Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 2474

FOR Andrew Kingsly Raj who posted prayer request above:

2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

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;

John 15:4-5 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

My comment is that no-one can preach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ unless they know Him well. It is a sad sight when someone preaches the Word, but then falls/turns away from the Lord, or puts Him on a shelf to go seek after other gods, money, fame, women, etc.

"For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south."

So then, it must come from the North?

God sees your work and searches our hearts. As this could be a trial to see where you heart is. Pray to your father in heaven and lay your burden upon him he is just and will help and comfort you.

My mother is battling stage 4 cancer it is highly incurable. She can barely walk and will be in a wheel chair as her pelvic bone from the tumor is about to break.

She told me the other day as she cried, if I could just walk across my floor to get a cup of water. The tears in her blue green eyes crushed me and I wanted to trade places with her.

I hope God will heal her cancer, I pray for her to walk again. She would rejoice if she could clean her home and bathe her self. We have to examine ourselves and be thankful for each day we have and to remember not take anything for granted.

There was a fullblood Indian mother that had never been to church or heard the word of God. Her son was born again, repented, believed on Jesus, he told her about Jesus and how she could be saved, that she should repent and believe, she asked her son can he (JESUS) understand my Cherokee language? He said yes mom he understands and she was saved and believed on Jesus. --- in the early 1920's - 30

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Ann Hering - You should try tell the Christians in many other countries today that the Christians will be gone before tribulation (not wrath) they are burning them alive, killing them today in very terrible ways. I would name several countries but may not be allowed to post.

Matthew 24:29 Immediately AFTER the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: (the word after has one meaning = not before)

Our society says what it says in 2 Peter 3:4, 'Where is the Promise of His (Jesus's) coming?

Verse 10: But the Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the Night. Massive spiritual darkness. Pretty much like 2020, huh?

Verse 12: LOOKING FOR and hastening to the coming of the Day of GOD...

If it's just another day upon a 1000 previous days, and no big deal??

Either we're ALL IN now, or we may sleep and miss it. Jesus frequently taught times and seasons to farmers, shepherds, fishermen; He said how is it that you can't read THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES that you're living in?

It could happen any time truly. People are engrossed with the virus, no jobs, shaky economy. What happens if there's a rollout on fires, floods, hurricanes, tornado outbreaks, electric grid gone down ...etc

Look what's happened just in the past 4 months!? Massive hoarding, whining, people armed to the gills and angry. Huge numbers of deaths from virus, the annual flu season; defeated diseases reoccurring because people stubbornly refuse to vaccinate children! See a newborn with whooping cough?

Quit banking on more time and get saved NOW. For once in your life admit you are a sinful flawed human being. Jesus will help you with that. You will miss the Rapture if you procrastinate. (Caught Up)

Give God your life now. Choose wisely. It is not hard to admit you're a sinner.

If you have ever told a lie; stolen a pen from work, lewd thoughts of the opposite sex or same sex, coveted your neighbors riding lawnmower or his spouse; treat your parents like their minds are gone, don't kill your unborn; have Budda statues or beer can art in the house & worship them; never attend church because a sports event starts early. Adultery.

The Bible says if we even do one of those sins, we are guilty of ALL 10!!

Give your stubborn heart to God NOW and let Him work the details of your redemption. Ask God to baptize you with His Holy Spirit. Tell friends you're born again!

Vernon, we can't be absolutely sure about these Elders simply because the Scripture doesn't give us any more details that what we have in Revelation. However, it seems very likely that they are believers from the Earth, quite possibly from the time after Christ's death & resurrection.

They must have been prominent men renowned for their faith, service & in death. The following Scriptures tell us this: Rev 5:8, "hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation"; v 10: "And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." ( 1 Pet 2:5,9); 4:4: "and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold." ( 1 Cor 9:25; 2 Tim 2:5, 4:8; Js 1:12; 1 Pet 5:4). So these are not angels or heavenly beings, but the redeemed from the Earth given a prominent position in Heaven near to our Lord.

Andrew, you're quoting from an Apocryphal book, which is not accepted in the Canon of Scripture. The reasons for these books not being accepted are many but come under the general reason that there are portions of text within them that conflict the general theme of Scripture. We can't say that all of it is wrong, but when you get Truth & dubious material mixed together, then it is wise to stay away from it.

But to your question: from the King James Version, in Gen 2:16,17, we read that God created all the plants in Eden in perfection. The tree you mention that was one of the trees there, is the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil. This wasn't a Tree of Death & Life - it did not give either. Why people consider it bad was because God used that tree to prevent Adam & Eve losing their innocence & remain pure. So the tree wasn't bad, it was their disobedience to God that caused them to sin & so spiritually die (i.e. become separated from their Maker) & to also physically die eventually.

But the Tree of Life that was also in the garden, God had now secured it so Adam & Eve couldn't eat of its fruit & live forever in a sinful state: an unnatural state to be in for a sinner; the payment for sin is death ( Rom 6:23).

to: Chris- inReplyonGenesis 1:25

Thank you, for your comment; I really appreciate it as I did not even know where it was in the Bible and it is so interesting because it says He will be in their midst; and I really believe that. He is with us in spirit as you have explained it; and also we can rejoice as our prayers and praise are always heard; but it can be difficult for some people who can not find other christians to pray with; and I know that there are some and maybe many who have problems and I also believe that at least some of them; takes it to the Lord in prayer; but they still need other christians to pray with; and I don't know if they have that

In this case you need to read all of chapter 5 to perceive the context of what it is saying. Do what it says in verse 7-8.

You're being drawn away from God, by spirits (little s always means, demons)

This demons name is 'envy'.

The Holy Spirit is always capitalized: such as the Spirit, Spirit of Jesus.

The chapter is saying that when we let our guard down, even just a little, being friendly with worldly things, attitudes, people; we are at enmity with God. We are becoming His enemy.

Satan and his demons are invisible spirits, but we can see their FRUIT in situations or people also under their influence. Demons study us intently to tempt in areas of us, that are weak. Temptations come in by way of the eye gate, the ear gate, and mouth.

If you ask The Holy Spirit to teach you, He will. That's one of the things He's in charge of.

Now I want to ask you if you have received Jesus as your Savior and Lord? It helps us to begin a relationship that will eventually be so important to you; you will never consider losing it: if we are happy telling others how we became born again. It's called a personal Testimony.

Get a King James Bible that has the center column on each page. The alphabet letters or numbers give much additional information about a chapter you are reading. I will be happy to see you here often.

James, I just can't place my comment & your comment is not connected to a thread, so I just don't know the context that I wrote in. But I do agree with your comments that we have received much, much more through the Lord Jesus Christ.

You wrote: "Don't you think that David was granted salvation through that same Unique Son, as well as us?". Ultimately, Yes, but in biblical chronology, No. David, as all of Israel unto the coming of Christ, were subject to the obedience of God's Laws as declared to them which included the sacrificial system. They all would have been judged by the law & condemned for their disobedience to it (as they could never keep it). Thus in Scripture we get a glimpse of where the 'righteous dead & the unrighteous dead' go to prior to the crucifixion & resurrection of Jesus ( Lk 16:19 ff). Here we see that dead Abraham was already in Paradise (not Heaven), a great gulf between the 'righteous dead', & others who suffered in Hades. So, it must be assumed that if Abraham was there, then so was David & others the Lord deemed were righteous but unsaved through the Law. So how does one distinguish between the two?

In Heb 11, we get a glimpse of not only some of those who were deemed 'righteous' (e.g. Abel, Enoch, etc.), but that their 'waiting in Paradise' after their death was substantiated, not by their keeping of the Law, but by their faith in God to bring them through to Himself despite the Law's judgement against them ( Heb 11:2, 13-16, 39, 40). Their faith served as a catalyst (a looking forward) to the full & proper payment for their sins, even though they were in ignorance to the perfect Sacrifice to come for them. So, when Christ rose from the grave, so all who died when once they lived in an active faith, were raised also to be justified through faith, as Jesus resurrection was for that purpose for them & to all who come in like faith now to Him. I realize that you're probably have this also in mind, but thought to share my understanding.

Wisdom of Solomon 1:13

"For God made not death: neither hath he pleasure in the destruction of the living."

My question: How do he said like this. God created tree of death and life in Eden. It contradict this verse.

Why Martin Luther translated this verse?

Roberta, the Bible does permit us to eat meat, if we wish to. The first recorded permission to do so in found in Genesis 9:1-4. However, the caveat on that was that they were allowed to eat the flesh but not the blood. It isn't clear on that requirement - it may have later implications as the heathen used the blood of animals as part of their diet.

Thaina, you've observed correctly. However, we need to note that in biblical days (as also in eastern cultures today), the relationship shown is not always one that meets our 'strict requirements'. So in Gen 24:48, though Rebekah is Nahor's granddaughter, Abraham's servant regards her as "Abraham's brother's daughter" (i.e. as if 'out of his brother's loins'). You can see a similar example in Gen 14:12-16, which shows Abraham's nephew, Lot, as Abraham's brother; in their understanding, because of the closeness of a nephew, he is looked upon as a son. In India, often when meeting a young man & his cousin in a house, I ask the man about the guy standing with him, he will say "He's my brother" even though strictly he is his cousin. So the relationship demarcation gets a little blurred in eastern thought.

Minnie, to your questions:

a. Deuteronomy 7:6-8 gives us the most concise & beautiful answer to your question on the "Jews being God's chosen". Simply, because He loved this people (Israel) & would abide with the oath made to their forefathers. In theological terms, we call this "Election". Their lineage (as for all of us) started with Adam & Eve, then after the Flood (i.e. the Anger of God) destroyed the Earth, except for Noah & his family plus animals, the children of Noah then repopulated the Earth. One of his sons, Shem, was the father of many, many others & from one of those, Abraham came & you can follow the story from there to Jacob (Israel). As well, the Jews (Israel) didn't "hate God's teaching", but certainly, they were unfaithful to God many times during their ancestry, even to the point of rejection of God's Messiah, putting Him to the Cross.

b. Only those who have been washed from their sins through the merits of Jesus death on the Cross will "hear the Trumpet call". So this includes both Jews & Gentiles who have been saved through faith & not by obedience to the Law.

c. If you mean 'water baptized' then Scripture tells us that water baptism is symbolic (just as the Lord' Supper) to outwardly show what has taken place inwardly in a person. So, baptism gives the new believer the testimony of obedience & a clear conscience of God's Work in them ( 1 Pet 3:20,21). But if you mean "if people refuse to, or can't be baptized", then one would need to find out the reasons.

d. Mt 7:21-23: Even those who claim to have done mighty things in Jesus' Name can be rejected from Heaven, only those who do the Father's Will, will enter it. In other words, there are many being very busy in good works, maybe trying to get God's Approval, but haven't been saved. And what is the Father's Will? That we repent of our sins because of Jesus' Sacrifice for us, be born again of His Spirit, & living a Christ-centred life. These are the children of the Kingdom.

Q

Were the 24 Elders Redeemed from the Earth or are they Angels in Heaven ?

What is the meaning in nutshell of sirach 14

David, this is a good question that you have brought to our notice, as it can be misunderstood easily. The word that brings us confusion is the word "lusteth", as this is often thought of in a negative, sinful manner. But in English, we know that there are words that have more than one meaning/application, & this word is one of them. For example, the word 'wench', is usually understood as a morally loose woman. But the other meaning is simply, that of a 'young girl'. Also, 'intercourse', can be both verbal & sexual in nature. So when reading, 'lusteth', the context in use is of 'greatly desiring or being jealous over' & not in terms of a sinful craving.

So, Js 4:5 does speak of the Holy Spirit, but in context with the Scripture around it, it would read like this: "the Holy Spirit Who indwells us, longs for us (or is jealous over us) to pursue a lifestyle that doesn't compromise the relationship (& intimate friendship) that we have with God". This verse refers directly to v 4, where some Christians were being unfaithful to God by seeking out the world's sinful delights as well as claiming to love God. And this union can never God-honouring & a trait of the true believer ( 1 Jn 2:15). But even in our weakness in this area, we are reminded that "God giveth us more grace to overcome; to the humble but not to the haughty" (v 6).

Yet, in v 5, we are not privy to "the Scripture" which James alludes to in this connection. He may have learned this from some other writing or letter not given to us in the canon of Scripture.

Who was David talking about

There are people who have died and went to heaven and came back with testimonies. Called NDE's. (Near death experiences)

You can google it or go on YouTube. I've heard of some on the 700 Club's program.

Society tries to shout them down claiming that it's brain death responses.

The people testifying of it don't see it that way at all.

Also, remember that old movie, Flatliners, is just that: a movie built around a script someone wrote. Same thing for that movie: What Dreams May Come. Entertainment.

The Bible tells only one recorded testimony: the one about Jesus being crucified for our sins and being resurrected after 3 days!! Being physically witnessed by hundreds of people. There was no doubt that there was no body in his burial place.

If you know someone dying you need to get over there and lead them to believe on Jesus. Be brave. The Holy Spirit will enable you.

I you're not sure if Christians can EAT MEAT or GET MARRIED, then you will be much enlightened to read, 1 Timothy 4:3,

Society will forbid people to marry, and commanding to abstain from eating meats.

I highly recommend that you read all of 1 Timothy chapter 4, because it concerns what is happening in the last days, obviously. SOCIETY will try to dictate what people should do or not do.

Insane stuff, like teach human anatomy and sexuality to 6 yr old small children!!! Teach homosexuality and lesbianism to public school children who have no clue what that is. Age appropriate, people!

iF those children have attained accountability (knowing good versus evil) and they decide to jump on that bandwagon ? WHO is going to tell them that choices can send them to hell.

Have a godly opinion about this and tell SOCIETY, through your American blood purchased right to VOTE .... Not My Child!!!

City powers are not telling us what to do; it's the Antichrist crowd screaming for more blood. On the phone 24/7 logging in complaints. Get involved. Make your own calls.

Selah. (Pause and think on these things)

I read that Moab doesn't have mountains, but 'rolling hills'. But in case, you're referring to Mt. Seir which is in Edom, then it is the mountainous region of Edom, between the Dead Sea & Gulf of Aqaba.

However, if you actually mean Moab, Utah, I further read that it does have mountains (La Sal mountains) and great lakes, very good for trout fishing.

Very true, GG, very true. Trouble follows us everywhere in the path of life. But the Scripture reminds us that "In His Presence is fullness of joy, at His right Hand there are pleasures for evermore" ( Ps 16:11). We long for the day to be released from our earthly limitations & confinements & attain Heaven & glorification with our Saviour ( Rom 8:17-23).

It just causes conflicts when people want to say Jesus's name is something other than, Jesus. All through scripture He does have other names (a 100 or more). I could list them but I'm not going to. You do it; from Genesis to Revelation.

I will adore to see that list.

I just checked on YouTube, that has Alexander Scourby reading King James Version scripture.

What a wonderful way to relax and listen to the Word of God.

LGSpears, as with you, I find this subject fascinating & even though measurements are given in Rev 21, we have to assume that with our limited knowledge with how measurements were actually derived in those days, some errors will be there. For example, 1 (US) Furlong = 660 ft. So using 582 ft as you have done, isn't a great deviation from whatever was originally considered, however it does remind us that are musings over these facts can only at best be speculative, even to the actual construction dimensions of the city.

However, I do see the measurements given are for the New Jerusalem & not the New Heaven. You might be seeing this as one & the same but I understand that the "first heaven & the first earth" as applying to the present earth & sky (which may include objects found in inner or deep space), & not to the place of God's Abode.

Re: the dimensions of the city. Agreed, that length, breadth & height are equal, but I seem to read in v 16, that only measurement of one of the equal sides was taken (i.e. 12,000 furlongs = 1,500 miles). If this is the case, then we have 144,000 sq furlongs = 18,000 sq miles of land area & not including the 1,500 miles of vertical measurement of one side. Or is this a misunderstanding on my part? I won't even try to contemplate what the wall would appear like as a result!

And another interesting feature in all this, which you no doubt would have observed, is the use of the figure '12' as the cardinal number seen in Revelation (e.g. 7:4-8; 12:1; 14:1,3; 21; 22:2) as well as its appearance in other Scriptures (e.g. 12 disciples, etc.). How does this all figure out in God's Design & Plan?

I just did a quick Google on cults that teach that god is a woman. It comes from Europe. You can read this on Wikipedia.

Ariana Grande has a perverted painting promoting the same idea with a new CD.

That's what cults do. They promote some new outrageous thing in hopes of making some fast money on the suffering of others who are willing to buy into anything new.

I briefly saw that there's another one saying god is female and male.

I guess Satan thinks he can gather all the weak-minded fools to populate hell. He doesn't care who he hurts: he just hates God.

We have a responsibility to google these things and warn others.

I have no clue what her deal is...Satanic?

I rebuked her.

this site really challenges ones memory, so helpful and encourages me to stay in GODS HOLY WORD1

Is James 4:5 "The spirit" refer to The Holy Spirit or man's spirit?

and how "lusteth to envy" is to be interpreted?