Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 146

More on the concept of church as a family of adopted sons ( Ephesians 1:5 and several other N.T. passages)

The illustration has been given of how unseemly it would be to be consuming milk only as an adult; and we see that analogy in the book of Corinthians ( 1 Corinthians 3:2). We need to back up a bit to be certain that a given individual actually IS in the faith; or their "mature" conduct could simply be conditioning through rote memorization and behavior modification to attempt to "fit in" much as we put on a persona at work and with our friends and family that has certain distinct characteristics.

Once we are fully trained; of course in the natural as well as the spiritual we are expected to go on and make Disciples as the Great Commission states. This has been lacking with the emphasis on spreading the Good News and often guiding people to the nearest church without studying their doctrine or doing follow up. I find it best in my opinion and with some experience street witnessing to recommend a person goes to whatever local church preaches the true Gospel whether it is my own place or not. Obviously having multiple people spreading the Good News from a given local congregation gives more of an impetus to attend; although in the past I was more committed to a "house church" where some people eventually became more invested in given churches.

It is hard for many to envision a scenario like Paul the Apostle at least in our nation who a cording to Acts 21:13 had to rebuke those weeping after hearing the prophetic warning about his impending death. It reads- Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

A lot of churches today send someone out and have a very limited communication sending monthly stipends at least from my experience. That was different with the "house church" who had close ties with a brother witnessing in Uganda.

Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

There is someone who I know professionally who I cannot go beyond the bounds of that who I have in mind writing this post. As I have prayed for her she has split up with her boyfriend where she was likely compromising which is an answered prayer. I am hoping she decides to attend church once again as the enemy would see fit for that not to happen. I will keep her name anonymous but I see great potential as she is a very loving person and since her desire is to see family members saved as I do I believe she is a true Christian. Due to death she has lost much of her immediate family.

Keeping in mind Jeremiah 17:9 we understand that our hearts are desperately wicked apart from His saving grace. Now; our affections are caught between the flesh and the Spirit. "For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh." ( Galatians 5:17; but another version).

This verse shows that we can't just live in a vacuum shutting down the flesh but the Spirit must be in control of all things in our hearts. Fellowship of the saints is a healthy thing for a believer IF it is truly that and not something abandoning scriptural protocols and doctrines. One of the pinnacles of this is suffering as a Body of believers. Being insulated from such in our nation we have a few examples of those suffering being a witness for Christ but to find the majority of a local fellowship engaged with the struggle of the Great Commission is also rare. Usually with today's demographics the biggest issue is elderly individuals with physical ailments and it is certainly commendable for those that step up to assist. True religion is helping the orphans and widows ( James 1:27); which I can say our church is doing to some extent.

Let us build one another up in Him.

Hello "Susan71". (Was going to find the bed but was reminded that I should answer you before that). Imagine in my new KJV 2017 revised and translated into Norwegian Jehovah is not mentioned once. I use to read from the beginning sometimes. And started doing it again about a month ago.

Now we know that Jehovah has been in previous editions. So I don't know if I like the new translation yet. So far I have found that quite a bit has been taken away. And to me it doesn't sound complete. As you probably know, God is a terrible God, HE IS fair. He regretted that He had created man and had to hide Himself from us, for not to destroy us. He is Almighty God and as a Christian I am a Christian, so to speak. A person who is a Christian does not want/dont need other gods. He would have put an end to us, because no man has seen God. Only in the Old Testament, if anyone sees the face of God today, it is the Lord Jesus who shows Himself. When Jesus came, He abolished the law, and that means that the old covenant is gone. Then there is no reason for us who are justified by faith to dwell on the old law or covenant. Or name for that matter. Because the OT doesn't have that meaning anymore. We live in a different world, and there are three that testify in Heaven. But the OT is good for many things, like learning from it and understanding and keeping ourselves away from: evil thoughts, murder, adultery, adultery, theft, false witness. When we talk about names. Jes 9:6 IS it Jesus, He Is today. And forever. He lives, and He says the Father and I are One. And we can, by righteousness through faith, come to the Holy Spirit, and live with Him. For there are three who bear witness in heaven. 1 John 5:6-9

For me there is One God. And the way to Him is through Jesus. No one comes to the Father except through Me, says Jesus. Today Jesus has all power in Heaven and on earth, He IS worthy.

Hope this can help you get answers and that it does not lead to confusion for you in Jesus name, Amen

Hi, nice of you to ask "WALKEC29". And I can speak for myself because the Lord gives to whom He wills when He wills. But when we talk about what kind of gifts God gives, you can happily read 1 Cor 13. There all the gifts are mentioned, love being the greatest, Amen

In my childhood and youth I have always believed in God. Jesus came a little later when I really had to bend my knees and ask for help. I cried my tears for years afterwards. It was and is so good to come to Jesus. No one can fill the void like Him! First of all, I baptized myself in water because it is a good act of conscience to God. And the whole congregation prayed for me. And nothing happened. Then one morning I sat at the kitchen table. I wanted to try and change was my thought. And there He come, my Savior! I picked up the old Bible I got when I was 12 and read. When I opened the Bible my eyes fell on a scripture that was actually meant for Jesus. I understood that because they are written in italics. I will never forget the experience. I thought there was something wrong with my eyes for the letters and words, yes, it was as if they were on fire. Hebrews 1:5 After that i didnt think so much of it. And continue to read and i got a big desire in my life to read. I became so hungry for the word that I carried the Bible with me in a backpack wherever I went. Because my intention was to give God's word to other hungry people. And I still do it because the Lord is good, He loves me unconditionally. Even though I am unsteady in all my ways. Then I know that He will help me get back on my feet. And the praise I have received from Him in my heart is so liberating. I can do boring things like driving for 2-3 hours. If I praises to Him, everything goes so easily and quickly. All glory to Jesus Christ as all glory should be. Then it is no wonder that love overflows and one wants to share bread with everyone one meets. Here I think it is important not to quench the Spirit. It's not good. Sorry no more space

Dear "Bennymkje" is it not the Israel ppl who come back and. it is the 12 tribes og Israel. They will be saved. So Gud have a special act for them.

Rev 7:4:8

At this moment, we are called to pay close attention.... by the faith we have in Christ Jesus, we will reflect His character and holiness.

However, I must also add a word of exhortation and admonition: we are called to be the salt of the earth ( Hebrews 10:25), just as other passages in Scripture speak about being conformed to the image of Christ and the continual transformation of believers,

The Bible emphasizes the importance of wise choices and the pursuit of God's will in every area of our lives. This processs "unfolds" throughout the Christian walk, and it is something we recognize and witness in one another. how we know all this

In Proverbs 3:5-6, we are instructed to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding, acknowledging Him in all our ways so that He may make our paths straight.To avoid being too vague, what I've found so ffar is that we should not pretend to build friendships only to evangelize. I n addition, in 1 Corinthians 7:7, the apostle Paul acknowledges that difffferent people have diffferent gifts.

So I hope this adds something meaningful, as it's also something I've been observing.

May God bless us and help us.

"Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole." Acts 4:10 KJV (read above this scripture there was a healing that took place)

"This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner." Acts 4:11 KJV

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12 KJV (continue to read into the next chapter, wherever God is moving that's where His name)

I believe a person can call God in their heart by intending to refer to Him in their hearts. Me being Christian, I call and ask my mediation, savior, elder brother, etc. Christ Jesus. I don't believe man can actually utter God's name. The word Jehovah definition indicates that it is a form of the Hebrew name of God used in some bible translations. If I call God by how I relate to him and get connected then I know God hears me at the same time if a person has the right intentions in his or her heart then even if they don't know Christ Jesus or to use "Jehovah" then God knows the heart of everyone and who intends to commune with Him. Just consider Adam and Eve, they both talked with God and didn't have a name. I believe they even communicated with God after they were removed from the garden. It might have been less direct, because of their sin nature, just like now, people can talk to God whether they are believers or non-believers. I don't want to get into the animal kingdom, I believe animals can talk or communicate with God in their own way, without human context. Animals don't read. Also, I would say, babies or children that have not yet been taught they can communicate with God, I believe through their emotions or heart (mind). As a believer matures their relationship with God evolves, in spirit and in truth to know of some of who God is, since there is no searching of His understanding. Sometimes I say, oh God!, and God still hears me, even before I said it, however everything is still being filtered through Jesus. For me, God is holy, His name is Holy. I don't think man is able to hear God's name, to speak God's name or to even see God face to face, God is just that holy to me. However, Christ Jesus, God's only begotten son is accessible, relatable, and available for man to reach and be re-connected with God. (just to reference: the bible talks about how God was grieved after he made man; God also shorten man's days so that he could be saved)

Addition:

"They are as much as memorial as the 24 elders and four beasts before the throne of God. If the latter are memorials for the promise of God so they declare," And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth."(Rev.5.10)"

The sentence is incomplete,

"They are as much as memorial as the 24 elders and four beasts before the throne of God. If the latter are memorials for the promise of God so they declare," And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth,"(Rev.5.10) these 144,000 are memorial for the everlasting Covenant.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3 KJV

I need to correct something in the discussion of the 10 virgins, 5 were wise and 5 were foolish.

"And five of them were wise, and five were foolish." Matthew 25:2 KJV

Then I mentioned 20 virgins in total, there were only ten virgins in total:

"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom." Matthew 25:1 KJV

In discussing predestination I could also discuss further the 10 virgins, 5 being wise and 5 being foolish (this is a parable).

I used the free bible dictionary on this website and entered the word parable at the Search the Definition box and it listed a reference for this scripture about bride:

"Frequently used in the ordinary sense ( Isa. 49:18; 61:10, etc.)." The relation between Christ and his church is set forth under the figure of that between a bridegroom and bride ( John 3:29). "The church is called "the bride" ( Rev. 21:9; 22:17). Compare" parable of the Ten Virgins ( Matt. 25:1-13).

Then it also provided a link to explore bride more in depth in the bible.

So in my previous post, I would only ask of the 5 virgins that were foolish, if they were jealous, hating, being reluctant or some other foolish act or intent, because if the bible says you are wise then you are wise and wise people do righteous things for this parable. In everyday life even wise people make mistakes however in the bible when a person is referred to as wise then that settles it, they are wise, without question, then also the foolish are foolish without question.

In terms of a wedding setting, what types of foolish antics could be present. For instance in the parable:

Not having enough oil in the lamp, that was foolish

Wanting the wise virgins to provide oil and not caring or unaware that it was not enough oil for both, that was foolish

Expecting to enter the wedding without enough oil in the lamp, that was foolish

At midnight light is needed no one will be allowed to sit in the dark at the wedding.

Gen.2.21 "Closing up the flesh"

"And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;"

God caused a deep sleep focuses on the Will of God. Adam as a double for his Son suffers vicarious death so vicariously his death is a deep sleep and it sets the son of God point forward in time to the death of his Son. It is a book marker in the world framed by the word of God and it is of the same weight as the emblem of the slain Lamb.Though Adam sinned it does not vitiate the Atonement of Jesus Christ. For this reason the Law of the Spirit sets him as the Lord of heaven and the last Adam'

There is no other Adam who could replace him nor compete with him for the honour of pre-eminence. " the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."(Col.1.17)

What does closing up the flesh indicate? It invites the metaphor for bone as doctrine unique to the body of Christ. The vision of dry bones refer to the house of Israel in particular, since the adjective 'dry' makes is none associated with the doctrine of Christ or of the gospel of God. Christ is the Way, which the Law of the Spirit is at pains to emphasize. In order to prove the Spirit presents the vision of Ezekiel. The angel warns the prophet as to the scale which is 6 cubits, number of condemnation. "a measuring reed of six cubits long". (Ezek.40.4-5).We have the measurement of their temple. "It was round about eighteen thousand measures." 6x6x6x1000= 18,000 The number 1000 refers the day decreed for the Son. A day for the Lord is like 1000 years. (Ezek.48.35; 'one day is with the Lord as a thousand years'-2 Pet.3.8) How on earth can a believer compare Israel is blessed? Dispensationalism is issued from the Devil's Press and has made scriptures fit with Israel no matter right or wrong" No wonder literalism is the heretic's last refuge to show as doctrinally correct. Do I dabble in Gematria?

What is meant by Baptism by Fire?

Yes I do ! I am a regular Bible reader ! Why is it that even though God the Father's name Jehovah is in the Bible in Psalms 83:18, Exodus 6:3 & Isaiah 12:2 in the King James translation & many other ones, no one is addressing him by name in prayers or talking about him ? The Lord's prayer says let your name be made known ! So his son was giving us a model prayer in what we should pray for , he was asking for his Father's name to made known. They are using only his title of LORD or addressing his son Jesus in prayer. Shouldn't we pray only to Our Heavenly Father by name and only to him but thru his son Christ Jesus. I see many people are saying GOD but there are many God's. How would it make you feel if everyone addressed you as Man or Woman instead of your personal name, would that not be disrespectful ! Jesus is Jehovah's only begotten son which means he created Jesus by himself but every thing else was created by his father with his son's help. I mean no disrespect. Can someone explain to me why his personal name is not being used. I have done research and the name Jehovah is in the original Greek & Hebrew scriptures I think it is around 7016 times. So if it's mentioned that many times shouldn't we be using it then ? Can someone explain why we don't call him by his name ? Like I said I don't mean any disrespect, I just have question's about it.

Ge.2.18 "Bride of Christ"

"And theLordGod said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him."

In the everlasting Covenant God created man and the Spirit refers 'male and female created he them.'(1.27)God created man after our image which sets two worlds as his measure. The Word of Spirit we have seen in several instance manifest as angel of the Lord. Before the birth of Samson we have the angel qualified as a man, "A man of God came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible" (Judg.13.6) and in the case of Daniel, Gabriel is also seen as such, "then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man."(Dan.8.15) Angels do not marry so Considering the creation of Eve from the body of Adam the point of an helpmeet, addresses Adam as man created after our likeness. The Spirit never introduces a female angel for a specific reason.

The bride is taken from Adam who is set as a double forJesus Christ who shall be sent as the Word become flesh. Jesus Christ was in the bosom of God so was Eve in the bosom of Adam. The Gospel of God that the Son revealed as the Son does not change the quality of the Word. Neither did the creation of Eve surprise Adam being awake from his 'deep' sleep. He knew her role in his life. Being alone was not good applied to Adam only as far as his creature comforts were concerned. God parade His creation before him. He named them wisely as he was created after our image. As word became flesh Jesus would feel hunger and thirst, Adam needed human warmth and companionship. The creation of a holy family was in the determined will of God. After our image we are in heavenly places, and doing the will of God is our meat and drink; we require sustenance as men of flesh and blood. Revelation of Jesus Christ God sent through an angel (Rev.1.1) a fellow servant so the number 144 is made up of Gospel of God and of Jesus Christ.

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. ( James 1:14-15).

If ye love me, keep my commandments. ( John 14:15).

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. ( Galatians 5:22-23).

Sin is sin and it's end is basically the same. There are different reasons for our actions; and the intent of the heart is always factored in to any actions man does; whether outwardly good or bad. Trusting the Lord is a key issue as well; whether say a man falls into sin through sexual sin for physical gratification primarily and a woman for emotional security; both are trying to bring an end through a means that is displeasing to God.

The world; of course sends us constant signals that immediate gratification is of paramount importance. The fruits of that are obvious; broken families; poor health; greed; covetousness and all the other sins indicated as warnings to us of those who will NOT enter the Kingdom of heaven if they make that their lifestyle. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. ( 1 Corinthians 6:10-11).

One thing which needs to be admonished is that the very real joy in the Spirit that is produced by those pleasing God is not to be sought out in order to enhance an emotional experience as it regards the opposite sex. The only means to that is a legitimate marriage covenant; and that by default negates facilitating anything outside of God's boundaries including another man's wife. We are not to jump the gun either by pursuing actions ahead of legitimate marriage also

Agreed. I recommended that a couple years back after stumbling on it during an overnight stay at an interview that didn't pan out at a Christian Academy in Kentucky.

Meditations-Gen.2.10-18 "Good"

"And from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.... which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;And the gold of that land is good"

Heavenly blessings symbolised in a river are good. "Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?"(Jas.3.11). Here the river parts into four heads meaning the water in an environment out of the garden planted by God runs the risk of intentional pollution as the devil walks about as a roaring lion whom to devour. So God has tasked His angels , four in number even as God set his cherub with flaming sword to keep the way to the tree of life since the expulsion of the man from it. Merely because this river from Eden is ceased from the narrative it does not mean the river has dried out. It serves as a river of time for man and the visions of Ezekiel and Daniel indicate it holds significance still. So who is the user of this river in the meantime? God sets His sanctified ones tagged by 144,000 on the mount Sion. They are as much as memorial as the 24 elders and four beasts before the throne of God. If the latter are memorials for the promise of God so they declare," And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth."(Rev.5.10)

Primarily the first fruits on the mount are angels/ ministers of fire. (Ps.104They complement us fill the volume of the holy city of God. In Christ there is only single measurement. "And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel."(Rev.21.16-17). This single measure is the standard wheither in heaven oor or in the earth. Multiple of 12 where FatherSon fellowship is applied, 144 is the basic unit where the value of angel is same as that of man. He is covered by the Law of the Spirit. On the other hand 10 refers to the law of sin and death. It is as eternal as the Covenant is.We live in two worlds of the Spirit and of body.'

Meditations-Gen.2.9-10 "River of life"

"For food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil./And a river went out of Eden to water the garden"

Everlasting Covenant is sanctified by the Word of God. Thy word is trurh. Jesus prayed 'sanctify them through thy truth. Thy word is truth." The tree of life in the garden accordingly renders it aspure river of life since it is how the Spirit refers to it. " And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb."(Rev.22.1) The same fellowship we see in the creation of the garden as well.Rain from heaven and river from Eden denote the Father Son relationship. 'A pure river of water of life' we can conclude owes to the blood on the cross; from the lamb slain before the worlds began and the word of God, 'the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin'( 1 Jn 1.7-9)

The Covenant has not changed even an iota. Heavenly blessings make every tree good. God gave Adam free will which did not mean he could disobey the direct command from God and not answer the consequences. Of what worth was the knowledge of good and evil if the standard, truth was lost? It has not chaned even a bit. The devil sins from the beginning and we see it all the more in lurid colours in the church environment and without..

The Covenant is set in seven days, because God blessed the obedience of his Son who confessed, 'A body has thou me prepared' and it explains 'the Lamb slain' emblem. The blood of Jesus in the eyes of the Law is as good as shed in real time. Every testament is validated by death of man.In the case of the Law of the Spirit time is what the Word say. Jesus Christ was the Word was with God. " For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator./ For a testament is of force after men are dead."(Heb.9.16-17)

Meditations- Gen.2.5 "Fellowship"

"And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground."

Every plant and every herb is tied to the creation of man and what binds the vegetation, and by extension animal and marine life to him is His mercy. It pleased God that in Jesus Christ all his fulness should dwell. The Spirit draws us from what was the divine Will into active mode. The Fellowship between God and Man is referring specifically to Adam and Eve.

In v.9 'And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food' every tree that is pleasant to the eye, and the Spirit later repeats the aesthetic appeal to the eyes, 'And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes,'(Gen.3.6) and it shows the remark of the serpent made her revalue what God had made. In short she was seeing the trees in the light of the unclean spirit that we may call as the ways of the world. Yea of Nay? Either you believe the word of God wholeheartedly or reject it. Doctrinally it is devils' business to chop the Law or the Word-His covenant into several dispensations. With the eternal Law where it is Person specific, fulness of God rest why make his Word behave like an yo-yo?

'My Utmost for His Highest' by Oswald Chambers; rare and vital insights for the soul, pivoting heart and mind for change.

Thank you S. Spencer.

I look forward to hearing from Giannis.

Pursuing friendships and relationships

I kind of take the "pineapple upside down cake" approach to the common fad of attempting to be appealing to the world to foster friendships in order to facilitate opportunities for Gospel conversations. Tonight in our usual online prayer group "vignette" sort of style the Pastor did his usual brief scriptural thought for the day regarding the book of Luke and the three times Jesus was "invited to dinner" with the Pharisees. The second passage had greater rebuke; the first time being for the "sinner" who was washing Jesus' feet with her tears starting in Luke 7:36; the second was Luke 11:37-54 which was the time Jesus gave the famous woes to the hypocritical Pharisees. The last meal in Luke 14 starting in verse 1 was probably milder in a sense; where it still had a rebuke about those that sit in seats of honor after Jesus' inquiry about whether it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath. In this case the hearts were so hard that no response was given. It only mentions that Jesus went to eat at the house of a prominent Pharisee; not that He was necessarily invited.

Jesus of course "hung out" with the "sinners" eating and drinking as well and summarily accused of excess of such actions.

That may or may not have been associated with the specific individuals He was said to have eaten with; such as Zachaeus in Luke 19:5 who Jesus basically instructed that He was going to stay at his house that day. Whether Matthew brought some of his friends as well we don't know.

My beef is to seek friends for the purpose of sharing Christ if we don't intend to keep them if they reject Him. Romans 13:8 says Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. We don't want to be trapped into long term obligations either if a paerson isn't doing all they can to make ends meet or squandering money on drugs or other illicit habits. Let us be wise as serpents; innocent as doves ( Matt. 10:16)

Hey Chris,

Good to hear from you again brother. You are welcome. I'm just happy to be able to share the things I have come to learn over the years and still learning new things as I've taken this study on. I hope to have something to post from 1 John in a couple of days, maybe even tomorrow, we'll see!

Blessings to you also!

Brother Ronald.

I have been enjoying and learning Brother Jesse's Greek perspective also.

I certainly haven't forgotten about posting on the gap theory perspective.

Perhaps when Brother Jesse complete Jude.

I will be going on vacation next month so it will probably be after I get back.

I also will revisit the restoration of Israel and the Millennium God's covenant to Abraham and the Davidic covenant that offers hope for the future of Israel and the establishment of a Messianic Kingdom ( 2 Samuel 7:13, 16).

Thanks for responding and it's always great to fellowship with you!

God bless.

Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Isaiah 54:1 Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.

Heaven is; no doubt principally involved with the worship of the Triune God as primary; and relational with fellowship with other saints in His presence as secondary. In those of us in situations where we are single; or have no possibility of having children it can be depressing; admittedly. What is at the heart of any truly Godly relationship is the presence of the Lord; and we are to guard our hearts against anything getting in the way ( Prov. 4:23). As our hearts are desperately wicked ( Jeremiah 17:9) we need to take care not to attempt shortcuts or compromise in order to try to give God a "jump start" as to what we desire.

First and foremost the Kingdom of God is to be sought after; and then the Lord will give us the desires of our heart ( Psalm 37:4).

As a jealous God is towards His people ( Exodus 20:5) an earthly marriage in particular should covet the partnership with the covenant spouse in exclusion of all others in certain aspects of intimacy. No doubt there are applications which a couple should learn to practice in reaching out to others by working together as a team; something that takes hard work and sadly in many cases doesn't come to fruition as we often see only one of the two parties committed to local church attendance; etc.

We must remember that as His children ultimately He knows what is best for us. When we compare the eternal weight of glory ( 2 Corinthians 4:17) to our current burdens that gives us a clear perspective on priorities of greater and lesser importance.

I pray this forum will truly continue to help bear one anothers' burdens even with the anonymous forum.

Amen Brother Chris!

Your passion is a blessing to us all.

It's always great to hear from you.

God bless you.

Amen.

1 John 3:17

"But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?"

Deuteronomy 15:11

"For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land."

Blessings

Thanks brother Jesse once again for those enlightening commentaries & the opening up of the original language. Much appreciated. Looking forward to 1 John, as this epistle (along with Romans, Hebrews & John's Gospel) rank foremost in my mind for theology, teaching & warnings to believers. Blessings.

Thanks for your concerned enquiry brother S. Spencer. I have been well, and as bro Ronald stated, I too haven't felt led to respond to any comments, yet very appreciative of other's & been in prayer for those who have sought prayer. I have recently been following a couple of podcasts, specifically on anti-trinitarianism (and you know my passion for the doctrine of the Trinity), and have contributed a little (as others have) in those threads. I did so mainly to learn more of the reasons why, when we read the Scriptures, the Deity of Christ (& of the Holy Spirit) are understood so differently. So basically, I was in search of more answers to why folk read the Scriptures so differently.

If I may give you a recent example, and not wanting to raise that doctrine here, I quoted John 10:17,18 to one correspondent. And his understanding of those verses was: "I believe Christ (was) speaking symbolically or figuratively. Common sense tells us that if we have no consciousness when we're dead, then we cannot perform any sort of action to accomplish anything at all. Christ was given the power to raise others from the dead while he was alive and conscious, but not after death. He died as a man and was dead like a man for three days in every sense."

Notice his words: "symbolically or figuratively"; and "Christ was only given power to raise others from the dead". What those verses clearly state in no uncertain terms, that He had both the power to lay down His Life (i.e. He could determine the time when He should die) and take it (His Life) back again (i.e. the power to bring Himself to life). And I believe that, though He was physically dead & in the sepulchre for three days, His Spirit (which is God's Spirit) cannot die & He caused Jesus to come alive again. All this showing Christ's divinity, clearly understood from Scripture, but denied by some because it violates "common sense". Just an example of what I've been up to brother. Blessings to you and yours.