Bible Discussion Thread

 
  • Gwen H Frost on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    What does the King James Bible say about women being Pastors?
  • Chris - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Yes GiGi, now that will be a very enlightening subject for you to study: Gnosticsm. As you know, the word has its root in 'Gnosis' = knowledge (especially on spiritual matters/insight). It was running rampant in the early Church (through false teachers) & very evident today in all religions & sadly, Christianity. The apostles had to deal with it (see 1 John as being specifically written to believers to warn them & being his exposition on this subject & its entrance into Christianity). While you're at it, have a look at Docetism, an off-shoot of Gnosticsm.

    A blessed brother from a previous Fellowship I attended, actually spent several years researching this subject & published a very thick book of over 700 pages, entitled: "Many will be deceived: An Urgent Message to Christians". In it he writes of 'Satan's chronology of deception, through: Greek philosopy, Gnosticsm, False eschatologies, Replacement Theology, Spiritual Elitism, Church liberalism, Darwinism, Communism, Nazism, etc.' Just sharing this if you wanted to dig deeper into the subject, available on Kindle as well. The book is very heavy-going; taking me over a year to work through. Blessings.
  • Chris - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Hello Gwen. In Ephesians 4:11-13, the Apostle Paul shows us how the Church, Christ's Body, would be comprised - for the building up of His Church. So, in this respect, both men & women can be so equipped by Christ's Spirit to be used of Him. However, in respect to "apostles & prophets", we can keep in mind that the apostolic line ended with the death of the last apostle (John), & the prophetic word (i.e. the true Word from God about future events) also ended at the Book of the Revelation. But the other appointments within the Church still go on (evangelists, pastors & teachers) & will do so till Jesus comes for His Church.

    However, maybe you're thinking of women being pastors, as in leading the congregation & teaching from the Word. Then the Apostle Paul speaks again, to Pastor Timothy this time, in 1 Timothy 2:11-13, that as much as women too can teach from the Word, they are to refrain from doing so when in the Church. The word "pastor" means 'shepherd'. Certainly, women can shepherd others in their Christian walk, as there can be many 'pastors' in the Church (men & women). However, today, that word, 'Pastor', is generally applied to a 'Shepherd cum Teacher cum Preacher' when this appointment wouldn't be permissible for women. That is why Elders were appointed in every Church ( Acts 14:23), & they alone were given charge of the teaching, leadership & oversight of their congregations. Today, we see a number of congregations that have women taking charge of them & teaching from the pulpit. I can only refer to the Scriptures in response - they & the Churches will have to give account to God.
  • Rick - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Chris To state with any kind of absolution that Gods Word says that there are no apostles or prophets now when I don't see literally written is taking unfounded liberty. I endeavor not to add or subtract what is not written but was is written is God gave all five gift ministries to the church in this the age of grace which is still in operation and I have met men operating in these capacities. It Is Written
  • Chris - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Thank you for that response, brother Rick. It is true, that there are many things that I believe & write that I am fully convinced of, because that is what I find in the Scriptures. The 'apostolic age' (meaning, the era or set period) ended with the twelve disciples becoming apostles (i.e. from a position of learning/training to a position of being sent out on a mission/a messenger: 'apostolos').

    Then we get Saul coming out of nowhere & never numbered with the twelve apostles. We know the difficulty he had with that, in spite of him believing what the Lord Jesus Who appeared to him from Heaven, declared ( Acts 26:13-18, before King Agrippa). Even when the Corinthians began to doubt his apostleship, Paul had to declare that he was called by the Lord to this work ( 1 Corinthians 15:7-9, the least of the apostles & one born out of due time). And there are many other references where Paul had to prove his calling & apostleship. Yet, he was a chosen vessel having seen the risen Christ just as the other twelve did. So we get a clear idea of what the position of an apostle is. If we then attempt to bring that into the post-apostolic period, then the closest we can equate that to, is the Missionary, who does the work of the apostle, especially if he has had that heavenly vision.

    In relation to prophets, this seems clearer. You know what the prophetical utterances & writings are, as seen in the Word. And you also know, the Book of the Revelation given to John with the stern warning in Revelation 22:18,19. In my understanding, what could a supposed prophet of God reveal to us that is more than what we find in the OT & NT till the final revelation? No one has yet declared a prophetical event in the future with any certainty. Many have tried & their prophecies have failed. And to overcome this problem of the end of the prophetical voice, some believe that a so-called prophet who brings any message, becomes a prophetical word. I think a preacher/teacher does that quite well.
  • Rick - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Hi Chris With all due respect you appear that unless you experience something you don't believe, this is not me being critical just an observation brother. The other side of the coin is as I shared with people just because you had an experience doesn't make it of the true God because experience is no guarantee for truth it must line up with Gods Word. May God continue to guide our spiritual footsteps.
  • Rick - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Chris As I said before by personal experience I have seen all five Gift ministries in operation so I'll stick with It Is Written and your understanding is your privilege.
  • Chris - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Thanks brother Rick for reiterating that point. This matter has come up several times before, to which I've addressed, no one yet has put up his hand to give some examples of someone's special calling or proofs to be God's prophet, nor samples of their public addresses to which I might relate or have a better understanding. To that end, I will have to hold onto my understanding until I'm led further into the other side of the matter, or if someone can share something of present-day prophecy.
  • T. Levis - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Chris asked if someone can share prophetic today. I've been researching that since sometime 2019-presently. There is a website called Elijah List, it has several 'prophetic words' listed for multiple years of several "Prophets" I have been able to read many then go back to check older archived words. I prayerfully read many some have been accurate. Two people really stand out today as very accurate propheticly Hank Kunneman & Amanda Grace both have been very accurate about several things. The things that were most accurate that came to pass Pastor Hank Kunneman said 2018 they wouldn't be successful in 'impeachment' that they would try twice both would fail, that the decade would start off harsh, last year snow in unusual places to be a sign that GOD hears our cries & HE will cleanse ._.etc. Amanda Grace, Ark of Grace Ministries said High tech CEO's would resign right before Bezos did, said NY Como would be caught up in scandal & resign, warning him to repent. Then said because he didn't his own party would turn against him & he would resign this year.

    Further researching I found Bob Jones & John Paul Jackson both deceased had propheied about "a perfect storm" coming to America which both were uncomfortably accurate they explained it to be s combination of many elements of Government,financial, real storms, financial, racial unrest, fires in our streets. Jackson even spoke of the storm being about 300 miles wide "Dorian"?

    Even with accurate prophecy please remember the WORD of GOD Jeremiah 27 & 28, Hosea 12:13, 1 Kings 13, Ezekiel 14:1-10, Matthew 10:41, Deuteronomy 18:15-22, John 4:44, Luke 4:24, * Deuteronomy 13:1-5, Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17-19

    Hopefully all this is helpful in your research.
  • Chris - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Thank you T. Levis - I will check out that Site. I realize that I am skeptical on this, simply unable to differentiate between a specific prophecy to a non-specific one.

    Would both the following be prophecies that one should give regard to? Someone prophesies in February, 2021 that a massive earthquake will hit Vanuatu in the Pacific this year. While another prophesies in the same month that this massive earthquake will strike early morning on Oct 2, 2021 but without any injury or death. One could say that both are correct as that earthquake did actually take place this year, but a discerning person will say, 'but Vanuatu regularly has earthquakes or tremors so what is that first prophecy, since there will very likely be one in 2021'. Maybe, we need to be wise to such proclamations & ensure their specificity. Hopefully, that Site will help me - thanks.
  • T. Levis - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Chris as I've been studying prophecy I've realized it was given in times when it was needed, either for correction or for hope, direction, protection. If things were obvious it wouldn't be needed. I am referring to all prophetic here. Matthew 2:12,13, Matthew 16:22-27, Luke 13:33,34, Luke 2:26, Daniel 10:1-3, 1 Samuel 3-1,9,10,11,12,13,14, it's also for revelation, exposure: when a person thinks they've hidden something from others or GOD= 1 Samuel 15:10-29, 2 Samuel 11 & 12, 2 Chronicles 20:20, There are many examples in scripture.

    Those two examples you've given wouldn't seem to me prophetic but foresight if it didn't edify the Church, encouraged, give direction, revelation etc., In line with GOD & HIS Words we could reflect on. Ezekiel is an example of very strange exhibited behavior probably to get the attention of "a stubborn people" so even if someone seems weird that might not be a reason not to listen. So, in the examples you gave on the surface it seems irrelevant to us.

    Let me give an example. Yesterday we were discussing Australia. Amanda Grace has given prophetic 'Words' regarding Australia saying things like "GOD hasn't forgotten you Australia" she said several things about leadership & GOD knowing the wrong that some leadership were doing. I think she said an earthquake would be a sign, there was a large earthquake very soon after then a few political things happened with people stepping down. Then just recently a Pro.Life Premier was elected. Looks to reflect in line with GOD's will. Her blog has her written prophectic Words Amanda Grace Ark of Grace.

    Even with accurate 'Words' 1 Kings 13:11-34, Deuteronomy 13:1-5, serve GOD only. Hopefully this helps
  • Rick - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Hi T. lewis All Biblical prophecy telling of future events I.E. when thus saith the lord is stated happens verbatim, when I hear I'm not sure of time frame or it wasn't clear or it should happen soon or was either God or an angel red flags go up .

    The Apostle Paul to the Galatian church said if I or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel let them be accursed . First thing 2 Peter 1;20+21 No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation[that which is forthtold or foretold], second prophecy has already been given of whats going to happen in the world to unbelievers that is what the gospel is for.

    If someone goes on t.v. and says God is telling him there's someone watching out there with weak heart and if 8 million people are viewing chances are someone with that condition will be listening. Once the words I'm not sure or it wasn't clear no dice the true God is always clear and specific, no confusion.

    Revelation or specific knowledge from God will always fit with scripture James 3:17 also most revelation either to deliver a person to get them born again which is a glory to God or to protect defend and edify the church which is a Glory to God
  • Rick - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Brother Chris The problem with what your asking is a lot of times prophecy isn't public in Gods word many times men or women were given prophetic info privately. I have yet to hear from any so called well known individuals that what they say as prophecy comes to pass. That being said I fully appreciate where your coming from. It reminds me of Isaiah and Jeremiah where God ask Judea and Israel why are you listening to false prophesies from the gods they were worshipping.

    The false prophets promised abundance but the true God said to return to Him.
  • Rick - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Chris The problem with what your asking is will it be believed and that being said I'm going on to something else God Bless, I choose to believe then see some choose to see then believe.
  • Chris - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Brother Rick, I was just interested to know what people refer to when they say that their Church was blessed with a prophecy today. My understanding of prophecy is a prophetical utterance received from God for events still in the future, not published previously. Of course, Israel & Judah received many prophecies over different periods by different prophets, but as reminders of what God would do to them (both good & bad) in respect to their behaviour & His Promises. But if today's Church believes that prophecies can be, for example, 'The Lord has spoken that Mrs. Jones will be healed of cancer by early next year' or 'Mr. Smith will secure that job that seems impossible to get', I don't connect this to biblical prophecy - a Word from God, yes - but I would think that many believers already get clear Words or spiritual impressions from the Spirit to say or do certain things. Is this prophecy, is my question?
  • Me me me - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    It is called personal revelation in my church when it applies to individuals. It is called prophecy when it comes to church leaders with priesthood authority for the general welfare of the church or world.
  • Rick - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Chris Gods Word states in 2 Peter 1:20+21 that all scripture is prophecy so prophecy biblically is telling past present and future. Now then prophecy relating to future operating in the church is used to bless and protect believers. I witnessed a situation where someone was to go to this specific gathering with there son would be healed. Of course the person obeyed and he was . Also that is revelation or revealed information from God specific to a situation. Whats amazing to me is people tell me the spirit showed me or told me this or that but they don't believe God can work in this way. God is always talking to us if we have our spiritual ears open. 1 Corinthians 2:9 comes to mind, I'm convinced that because of a lot of corrupt examples and frankly no clear understanding or confusion in this biblical field it is not operating as effective as it could be spiritually. Prayerfully that helps.
  • Chris - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Thank you Rick. That certainly helps me to understand this better, that the meaning of Prophecy is not confined to what I understand from the Scriptures.
  • David - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Chris I've enjoyed a lot of what you share and like you when it comes to the word spiritually if it doesn't fit I don't buy it. Also it has to fit with all scripture.

    Here's an example of not only revealed knowledge by God but also prophecy given in example in scripture look at luke 2:22-35 They took the baby to the temple there was a man devout loved God Simeon by revelation was told by the Spirit [what he could not know by his five senses] that he would not die until he saw the Lords Christ, then look at 29-35 let thy servant depart in peace according to thy word look at the comfort and all the glorious things he spoke by prophecy concerning the child. Talk about how much it blessed Simeon and Mary and Joseph.
  • Earl Bowman - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Amen Brother David!
  • GiGi - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Hi, just jumping in, if I may. In the past week I have felt led to study some on Gnosticism, as one of its tenets is for adherents who "have the inner light" will receive special revelations and hidden knowledge outside of Scripture. Perhaps you could study this a bit, also. "The Gnosticism of Modern Evangelicalism" is a good article. There are more. Much of Gnostic practice is really occultism. For this reason, I am not drawn to participate in situations where people relay a "prophecy" from God or when people tell me that the "Spirit told me to tell you" type of conversations. I am not saying that these things cannot be legit, but most of the time, I think they are not, especially if someone claims to receive such prophecies and knowledge in "private" settings. Something to consider.
  • Rick - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Hi Gigi Those people who told you what God told them to tell you God would have told you first, and it would be identical to what he told you. Years ago I ran an automotive shop and early in the morning everything I touched went south so asking God what to to he said go home take the day off tomorrow get a fresh start. Not heeding for an hour I talked to another believer about something else and he said go home and take the day off tomorrow get a fresh start. To say the least that got my attention I closed shop and was busy went home relaxed went back the next day and had the midas touch. God protecting and helping again overriding my hard head.
  • Rick - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Hi Gigi I like you am very leary of these statements made by any individual, you don't boast it as we know by there fruits we shall know them. I was invited to a [charismatic assembly] where the pastor after a bunch of stuff occurred loud and out of order came out to the pulpit picked up a phone receiver and then hung up and told the people that God was telling him what to teach on. When everything was said and done the guy who invited my wife and I said so what do you think i simply replied we never got into the scripture and were never taught anything out of Gods Word and there was no order, so whats the profit. Like I said the examples as to what scripture state are way out of line, it reminds me of Jeremiah 2:13 MY PEOPLE ARE DESTROYED BECAUSE OF A LACK OF KNOWLEDGE
  • Chris - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Yes GiGi, now that will be a very enlightening subject for you to study: Gnosticsm. As you know, the word has its root in 'Gnosis' = knowledge (especially with spiritual matters/insight). It was running rampant in the early Church (through false teachers) & very evident today in all religions & sadly, Christianity. The apostles had to deal with it (see 1 John as being specifically written to believers to warn them & being his exposition on this subject & its entrance into Christianity). While you're at it, have a look at Docetism, an off-shoot of Gnosticsm.

    A blessed brother from a previous Fellowship I attended, actually spent several years researching this subject & published a very thick book of over 700 pages, entitled: "Many will be deceived: An Urgent Message to Christians". In it he writes of 'Satan's chronology of deception, through: Greek philosopy, Gnosticsm, False eschatologies, Replacement Theology, Spiritual Elitism, Church liberalism, Darwinism, Communism, Nazism, etc.' Just sharing this if you wanted to dig deeper into the subject, available on Kindle as well. The book is very heavy-going; taking me over a year to work through. Blessings.
  • GiGi - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Thanks, Chris.

    I will study it a bit more and maybe Docetism, as you suggested. I don't think I am called at this time to dig deeper into this heresy, just wanted to follow up on the heads up given me by the Holy Spirit, who has blessed me with a discerning heart. We are in deceptive times, and so many people are just not well grounded spiritually and are easily led into dubious practices and experiences that are a mimicry as well as a mockery of the work that the Holy Spirit actually does in the life of believers as well as some truly unbiblical things that involve the occult and pagan idolaterous practices. I don't want to have anything to do with such things. I don't seek after spiritual experiences, but am open to the work of the Spirit in ways that align with Scripture, which they always will if they are of the Spirit. Gnostics seek after hidden knowledge thinking they are going deeper into the things of God, but, like the Jewish rabbis who use the Talmud or Kabbalah books and practices to find hidden meaning in each and every word, letter, jot and tittle of the Torah, they are practicing divination and reaching into the spirit world in dangerous ways. Those who pursue hidden knowledge even in Scripture end up missing the truth about Jesus in the Word and can make this pursuit and idol.
  • Rick - In Reply on Psalms 68 - 2 years ago
    Brother Chris In Ephesians 4:11 is written in this the age of grace the body of Christ which is still active that the reason for apostles prophets evangelists pastors and teachers is for the edifying or building up of the church which is still in existence, so therefore these ministries still have to be in operation in the body of Christ. I don't read anywhere in scripture where it says the apostolic age ended. I in fact I never read in Gods Word apostolic age?



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