Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 2478

Page 1.

Carlos, our thread has been locked again, so am sending my comment as a New one. Trust you saw my other comments sent in a similar way (over a day ago).

"I don't mean to diminish the fact God deserves and gets Glory, Exaltation, etc." Sorry, your statement confused me as you say that God deserves our praise & love, yet in your comment to Adam you mentioned that He doesn't need it. If He doesn't need it, then I wonder, in your understanding, what does God do with all the praise, worship & love that goes up to Him. In human terms, if I am given something but feel that I don't need it (i.e. consider it of little use to me & therefore it's either shelved or given away to someone who might make better use of it), would that be similar to what you're thinking? If so, then is God one Who receives these offerings, but since they don't affect Him in any way, He remains unmoved by them? Or, maybe you mean that any offerings coming to Him doesn't affect His Character in any way & Who He is.

"What I would like to get at is what the Bible reveals about What God created us for in that Love. There's a persistent question people ask. That is, if God, why evil? Perhaps this is too philosophical, but it is important. Why does evil exist, if God is Love? The notion that we have Choice or Free Will, isn't enough." I can't add anymore to what has already been said to, "why did God, in His Love, create us?" I realize that your understanding that we were the means for His Son to enter the world & give his life for us, & there is truth there, but why indeed were we created.

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Believing Jesus is the Son of God, that He was born of a virgin (Mary), that He died on the cross for our sins, and rose on the 3rd day, that we can be saved. This is what saved us, not being baptized, baptism is an outward showing that we are now Christians and we are living our life for Christ Jesus.

Crystal, the Old Testament command to tithe was given to Israel to bring the tenth of the increase of their produce or cattle to the Lord or for special purposes ( Deut 26:12). Most of them had very little by way of money as they acquired their needs by trading what they could from off the land. When people began to do less farming & more by way of jobs & earned money, they started giving money or other valuables ( Lk 21:1-4). Today, we generally give money (not necessarily a tithe, but generously as from a willing heart ( 2 Cor 9:7)) as this is what we earn, though I suppose a farmer could still bring a gift from his farm to the Church; though not sure how the Pastor would receive the grain or sheep. But that is still possible & acceptable I would think.

Thank you for your response, Chris. That was Really enlightening! You've pointed out a truth that gives us a lot to think about. I couldn't agree more. Love is one, if not the most significant characteristic or attribute of God. Were it not for His love, where would we be. I don't mean to diminish the fact God deserves and gets Glory, Exaltation, Recognition, Praise, Thanks, Appreciation for whom He is and what He has done. Ephe 2:4-10 says:

"But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved! And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life."

But isn't His Love married to Wisdom and Righteousness? In Prov 3:19, we see that, "The LORD founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding." And 8:17-23, "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.... The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was."

Prov 8 is generally accepted as a description of Christ. Clearly, everything God does is motivated by Love. But Love with Wisdom and Justice.

What I would like to get at is what the Bible reveals about What God created us for in that Love. There's a persistent question people ask. That is, if God, why evil? Perhaps this is too philosophical, but it is important. Why does evil exist, if God is Love? The notion that we have Choice or Free Will, isn't enough.

Amen.

I've always loved this text from the very first time I discovered it. Somehow, because of not having constant Bible studies, I forgot what it says exactly. Today, a certain preacher quoted it in his presentation. The reference on the screen was wrong, so it prompted me to look for it. When I found it, I fell in love with it once again and I asked God to help me grow an interest in personal and meaningful Bible study.

Natsiq, the way I understand this part of Prov 1, is that firstly, a warning is given to not be swayed by evil intentioned people to join them in their crimes (v 10). Their enticement comes skilfully (vv 11-14). But Wisdom speaks to not walk with them to pursue evil (v 16) & then a truth is given in vv 17, 18: "Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird." This can be said in another easier way to understand: 'these wicked people are behaving foolishly, just as if a person trying to trap a bird sets out the trap (net) right in front of the bird. The bird who sees this trap is more wiser by not going near the trap than these wicked people who don't realize that they themselves will suffer in the end (getting caught in the net themselves), whether by the justice system & most certainly by God in judgement'.

At least some christians and probably many believe that when they are sick; it is just a matter of asking God for a healing; and many expect it and some expect it, immediately; and God can do it; He has done that, many times and so did Jesus; but that did not stop the world from sinning. Jesus was crucified. So; we sin; get sick and all we have to do is asked to be healed; and If God did that every time and all the time; we would not need Doctors; but the world would still sin. So, is God still suppose to do it simply because we ask? That is up to Him; but I know I wouldn't unless I had the power; and no one has that power unless God gives it; and the healing is in His name.

Need more homework.

God has engineered all his work and assigned his workers to do the work before he created everything. One of the works is the end-time harvest. And you are on the right topic to discuss about the two men.

I wrote all the scriptures down & the prophesies too. They're not published yet.

When you became born again, baptized by the Holy Spirit; the demons are kicked out of you. Your house (inside of you) is swept,

Garnished.

You're supposed to follow Jesus as other disciples did: read the Bible, attend church or bible study; pray the Lord's Prayer, maybe read some spiritual warfare books; :) listen to " kingdom in the streets" CD by Dion.

These are garnishments for your spiritual house: Your body, your mind

Matthew 12:43-45. When you got saved, the demons got sent away. They study you for weaknesses (like they did to Eve in the garden). What you are experiencing is spiritual warfare. They're trying to get back in their old house... your body.

Go back and do the things you did when you first got saved. Go to 1 John 8-9, and 1 John 2:1, as often as you need to.

Satan accuses us to the Father, Jesus stands up as the Advocate (attorney for you), He finds your name recorded in his book, and declares you not guilty for lack of evidence (because He paid for your sins on the Cross).

Your faith in this will stop "them" from returning anymore.

James I can not find the pre trib rapture either though many others say they do.

When did Jesus say the dead in Christ would be resurrected?

John 6:39-40: Jesus said, "This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up ON THE LAST DAY.

John 6:44: Jesus said, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up ON THE LAST DAY."

Is the LAST DAY the thousand year reign of Christ?

I believe so....then it is eternity and time is counted no more

So if Jesus himself said the dead in Christ will be raised on the LAST DAY, and Paul said we who are alive and remain will not be caught up (raptured) until AFTER the dead are raised, then where does secret pre-trib rapture fit in?

Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:52 - In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

We are changed at the LAST TRUMP and where is this found?

In REVELATION, the LAST BOOK of the Bible there are 7 trumps and the 7th trump is the LAST ONE and is at the end of the tribulation. there is not a 7th last trump prior to the tribulation.

Victor,

Jesus says in Matthew 6:2, Verily I say unto you, "They have their reward." Matthew 6:1-4 talks about doing righteousness before men to be seen of men. Jesus said in Verse 1, "Take heed," which literally means pay attention. Pay attention that you do not your alms, and the Greek word for alms is acts of mercy. And then it says "before men." You see, it is external to be seen of them. It goes on to say "Otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven."

So Jesus says to pay attention and don't do your righteousness so that people can see you. It is not for external show! This is for your God who lives inside of you. He is inside, and you don't need to show anybody out here if you are worshiping the Lord or you are doing something under the inspiration of His Spirit. You don't need to have people see you, because it is for Him, and it is from Him. He says if you do, there is no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

When we are led by God's Spirit to do something good, we should not seek for recognition from men. If we do, and we are rewarded here on this earth, we will not receive a reward for it later. This does not mean that if someone thanks you for doing something good for them that you will lose your reward later. It's the motive behind it. Did you do something good to be seen of men and seek for recognition from men? If that is your motive, Jesus says your Father in heaven will not reward you later.

I think that answer may have only been more confusing, lol. But I see where you went, and I appreciate the comment. I did wonder why they mentioned the cattle. I will have to look into how they took census back then. I find this interesting. Thank you.

If you are more comfortable not speaking to God, by all means, make Him into the god who doesn't talk back.

Do you have religion or relationship?

I'm going to go now and enjoy some praise music. Later.

They were sodomites and they did not want Lots two Girls so they pressed into to over take the Men or Angels and they Blinded them! they want to sodomise them.....Obvious

Genesis 3;6 I just noticed that the scripture says Eve gave to Her husband who was with her.

Because the serpent was talking to Eve , what does the scripture mean when it says , Adam was with her when she gave him the fruit?

Thank you

will God reveal the pre-trip rapture to anyone????

I know Iv read that their is a calling away of the church before tribulations starts but having trouble finding it or did I just imagine it

Rich,

Isaiah 43:25 would apply to everyone as far as sin goes. At that time, it would have applied to the Jews. There were no Christians at that time. Jesus Christ came and paid the penalty for sin. When you received Christ, your sins were wiped away and forgiven. He paid a debt none of us could pay. Every sin you've ever committed in the past, and any sin you commit in the future, have been forgiven because Christ paid for that sin by shedding His blood at the cross.

This does not mean that if you commit an act of sin after you are saved, that you don't have to confess that sin and ask for forgiveness. Even though Jesus paid for our sin, when we commit an act of sin, we break our fellowship with Him, and we must confess that sin and ask for His grace and mercy to forgive that act, and to restore that fellowship back with Him. However, your relationship as a child of God remains intact.

2 Corinthians 5:21 says "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." There's no sin in Christ. He didn't deserve to die. But God made Him to be sin for us. He died our death, that we could be made the righteousness of God in Him. When we stand before God one day, we're going to know we don't deserve to be there. But we enter in because He will see Christ in us, and in Christ, there is no sin.

The NAS version Bible says irrevocable.

Hey Bob :

Some lady preacher must have said irrevocable to me. He doesn't remove the gift; He just removes the anointing.

Bradley, Malachi, as you suggest, speaks of Israel's sins & coming judgement (vv 1-7). Then the question is asked in the latter part of v 7: "But ye said, Wherein shall we return?" That is, the people ask, "How (or, in what manner) shall we return?", "How have we robbed You?" In tithes & offerings.

They were clearly robbing God by living careless, wicked lives, & in so doing this had a cumulative effect by not paying the right wages, lack of support to the widows & orphans & showing no care to the visitor. So the issue of robbery, God declares, is that you people have added to your wicked deeds, by even robbing me by not doing what has been commanded, viz in tithes & offerings. And verse 10 clarifies this even further to their giving, despite any hardship in doing so, as they would experience God's abundant blessings as a result.

You state that this passage actually speaks about giving God praise, acknowledging His Glory & Mercy. And this would be the expected response if the people turned away from doing wickedly, but to read this chapter in its context, one can't help but observe that they were not able to give the sacrifice of praise to God, simply because of their many sins, of which their robbery to God was evident. What I would question of the present day interpretation of this passage is the necessity of the giving of tithes, which is an Old Testament mandate, but I could not see in the passage what you are seeing there. You could give your further explanation on your view, if you care to.

ACTS 1:10-20

This took place in a Upper Room. A prophesy about Judas Iscariot is discussed. They are about to appoint a new 12th disciple.

I believe the Holy Spirit showed Peter of the prophesies about Judas Iscariot's betrayal.

This is one of those studies that you have to read at a snails pace, all of the center column references to get a clearer picture of prophesy with present circumstances.

I'm going to list the passages and let the scholars in here piece it together with Holy Spirit, our Helper: helping us rightly divide the Truth.

Acts 1: 10:20

John 18:3

Matthew 26:55-56

Psalm 41:9, 55:23

Isaiah 53:7 (Ch 53 all about Jesus)

Daniel 9:26

Lamentations 4:20

Leviticus 25:15

Deuteronomy 16:9

Praying For You Brother!

Carlos, I agree with you on the Self-sufficiency of God: that He needs nothing else to add to His Person or Character, that He is fully content within Himself & His Wisdom requires nothing from an outside source to enlighten Him or to reassess His Purposes for Heaven & the Universe. But He is a God of Love, nay, God is Love ( 1 Jn 4:8). In His Self-sufficiency, His very Being is essentially both Spirit & Love: without one or both, He is not God & thus non-existent.

If then His Essence is Love, His Actions stem out of that Love, to extend that Love to all, to require that Love in His Creation, & to receive that Love in return; & these are all hallmarks of love ( 1 Jn 4:16). I see that if one of these requirements of Love is missing, then the "God is Love" Truth equates to 'God has Love within Him but requires no reciprocal response', however weak our love may be. But if a response from us is required, then it must prove that this God, Whose very Essence is Love, also sees our returned love as something He needs to receive & respond to. Is then His Response simply from a judicial position of checking off that a person has done his bit with love, or does God have a 'delight & sense of inward satisfaction & joy' when love is reciprocated?

In a sense, God doesn't need Pleasure from expressed love or even a sense of euphoria in an outstanding act of love or devotion (& some even dare to suggest that He rests back on His Throne & exudes uncontrollable laughter & frivolity over some human act), but His very Nature demonstrates His Great & Perfect Love (in Holiness), & that in seriousness & satisfaction, He receives our Love in return. I believe that our Father delights immensely in the love given to Him, especially when deeply rooted in the reason for that 'agape' love: His Son's Love at the Cross.

"God doesn't need to be glorified". What do we make of Jn 12:28; 13:31,32; 17:1? Do we sense that the Father receives our worship & His need to be glorified in us is paramount?

Yep. Judas had a prophesy to fulfill. I found it in Psalms.

The 11, in Acts, were Together trying to figure out why Judas did what he did.

They had to of had some kind of text they were poring over.

The center column on the page made reference to a scripture in Psalms. It does describe what Judas did, but not his name.

People get confused because one of Jesus's brothers was named Judas. You have to google Iscariot.

It's nothing. Thought it might be someone from a church I went to 35 years ago. Reliving early street ministry days

Mishael Are the gifts and calling of God irrevocable?

Mark 6:7 And he (Jesus) called (unto him) the (including Judas) twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

skip to Mark 6:13 And (the 12 apostles w/ Judas) they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. (Judas was with the 12 doing these miracles and is his calling irrevocable?

John Chapter 6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

John 6:71 He spake of Judas Iscariot [the son] of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

Perdition means to fall

John 17:12 While I (Jesus)was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. Judas was the son of perdition.

Acts 1:25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. (what place is Judas going to?)

Matthew 26:24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

Matthew 26:25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

Mark 14:21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.

Does this sound like Judas is still saved?

Can we as Christians believe these same promises that God gave to the Israelis or are they just to the Jewish people at that time, Isaiah 43 vs 25, will he blot out my sins for his own sake if I ask for forgiveness?