Thoughts on the evil entities and Satan finally getting God's justice
I can write my own song on imagining what it will be like with no Satan to deceive men to war and no demons to torment in the Millennium. Or a world living in peace under Christ's rule.
Whether we realize it or not the air is thick with deception; with demonic hosts in high places ruling and twisting men's minds and controlling the affairs of nations.
I live in a suburban area that is well policed and in a school where I haven't even seen a serious fight. I can't be complacent in prayer as there can always be a lone gunman or some unforeseen incident (we had one lockout for an hour or two last year with a suspicious person on the grounds). As far as I know there has only been one tragedy of a student last year run over by a car when jogging; I haven't heard of any suicides. We are warned with training to be on the lookout for such things along with other training. My complacency living this way and having enough to eat; etc. is something for me to watch out for; but also I am aware that people are perishing in nice homes as much as they are in the neighborhoods I would avoid even during the day near me unless anointed to do witnessing.
The verses in 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 I believe refer to the restraining power of the Spirit as it works in the current church age.
God will do signs and wonders and protect His saints in the Tribulation as well as save countless multitudes so it seems apparent that the Spirit doesn't leave the earth. It is just that as Daniel states they will be overcome; but for now the gates of hell can't prevail against the church.
I truly believe that as bad as the Tribulation is there will also be a sense of relief for those who are His own because there will be no more time for the world to restrain producing fruit; in this time that means martyrdom. Those who die will join us in heaven at once; in spirit form at first to rise later at His raturn.
My last post shows worship for all those who take the mark of the Beast in Revelation 13:8. The world is decieved because of some image of the beast they somehow create. The Antichrist will suffer a deadly wound as Zechariah 11:17 and will be adored because of an apparent "resurrection". My point is that it appears all those who take the mark do so voluntarily; and are unsaved; and all those saved will be given the strength to be martyred and NONE of them will take it. That will require supernatural strength. It seems that torture and limits of human suffering won't be able to force someone to take this mark and thus damn themselves; but it is true that cowards have their place in hell; and I would interpret that to be those who are more concerned about themselves or what man thinks than of fearing God rather than just afraid of suffering. Some of the Jews no doubt will escape and survive with a few others into the Millennial period.
We see shades of the beginning of the Tribulation in the final failed rebellion at the end of the Millennium which will be ended at its inception. The world after the Rapture will probably be convinced that with Christians gone they can finally obtain utopia on earth and in their hearts will think that they can sin with impunity now that we are finally gone as the "salt and light" of the world; or that God has finally somehow given up on this place and man has to rule; or that Christ and God are the aliens from outer space who they have to fight or something to that affect. (I can almost hear John Lennon's song Imagine in the background).
Many forget the exhortation such as an elder in my church has given that we are in "enemy territory" at present. Many forget they themselves were once enemies of God and are tempted to "dumb down" the awful truth of the sorry state of those who are lost and need Christ with some appeal that seeks approval of man instead of uncompromising truth
A look at the Pre Trib rapture and the madness to come
Revelation 5:12 describes those in heaven praising God but we also see evidence that ALL those on earth will also do the same; even those who are under the earth (possibly the dead souls in hades). I have said before that if the rapture is hidden the RESURRECTION of the dead saints from graves all over the world surely WON'T be able to remain hidden.
There are several themes in scripture that this reminds us of. First the state of all the angels praising God as seen in Job 38:7.
Lucifer fell AFTER this event; how quickly it is unknown but it may have seemed to be a shock to the 2/3 that remained faithful to their state of holiness to see 1/3 fall away with him ( Revelation 12:4 shows the end result). Of course the fall of man brought sudden issues as well. It didn't take long for the first murder to occur with Adam's firstborn son. And we could see shades of the same thing at the tower of Babel shortly after the flood.
What man will crave will be brought about; no doubt by Antichrist's delusion of peace at the first seal ( Rev. 6:1-2). This is going to appear to be a great light of hope (see 2 Cor. 11:14). Shades of the peace and security now will come to the climax with the Daniel 9:27 covenant being CONFIRMED or an original one made stronger (likely what is now known as the Abraham accords).
Whatever illusion of peace that comes will be short lived as the inevitable decay of society will result in the rest of the seal judgments of war; famine and pestilence to kill 1/4 of men (which appears to all occur BEFORE the mark of the Beast).
Those who end up following Antichrist will also worship the dragon (Satan) as seen in Rev. 13:14-18 who gives power to the Beast. They eventually end up fighting God as we see from Psalm 2 and Revelation 19.
Many have argued that out of fear men will be somehow tricked or coerced to take the mark. Revelation 13:8 seems to argue against this as WORSHIP occurs.
For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
This was brought up recently in a video about the end times; and since I never noticed this verse before, and its importance to what is going on at present I thought I should expound on it a bit. I have trouble finding the history on YouTube but the concept was separation that God is using which will come to fruition starting at the Rapture and during the Tribulation as well.
This is all part of the bigger concept that God uses all things; including the Devil for His own purposes. A strong God fearing church will be able to withstand heresies when they come. Now in this verse those being approved could refer to those who will be elevated to church leadership roles; but of course it also could mean that it shows those who are true saints (wheat) as compared to the tares.
In considering this topic; I also have been contemplating the misuse of the term "love" as compared with the AGAPE which should supercede any affections we have personally and toward others. Matthew 22:42 asks what do ye think of Christ (speaking to the Pharisees). Whether a legalistic approach of pride toward being one of Abraham's natural descendants or a lax liberal mentality toward anything that was regarded as moral standards a couple generations ago Christ is reduced to the level of whatever best suits our imagination rather than held as God in the flesh; high and lifted up our Creator and the sustainer of our natural and eternal existence. 1 Corinthians 13:6 gives further emphasis to this concept; we are not to rejoice in evil but in the good. We also see in the surrounding verses in chapter 13 further details on God's type of love which is helpful for restoration in marriages in particular.
The big picture here shows how the final one world religion is coming; the first part of the Tribulation with Mystery Babylon.
Please pray and agree with me in prayer that I can continue tapering off of the Klonopin medication and that the trauma induced oppressive dreams (which I have been battling for years) will cease and that I can be free from this bondage.
Also pray and agree with me that my health and sleep will be restored unto me.
The Spirit has set the entire will of God and the fulfillment by Jesus Christ is in harmony of the narrative mode of the Spirit. He sets heaven, the earth and the lower parts in one which is illustrative ofthe last book serving as envoi or coda of the Core Will over this Salvation saga.
We are analyzing this chapter as determined in the Will so time is the constituted time set by the Spirit. Since the earthy ministry is obliquely stated the days mentioned in v.6 to reconcile his ministry in the flesh, in the spirit and as the Son set down on the right hand of the most High upholding all things by the word of his power. "And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days." (v.6) The flight of the woman into the wilderness' is embedded in the history of Israel. We are to assume from this line, "and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered,"(v.2) include diverse events from the fiery furnace in Egypt (De.4:20) to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 which are not germane to the narrative.
Secondly the line "where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her "(v.6) include the diaspora of Israel, state established in 1948, which is not by her own will but refers to the mercy of God. From vv.13-16 we see another calamity striking Israel and the left out church. "And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman." (v.13)
Notice the time is stated differently? No more in days but with a tag first mentioned in the Book ofDaniel. (Dan.12:7;7:25).The saints in another wave have been gathered during the great silence in heaven.(Re.8:1) So we have, "And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent."(v.16)
The 24 elders are memorial and represent the body in Trinity. Consider the role which the 12 Apostles created by the eternal Word plays in disseminating the Gospel of God on the earth. They occupy in heaven as associates, similar to the role the four beasts attests of Jesus Christ as 'the firstborn of every creation'. (Col.1:15) Their testimony is of the Gospel of God and it applies in heaven, in earth and in the lower parts. (3x8=24).
In heaven -"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,"(Re.14:6)
2.On earth as associates of the Son of man. (Matt.10:40; Luke10:16) "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus (He.3:1)"
3. In the lower parts. "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:/By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison."(1 Pe.3:18-19. Cf.Ec.11:2 "Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth." Consequence of Jesus preaching in the lower parts has great consequence. Re.12 gives us a clear hint why. "And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood./ And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. "(Re12:15-16)
Fulness of Jesus covers even there. "The firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence./For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;"(Col.1:18-19,16)
god equip me to take care of my mother with demintia and god soften the heart of my daughter n law towards me to include me and to have a respect and mutal love for me
Been dealing with a lot lately spiritually and emotionally. I don't trust anyone anymore not even my own family. I really need prayer. God knows everything I've been going through and I just want to ask for prayers.
Argument #4 Holiness. Touching on this subject in the last post; we see this as an expected behavior after repentance; and full immersion baptism. Since the issue of baptism isn't unique to those of oneness persuasion as a necessity for salvation; I will not get into it here except to say that Acts 2:38 could be interpreted differently if we say REPENT and be baptised FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS. This would place the emphasis of the remission on the repentance. As to holiness I would say that it MUST occur at some point in a believer's life as evidence of spiritual FRUIT. But as I believe I stated earlier (if it wasn't wiped out) is that holiness is a result of a changed heart ( Exodus 36:26). If we are holy we should show love; longsuffering and other evidences of saving faith; not have a prideful or boastful attitude because we are (or think we are) saved. I would argue that there is a good point about the churches in general being very lax in dress and other worldly behaviors being allowed so that they are often indistinguishable from the world. As to the behavior of marriage and divorce that Mr. Jennings has I actually agree with that; although in many other congregations of Pentecostals and certainly charismatics it seems there is much illegitimate divorce and remarriage when a spouse is still alive. Another issue I won't elaborate on further is the speaking in tongues which is considered NECESSARY for salvation despite scriptures to the contrary such as 1 Corinthians 12:30 which I probably referenced already.
For now I feel I have given a sufficient overview of this subject. I certainly am not lauding Calvin's approach to martyring Silvanius for being a modalist (or non Trinitarian); I can't say matter of factly someone is not a true believer in this camp but have serious concerns on these and other issues. We can't understand much even with scripture on these mysteries of God.
There are so many verses in the Gospels that they are too much to quote here. The idea is that Christ showed numerous times His role in the Godhead as submissive to the Father. John 5:19 is an excellent example where Christ stated that He could do NOTHING on His own but what He sees the Father doing He then does. Some of these issues no doubt were unique to the time He came to die as a man on the cross; which could be the premise of Matthew 24:36 also repeated in the book of Mark. Even HE didn't know the day or the hour of the return of Christ.
Before going on we can learn a lot about the nature of God in this relationship; much like the submission of woman to man in a marriage. Somehow in the Godhead Christ follows the actions of God in His work. It is clear through the death on the cross that HE was indeed part of the Godhead but that God the Father also had to take a role in holding the whole universe together for if it was only Jesus then it would have ceased to exist at His death as I see it. The counsels of the Godhead no doubt were involved with these plans before the foundation of the world for this plan as ( Ephesians 1:4 is but one example; also see Revelation 13:8 for the end result of this predestined plan for those who would be saved).
The plurality of the Godhead is also mentioned in John 14:21 to 23. This shows the Father and Son; and no doubt the Holy Spirit seals us in the day of redemption as well. ( Eph. 4:30). Also of course there is John 3:16 about God so loving the world and sending His son that whoever believes in Him will be saved. '
Oneness argument #3 Arminianism. The book of John is excellent in showing the Godhead as well as elements of Predestination involved with this. UNDERSTANDING THE GODHEAD TIES INTO CORRECT UNDERSTANDING OF PREDESTINATION. It also ties in with holiness (Argument #4). True holiness must stem from a new heart reflected in outer actions; not from our actions.
I have been wiped out on my computer TWICE trying to get this posting out. Seems the enemy doesn't want me to do this.
Or I had too many windows up at the same time. UGH.
Whenever I go to get scripture references I take a chance on wiping out the page; although my computer for some reason stalled out last run..
I will post this as an argument and rebuttal format just to do something different....
First assumption (as best I understand it). Christ didn't appear any other time in a bodily form except while here on earth.
It should be clear that Christ rose with scars remaining from His body which He had on earth that was resurrected. This is clear from "doubting Thomas" in John 20:28. There are numerous instances when Christ was indeed in a preincarnate form; such as with the incident with Abraham in Genesis 18:18 (where it also appears the discussion in the previous verses is between the Godhead as to whether these things should remain hidden). There is also the incident with the angel of the Lord in Hosea 11:4 cross referencing Jacob wrestling with God in the account of Genesis 32:22-32. For worship to occur these saints of God were indeed only to worship God. Since 1 John states that no one can see God and live; and Genesis 32:30 says that no one has seen God at any time; it seems clear that Christ was appearing in these cases. Numerous other verses could be cited.
The "us" verses.
We see in the original creation story in Genesis 1; as well as the narrative of the Tower of Babel ( Genesis 11:7) where "our image" and "us" is referred to in the creation of man; and the determination to confuse the language of men.
Argument Two: Main premise that God is one appearing in different "modes" or forms. To ignore that God is in distinct persons seems absurd in light of verses such as Luke 23:46 (where Jesus commended His spirit to God at death); and all other verses which showed Christ praying to the Father.
Please pray for finances.. on disability and barely have enough for basic necessities.
Please pray God sends His laborers into the harvest to win souls-I too want to lead people to Jesus- Pray I am faithful to do so; & in all my ways am pleasing to God, in Jesus Christ Name amen! Thanks & God bless you all!
Please pray for me. My wife is throwing fits and cannot handle being wrong. It is at the point where she is raging and kicking and screaming and keeping me up all night. She will not let me sleep. She wants me to apologize for not sleeping next to her when she kept cursing at me and calling me fat, ugly and stupid. I understand that I am not perfect but as a Christian I do not believe she should be treating me this way. Biblically it is incorrect. Please pray for me and for humility for her. She believes she has to win because she does not trust men, she has told me this before. She has lots of issues such as OCD and she has admitted to being a narcissist.. I am so exhausted.
This is the day that the lord has made I shall rejoice and be glad in it. Praying that God keeps his loving arms around me and my family. Continue to give me strength to help my mom as she has gotten older and needs more help then I can give. I do my best and that's all I can do. I deal with health issues myself but God is in the midst of my situation thank God with all my heart . And Gigi if you see this I pray all is well with you and your family. You have always been and others on here my prayer warrior. Thank you all for doing the kingdom's work . In Jesus name amen.
Dear Lord Please hear our prayer for Magda, David, and their children. We humbly ask for health and protection for them through the holy blood of Jesus. May your blessings and wealth be poured upon our family and all those who pray for this intention. Amen.
Asking for strong protection ( Prov. 30:5, Ps.91, Ps. 34:7) and salvation (those not saved) as well as healing and deliverance, guidance and wisdom, joy, peace, love and generally to live lives that please the Lord. Asking this for all of us and all others in need.
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to your throne of grace to ask you to help me and my husband to stop fighting. Thank you for another day. Thankyou for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for keeping a roof over our heads.Thank you for our pellet stove, for hot water, Indoor plumbing, my salvation. my health, my grandkids, our daughter, Good friends, good neighbors, our church family, our faithful pastor and his wife and their 5 children. Please help me to be me again. It's coming up on my sister's 3rd anniversary of being in Heaven. I miss her so much. I don't understand why I am still here?? I have lost my way, not my salvation, my purpose for my life. I don't know why I am still here. I lost my Dad in 2015 to pancreatic cancer, and then my mom in 2016 to lukemia, and then my beautiful sister passed away in 2021 due to lung cancer and she never smoked. I had uterean cancer in 2018 and God decided to heal me. I was praying the same prayer for my sister. I know God has told me that it was just her time. But, I am the oldest and I always thought I would be the one to go first. My sister was 19 months youger than me. I don't understand why I am still here. I wish that Jesus would come back and I could be re-united with my Dad and sister. There are more that I miss but, my sister has been the hardest death on me. I know that Gods' word says that Jesus goes and prepares a place for those who believe that he is the son of God, the messiah, the prince of peace, ect. But, I just don't understand why my 3 family members had to suffer with cancer and why I am still here??? Thank you for hearing my prayer in Jesus name I pray amen.
Second group are martyrs, "And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God".(Re.15:2)
Luke 12:49-50 The fire mentioned there is about the outpouring the spirit. Jesus begins the next line with the use of but as conjunction, and it is about the baptism for the dead. He referred to what awaited him. His death would bring him to the under parts of the earth where death has held captives of men who never heard the Word that was become flesh. His death was for them as well.
"And what constraint I am under until it is completed!" What does it signify for a believer?
Baptism for death was for him but it lays before us our cross. Follow me, he said. Surely it means the division for us he mentioned there. We are to align our bodies as though dead because of sin. "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." (Ro.8:13)
"If ye then be risen with Christ"( Col. 3:1) is the core value. It is the life of faith. We follow as he did he stepped in as Seth did in place of dead Abel. Similarly we die for those who are dead in sin even as Christ did. Self-indulgence held no place for him.
In continuation with the post on the Book of the Resurrection we are living not only for our salvation but living with fear and trembling for the cloud of witnesses that encompass us, lest our negligence should put our dear departed ones in jeopardy. There is no sacrament but abiding in Christ.
"I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?/ But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!"( Luke 12:49-50)
We have two judgments of which baptism by water swept away the antediluvian world. As for the baptism by fire judgment of the cities of the Plains, namely Sodom and Gomorrah was partial. "But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men."(2 Pe.3:7)
"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:/ Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."(Matt.3:11-12)
In his humanity, Jesus as true and faithful witness submitted to baptism by water. The key verse refers 'the baptism by fire.' He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost." The baptism by fire refers the purging of the floor. It is pointer the burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.There is a time lapse which we see a narrative mode employed by the Spirit. Parenthesis between bringing in sheaves and the unquenchable fire we read in the Book of the Revelation.
Baptism by fire is intended for those who neglected salvation when it was offered. "Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be." In Ge.15:5 we reads of saints redeemed from the earth as stars in heaven. The second group "And as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable." He.11:12. These are the martyrs seen on the sea of glass."mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name,"(Re.15:2)
Throughout the Bible symbolic value is fixed by the Holy Spirit so natural world and things of the Spirit are anchored on the bedrock of the divine Will of the Father; correspondingly newness of creation is distinct as Jerusalem is from New Jerusalem is entrusted with the Son. "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son( John 2:22-24)"
Symbols serve as a principle of Similitude so we may use them as a rest frame in order to see the will of the Father and the completion of it by the Son. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new"(2 Co.5:17). (See entry under N-new heaven and new earth)
I can write my own song on imagining what it will be like with no Satan to deceive men to war and no demons to torment in the Millennium. Or a world living in peace under Christ's rule.
Whether we realize it or not the air is thick with deception; with demonic hosts in high places ruling and twisting men's minds and controlling the affairs of nations.
I live in a suburban area that is well policed and in a school where I haven't even seen a serious fight. I can't be complacent in prayer as there can always be a lone gunman or some unforeseen incident (we had one lockout for an hour or two last year with a suspicious person on the grounds). As far as I know there has only been one tragedy of a student last year run over by a car when jogging; I haven't heard of any suicides. We are warned with training to be on the lookout for such things along with other training. My complacency living this way and having enough to eat; etc. is something for me to watch out for; but also I am aware that people are perishing in nice homes as much as they are in the neighborhoods I would avoid even during the day near me unless anointed to do witnessing.
The verses in 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 I believe refer to the restraining power of the Spirit as it works in the current church age.
God will do signs and wonders and protect His saints in the Tribulation as well as save countless multitudes so it seems apparent that the Spirit doesn't leave the earth. It is just that as Daniel states they will be overcome; but for now the gates of hell can't prevail against the church.
I truly believe that as bad as the Tribulation is there will also be a sense of relief for those who are His own because there will be no more time for the world to restrain producing fruit; in this time that means martyrdom. Those who die will join us in heaven at once; in spirit form at first to rise later at His raturn.
My last post shows worship for all those who take the mark of the Beast in Revelation 13:8. The world is decieved because of some image of the beast they somehow create. The Antichrist will suffer a deadly wound as Zechariah 11:17 and will be adored because of an apparent "resurrection". My point is that it appears all those who take the mark do so voluntarily; and are unsaved; and all those saved will be given the strength to be martyred and NONE of them will take it. That will require supernatural strength. It seems that torture and limits of human suffering won't be able to force someone to take this mark and thus damn themselves; but it is true that cowards have their place in hell; and I would interpret that to be those who are more concerned about themselves or what man thinks than of fearing God rather than just afraid of suffering. Some of the Jews no doubt will escape and survive with a few others into the Millennial period.
We see shades of the beginning of the Tribulation in the final failed rebellion at the end of the Millennium which will be ended at its inception. The world after the Rapture will probably be convinced that with Christians gone they can finally obtain utopia on earth and in their hearts will think that they can sin with impunity now that we are finally gone as the "salt and light" of the world; or that God has finally somehow given up on this place and man has to rule; or that Christ and God are the aliens from outer space who they have to fight or something to that affect. (I can almost hear John Lennon's song Imagine in the background).
Many forget the exhortation such as an elder in my church has given that we are in "enemy territory" at present. Many forget they themselves were once enemies of God and are tempted to "dumb down" the awful truth of the sorry state of those who are lost and need Christ with some appeal that seeks approval of man instead of uncompromising truth
Revelation 5:12 describes those in heaven praising God but we also see evidence that ALL those on earth will also do the same; even those who are under the earth (possibly the dead souls in hades). I have said before that if the rapture is hidden the RESURRECTION of the dead saints from graves all over the world surely WON'T be able to remain hidden.
There are several themes in scripture that this reminds us of. First the state of all the angels praising God as seen in Job 38:7.
Lucifer fell AFTER this event; how quickly it is unknown but it may have seemed to be a shock to the 2/3 that remained faithful to their state of holiness to see 1/3 fall away with him ( Revelation 12:4 shows the end result). Of course the fall of man brought sudden issues as well. It didn't take long for the first murder to occur with Adam's firstborn son. And we could see shades of the same thing at the tower of Babel shortly after the flood.
What man will crave will be brought about; no doubt by Antichrist's delusion of peace at the first seal ( Rev. 6:1-2). This is going to appear to be a great light of hope (see 2 Cor. 11:14). Shades of the peace and security now will come to the climax with the Daniel 9:27 covenant being CONFIRMED or an original one made stronger (likely what is now known as the Abraham accords).
Whatever illusion of peace that comes will be short lived as the inevitable decay of society will result in the rest of the seal judgments of war; famine and pestilence to kill 1/4 of men (which appears to all occur BEFORE the mark of the Beast).
Those who end up following Antichrist will also worship the dragon (Satan) as seen in Rev. 13:14-18 who gives power to the Beast. They eventually end up fighting God as we see from Psalm 2 and Revelation 19.
Many have argued that out of fear men will be somehow tricked or coerced to take the mark. Revelation 13:8 seems to argue against this as WORSHIP occurs.
For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
This was brought up recently in a video about the end times; and since I never noticed this verse before, and its importance to what is going on at present I thought I should expound on it a bit. I have trouble finding the history on YouTube but the concept was separation that God is using which will come to fruition starting at the Rapture and during the Tribulation as well.
This is all part of the bigger concept that God uses all things; including the Devil for His own purposes. A strong God fearing church will be able to withstand heresies when they come. Now in this verse those being approved could refer to those who will be elevated to church leadership roles; but of course it also could mean that it shows those who are true saints (wheat) as compared to the tares.
In considering this topic; I also have been contemplating the misuse of the term "love" as compared with the AGAPE which should supercede any affections we have personally and toward others. Matthew 22:42 asks what do ye think of Christ (speaking to the Pharisees). Whether a legalistic approach of pride toward being one of Abraham's natural descendants or a lax liberal mentality toward anything that was regarded as moral standards a couple generations ago Christ is reduced to the level of whatever best suits our imagination rather than held as God in the flesh; high and lifted up our Creator and the sustainer of our natural and eternal existence. 1 Corinthians 13:6 gives further emphasis to this concept; we are not to rejoice in evil but in the good. We also see in the surrounding verses in chapter 13 further details on God's type of love which is helpful for restoration in marriages in particular.
The big picture here shows how the final one world religion is coming; the first part of the Tribulation with Mystery Babylon.
Also pray and agree with me that my health and sleep will be restored unto me.
Thank you,
Gary
The Spirit has set the entire will of God and the fulfillment by Jesus Christ is in harmony of the narrative mode of the Spirit. He sets heaven, the earth and the lower parts in one which is illustrative ofthe last book serving as envoi or coda of the Core Will over this Salvation saga.
We are analyzing this chapter as determined in the Will so time is the constituted time set by the Spirit. Since the earthy ministry is obliquely stated the days mentioned in v.6 to reconcile his ministry in the flesh, in the spirit and as the Son set down on the right hand of the most High upholding all things by the word of his power. "And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days." (v.6) The flight of the woman into the wilderness' is embedded in the history of Israel. We are to assume from this line, "and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered,"(v.2) include diverse events from the fiery furnace in Egypt (De.4:20) to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 which are not germane to the narrative.
Secondly the line "where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her "(v.6) include the diaspora of Israel, state established in 1948, which is not by her own will but refers to the mercy of God. From vv.13-16 we see another calamity striking Israel and the left out church. "And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman." (v.13)
Notice the time is stated differently? No more in days but with a tag first mentioned in the Book ofDaniel. (Dan.12:7;7:25).The saints in another wave have been gathered during the great silence in heaven.(Re.8:1) So we have, "And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent."(v.16)
The 24 elders are memorial and represent the body in Trinity. Consider the role which the 12 Apostles created by the eternal Word plays in disseminating the Gospel of God on the earth. They occupy in heaven as associates, similar to the role the four beasts attests of Jesus Christ as 'the firstborn of every creation'. (Col.1:15) Their testimony is of the Gospel of God and it applies in heaven, in earth and in the lower parts. (3x8=24).
In heaven -"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,"(Re.14:6)
2.On earth as associates of the Son of man. (Matt.10:40; Luke10:16) "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus (He.3:1)"
3. In the lower parts. "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:/By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison."(1 Pe.3:18-19. Cf.Ec.11:2 "Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth." Consequence of Jesus preaching in the lower parts has great consequence. Re.12 gives us a clear hint why. "And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood./ And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. "(Re12:15-16)
Fulness of Jesus covers even there. "The firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence./For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;"(Col.1:18-19,16)
Argument #4 Holiness. Touching on this subject in the last post; we see this as an expected behavior after repentance; and full immersion baptism. Since the issue of baptism isn't unique to those of oneness persuasion as a necessity for salvation; I will not get into it here except to say that Acts 2:38 could be interpreted differently if we say REPENT and be baptised FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS. This would place the emphasis of the remission on the repentance. As to holiness I would say that it MUST occur at some point in a believer's life as evidence of spiritual FRUIT. But as I believe I stated earlier (if it wasn't wiped out) is that holiness is a result of a changed heart ( Exodus 36:26). If we are holy we should show love; longsuffering and other evidences of saving faith; not have a prideful or boastful attitude because we are (or think we are) saved. I would argue that there is a good point about the churches in general being very lax in dress and other worldly behaviors being allowed so that they are often indistinguishable from the world. As to the behavior of marriage and divorce that Mr. Jennings has I actually agree with that; although in many other congregations of Pentecostals and certainly charismatics it seems there is much illegitimate divorce and remarriage when a spouse is still alive. Another issue I won't elaborate on further is the speaking in tongues which is considered NECESSARY for salvation despite scriptures to the contrary such as 1 Corinthians 12:30 which I probably referenced already.
For now I feel I have given a sufficient overview of this subject. I certainly am not lauding Calvin's approach to martyring Silvanius for being a modalist (or non Trinitarian); I can't say matter of factly someone is not a true believer in this camp but have serious concerns on these and other issues. We can't understand much even with scripture on these mysteries of God.
Let us be Bereans.
Agape. Rich P
There are so many verses in the Gospels that they are too much to quote here. The idea is that Christ showed numerous times His role in the Godhead as submissive to the Father. John 5:19 is an excellent example where Christ stated that He could do NOTHING on His own but what He sees the Father doing He then does. Some of these issues no doubt were unique to the time He came to die as a man on the cross; which could be the premise of Matthew 24:36 also repeated in the book of Mark. Even HE didn't know the day or the hour of the return of Christ.
Before going on we can learn a lot about the nature of God in this relationship; much like the submission of woman to man in a marriage. Somehow in the Godhead Christ follows the actions of God in His work. It is clear through the death on the cross that HE was indeed part of the Godhead but that God the Father also had to take a role in holding the whole universe together for if it was only Jesus then it would have ceased to exist at His death as I see it. The counsels of the Godhead no doubt were involved with these plans before the foundation of the world for this plan as ( Ephesians 1:4 is but one example; also see Revelation 13:8 for the end result of this predestined plan for those who would be saved).
The plurality of the Godhead is also mentioned in John 14:21 to 23. This shows the Father and Son; and no doubt the Holy Spirit seals us in the day of redemption as well. ( Eph. 4:30). Also of course there is John 3:16 about God so loving the world and sending His son that whoever believes in Him will be saved. '
Oneness argument #3 Arminianism. The book of John is excellent in showing the Godhead as well as elements of Predestination involved with this. UNDERSTANDING THE GODHEAD TIES INTO CORRECT UNDERSTANDING OF PREDESTINATION. It also ties in with holiness (Argument #4). True holiness must stem from a new heart reflected in outer actions; not from our actions.
I have been wiped out on my computer TWICE trying to get this posting out. Seems the enemy doesn't want me to do this.
Or I had too many windows up at the same time. UGH.
Whenever I go to get scripture references I take a chance on wiping out the page; although my computer for some reason stalled out last run..
I will post this as an argument and rebuttal format just to do something different....
First assumption (as best I understand it). Christ didn't appear any other time in a bodily form except while here on earth.
It should be clear that Christ rose with scars remaining from His body which He had on earth that was resurrected. This is clear from "doubting Thomas" in John 20:28. There are numerous instances when Christ was indeed in a preincarnate form; such as with the incident with Abraham in Genesis 18:18 (where it also appears the discussion in the previous verses is between the Godhead as to whether these things should remain hidden). There is also the incident with the angel of the Lord in Hosea 11:4 cross referencing Jacob wrestling with God in the account of Genesis 32:22-32. For worship to occur these saints of God were indeed only to worship God. Since 1 John states that no one can see God and live; and Genesis 32:30 says that no one has seen God at any time; it seems clear that Christ was appearing in these cases. Numerous other verses could be cited.
The "us" verses.
We see in the original creation story in Genesis 1; as well as the narrative of the Tower of Babel ( Genesis 11:7) where "our image" and "us" is referred to in the creation of man; and the determination to confuse the language of men.
Argument Two: Main premise that God is one appearing in different "modes" or forms. To ignore that God is in distinct persons seems absurd in light of verses such as Luke 23:46 (where Jesus commended His spirit to God at death); and all other verses which showed Christ praying to the Father.
Please pray for finances.. on disability and barely have enough for basic necessities.
Please pray God sends His laborers into the harvest to win souls-I too want to lead people to Jesus- Pray I am faithful to do so; & in all my ways am pleasing to God, in Jesus Christ Name amen! Thanks & God bless you all!
Please read as the Book of the Revelation instead of Book of the Resurrection.
Second group are martyrs, "And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God".(Re.15:2)
Luke 12:49-50 The fire mentioned there is about the outpouring the spirit. Jesus begins the next line with the use of but as conjunction, and it is about the baptism for the dead. He referred to what awaited him. His death would bring him to the under parts of the earth where death has held captives of men who never heard the Word that was become flesh. His death was for them as well.
"And what constraint I am under until it is completed!" What does it signify for a believer?
Baptism for death was for him but it lays before us our cross. Follow me, he said. Surely it means the division for us he mentioned there. We are to align our bodies as though dead because of sin. "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." (Ro.8:13)
"If ye then be risen with Christ"( Col. 3:1) is the core value. It is the life of faith. We follow as he did he stepped in as Seth did in place of dead Abel. Similarly we die for those who are dead in sin even as Christ did. Self-indulgence held no place for him.
In continuation with the post on the Book of the Resurrection we are living not only for our salvation but living with fear and trembling for the cloud of witnesses that encompass us, lest our negligence should put our dear departed ones in jeopardy. There is no sacrament but abiding in Christ.
"I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?/ But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!"( Luke 12:49-50)
We have two judgments of which baptism by water swept away the antediluvian world. As for the baptism by fire judgment of the cities of the Plains, namely Sodom and Gomorrah was partial. "But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men."(2 Pe.3:7)
"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:/ Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."(Matt.3:11-12)
In his humanity, Jesus as true and faithful witness submitted to baptism by water. The key verse refers 'the baptism by fire.' He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost." The baptism by fire refers the purging of the floor. It is pointer the burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.There is a time lapse which we see a narrative mode employed by the Spirit. Parenthesis between bringing in sheaves and the unquenchable fire we read in the Book of the Revelation.
Baptism by fire is intended for those who neglected salvation when it was offered. "Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be." In Ge.15:5 we reads of saints redeemed from the earth as stars in heaven. The second group "And as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable." He.11:12. These are the martyrs seen on the sea of glass."mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name,"(Re.15:2)
Throughout the Bible symbolic value is fixed by the Holy Spirit so natural world and things of the Spirit are anchored on the bedrock of the divine Will of the Father; correspondingly newness of creation is distinct as Jerusalem is from New Jerusalem is entrusted with the Son. "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son( John 2:22-24)"
Symbols serve as a principle of Similitude so we may use them as a rest frame in order to see the will of the Father and the completion of it by the Son. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new"(2 Co.5:17). (See entry under N-new heaven and new earth)