./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." At the outset of his earthly he presented the doctrine of his Father and condemned the doctrine of man as coming from the devil. (John8:44). From the manner the disciples could not understand him the Spirit shows why. It is not the words themselves as the controversy over KJV or other translations have raked up but the simple reason their flesh was weak. Even in our times imposter church keeps man from loving God with all might and will all their heart. "Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word."(John8:43) They literally follow the scriptures and flat earthers for example, they may quote," It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth," Does that mean the earth is one? (Is.40:22).
"In thee is the fountain of life" Jesus said "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life./.... Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father."(John6:63-65; Ps.36:9) In the same night the disciples will fail their master at Gethsemane and forsake him. "My word " speaks of Christ's spirit of obedience and was for the glory of God. So abiding life means walking with him and understanding His will concerning us. That is true Light
"But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee."
The Spirit presents us a seemingly minor detail but it has a great spiritual importance. For one association of the Son is set there. Fellowship of God was not with any other than his Son. Whosoever believed in him were blessed in his Son (Ep.1:3).As Word become flesh the twelve apostles were men chosen by the Father was recorded in the scriptures. Joseph did not choose Galilee but God the Father chose it for his Son."Being warned of God in a dream, he (Joseph) turned aside into the parts of Galilee:/And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene." (Matt.2:22-23).
Nazareth is a small town in the hill country of Galilee while Jerusalem belongs to Judea.
Most of his disciples were from Galilee so we have this hint from the Holy Spirit why he went beforehand into Galilee
Secondly Jesus 'shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go' is already mentioned by Prophet Ezekiel."And when the prince shall enter, he shall go in by the way of the porch ofthatgate, and he shall go forth by the way thereof."(Ez.46:8)
"Behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;/Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."(Ac.1:10-11). He however warned his disciples not to leave Jerusalem is for no other reason than setting coordinates of his throne in heaven with 'his body" and the right hand of the most high in heaven is called New Jerusalem. Consequently the city of the great King (Matt.5:35) fits nicely with David from whose loins his humanity took shape. David calls him his Lord , the Lord of lords and King of kings. (Re.19:16)
By literal approach do we really get the role of place names right?
In continuation to the previous post Jesus knew beforehand that his disciples would flee from him in 'the evil hour. As it was written of him in the scriptures they were also written and in the same quote from Zachariah we read thus, "Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones." The eleven disciples are 'the sheep' mentioned there. By the principle of Association the little ones include us as well. We received the gospel of salvation as 'the little ones'. We were called before the worlds began but how did we receive it?"and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;/And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen"(1 Co.1:27-28)
God chose man and not nations. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."( 1 Co.10:11)These are examples for our spiritual instruction
The point we need see here is the word of God is given to us to profit withal. "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal"(1 Co.12:7) This shall explain the Law of Gradation where all things are held together in Christ. Moses doubled for Jesus and how the Spirit has organised his going up the mount we have here in v.26. "And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives." The mount of Olives is a sign. Jesus was taken in because as the word of God had foreshadowed the evil hour was to manifest, as the golden calf leading to the imposter church of our times, and many other events all these leading to the final battle. (Re.19). These kangaroo events teach us, "There is nothing new under the sun.(Ec.1:9)"
"And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered."
I shall not detail what I have mentioned of this quote from Prophet Zechariah (13:7) while I coverd Matthew. The point is simple. Jesus as the Word become flesh obeyed his God completely so much so he knew the evil hour closing in on him, down to the exact minute. Jesus says further down in this chapter, "I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled."(14:49). Luke present us one curious aspect of time. "When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness."( Luke 22:53). The power of darkness also has been at work equally as the word that God commanded, "Let there be light." Why did Jesus Christ manifest? "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). So both good seed and tares growing in the field is nothing to marvel at. While Moses was with God down below the golden calf being set up was no coincidence. The evil work had succeeded throwing off some from the fellowship of God with Man. Moses as a double for the Son went up even as Jesus' Ascension gives it as a kangaroo event. So what we find of the Church of Rome setting up their golden calf is no brainer. The ten spies who brought evil report and brought God to intervene (Nu..14) we have even now as Evangelical Right, lining up behind a captain as bizarre as the Pied Piper of Hamelin. "And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt."(14:4). New Canaan is impossible for the reprobate minds. The point we need see here is the word of God is given to us to profit withal. (1 Co.12:7)
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).
I will attempt to dive into the differences between individual and group Bible study. We could also divide a study with others into informal small group and formal Sunday school and/or what is covered in a main church service. The differences in approach are something I haven't really considered until now but it seems worth investigating.
The first difference I see is what is often the question and answer part of a group study in the informal setting. My recent experience seems to show that often Pastors aren't the best people to ask questions (I often here very general ones). If and when discussions are encouraged any church were there are at least some that take God's Word seriously we all are bound to learn something; through personal experiences or those with wisdom in citing relevant passages that help to further bolster an idea or concept. In reality it is good to have such an informal situation and allow certain latititude for "rabbit trails" and occasional cans of worms to be exposed. There certainly needs to be serious study in a sermon as well; where normally there isn't response but hopefully good discussion afterward.
I have said this frequently but in regard to prayer and Bible study these are two bedrocks of a strong church. Often they seem to support one for another; if anything reminding us of verses that we use to edify others. One thing brought up this past Sunday in Sunday school was a question in regard to the hymns and Psalms frequently sung in the time of the Apostles and early church. Rejoicing in such praise is certainly a good way to begin fellowship; rather than griping about our problems (that was pointed out). I agree and pray that someone will do that on occasion who is gifted musically or maybe not but wishes to rejoice.
I have found out that certain websites are helpful; particularly those that bolster archaeology with scripture; or Creation science sites.
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.
There is no salvation in any man other than Jesus Christ. Calvin would want to create a city of God in his time and it did not work. The basic problem is whoever steps in as shepherd of the flock has to play by the ear and administering a congregation can be pretty challenging. Jesus Christ as the word become flesh made manifest the word of God totally. Calvin who preached limited salvation had a problem. Faulty understanding of the scriptures is playing into the hands of the devil, so Jesus warns of the wolves in sheep clothing; it is thus false shepherds end up as ravening wolves; instead o the will of God they serve their own will.
I suppose today's scripture from Joshua 24:18 is as good a place as any to tackle that subject. As for the entire Bible as we have it today; there is no verse in scripture mentioning all the written texts as a whole; probably because they weren't complete yet.
1 Corinthians 13:10 mentions things passing away when the partial is complete; or something to that affect. Revelation also has verses warning about not adding or subtracting which could mean adding to that book or all scripture. Since the written texts originally came from oratory (with the exception of the 10 Commandments originally penned by God Himself); God planned it out so that the scribes would count every LETTER of a scroll; and get rid of a copy to start again if it was even slightly off. 2 Timothy 3:16 explains that all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching; reproof; etc.
I have discussed in older posts a summation of the Apocrypha as to truths of historic or moral truths that are borrowed from true scripture; which always states "thus saith the Lord" except for places like Ruth and Esther; or Song of Solomon. God's truths are absolute; as we see from the claims of Christ's divinity; and the laws in the 10 Commandments. The repetitive themes such as scriptures being repeated again in the New Testament to enhance their true meanings bring a cohesiveness to the Bible. We also have such admonitions as 1 John 4:2 stating what any "spirit" testifies about Christ having come in the flesh.
That would correlate with verses like Matthew 16:17 where it is clear that Christ's DIVINITY (as the "I am") can only be understood or revealed through the Spirit. I noticed that myself pre conversion it didn't enter my mind that Christ was God or part of the "Godhead". As our spirit testifies with "his Spirit"( Romans 8:16) that we are His children and His Word is truth the Lord will build our discernment of truth as we grow and mature in Him to know what is true (see also John 10:27).
Books are to be read but understanding for two persons can differ. Satan used the scriptures but his motive was wrong. "Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled." (Ti.1:15) "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."(Ph.4:8)
Reading is to communicate. Do we hang out in the company of minds who are writing potboilers to feed their bellies or those who falsify intentionally what is true, and write for fame and fortune? I find it waste of time. Time is short so get the best out of your spare time. The Bible is the book of life.
St Mark gives us two commandments which shall explain what keeps the kingdom of God together. Merriam -Webster explains the scribe as a member of a learned class in ancient Israel through New Testament times studying the Scriptures and serving as copyists, editors, teachers, and jurists. One of their class, who was present when Jesus put to silence the Sadducees had a question to ask. He would have pored over the texts in order to interpret all the law and the prophets wanted to tempt Jesus as St Matthew puts it. That the ten commandments could be reduced to two must have come as a surprise to him. Never in his understanding had this truth dawned as to what Jesus signified. As the Lord from heaven the Decalogue began from one ("God is one") and also ended with him. This made both heaven and the earth on single yardstick in the matter of fulfilling the will of God. God is a Spirit and without its sovereignty and without obeying it a many may make it his business to preach but is an ignoramus as the Pharisees and the scribes who were out to destroy Jesus who was the fulfillment of the Law. When God sent his Son Jesus was a sign to which Prophet Isaiah had predicted (Is.7:14). They also heard him deliver the doctrine of hid Father which we know as the Sermon on the Mount.
The writer to the Hebrews place the role of the Son, "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,/Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son," (He.1:1-2). In their opposition what did the ten in the Decalogue meant? They were judged already. The two commandments represented the deity and humanity of the Son. "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."(Matt.22:40). The Word as the sound and as a sign made the kingdom of God work. Their questions were to no avail because faith without works is dead. The discreet answer of the scribe is in "with all your heart, with all your soul etc., v.33
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding, but acknowledge the Lord and He will direct your paths. Surely our Creator should know what is best for us; and we should have enough examples of past saints and sinners to guide us and keep us on the straight and narrow path ( 2 Timothy 3:16). Giving up all to follow Him is something that certainly takes trust; that is for God to provide basic needs and the fact that there is heavenly rewards for temporal suffering. Those living as the Disciples did would certainly need encouragement such as found in the Book of Hebrews where it says that we MUST believe He is a rewarder of those who do His will ( Hebrews 11:6). Understanding that comes from above is what allows us to believe that Christ is truly God in the flesh ( Matt. 16:17). God's wisdom through the Spirit unlocks scripture and reveals to us eternal truths about individuals as well as the fate of nations. Many hard to read scriptures have meanings cleared up with cross references; and meditating on the Word day and night helps us to bring these things to mind for our own edification and witnessing to others "in and out of season" ( 2 Tim 4:2).
A general rule of thumb is that there is no (or shouldn't be) any line of demarcation between our "spiritual" lives involving various religious duties and the rest of our work and recreational interests. There is no good substitute for daily scripture studies accompanied by prayer; but there has to be more than just head knowledge. Continuing on the subject of TRUST; other people as well need to be able to see evidence of Christ "on display" in our character and interactions before they go for deeper understanding on spiritual matters. Therefore; we must be living out what we believe and naturally be dividing the Word correctly ( 2 Tim. 2:15). In upcoming posts I will try to demonstrate how to effectively read scripture and put it to use.
"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him."
The two worlds of the Spirit and of the body have only language which is faith. (He.11:3) When the Son said,A body hast prepared me it made the DNA between the world made to appear and the world unseen as the only proof of paternity. Thus the body of the Son is the visible image of the invisible God. ( Col 1:15) In the Parable of the Tares we have the good seed and the tares which can be known by their fruits. "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"(Matt.7:16)
So God is a Spirit sent his Son as the word become flesh.He did not ask the impossible when he went to the fig tree. The glory of the tree with seed in itself was determined according to the everlasting covenant, and the blessing of man in 'our likeness' connected as with the body God gave both. It was on the basis of faith and not by the will of the tares, source of which is by courtesy of the enemy who slipped in while the world slept. Caesars have come and gone, none of them has shown their glory endured. Had these men faith in God as the rewarder of the just?
In the hypothetical question the Sadducees put to Jesus vv.19-23 they were in error since the concept of marriage instituted by the tradition of their fathers was not founded on truth. "And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?/For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven."(vv.24-25) In our times by false shepherds who dismiss works from their faith and espouse politicians as the Herodians, blame the victims for refusing to live with child molesters and perverts? Excommunicating Eileen and condoning the abuser if how the elders read the word of God. The tares shall continue but how long?
St Mark cites Jesus referring the quote from the Psalm (118:22-23) which is identical in the gospel of St Matthew. The parable of rock is with direct reference to the judgment which we have it executed by an angel from above causing the fall of Babylon.(Re.18:21) Israel's failure is symptomatic of the wicked nations that have no interest in giving glory to the sovereign Lord of heaven and the earth. So they shall be judged with all other nations for their failure to produce fruits thereof. When they least expect God shall take the vineyard from the miserable husbandmen and give to others, Thus the parable centers about the Son who also is the Rock of Ages. In his rejection Israel committed a fatal error and it is to which the above mentioned quote from the Psalm alludes.
"Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?/Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof." (Matt.21:42-43)
Mark gives us the answer of Jesus, "What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others"(v.9). St Matthew sets him as a symbol, as the rock of offense and as the stone of stumbling. "And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder." (21:44)
"And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way." (v.12) The chief priests scribes and the Pharisees would try to destroy Jesus somehow.
Reading scriptures: Part One of main study how NOT to read the Bible
In previous postings I have discussed many different applications to the scripture. In reality an atheist can gain much from an academic exercise in a literary study as anyone else to deduce historical narratives that correspond with archaeology or an English professor can find beauty in the acrostic patterns of poetry in the Psalms and other hidden places in scripture.
Luke 12:48-50 indicates that more is required to those given much (my paraphrasing). If we are searching for truth it is one thing; but if we claim we are Christians and want to play games cherry picking to avoid tough verses related to our conduct; or just seeking "pleasant" scripture snippets then we are doing what one well known media advertises (I'll leave that to the audience to figure that out). I am convinced one of the most dangerous trends are those who are knowingly living in rebellion and yet claiming "authority" to "name and claim; blab and grab; etc". Promises in scripture are conditional; and even those that are UNCONDITIONAL related to promises in the New Covenant are based on HIS accepting us in the beloved ( Ephesians 1:6). However you slice it on terminology related to Predestination or "free will" it is clear that God chooses to reveal His Son to the elect ( Matthew 11:27). Just WHO the elect is; and whether God determines that ahead of time to those who will respond is beyond the scope of this study. The same idea is related to the PLAN of salvation; all those saved come to Christ the same way whether we consider the plan in general or the individual conforming to it. In short we only come to Christ one way through the Son; and as Romans 10:9 states that involves a verbal affirmation and a heart change which truly loves and embraces the Lord. Godly sorrow is associated with repentance; worldly sorrow leads to death ( 2 Cor. 7:10).
How to Read Scripture: Introduction-Part 2 of Prophecy
As mentioned in my earlier post from Wednesday, there is prophecy in most books starting with the one related to the serpent and his fate along with God's provision to send His Son ultimately to take care of the sin problem that our ancestor Adam infamously started that contaminated the entire human race. As Jesus stated He is the "Alpha and Omega" (Rev.1:8) and scriptures were about Him in many prophecies foretelling the Messiah. HUNDREDS of prophecies from Psalms and Isaiah in particular but others scattered throughout the Old Testament described His birthplace (Micah); His ministry on earth ( Isaiah 53); His method of death ( Psalm 22); and His return to earth in the consummation of the ages (Daniel; Zechariah). We see intersecting along with divergent paths in particular "dispensations" or as some would care to say in the Old vs. New Covenant eras. Covenants and promises were made to Abraham in particular that eventually would involve NATIONAL Israel; and later on promises were made to the church in the New Covenant. In the future Millennial reign of Christ there are unique events that occur; primarily necessary from my viewpoint because when Christ actually physically rules and reigns on earth then less latitude is given for sin; judgment for rebellion is clear; and swiftly executed as no one will have an excuse that they didn't know better.
We also have some personal prophectic implications most noticeably seen with Isaiah and his family; Hosea and His unfaithful wife and finally King David. All three of these examples either have double fulfillment (near and far related to the individual and to the coming Messiah). This is also true of Christ who clearly divided Isaiah 61 between the first and second verses signifying His first and second arrival on earth even though no one at the time fully understood. We do well to learn from all examples jn scripture of progressive revelation.
I am looking forward to your posts concerning prayer in the Scriptures.
I am sort of like you in regards to being somewhat "fuzzy headed" in the early morning.
I happened to come across a funny sign at a thrift store and it hangs on the wall of our house now.
When my husband, who is an early bird" tries to engage in conversation when I have just awakened, I just point to the sign and say, "read the sign and check back with me later"
The sign says "I am not a morning person. I don't do "perky" before noon." Of course this is hyperbole. But I like to take my time in the morning and be by myself most of the time until I have eaten breakfast and spent some time with the Lord.
I searched deeply an explanation for this biblical mystery, and by the Word of GOD what I found is the follow:
First of all, frogs are amphibians vertebrate animals that live in the aquatic environment and on the terrestrial environment. But is it the same in the spiritual environment? Yes, it is.
1-AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT OF THE EVIL SPIRITS LIKE FROGS
Revelation 17:15-And the angel saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. NOTE: Except the TRUE CHRISTIANS/ ELIEVERS, all the peoples of all the nations are leaded and guided by the THREE UNCLEAN SPIRITS like frogs.TERRIBLE.
The aquatic environment of these three spirits of demons like frogs which guide the peoples or rule nations of all tongues in whole earth, through devilish systems, as religious systems(Catholicism, and Judaism, spiritism, budhism, islamism, among others),and also political systems,and military systems,and social and cultural systems,among others systems. In fact, Satan goes to and fro and from walking up and down among them.
2 - TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE EVIL SPIRITS LIKE FROGS
FIRST we need to understand that Israel is an island among the waters (Gentile nations)or in the middle of the sea, as is described above in according the Scriptures. Israel is the earth, a dry land, Genesis 1:v.10-3rd Day-or still the clay- Isaiah 64:v.8-a dry land surrounded by water on all sides or by allegory surrounded by the Gentile nations. Isaiah prophesyed saying: Is.41:1-2 -> 1-Keep silence before me,O islands; and let the people renew their strength:let them come near;then let them speak:let us come near together to Judgment.
2 Who raised up the righteous man from the east,called him to his foot,gave the nations before him,and made him rule over kings?he gave them as the dust to his Sword- Revelation 2:v.26 to 28-,and as driven stubble to his bow.(bow- Revelation 6:v.2)
This likely is the start of another lengthy series of postings. I fear that my sermon like "lecturing" isn't exactly working at times.
I felt it prudent to let the scriptures speak for themselves-and am unaware of anyone who has searched the scriptures both O.T. and N.T. for a comprehensive study of all times that prayer occurred and repeated themes and patterns that could be established.
Praying "in the Spirit" ( Ephesians 6:18 and 2 other references) is hard to precisely define. There are many theological discussions on what is "proper" or improper things to pray about; but I am unaware of any doctrinal statements that nail it down like there are on other church ordinances; and ceremonies. Interestingly as I have brought up several times on this forum there is no scripture that invokes a saint to pray for a SPECIFIC person to come to Christ. It seems the majority of prayers are personal in scripture. With that being said; intercession for the saints is a vital component ( Romans 8:27); and praying for the nation asking for mercy with national sins is another theme; associated with God's covenant promises being affirmed in the long run despite the disobedience as we see in the case of Daniel chapter 9.
As I may have mentioned in the past; a friend of mine a few years back started an early morning prayer group which I briefly attended before moving back home with my parents and stated that he was "desperate" for prayer. I know of at least one person in my current church who is in his 60s but gets up at 4 or so each day to pray and listen to a Bible study before working his full time job. I have known a couple others in the past who have done the same sort of thing. I'd like to be that way myself; rather than the "ZOMBIE" like state that I am in the early morning. My prayer is fairly consistent but later in the morning although traffic to work has cut that short recently.
The previous post seems to show horses; and old time warfare involving shields and bucklers. There has been some attempt here as with other verses in Revelation to say modern warfare is implicit here. The destruction by fire and hail that seems to relate to the sixth bowl event or perhaps some of the earlier trumpet events still emphasizes God's judgment SPECIFICALLY. It seems more likely these events are from God Himself particularly in light of this passage and others like it.
And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.' (Verse 23 at end of Ezekiel 38). There is evidence in verse 21 of people fighting each other; again making an actual sword as a weapon more likely. There are also 1/6 that survive and I believe are submissive and bring captives back to Israel again and are part of the Millennial period. Hence they would NOT take the mark; and that would take away the validity of those who say Antichrist is King of the North. It would appear his part comes after this event when the nations from the North and East invade; although the beginning of that invasion could be with the northern army as to getting his attention.
ARMAGEDDON.
Before I continue; I should point out that Revelation 16:12 mentions the drying of the Euphrates NOT the sixth trumpet judgment. I erred in the last post. This would be the sixth angel; the SEVENTH would be the final hailstone and earthquake (may have said sixth in last posts also).
In any event; we see at this point actual armies being drawn to fight Christ; and it parallels Psalm 2 and doubtless other scriptures. As with Zechariah we see God supernaturally defeating these armies after judging the Beast and False Prophet while still alive with final judgment in the lake of fire. God shortens these days or no man would be saved ( Matt. 24:22).
Based in the Word of God, on GOD's six Days of creation and one Day of rest (a total of seven days) plus the Scriptures that teach that one Day is with the Lord as a thousand years, so MANKIND would go through six GOD Days of 1,000 years each (a total of 6,000 years) plus a Millennium of 1,000 years rest (now a total of 7,000 years).
According biblical Chronology, starting by Genesis 5,as follow:
Adam lived ..............................130 yrs and begat Seth
Seth lived ................................105 yrs and begat Enosh;
Enosh lived ...............................90 yrs and begat Kenan;
Kenanlived.................................70 yrs and begat Mahalalel;
Mahalalellived ............................65 yrs and begat Jared;
Jaredlived ................................162 yrs and begat Enoch;
Enochlived .................................65 yrs and begat Methuselah;
Methuselahlived.........................187 yrs and begat Lamech;
Lamechlived..............................182 yrs and begat Noah;
From Noahs birth until the Flood...600 yrs.
Total of years from Adam to the Flood=1656yrs
Notice that the table above is proved by the Word of GOD, Let us study the times until our days by the Word of GOD-the Word is
GOD. So, see the timetable below:
SIX PERIODS OF BIBLICAL TIMES ------------------ DURATION
I-From Adam to the Flood-( Genesis 5)--------------1656 years
II-From the Flood to Abraham-( Genesis 11&12)-----427years
III-From Abraham to Exodus-(Gal.3:17)-------------430years
IV-From Exodus to king Saul-(1King6:1(480-84)----396years
V-From Saul to the fall of Jerusalem -----------------508 years
VI-From the fall of Jerusalem to Jesus ---------------587 years
Thus,from Adam to the 1stcoming of Jesus --------4004 years
From Jesus to our days(Christian Calendar)---------2023 years
Total from Adam to our days -------------------------6027 years
So,we are living in the beginning of the seventh and last millennium.
The Word of GOD is from everlasting to everlasting, the Word is GOD, GOD Himself, self-executing. If the believers(each one) keep GOD's Word in the heart, it means GOD is in him, and he has Life because GOD is Life.
JESUS said: John 5:39-40:->39 Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have ETERNAL life(the Word is GOD,God is Life):and they are they which testify of me-JESUS.40 And ye will not come to me,that ye might have life?JESUS said: John 11: 26:Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.Believest thou this?Phi.3:20-21:-> 20 Our conversation is in heaven(heaven? Ephesians 1:3-8); from whence also we look for the Saviour,the Lord Jesus Christ:21 Who shall CHANGE our vile body,that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body(this is not a magic,it is worked,understand),according to the working whereby He-JESUS-is able even to subdue all things unto himself.(as Luke 20:35-36.Take a look) .
Furthermore they have Light.Jo.1:4 In him-JESUS-was Life;and the Life was the Light of men.1Jo.1:5-7: ->5...GOD is Light,and in Him is no darkness at all.6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him,and walk in darkness,we lie, and do not the Truth:7 But if we walk in the Light,s he is in the light,we have fellowship one with another,and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1Corinthians 15:51-54
51Behold,I shew you a mystery;We shall not all sleep,but we shall all be changed,
52In a moment...at the last trump:for the trumpet shall sound,and the dead shall be raised incorruptible,and we shall be changed.
53For this corruptible must put on incorruption,and this mortal must put on immortality.
54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption,and this mortal shall have put on immortality,then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written,Death is swallowed up in victory.
The Word is GOD, GOD Himself, self-executing.
GOD BLESS
Luke 17:26-27
As it was in days of Noah,so it will be in the days of the Son of man.They ate,drank,married,gave in marriage,until the day Noah entered the ark,the flood came and destroyed them all.So"This was the"modus vivendi" in Noahs'days.
We would say it was the same 'modus vivendi' of society in recent times,say around 1950-1985,it was similar to society in the days of Noah.It was common to eat and drink with development of large malls around the world at that time,it was common the celebration of weddings,existence of strong family ties,but as time went by,it began to deteriorate morally as in the time of Noah,when the sons of GOD mixed their seed with seed of the evil ones,giving rise to a corrupt and evil society- Genesis 6:2-3, due to the proliferation of adulterers and adulteresses.And the punishment came,yes,the flood came and only 8 people were saved by the Ark.
Comparing the society of Noah's days with a posterior society of Sodom and Gomorrah,at the time of Lot,let's see the differences,according Scriptures:
Luke 17:28-30 reveal:
28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;
29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
30 Even thus shall it be in the day (in the current time) when the Son of man is revealed.
society of Noah's day..........................society of Sodom/Gomorrah
they ate and drank ..............................they ate and drank
they married and gave in marriage ....they bought and sold,they planted and built
Men of Sodom were wicked,immoral exceedingly,and sinners before the Lord- Genesis 13:13.There was no marriage,society was polluted of prostitutes,sodomites/ effeminate(gays),society was infested of prostitution and great sinners. The same occurs today. Lot was vexed with filthy conversations seeing and hearing their unlawful deeds- 2Peter 2:7-8 & Jude 1:6-7.
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
You are certainly welcome. I am happy that the Lord led me to respond to your post.
We all have some good things to contribute here and we can be prayerful about all that we post.
Some things people post (me included) are encouraging, others make us think hard, others make us search the Scriptures more on a topic, and others can be convicting or make us uncomfortable. We may even be offended by some posts. But if we seek God and His wisdom we will get right direction from Him and help us to take what people write seriously and try to avoid being dismissive.
I work hard at trying to remain objective as well as thinking the best of others, even if I am offended by what someone posts, I certainly try to be open for the input of the Spirit concerning interactions on here.
I am glad you are back on here once again. I have been wondering about you and keeping you in my prayers. It is good to have a sweet sister like you. You bless me, too.
Now another Day arrived,the Lord's Day,seventh and last Day, seventh and last millennium,again Satan is also among the current sons of GOD( John 1:11-12),but strongly structured,more than in the time of Job,i.e. now he is with 7 heads,10 horns and a terrible TAIL- REVELATION 12:3-4-,it's a world religious MONSTER whose satanic system is established through a false Christianity in seven Continents-Europe,Asia,Africa,Oceania(Australia),North America, America Central and South America(7 regions of the Earth-7 heads of the dragon).His main partner is Catholicism ruled by the MAN Beast of sea,the current guide and leader/ruler of the Roman Catholic Church which rides upon the Beast, followed by Orthodox, and Anglicanism and Protestantism and their respective divisions called denominations and sects and movements gospel.Total adherents to Christianity are currently around 2.5 billion,but Scriptures warned:The Spirit speaks expressly,that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith,giving heed to seducing spirits,and doctrines of devils;Speaking lies in hypocrisy;having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 1Timothy 4:1-2combined with Romans 1:18-25.This is the devilish scenary of the 7 heads of the Devil,the red Dragon.
But there is also the religious esoteric,and kabbalistic,and spiritist Judaism, practiced in Israel,represented by ten tribes of the ancient Kingdom of Israel and its 10 Princes,one from each tribe.The MAN of sin,son of perdition,is from one of the 10 tribes,he should be of the tribe of Dan,and he is the little horn,the ileventh horn,which will manifest himself as Messiah,AN IMPOSTER- John 5:43-47 combined with Re.13:11,and will enthrone himself in Jerusalem. The next Pope to be elected in this current year, he will sit in the throne of the Messiah in Jerusalem-Re.13:2-first half of the last week,week 70th Dan.9:24-27
Get ready
"But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all."
This was what bravado where oath of man falls contrary to the sovereignty of the word so a mighty warrior like Jephthah is shown as wimp and St Peter proved to be no less. Jesus showed why. " Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away."(13:31). Jesus as the fulfilment of Law places all events consequently in his deity as well as in his humanity. "I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil./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." At the outset of his earthly he presented the doctrine of his Father and condemned the doctrine of man as coming from the devil. (John8:44). From the manner the disciples could not understand him the Spirit shows why. It is not the words themselves as the controversy over KJV or other translations have raked up but the simple reason their flesh was weak. Even in our times imposter church keeps man from loving God with all might and will all their heart. "Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word."(John8:43) They literally follow the scriptures and flat earthers for example, they may quote," It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth," Does that mean the earth is one? (Is.40:22).
"In thee is the fountain of life" Jesus said "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life./.... Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father."(John6:63-65; Ps.36:9) In the same night the disciples will fail their master at Gethsemane and forsake him. "My word " speaks of Christ's spirit of obedience and was for the glory of God. So abiding life means walking with him and understanding His will concerning us. That is true Light
"But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee."
The Spirit presents us a seemingly minor detail but it has a great spiritual importance. For one association of the Son is set there. Fellowship of God was not with any other than his Son. Whosoever believed in him were blessed in his Son (Ep.1:3).As Word become flesh the twelve apostles were men chosen by the Father was recorded in the scriptures. Joseph did not choose Galilee but God the Father chose it for his Son."Being warned of God in a dream, he (Joseph) turned aside into the parts of Galilee:/And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene." (Matt.2:22-23).
Nazareth is a small town in the hill country of Galilee while Jerusalem belongs to Judea.
Most of his disciples were from Galilee so we have this hint from the Holy Spirit why he went beforehand into Galilee
Secondly Jesus 'shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go' is already mentioned by Prophet Ezekiel."And when the prince shall enter, he shall go in by the way of the porch ofthatgate, and he shall go forth by the way thereof."(Ez.46:8)
"Behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;/Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."(Ac.1:10-11). He however warned his disciples not to leave Jerusalem is for no other reason than setting coordinates of his throne in heaven with 'his body" and the right hand of the most high in heaven is called New Jerusalem. Consequently the city of the great King (Matt.5:35) fits nicely with David from whose loins his humanity took shape. David calls him his Lord , the Lord of lords and King of kings. (Re.19:16)
By literal approach do we really get the role of place names right?
"And they all forsook him, and fled."
In continuation to the previous post Jesus knew beforehand that his disciples would flee from him in 'the evil hour. As it was written of him in the scriptures they were also written and in the same quote from Zachariah we read thus, "Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones." The eleven disciples are 'the sheep' mentioned there. By the principle of Association the little ones include us as well. We received the gospel of salvation as 'the little ones'. We were called before the worlds began but how did we receive it?"and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;/And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen"(1 Co.1:27-28)
God chose man and not nations. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."( 1 Co.10:11)These are examples for our spiritual instruction
The point we need see here is the word of God is given to us to profit withal. "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal"(1 Co.12:7) This shall explain the Law of Gradation where all things are held together in Christ. Moses doubled for Jesus and how the Spirit has organised his going up the mount we have here in v.26. "And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives." The mount of Olives is a sign. Jesus was taken in because as the word of God had foreshadowed the evil hour was to manifest, as the golden calf leading to the imposter church of our times, and many other events all these leading to the final battle. (Re.19). These kangaroo events teach us, "There is nothing new under the sun.(Ec.1:9)"
"And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered."
I shall not detail what I have mentioned of this quote from Prophet Zechariah (13:7) while I coverd Matthew. The point is simple. Jesus as the Word become flesh obeyed his God completely so much so he knew the evil hour closing in on him, down to the exact minute. Jesus says further down in this chapter, "I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled."(14:49). Luke present us one curious aspect of time. "When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness."( Luke 22:53). The power of darkness also has been at work equally as the word that God commanded, "Let there be light." Why did Jesus Christ manifest? "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). So both good seed and tares growing in the field is nothing to marvel at. While Moses was with God down below the golden calf being set up was no coincidence. The evil work had succeeded throwing off some from the fellowship of God with Man. Moses as a double for the Son went up even as Jesus' Ascension gives it as a kangaroo event. So what we find of the Church of Rome setting up their golden calf is no brainer. The ten spies who brought evil report and brought God to intervene (Nu..14) we have even now as Evangelical Right, lining up behind a captain as bizarre as the Pied Piper of Hamelin. "And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt."(14:4). New Canaan is impossible for the reprobate minds. The point we need see here is the word of God is given to us to profit withal. (1 Co.12:7)
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).
I will attempt to dive into the differences between individual and group Bible study. We could also divide a study with others into informal small group and formal Sunday school and/or what is covered in a main church service. The differences in approach are something I haven't really considered until now but it seems worth investigating.
The first difference I see is what is often the question and answer part of a group study in the informal setting. My recent experience seems to show that often Pastors aren't the best people to ask questions (I often here very general ones). If and when discussions are encouraged any church were there are at least some that take God's Word seriously we all are bound to learn something; through personal experiences or those with wisdom in citing relevant passages that help to further bolster an idea or concept. In reality it is good to have such an informal situation and allow certain latititude for "rabbit trails" and occasional cans of worms to be exposed. There certainly needs to be serious study in a sermon as well; where normally there isn't response but hopefully good discussion afterward.
I have said this frequently but in regard to prayer and Bible study these are two bedrocks of a strong church. Often they seem to support one for another; if anything reminding us of verses that we use to edify others. One thing brought up this past Sunday in Sunday school was a question in regard to the hymns and Psalms frequently sung in the time of the Apostles and early church. Rejoicing in such praise is certainly a good way to begin fellowship; rather than griping about our problems (that was pointed out). I agree and pray that someone will do that on occasion who is gifted musically or maybe not but wishes to rejoice.
I have found out that certain websites are helpful; particularly those that bolster archaeology with scripture; or Creation science sites.
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.
1 Corinthians 13:10 mentions things passing away when the partial is complete; or something to that affect. Revelation also has verses warning about not adding or subtracting which could mean adding to that book or all scripture. Since the written texts originally came from oratory (with the exception of the 10 Commandments originally penned by God Himself); God planned it out so that the scribes would count every LETTER of a scroll; and get rid of a copy to start again if it was even slightly off. 2 Timothy 3:16 explains that all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching; reproof; etc.
I have discussed in older posts a summation of the Apocrypha as to truths of historic or moral truths that are borrowed from true scripture; which always states "thus saith the Lord" except for places like Ruth and Esther; or Song of Solomon. God's truths are absolute; as we see from the claims of Christ's divinity; and the laws in the 10 Commandments. The repetitive themes such as scriptures being repeated again in the New Testament to enhance their true meanings bring a cohesiveness to the Bible. We also have such admonitions as 1 John 4:2 stating what any "spirit" testifies about Christ having come in the flesh.
That would correlate with verses like Matthew 16:17 where it is clear that Christ's DIVINITY (as the "I am") can only be understood or revealed through the Spirit. I noticed that myself pre conversion it didn't enter my mind that Christ was God or part of the "Godhead". As our spirit testifies with "his Spirit"( Romans 8:16) that we are His children and His Word is truth the Lord will build our discernment of truth as we grow and mature in Him to know what is true (see also John 10:27).
Books are to be read but understanding for two persons can differ. Satan used the scriptures but his motive was wrong. "Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled." (Ti.1:15) "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."(Ph.4:8)
Reading is to communicate. Do we hang out in the company of minds who are writing potboilers to feed their bellies or those who falsify intentionally what is true, and write for fame and fortune? I find it waste of time. Time is short so get the best out of your spare time. The Bible is the book of life.
St Mark gives us two commandments which shall explain what keeps the kingdom of God together. Merriam -Webster explains the scribe as a member of a learned class in ancient Israel through New Testament times studying the Scriptures and serving as copyists, editors, teachers, and jurists. One of their class, who was present when Jesus put to silence the Sadducees had a question to ask. He would have pored over the texts in order to interpret all the law and the prophets wanted to tempt Jesus as St Matthew puts it. That the ten commandments could be reduced to two must have come as a surprise to him. Never in his understanding had this truth dawned as to what Jesus signified. As the Lord from heaven the Decalogue began from one ("God is one") and also ended with him. This made both heaven and the earth on single yardstick in the matter of fulfilling the will of God. God is a Spirit and without its sovereignty and without obeying it a many may make it his business to preach but is an ignoramus as the Pharisees and the scribes who were out to destroy Jesus who was the fulfillment of the Law. When God sent his Son Jesus was a sign to which Prophet Isaiah had predicted (Is.7:14). They also heard him deliver the doctrine of hid Father which we know as the Sermon on the Mount.
The writer to the Hebrews place the role of the Son, "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,/Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son," (He.1:1-2). In their opposition what did the ten in the Decalogue meant? They were judged already. The two commandments represented the deity and humanity of the Son. "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."(Matt.22:40). The Word as the sound and as a sign made the kingdom of God work. Their questions were to no avail because faith without works is dead. The discreet answer of the scribe is in "with all your heart, with all your soul etc., v.33
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding, but acknowledge the Lord and He will direct your paths. Surely our Creator should know what is best for us; and we should have enough examples of past saints and sinners to guide us and keep us on the straight and narrow path ( 2 Timothy 3:16). Giving up all to follow Him is something that certainly takes trust; that is for God to provide basic needs and the fact that there is heavenly rewards for temporal suffering. Those living as the Disciples did would certainly need encouragement such as found in the Book of Hebrews where it says that we MUST believe He is a rewarder of those who do His will ( Hebrews 11:6). Understanding that comes from above is what allows us to believe that Christ is truly God in the flesh ( Matt. 16:17). God's wisdom through the Spirit unlocks scripture and reveals to us eternal truths about individuals as well as the fate of nations. Many hard to read scriptures have meanings cleared up with cross references; and meditating on the Word day and night helps us to bring these things to mind for our own edification and witnessing to others "in and out of season" ( 2 Tim 4:2).
A general rule of thumb is that there is no (or shouldn't be) any line of demarcation between our "spiritual" lives involving various religious duties and the rest of our work and recreational interests. There is no good substitute for daily scripture studies accompanied by prayer; but there has to be more than just head knowledge. Continuing on the subject of TRUST; other people as well need to be able to see evidence of Christ "on display" in our character and interactions before they go for deeper understanding on spiritual matters. Therefore; we must be living out what we believe and naturally be dividing the Word correctly ( 2 Tim. 2:15). In upcoming posts I will try to demonstrate how to effectively read scripture and put it to use.
"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him."
The two worlds of the Spirit and of the body have only language which is faith. (He.11:3) When the Son said,A body hast prepared me it made the DNA between the world made to appear and the world unseen as the only proof of paternity. Thus the body of the Son is the visible image of the invisible God. ( Col 1:15) In the Parable of the Tares we have the good seed and the tares which can be known by their fruits. "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"(Matt.7:16)
So God is a Spirit sent his Son as the word become flesh.He did not ask the impossible when he went to the fig tree. The glory of the tree with seed in itself was determined according to the everlasting covenant, and the blessing of man in 'our likeness' connected as with the body God gave both. It was on the basis of faith and not by the will of the tares, source of which is by courtesy of the enemy who slipped in while the world slept. Caesars have come and gone, none of them has shown their glory endured. Had these men faith in God as the rewarder of the just?
In the hypothetical question the Sadducees put to Jesus vv.19-23 they were in error since the concept of marriage instituted by the tradition of their fathers was not founded on truth. "And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?/For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven."(vv.24-25) In our times by false shepherds who dismiss works from their faith and espouse politicians as the Herodians, blame the victims for refusing to live with child molesters and perverts? Excommunicating Eileen and condoning the abuser if how the elders read the word of God. The tares shall continue but how long?
St Mark cites Jesus referring the quote from the Psalm (118:22-23) which is identical in the gospel of St Matthew. The parable of rock is with direct reference to the judgment which we have it executed by an angel from above causing the fall of Babylon.(Re.18:21) Israel's failure is symptomatic of the wicked nations that have no interest in giving glory to the sovereign Lord of heaven and the earth. So they shall be judged with all other nations for their failure to produce fruits thereof. When they least expect God shall take the vineyard from the miserable husbandmen and give to others, Thus the parable centers about the Son who also is the Rock of Ages. In his rejection Israel committed a fatal error and it is to which the above mentioned quote from the Psalm alludes.
"Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?/Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof." (Matt.21:42-43)
Mark gives us the answer of Jesus, "What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others"(v.9). St Matthew sets him as a symbol, as the rock of offense and as the stone of stumbling. "And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder." (21:44)
"And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way." (v.12) The chief priests scribes and the Pharisees would try to destroy Jesus somehow.
In previous postings I have discussed many different applications to the scripture. In reality an atheist can gain much from an academic exercise in a literary study as anyone else to deduce historical narratives that correspond with archaeology or an English professor can find beauty in the acrostic patterns of poetry in the Psalms and other hidden places in scripture.
Luke 12:48-50 indicates that more is required to those given much (my paraphrasing). If we are searching for truth it is one thing; but if we claim we are Christians and want to play games cherry picking to avoid tough verses related to our conduct; or just seeking "pleasant" scripture snippets then we are doing what one well known media advertises (I'll leave that to the audience to figure that out). I am convinced one of the most dangerous trends are those who are knowingly living in rebellion and yet claiming "authority" to "name and claim; blab and grab; etc". Promises in scripture are conditional; and even those that are UNCONDITIONAL related to promises in the New Covenant are based on HIS accepting us in the beloved ( Ephesians 1:6). However you slice it on terminology related to Predestination or "free will" it is clear that God chooses to reveal His Son to the elect ( Matthew 11:27). Just WHO the elect is; and whether God determines that ahead of time to those who will respond is beyond the scope of this study. The same idea is related to the PLAN of salvation; all those saved come to Christ the same way whether we consider the plan in general or the individual conforming to it. In short we only come to Christ one way through the Son; and as Romans 10:9 states that involves a verbal affirmation and a heart change which truly loves and embraces the Lord. Godly sorrow is associated with repentance; worldly sorrow leads to death ( 2 Cor. 7:10).
As mentioned in my earlier post from Wednesday, there is prophecy in most books starting with the one related to the serpent and his fate along with God's provision to send His Son ultimately to take care of the sin problem that our ancestor Adam infamously started that contaminated the entire human race. As Jesus stated He is the "Alpha and Omega" (Rev.1:8) and scriptures were about Him in many prophecies foretelling the Messiah. HUNDREDS of prophecies from Psalms and Isaiah in particular but others scattered throughout the Old Testament described His birthplace (Micah); His ministry on earth ( Isaiah 53); His method of death ( Psalm 22); and His return to earth in the consummation of the ages (Daniel; Zechariah). We see intersecting along with divergent paths in particular "dispensations" or as some would care to say in the Old vs. New Covenant eras. Covenants and promises were made to Abraham in particular that eventually would involve NATIONAL Israel; and later on promises were made to the church in the New Covenant. In the future Millennial reign of Christ there are unique events that occur; primarily necessary from my viewpoint because when Christ actually physically rules and reigns on earth then less latitude is given for sin; judgment for rebellion is clear; and swiftly executed as no one will have an excuse that they didn't know better.
We also have some personal prophectic implications most noticeably seen with Isaiah and his family; Hosea and His unfaithful wife and finally King David. All three of these examples either have double fulfillment (near and far related to the individual and to the coming Messiah). This is also true of Christ who clearly divided Isaiah 61 between the first and second verses signifying His first and second arrival on earth even though no one at the time fully understood. We do well to learn from all examples jn scripture of progressive revelation.
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