Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 205

Dear !DLHenri-2025

I appreciate that you are sharing your heart here. You are enduring so much pain for your son and he is also suffering greatly. I am glad to keep you in prayer. If you do have a Bible, I would just encourage you to read it. I would recommend psalms as in them the writer calls out to God in times of trouble, grief, despair, and worry.

God is always good and He sees you and your son and knows all that you both are experiencing. I pray that He will give your more faith in Him and brings you to trust Him with everything in about your life and your son's life.

Richard,

Thanks for the update. Glad your dad is well-placed in this home.

You have a lot to consider now that this has come to pass. I continue to pray for you and your dad.

Cut off again

Holiness Part 2

Ok it is late; I will make this an outline.

Holiness is something that can only be present in a truly saved individual; of course that means fruits worthy of repentance. ( Matt. 3:8; Acts 26:20). It shows the reflection of the inner man through the authority of Christ; and also the outer actions which also are a reflection of what is truly within. Working on our salvation with fear and trembling ( Philippians 2:12) certainly is a good reference to how our work to grow in maturity corresponds to initial fear of the Lord which should continue as we mature out of our love and reverence to a Holy God. Many tend to seem to be numbed after their original conversion; while those who wish to grow in faith realize more and more their own hopeless state when struggling with the old nature along with Satan's endless accusations of the brethren.

Clearly we don't want titles that promote some man made heirarchy or even use Biblical terms such as Bishop or Pastor to make ourselves seem superior; ministry of men is to be in authority over women but doesn't make them more important; that is another illustration related to this concept. The best way I see it as I have said before is that someone who is truly shining as someone bringing in 100 fold results or shining like the sun stands out as unnerving; when I'm around people like that I want to run and hide. Again that is the same reaction we will have when being in the Lord's presence. I mentioned Daniel; Isaiah and John the Revelator before; we can't forget Saul of Tarsus and his conversion as well as Job's two rebukes from God after the long section showing "brotherly love" (not) from his so called friends. Job blamed God for what was Satan but we could argue he didn't know better; nonetheless the bargain Satan made in the beginning chapters ended up in a humiliating loss and Job was exalted even more after his trial as a righteous man albeit before the Atoning sacrifice of Christ.

In relation to my last posting; I may have mentioned that I had an opportunity to challenge my dad to ask God to deliver him from his many years of anger and said Christ delivered me from that. Not much reaction from him; I can only trust God has him where someone can witness to him as I have done all I can living with him. I did want to say that I plan to visit weekly while I'm in the area and once a month even if I do move away so likely will keep the house if I can; if not will stay locally in air b and b; etc.

Tonight among other things discussing 1 Peter we got into the subject of holiness in the lives of believers. Something in my mind which reminds me of Proverbs 27:2 where another is to praise you not yourself; I mentioned this to my dad in a letter from 2013.

Some of my thoughts are this; all saints are holy in some capacity. The fact that the Spirit resides in us of course has to be a reality as many are hypocritical and there are many tares among the wheat. I would say that holiness is both what 1 Peter describes in being "sober minded" as well as the overall growth of the "inner man".

Thinking of a friend of mine from a few years back; I could discern that indeed the Spirit was present in him; but he struggled with some obvious sins; which he was much more open and vocal about than most people I know. The advice therefore for someone who is as the Corinthians immature but still in the faith is as iron sharpening iron; exhortation and rebuke should be part of any deep friendship if we are truly concerned for our fellow believers welfare. Sometimes saying nothing and praying for the Spirit to convict is the best action in that case as well. Ultimately until we are certain someone is producing fruits worthy of repentance we can't spend all our time or go beyond what the Lord wills to try to "convince" someone.

Often lack of spiritual balance and a need to learn from others in the Body of Christ is in order. more in next posting

Update: Was able to get my dad into facility yesterday although he called wanting to come home last night and unsuccessfully tried to leave a message today.

I thank everyone for the prayers; although there will be a struggle for some time. I am praying for wisdom and after consultation with a couple people there I am going to wait a couple more days before visiting him and perhaps bring my Aunt next week who lives not that far away; his only living relative in the area.

I got him a Bible today and by God's grace I located some classical music which contains a couple Tchaikovsky cassettes that he favors; some of the music I actually found discarded about 15 years ago or longer.

I will find out tomorrow about if I can put the house up for sale and (hopefully) get rid of some of dad's clutter; much of which is junked tools and electronics in the basement. He has a bunch of VCR's he can't use stacked in another room; etc. The Lord has blessed me with friends that can help me clean out and sell some stuff. I am praying for wisdom in attempting to help a brother if he finds favor staying in my house (he's an artist and needs some room); my plan is to go back at least next summer to Western PA and work as my school job is out then; and take a spring trip out there to talk to a Pastor and visit some old friends and hopefully do some evangelism around Spring Break. Once the house is sold I would probably get property out there; but also want to be open for other places or ministries wherever even overseas evangelism opportunities.

One of the topics I brought up in small group tonight was the balance between careful planning and relying on human wisdom. This was pertinent with getting my dad where he is today; and paperwork; etc. Dependance on the prayers of the saints and God's providential hand in allowing things to go forward in His timing takes both patience and hard work. Today a lady at small group brought up her dad's deathbed conversion.

(Colossians Part 10):

Colossians 2:5 - For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying, (more literally rejoicing) and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

Those are two military terms, "your order," and the word stedfastness. One means to be in an orderly arrangement or to be lined up properly like a military formation. And stedfastness is the solidity of the strength of that military force. And as far as the order goes, we see that in Chapter 3 Verse 18. He's going to set out the order of this life that we have in Christ.

Colossians 2:7 - Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

The King James says rooted. The word with the "ed" on the end is supposed to give you the sense that it's already happened. Of course that's the Perfect Tense, having been rooted. You have already been rooted in Christ. Once you've received Christ, He is deeply rooted.

Colossians 2:8 - Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Beware lest any man spoil you, and that's the word for rob, like a robbery. This word for philosophy is the only place in the NT that it's found. PHILEO means love, and SOPHOS means wisdom. It's the love of wisdom. You study knowledge in order to get wisdom.

Don't let anyone spoil or rob you through philosophy, and empty deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments (elements) of the world, and not after Christ. Some are very good at presenting scientific facts that they hook together, and they take the logical and reasonable elements of the world and make the presentation sound acceptable. But if it's not according to Christ, it's to be rejected.

(Colossians Part 9):

Colossians 1:29 - Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working. The word striving is an athletic term, AGONIDZO. It's our word agony but it was used to describe what the athlete goes through. Paul says I'm laboring to the point of exhaustion, agonizing according to His energy, which is energizing in me in power.

What a verse! Paul always gave the credit to Christ. Christ is the one who is energizing in me. And I labor according to His energy which is energizing in me. No human effort. He says it's all the moving and compelling of God's Spirit that makes me do what I do.

Colossians 2:1 - For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

Paul says for I would that you knew what great conflict I have for you. The word conflict is the word AGONA. It's where we get our English word agony from. And it is an athletic term. When an athlete is told to get involved in the Agona, they're told to strive, or to push.

Paul says I am in this conflict just like an athlete. I have great conflict for you. Paul is in Rome, and he heard what's happening there in Colossae, and he's involved in a great battle with his own self in his heart for these believers.

(Colossians Part 8):

Colossians 1:19 - For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell;

For it pleased the Father that in him should all the fullness dwell;

Notice I translated this with a definite article, all of (the) fullness, because the Gnostics believe that the fullness was who God is. That was their technical term for God, and this fullness sent out emanations from Him, different angels, and different "gods" to visit us. In Christ dwells all of the fullness of who God is.

Colossians 1:23 - If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

It sounds like its conditional. You can be reconciled, have the promise of this position before God in His representation of you, but if you don't continue.

This is the construction in Greek that is known as the First-Class Condition Assumed to be true. He's not saying if you continue on. He's saying since you are continuing in the faith, and listen to this: having been grounded and settled, and not being moved away. There's a lot right there, but basically having been grounded, every Christian that receives Christ has been grounded, and they continue on because of that.

(Colossians Part 7):

Colossians 1:17 - And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

And he is before all things. That's the word PROS, that means in time and importance. He is before all things. And in Him all things consist. The word consist means held together.

Here's what it is saying: In Christ, all things were created, visible and invisible, heaven and earth. All things were created in Him, and through Him, and for Him. Christ created all things. And He created them for Himself. You and I were created by Him for Him, not for us. You can see how far sin has pulled us away from God, and how much we are so self-centered because of sin, and that all day long, I'm living my life like I want to live my life.

I was created by Him, and I was created for Him and His purposes. And most of the day, I live my life not even realizing that He even exists. But that's the damage that sin has done. And He is before all things, time and importance. And in Him all things are being held together.

It's very interesting how the scientists say that because of the structure of the atom, all material things should just blow apart. They say that there's nothing to hold the atoms together. In fact, they are functioning in such a way that they should repel each other. And I find it interesting that scientists cannot explain what holds the atom together. I have even heard of them saying it is due to some sort of "atomic glue."

But in reality, the bible says that Christ is holding all things together. One day He's just going to let go and it will be all over. In Him, all things are held together. Hebrews 1:1-3 tells us that all the ages are being carried along by the word of God. God is propelling history!

(Colossians Part 6):

Colossians 1:15 - Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

Christ, who is the image of the invisible God, and the word for image is the Greek word EIKON, and it's where we get our word icon from. And it means an exact likeness. It is used to describe what a person sees when they look into a mirror.

You think you're looking at yourself but that's not you. It's your likeness. It's an image. Or you see yourself in the reflection on the water. You're seeing your image. When we get into the book of Hebrews, there's a tremendous assortment of Greek words that talk about the very Spirit of God projecting Himself through the time space factor and taking up residency in the person of Jesus Christ.

Colossians 1:16 - For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

For by Him, literally in Him, that's the preposition in. In Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, and that's lordships, or principalities, or authorities:

All things were created by Him, and that's the word through. In Greek, it is DIA with the Genitive. All things were created through Him, and for Him: that's EIS.

Mystery of God-numbers-2

"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." (Rev.12.6) In the vision of the Woman clothed with the sun after man child is caught up to the throne, the left out church has a place prepared of God. This is also part of 'Father's mansions' and Jesus referred, 'I go to prepare a place, in the wilderness, nevertheless a refuge. She is fed for 1260 days and it is a tag for the ministry of Jesus Christ. Three and a half days covered the two witnesses."and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half," (Rev.11.7,11) The Command number for the Word, is Four. Three and a half years of ministry is on the earth. So the testimony of the two lasts Three and a half. The Word become flesh covers them. The risen Christ has work in heaven and thus it total four. The everlasting gospel is 4x3=12 .12x12x1000 makes up those who are shown standing with the Lamb on mount Sion. That is the volume of a believer blessed under the covenant.

The Woman clothed with the Sun is Eve the mother of all living. The Jewish nation shall also be scattered and she chooses her own place so the number is time, times and a half. "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."(Rev.12.14) Diaspora of Jews is for their 'perpetual backsliding' and the tag we first see in the vision of Daniel, mentioned in context of the beast,'and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time,' and " that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished."( 'the little horn'-Dan.7.25;12;7) This left out church and Jews form the mixed people who have no part in the holy city. They are the heathen, 'in the footstool' (Ps.110.2)

Mystery of God -numbers-1

"And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth."(Rev.11.6)

First of all two witnesses represent the world of the Spirit and of the body. As Lazarus in Abraham bosom God has set clouds of witnesses from both worlds. "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him."(Dan.7.13) Their prophesy can only be in days since the day is decreed for the Son. Jesus declared,"For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John." (Mt.11. 13) These witnesses range from Moses Elijah and many other and Rev.11.5-6 refer to the entire.1260 days works out to 42 months.The same tag as used for Christ. The Spirit uses days for a specific reason. They are part of cloud of witnesses for te Son. Whereas the beast is also 42 but set in months. By law of Gradation saints redeemed from the earth on one side and the sons of perdition on the side of 'thine enemies'. (Ps.110.1) The Lord of heaven comes from heaven while the beast comes from the bottomless pit.(Rev.11.7)By Law of the Spirit the number 7 explains the completeness; while the number 6 stamps as one who refused to be part of the everlasting covenant. The beast is 6-6-6-, body soul and spirit equally judged. The 42 months is made up of 7x6

The two witnesses contend for the testimony which on earth is going on from the time of John. "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force."(Mt.11.12) The Spirit set a single measurement where man is hyphenated by angel. It is thus two worlds of the Spirit and body makes one with Christ under the Law of Gradation. Either you are for Christ or you belongs the enemies of Christ. there is no compromise. The 42 who jeered at Elisha hated him without a cause. They belonged to the devil.

The dead in Christ. The soul that never sleeps.

No, the Bible does not teach that the soul sleeps after death.Instead, the Bible describes death as a sleep-like state for the body, while the soul is immediately present with God.

The Bible uses the word "sleep" metaphorically to describe death, which is temporary.For example, in Acts 7:60, Luke describes Stephen's death as "falling asleep".

The Christians soul and spirit will be with Christ in Heaven and it will be awake and alive when they die.

2 Corinthians 5:8

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to beabsentfromthebody, and to be present withtheLord.

Apostle John saw in a revelation the 144,000 saints singing. The souls are not sleeping but awake and alive.

Revelation 14:3

And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

We know that God rested on the 7th day, but did not go to sleep.

Genesis 2:2

AndontheseventhdayGod ended his work which he had made; and herestedontheseventhdayfrom all his work which he had made.

The fiscal body of this world sleeps both ways, life and death , but not soul sleeping in the spirit.

May we all sleep good tonight in the Lord Jesus Christ without having any bad dreams.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the gospel of grace that never sleeps

MidActs Believer, how's it going. It is a blessing to have a change of mind to believe the gospel of grace that is free . My life will always be in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 to spread .

The story of Saul of Tarsus is truly fascinating. Besides Jesus Christ and Moses being great people on earth, Apostle Paul is up there as well.

It's amazing that we all can talk about the Old Testament and the four gospels, but mentioning the story of Apostle Paul, most people today don't have any ideas who he is and what he did through the Holy Spirit.

May God bless you in the gospel of grace and may God give us strength to continue in faith His mission.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the free gospel of grace.....

2 Ki.2.23-25 Number 42

Generation of Jesus Christ is from the day the everlasting covenant in force. Jesus would be hated without a cause. This incident from the life of Elisha show us that the devil works from the beginning. So Jesus was manifested to destroy the works of the devil. Nations built on slave labor shall instead be destroyed as sons of perdition/

"And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.

24 And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them."

Forty and two belongs to generations till the beast is thrown into the lake of fire. Against this the two witnesses killed by the beast rises from dead. "And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them./And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them." Three days and an half is a tag for the earthly ministry of Jesus. The Spirit uses days in place of years to indicate the day decreed for the Son. (Ps.2.7). Similarly this verse,"And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days," Three years and a half. These two are witnesses to light.

Consider the significance of v.2" And the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months." The holy city is not Jerusalem of which we have reference,"And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified."(Rev.11.8)

(Colossians Part 5):

Colossians 1:12 - Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

Giving thanks unto the Father, and all of these participles are coming under the phrase "that you might walk worthy of the Lord." What does it mean to live a life that represents what we believe?

He's got four participles that explains it, continually bearing fruit, continually increasing in the knowledge of God, continually being empowered for endurance and longsuffering, and continually giving thanks unto the Father.

Which hath made us meet, and the word meet means qualified. He has made us sufficient to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Isn't that great! God qualified me. I'm not qualified. He qualified me to the cleansing and forgiveness of my sins through His Son Jesus Christ. Thanks to the Father.

Colossians 1:13 - Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

If you're saved, you have been delivered from the power of darkness. And He has translated, or transferred us into the kingdom of His dear Son:

The word dear is the word love. It is literally translated into the kingdom of the Son of His love. He did two things for us. He delivered us from the power of darkness, and He transferred us right into the kingdom of Christ. We now function in the spiritual realm and kingdom of Christ.

(Colossians Part 4):

Colossians 1:11 - Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

Now Verse 11 doesn't look like it says it, but the word strengthen is also a Present Participle. In fact, it's the word empowered, with all power. So being continually empowered with all power, according to his glorious power, and that's the word KRATOS which means grip. For all patience and longsuffering with joy;

So, the power and the continually being empowered is actually two things. For all patience: that's the word endurance. The King James uses the word patience for remaining under circumstances. That's what HUPOMENO or endurance means. It means to remain under. It's a major word in the Christian vocabulary. God gives us the power and the grace to remain under, not to escape.

And secondly, longsuffering. That's patience towards people. MAKROTHUMIA means to be slow in human reaction toward other people. Being empowered with all power, according to His glorious power, for all endurance, and for all longsuffering accompanied by joy. Joyfulness is literally the word joy. And that's the Greek word for satisfaction.

(Colossians Part 3):

Colossians 1:10 - That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

The word worthy means balanced. It's the name for the balance scales down at the marketplace. If you wanted to buy something, you would put the item on one side, and then you would put enough money on the other side until the scales balanced and that's how much the item costs.

So, what he's saying is live your life that's worthy of pleasing the Lord. If you want to please the Lord, and you belong to the Lord, then walk a life that's balanced. You don't say I want to please the Lord and then do whatever you want to do!

Then he gives us several prepositions coming off of that you might walk worthy of the Lord. He explains this. Being fruitful in every good work. That's the first one. The word good is AGATHOS and that's spiritual good. Being continually fruitful in every good work. Secondly, and increasing in the full knowledge of God; These participles show continuous processes. Continually bearing fruit in the work of the Lord. Continually increasing in the full knowledge of God.

(Colossians Part 2):

Colossians 1:9 - For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

For this cause we also, since the day we heard of it, we do not cease to pray for you, and to desire, and it's interesting, here's two things:

First of all, that you might be filled with the full knowledge of his will. Notice how I translated the word knowledge. It has a preposition with it in the Greek text that means full knowledge. That you might be filled with the full knowledge of His will, found in two ways: in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Spiritual goes with both wisdom and understanding. These two words is just what it means, you understand what the bible, or what God's word is teaching. Wisdom is applying it to everyday life. And I don't mean that in the sense of practice. I mean that we can know the truths of God's word, but not see it, realize it, or know it in everyday life.

The things that we study in that book that is called God's word, those are words on a page that are describing what's happening in life that we can't see. So, if we wrap our minds around the book, that's great. But if we have a personal relationship with a book, and that's all we have, that's trouble!

The bible is teaching us spiritual truth. And when we're able to read God's word and be able to see that truth, understand that truth, realize that truth, and experience that truth in everyday life even though you can't see it, that's the purpose of the word of God, that you might be filled with the full knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.

Biblical Greek Perspectives:

(Colossians Part 1): The Believer's Perfection in Christ. Written for the Christians in the city of Colossae, and written to combat the many heresies of Jewish Gnosticism. The focus of Colossians is the completeness of a person who is in Christ.

Colossians 1:2 - To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Verse 2 starts out by saying to the saints and faithful brethren. In the Greek text, the word saints and faithful make reference to the same people. There's only one definite article that goes with both phrases. A saint is a word that designates position, not performance. A saint is somebody who has been set apart from sin and set apart for Christ.

Faithful is a word associated with Christians and is part of their title to be of the faith. They are faithful because they are under the hearing of faith. And they are the saints and faithful brethren, family members, in Christ, their spiritual position, and then their geographical position, which are at Colossae:

The salutation: He says Grace to you. Notice the word "be" is in italics. He's not wishing grace upon them. It's a statement of fact. Grace is towards you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace is the common greeting to the Greeks, and peace is the common greeting to the Hebrews.

Colossians 1:8 - Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

That last phrase "in the Spirit," in the Greek text, it's just in Spirit. The emphasis is on two things. First, he's talking about spiritual love, not human love. Secondly, he's talking about love that is produced by the Spirit of God in the spirit realm, again, human beings not being the source.

When a person is moved by God's love, it is spiritual. It's not human effort. It's produced by God. It is AGAPE love, the love that can only be produced by God's Spirit.

Great definition of "repent" and 2 Corinthians 15:1-4 is the true gospel for today. Acts 9 and 2 Timothy 2:15 are also good places to start understanding scripture.

Dear Another Sister,

I will pray for your daughter. May she be drawn by the Father to Christ, given faith to believe and power to follow the Lord or the remainder of her life. I will pray for her to be strengthened to do what is right in her relationship with this man and that she will secure employment soon.

It is hard when our adult children struggle so. I know this very well with my three sons. But I do see the Lord at work in their lives drawing them back to Him. Keep the faith, sister!

Mattithyahu22

will do!

Dear !DLHenri-2025

I am keeping Arthur in prayer this week trusting that God sees Him and hears his pleas and yours. I am praying for an excellent placement for Arthur and that the agency that is supposed to take up the cause of seniors and disabled persons will clear up the matter of not having a case file for him. How incompetent and outrageous! Asking God to sort all these things out for Arthur that he will receive appropriate and compassionate care for his healing and daily life.

Mystery of God-generations

"So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations."(Mt.1.17)

All these generations are to be compared with the generation of Jesus Christ with which the gospel begins. What is so significant in it, one may ask. The blessings of man created 'after our image' is the Trinity in expression; glory of God therefore given after our image,- a body, spirit and the soul. Genesis chapter 2 accordingly enumerates after our likeness So the Garden of Eden is a showcase to glory of the body of the body."And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed." (Gen.2.25)After our likeness the man created male and female(Gen.1.28) are not simply body after our image, but the great mystery of Christ and bride. This is what 'after our likeness' in the fifth day indicates.

Generation of Abraham and of David are to be set in terms of after our image and of after our likeness. In short blessings of man is set in terms of Father and of the Son. Prodigal Son in the Parable phrases it,"Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,"Mt.1.17 gives us three sets of 14 generations and it totals the number 42. Israel's sin against God is tagged by 42. Compare the authority given to the beast is same number. "and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months./And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. "(Rev.13.5-9) Here we have the Law of Gradation. All those who reject the covenant are lumped as one body against Christ and the church on the other. "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world./If any man have an ear, let him hear." This is the generation of Jesus Christ.

Mystery of God-fulness of God

"And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine:"(Gen.14.18-19)

What is the bread from heaven? Jesus Christ of course. "I am the living bread which came down from heaven."( Jn 6.48-51) In the Gospel of St Matthew we have a reference, "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham."(Mt.1.1)

"For it pleased the Father that in him (Jesus Christ) should all fulness dwell. The Spirit consequently sets heaven, earth and below on a single standard which is Person specific. Thus the book of Genesis opens with the everlasting covenant and all the blessings of the worlds on Jesus Christ who is the Word become flesh. So bread and wine shall have a bearing on him.

The covenant decreed by God establishes a Father relationship by which principle of Similitude bread is brought from heaven to earth. By principle of Association Abraham is blessed as the double for the Son since Jesus the Lord from heaven was sent to the world, as only begotten Son. For that matter. heart bears relation to heaven since God made us living soul each abounding in grace. Melchizedek validates Abraham as blessed of God in his Son. Symbolism of wine we see at the marriage of Cana. Jesus made change so water became wine. It is how blessings of God should abound in his Son and for everyone who is created 'in our image'. In the gospel we have the generation of Jesus where Jesus is the son of Abraham and it is after the manner of flesh. But in terms of the covenant Jesus says with emphasis,' Before Abraham was, I am."(Jn.8.58). Similitude of Jesus and Abraham is established so we can appreciate 'being seated in heavenly places. Jesus was in the bosom of his Father (Jn.1.18) similarly we have Abraham, 'and Lazarus in his bosom'. When God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, the same relationship between God and his Son has spiritual basis. Our lives on the earth must be patterned from the world of the Spirit .(Eph.1.3)

I understand and appreciate exactly what you are saying . Personally I have always thought that the third heaven will be the Kingdom of God on Earth , established when Christ returns . We are all reading the same Word but our understanding is not always on the same level , we have to be patient with our brothers and sisters , recognising that God will open our understanding at the pace that He knows is right for each of us as individuals . God is in charge of each one of us on an individual level , He has a personal relationship with each one of us individually and deals with each one of us separately as individuals .

Imagine if you have lots of children different ages , you can see that they are all different personalities at different stages in their lives . You love them all the same but you don't speak to them and treat them all exactly the same do you ? You wouldn't speak to a twelve year old the same way that you would speak to a three year old would you ? This is how God is with us . When Christ returns we Christians will all be on the same level , regardless of our ages , spiritual ages or physical ages . For now we are all walking the same path but at different places as God sees fit to deal with us . We must be patient and tolerant of each other as God is patient and tolerant with us . He is the most patient and loving parent and we must be a patient and loving family , encouraging each other , not shaming or belittling each other . God reveals to us in His own time . His own time should be respected and not questioned .

Mystery of God-spoken word

Bible is the God document where various hands wrote down as God breathed and it is the word of God, a Spirit. "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."( Jn 6.63) 'The words that I speak unto you' is not simply that of a man but the Word that was God'. So it is the Spirit that is addressing us As for his humanity it pleased the Father that in him (Jesus Christ) that all his fulness should dwell.' Accordingly very little personal details of him is given. It is not gap theory but it was the intent of God to conform you to the image of his Son. Words used in the Bible, Aramaic, Hebrew or Greek are merely like bricks one upon another laid in courses so a spiritual volume is constructed so presence of God is an envelop around the reader. His soul,- inner man with indwelling Spirit are all actively engaged in hearing the word. Without faith, the ear hears and in vain. Isaiah's vision speaks of the spoken word, "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me."(Isa.6.8). Similarly the two disciples of Jesus testify, "And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight./ And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?"( Lk 24.30-32) Hearing and faith produces the same sensation of 'burning' so it is not Greek or any spoken language but between heaven and the heart of man. Secondly you compare spiritual with spiritual. Jesus declares the doctrine of his Father being in his bosom.(Jn.1.18). Abraham's bosom derives significance thereby. Joseph fees from Potiphar's wife leaving his garment. Cf.Mk.14.52 Gen.39.12. We are to enter into the life Jesus Christ,'and by him all things consist." Spiritual understanding is what we look for.(Col.1.17)

Dear Ray,

We have only one Father which art in heaven."And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven."Mt.22.8 Yet you set him in Third heaven which is all what 50 years have done for you? Ever learning and yet not coming to truth seems to be on the rise in this forum. It is not Greek perspective; neither is it Hebrew perspective but the perspective of the Holy Spirit is what we need.

Greek words as are bandied about here and what nit picking! it is like potsherd used by Job to ease his itch.His house is gone but a pot shard can give the hand something to do. "So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning" The latter half begins now and is by asking God to enlighten your eye.

What noble are you reading