Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 2476

I keep thinking about the Angels of Revelations and the Vials that they pour out.

All the Plagues, Wars, Earthquakes, Floods, Famines, Tornadoes, Hurricanes, etcetera were predicted by the author, was it John? on the island ?? It is certainly happening Now!! I am fournate that the Lord God, Jesus and The Holy Spirit are watching over Me and My Family in these Times.

This whole chapter is a message: Elijah has been replaced by Elisha. Elisha's ministry is to bring salvation and then judgement. Just as Elijah's ministry foretells John the Baptist's ministry, his successor, Elisha, foreshadows John the Baptist's successor, Jesus.

But Elisha does bring the promised judgement. Bethel is infamous for being the city where people rejected God and worshipped idols of golden calves in his place. Yet they seem to have escaped God's wrath. These children aren't just playfully insulting a stranger either. They say go up to refer to Elijah, they say bald head to refer to lepers. They are basically saying they reject God and his prophet in favour of their idols. And as God promised in Leviticus, rebellious children will be eaten by wild animals, so he sends covenant enforcing bears to finally deliver the judgement on Bethel he delayed so long.

Yet, now that he has replaced Elijah, the people still approach him in good faith, requesting his help. So the first thing he does is remove a curse from the waters of Jericho, waters that kill and poison the land. And this water was cursed by God himself, through Joshua when he cursed those that would rebuild Jericho ( Joshua 6: 26). So this shows God is willing to forgive and bring salvation through Elisha.

Elisha is not just any prophet either, but one of 3 assassins foretold to come from God. In fact the first time he is mentioned in the Bible, God says Elisha is meant to bring judgement and death. That was in 1 kings 19, when Elijah had just gotten the Baal worshipping people of Jericho to acknowledge God after the test at Mount Carmel, yet they still rebelled and threatened to kill Elijah.

You have to read this in context.

The whole of chapter 2 in Kings 2 is about the transition of Elijah to Elisha, as foretold.

They journey in a specific order, from Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho and across the Jordan. This is the exact opposite order of how Joshua came to the promised land, indicating this is how Elijah leaves the promised land. Elisha is tested 3 times to stay but he follows Elijah, showing patient faith. Elijah does not admonish him because it really is a test of Elisha's faith, not Elisha disobeying Elijah. Elijah parts the river Jordan on his way out, and Elisha parts in on his way back, showing he has inherited Elijah spirit and power from God.

In Deut 2:9 & 2:19, it shows the Moabites & Ammonites as children of Lot. And so they are because of the incest of Lot's two daughters with their father (the daughters husbands, as you know, were left behind in Sodom, because of their unbelief that God would destroy the city).

And in 2:4, the children of Israel also had to "not meddle" with the children of Esau, as the Lord had given them land (Mt. Seir). And yes, Esau's descendants are the Edomites. So, I see the references to these three groups of people quite distinct & not confusing. Is this how you see it too?

The old testament is the preparation for the coming of Christ,the gospels are the manifestation of Christ,the Book of Acts is the propagation of what God has done through Christ,the epistles are the explanation of Christ's purpose, the Revelation is the consummation of God's plan through Christ.Read the gospels and see Christ,as he said,"he that hath seen me,hath seen the Father. John contains material not found in the other three gospels.No matter where you start,ask God to help you understand.

No one is going to agree on the time of the Caught Up (rapture). IT'S A MYSTERY!

Trying to predict it is akin to those who predicted 1988 to be that time. It didn't happen.

The harmony of the gospels all agree that ONLY the Father knows. Jesus is seated at the right hand of God until such time. He's interceding for ALL saints, presently.

Caught Up clearly means that Jesus will NOT descend all the way to earth (as most have agreed upon). This is happening in the air. We escape the law of gravity in a blink. He meets us, and we are transformed. Those who sleep will rise with their transformed bodies. Jesus our Bridegroom, will take His Bride to a wedding and supper. There will be wine.

Who cares what exact date that happens? What is the fear? Do we think, oh I still have time to willfully sin a bit longer? Or maybe you'll think about getting loved ones born again? That's so HOLLOW. This is one time not to procrastinate.

We are TOLD to be ready with our lamps full of the oil of the Holy Spirit. Oil in one hand and "wedding dress" on.

I have sensed by what I've read, that readiness is the key consideration.

The Caught Up is NOT the triumphant return. We will not be here when the remainder of unfulfilled prophesies are suddenly fulfilled. Woe to everybody who chooses a TRIB. Don't be a Virgin with an empty Lamp!!!

Have you timed a twinkling of eye blink?

Get your last minute cares done NOW. Or you may be LEFT BEHIND. No oil, no wedding apparel, so sorry.

If you write a book on pre, mid, or post tribulation, I will not buy it. I'm ready to fly now :D

Praying for you brother. I can tell you what helped me the most when I, read the book of Proverbs. I hope this helps your brother in Christ.

Josephine, James has been a controversial book for many generations of Christians. However, if read carefully & in light of other Scripture that talk about faith, we have to conclude one thing. And that is, it is faith alone that saves a person from the penalty of sin & judgement (see Eph 2:8-10). Once we add works, or anything else, then it is no longer of faith & we make the Grace of God null & void ( Rom 11:6). This is because if we add anything to saving faith (whether it be the keeping of the Law, or doing good works for our fellow-men), then it is no more of faith but of works - the two don't mix - they cancel out each other.

But James in chapter 2 does not speak of what I've just shared, but speaks of the authenticity of that God-given faith. In other words, an authentic faith will, must, produce good works. If it doesn't, then that is not genuine faith & the person having that, isn't saved.

The other point then is, if as you say 'a person has to have faith & works to be saved', then I would ask, "how much works has to be done to make that faith or salvation certain"? You might do wonderful things for people & society ten hours in the day, but will that be enough to get you saved? So you see, you cannot combine the two - it's one or the other. Faith saves - Works kills. And Faith & Works together can never secure you as you then have to add more to what Jesus has done on the Cross for you. Walk in faith dear sister, & do works that result from that faith, making "your calling & elections sure".

This weight measurement in Ruth 3:15 has its connection to a 'Seah' in Hebrew. But because of a seah's greater weight (2.5 gallons) for Ruth to be able to carry, it is understood that an Omer should be used in this context. So according to that, six omers would be equivalent to about 4.5 gallons of equivalent weight.

The book of James, as with Hebrews, is generally understood to have been written to Jewish Christians (as we refer to them now as, Messianic Jews). They are very much a part of Christ's Church but their backgrounds & understanding of Scripture required these letters to be written with them in mind.

James 1:5, therefore speaks to believers (specifically to the twelve tribes of Israel scattered abroad) & not to unbelievers, simply because unbelievers wouldn't think of asking God for wisdom or anything else. Sometimes, in their desperation they may call out to God, but these truths don't speak about those people.

Our present day application would be that, not only for wisdom, but for anything that we ask of our Father, He will give according to His Will but we have to believe that He can & will ( 1 Jn 5:14,15). Many folk ask amiss (Js 1:6-8, 4:3) & don't receive. If we are close to God, in our love & obedience to Him, then His Spirit intercedes on our behalf (helps us) with what we should ask ( Rom 8:26,27). So if we are listening closely to Him, then it changes completely what things we ask for. Many people are disappointed when they ask & don't receive. It is not that God is not listening, it is because we're asking to satisfy our desires & not of His Will.

You'll probably get different suggestions to your question, as each of us will look at the chronology & content of the Bible differently. Not sure that you want to start reading the Bible for interest's sake or as a Christian who never really got into it properly. So if I would assume you are not a Christian but wanted to read the Bible in a systematic was yet avoiding (for now) the Bible books that will less bearing on you now, then I would suggest the following:

a. Start with Genesis (to learn about God, creation, how mankind sinned, & the lives of the early descendants from Adam & Noah). Exodus & Leviticus are useful to learn about the laws given to the children of Israel, but may be heavy going at this point - so I'm not suggesting them.

b. Then to 2 Gospels: John & Mark.

c. 1 John; Romans; Hebrews; Ephesians; Galatians (on Love, warnings & supremacy of Christ over the Law).

d. Gospels of Luke & Matthew.

e. 1 & 2 Corinthians; Philippians; Colossians (letters to the Churches).

f. Psalms & Proverbs (for words of Encouragement & Wisdom).

That would be my thoughts. However, if you wanted to read the Bible chronologically, then the order of books to be read would be quite different (i.e. after Genesis, would be Job, etc.). As well, you may some suggestions off a Christian website.

Dear Chris, Thank you very much for your quick reply! Also, Thank you for confirming my suspicion that the "Escape of the Bride" is nonsense, and detrimental to believers in Christ who are being misled by a group of people who think they can put a date on something where scripture shows NO date!!! God Bless you, and see you when the REAL rapture happens!!! :)

Yeshua is the real Hebrew name for Jesus. Jesus is the english name for Yeshua. So Angel Gabriel must have been speaking in Hebrew to Mary. Hence Yeshua is the name angel Gabriel used. Whatever the case it is in order. Our God know we do not speak the same languages. In our national language, Jesus is called 'Yesu'. In my Meru mother tongue Jesus is 'Jesu'.

Be blessed.

Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord Jesus is our strength. Refer Nehemiah 8:10b.

Psalms 2:8, "Ask of Me. and I will give you nations for inheritance, and the ends of the earth for possession"

God loves you!

Dear Abimael,

Thank you very much for responding to my requests.

I would like to know what the Bible has to say and not Churches. Or Doctrines of man.

May be you will be able to clarify more clearly by studying Mathew 12:40, we need to seek the Truth.

Please help me.

Warm regards

Herman

Very perceptive of you Happy Jack, you are one of the first that I have seen that could concatenate the two passages. However, those are the number of days in the flesh, on this planet, so I hope you have been storing your treasures in heaven.

I believe God told Joshua to take over the leadership.

He needs an X-ray to look for structural damage. He may need a new mattress? Or walk a little every evening. If he doesn't drink milk, he may need citracal with D3.

If he's a Christian he may need to do some spiritual warfare. A spirit of infirmity can drag in others to chip away at his joy. To rev up his faith he needs to read the gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John (red letter edition). It helps to study how Jesus healed people. If you don't feed your faith; it stays little.

Erichburg, great Truths you have declared there. Though I see the original question (from nine years ago!), was to do with Jesus position as part of the Deity, yet the Scriptures show Him praying to the Deity, which seems unreasonable. The question is valid, but the understanding of Christ's position in incarnation is defective. I would turn to Psalm 8:5 which is the prophecy alluded to in Hebrews 2:9: "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man." Also Phil 2:6-9.

These verses give us a glimpse: who the Word of God made incarnate is, & was given (by the Father or He took upon Himself voluntarily), some of the limitations of humanity. Jesus was in Heaven (pre-incarnate) as the Word only (some could disagree with me on this). That is, He was not known as Jesus there, but was the Word that proceeded from God, as was the Spirit of God. In His incarnation, he was given the Name of Jesus ( Lk 1:31), simply meaning, 'Saviour', which was not His Position pre-incarnation. Therefore, as the man Jesus, Who is the Christ, resorted to His Heavenly Father often in prayer, this seems quite appropriate given His Humanity & His position before God & in the Deity. And I would presume that in His ascended position at His Father's right Hand, He still holds the position of equality with the Godhead, yet as a Son (both human & part of the Godhead). Is this how you understand this?

Speaking from experience:

Improve your immune system: eat better, no junk food; spring water: vitamin D3 with calcium, multi-vitamin, sunshine, walking.

Attend a church where they pray for the sick. Corporate prayer, laying on hands; receive the healing.

A mother that prays for her children every day is a mom who loves them well. Pray what's in your heart. Read Proverbs every day; chapter by chapter. Speak that wisdom over them.

I am over 50 ignorant but curious if I was to pick up the Bible and start to read it where would I start once somebody had put me on the book of John what are your thoughts Hobson

Timothy, Bob has given excellent examples showing our first obedience is to the Lord in all things & as part of that obedience we are obey our governments, only if they don't demand that we deny Him in any way. Many through the ages withstood such govts. (think of the various Empires we've seen in history & to which (a type) all on Earth will one day be subject to), & those who disobeyed because of their faith & love for God, were executed. Fortunately, our govts. have not resorted to this, treating everyone 'fairly', but it won't be like this when the Anti-Christ reigns.

However, your point I see is, do we even have God-fearing leaders, & if we do, are they challenging the wicked legislations in place (which include homosexuality, abortion, wilful murder, & anything contrary to God's Word)? As you know, some are doing something in this regard, but if they are to be leaders with a voice, they know they cannot overstep the bounds set by their political party, or out they go. So really, the status quo is that good leaders have not really made too much of a difference. Who then do we obey? This really has to be a personal decision, according to the dictates of one's conscience.

For me, I refuse to vote, as to me it means hypocrisy (as it is, I have to be on guard over some weak areas in my life - I don't need to add another to it). I still obey the laws of the land, but my vote can't go to any person or party that dishonours God. We will never get a perfect govt, I know, but I believe as Christians we should expect God-honouring laws from people that fear God (& not man), that God may indeed bless our lands. The U.S & most other countries suffer greatly because of wickedness in 'high places'. Can we expect the blessings from God? What do we get instead from govts.? Laws that generally meet people's expectations, regardless of their correctness, so that the majority vote may be garnered when needed.

He sure did. When one (as David did) depends so much on the Lord, for provision, safety, companionship, wisdom, etc., the natural recourse is to talk it over with the Giver of Life & Love. This tells me how far short we fall in our communing with our Heavenly Father, Who not only gives us all that David received, but far more, a sure salvation through His only begotten Son. We have much to talk to God about & to praise Him for.

The Bible says If any one lacks wisdom...... Who is the any one? Does it only refers to christains? How was James speaking to? How can we apply this today?

how much barley (measure) Ruth 3:15

SC - You claim Jesus was a female? what?

Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the SON son of David, the son of Abraham.

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a SON son, and thou shalt call HIS his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Mark 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the SON Son of God;

Luke 7:9 When Jesus heard these things, HE he marvelled at him,

John 6:42 And they said, Is not this Jesus, the SON son of Joseph

1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at HIS his coming?

Prayers for my sons to find spouses of God-s choice. Blocking satans attempts at sending the wrong ladys. Also for my new spouse to show up sent by God for me too. Thankyou for praying

I suspected possible false church teachings 2x in Bible church ... I urgently felt the need for myself and wife to seek Jesus not Trump during 2016 presidential debates. Publicly baptized and accepted Jesus as savior in a safe space. We also attended bible studies and Praise worship and fellowship means every single week.

501C3 I also suspect is synonymous with at least partially beholden to Caesar (government).

My guy level beliefs after reading my own KJV Bible and praying for Holy Spirit discernment differs from pastoral teachings.

I think witnessing publicly that Jesus is savior to a hostile boss (trials/tribes) or as prophesied under persecution or certainty of death (seems likely) is more in line with the great disciples in my Bible.

Love thy neighbor as thy self. (esp neighbors who oppose me) (Works) is directly in line with gospel.

"Endure til the end" "few will choose the narrow path" in gospel doesn't seem to line up with the multitudes who being "taught" the Bible and choosing to believe in a pre tribulation rapture and immunity for themselves from all the extreme trials hardship and persecution of death reserved for other undefined non pre trib raptured people.