Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 70

Hi Chris,

Did the Lord place this reply in your heart for this person?

Though there is nothing "wrong" with it, I'd like to offer a little bit of context. The person you responded to is actually my 7-year-old son. He has spoken about wanting to be a pastor since he first began speaking clearly, and I am so proud of what God is doing in his life. This school year he entered the 6th grade, an accomplishment God has given him the mind to achieve. He also desires baptism and often says he wants to teach children and others about God's Word.

You are his elder. We are his elders. And of all the things a 7-year-old could desire, God has planted ministry in his heart these past three years. And of all the sites to register for, my son came here, not Roblox or Minecraft, but to a bible site.

Let me ask you--if your own son or grandson at age seven came to you and said, "I want to spread the Gospel," what would you tell him? I pray that the Lord reveals His plan and purpose for my boy's life, and in the meantime we will continue to nurture and cultivate his heart and mind as we raise him in the ways of Christ.

God bless you, sir.

Yes, thank you for your post to me. It is absolutely true, the parallels we see in today's challenge are exactly what Babylon we read about. So that's why we should be happy and have been enlightened. In a way so that we can see the spiritual things that are mixed into the scriptures. And not just what we read that Babylon is in today's Iraq.

As a newly converted, (last century). I had countless conversations with Christians who believed that Allah is the same God that we praise and honor. Yes, it came from the same. But it is not at all the same. Because and believing that Jesus is a prophet is not the same as today sitting at God's higher side. And not at all the same as the one who died and rose again on the third day. Here is a big difference in evangelization. Here too, deception is in capital letters, why do so many people believe that they are in agreement? Of course, I can accept a conversion to Christianity and in the Name of Jesus. But until then, those who live in Babylon are God's enemies to me. A side note perhaps, but also a truth that is worth mentioning today. When everyone's eyes are on Israel and all the confusion there is around this. When you can't see what is what, it is clearly a true certainty that the Spiritual is reflected on Earth, unfortunately. Everything is connected. And what amazes me is all the different groups we have in the Old Testament that actually fought against Israel and Jerusalem from ancient times. That is how it is now and yet now we are talking about the whole Earth being shaken by the hatred that is directed at the chosen people who are called Jews, Israelites. We live in dangerous times, perhaps the most dangerous since the Lord Jesus rose again. But let us hold fast to the truth that leads to God in Jesus Christ. Together with all the believers in Jesus. Eph 6:10-20

That's a very commendable desire, but the question one should ask is, 'has God called me to be a preacher'? It seems you have a real passion for sharing God's Word with His people and others, and as you know His Spirit gives special gifts to enable this to happen ( 1 Corinthians 12:27,28; Ephesians 4:8-13). Do you believe that your desire is based on His Gift and Calling to you?

If so, talk to your Elder/Pastor and get his feedback & prayer support. He might allow you to share the Word in a Gospel service, or take a study (or series) in a home Bible study group, etc. These opportunities will cause you to rely heavily on God's Spirit to read, learn and teach His Word to others and you will sense within yourself that joy & urgency to bring out God's Word. God will help you in your preparations and delivery of that message. May the LORD guide you in this as you wait on Him for the next steps He takes you on. Remember, His path is always clear and precise and the burden on your heart will increase and cannot be taken away. Then press on in prayer and confidence in the LORD. Every blessing.

Hi Bobbie Ann. I'm so sorry to read of your situation at home and that you have brought up the subject of divorce. Divorce from one's life partner is never okay; you can read what Jesus said to the Pharisees who came to Him attempting to trap Him in this matter, Matthew 19:3-9. And when this also came up in the Church, the Apostle Paul wrote about personal relationships, particularly on divorce, in 1 Corinthians 7:5,10-15.

So we learn that divorce was not in God's Design to live a fulfilled, God-honoring, loving, child-raising environment. Moses of old had to make an exception to this because of the hardness of hearts of those concerned (i.e. their importunity and the likely unrest and problems that would arise because of it). But Jesus reminded them that this was never in God's Plan. And Paul then writes that if a marriage breakdown is inevitable, let both parties separate, give themselves over to prayer, fasting, & earnestly and honestly consider the path they want to take - and then reconnect again. But, if divorce is the only solution to an otherwise irreconcilable situation, then they should divorce but they should remain unmarried, at least while the other is still alive ( 1 Corinthians 7:39). But if both parties are truly wanting their marriage to work out, then I believe that the Lord will intervene in a special way to give a tender loving heart to both and a determined effort to deal with the problems, reconcile, and keep their marriage together in much prayer as one.

You wrote that you "love your husband so much" but he gets angry; probably over the slightest thing. You might know the triggers for this to happen & can't share it here. Can you talk to him about it when he settles down, asking him what you have done that angers him? Can you do something differently, or not do it while he is around? Or, maybe he just brings his anger home and takes it out on you? Please don't think of divorce just yet - be open with each other & talk things through.

Thoughts on NDI's and actual death experiences.

I saw another video; again I don't know what I can mention here. It explained the veracity of undeniable facts based on case studies but didn't cover the heaven and hell claims as they couldn't be "empirically proven".

I did want to elaborate on what is mentioned in some of these things and that is so called appearances of family members; and in some cases supposedly revealing details no one would know about others.

Demons of course come to mind; as I stated in an older post they can mimic family members and at times start to morph into the demons they really are. I suspect some hell experiences are being produced by demons; particularly when they are the ones said to be tormenting men. Much more deceptive is if they can convince us of a false christ who commonly is seen in experiences but the testimony soon reveals quite often the "fruits" as it were of a demonic imitation of Christ when things are mentioned about reincarnation or some other clearly spurious doctrine.

Apparently sometimes there are certain joint experiences between a person with an NDI and others at the same time; although I haven't heard any of these testimonies.

Again; any true visitation from Christ will put any of us flat on our faces; and for someone not in the Lord it is pure terror. There is none of this mamby pamby sentimentality that involves anything less than a need to relinquish our utterly sinful state to Christ. All this talk about doing better; or some other New Age concept obviously is false; and we can tell by a person's testimony afterwards what is genuine. Also; of course most cases turn out to be fake as we see further embellishments to produce more money. There is one person in particular who I won't mention who pretty much thinks God is dependent on him.

Sad situation.

I do agree that there is enough medical evidence proving existence after clinical death. Let's keep the Bible first as a cornerstone.

A few more thoughts on AI.

Since I am not sure that I can recommend anyone specific; let's just say that the latest study I've heard on AI that it may be the world religion to come is certainly noteworthy to ponder. I will say that it helps either to augment Biblical truth or our own delusions depending on information that it gathers to make itself; more or less our servant.

It used to bug me when the computers probably 20 years or more ago were able to beat the smartest man alive in chess. Now; of course it is claimed AI is smarter than anyone around. Generally there is no substitute for God and the truths of Psalm 139 of us being fearfully and wonderfully made can't be replaced by any artificial means.

I don't know how any teachers can make proper decisions as to students utilizing today's technology as anyone can get an essay written now and don't really have to do any work on their own. Surely there has to be SOME time away from modern technology but we've gone a long way from the dilemma of whether to allow use of a calculator or not. Guess that gives away my age...

A more fundamental issue is how imagery is affecting our minds. This is something close to home as my friend is an artist and I'm struggling with whether or not anything representing the Godhead in that respect is allowed given the 1st Commandment. That is a separate prayer request as I decide how much I do or don't put into financially supporting showing of his artwork.

I also have the issue close to home of being able to properly interpret news as so much is made up stuff; and for all of us it has been proven many NDI "experiences" are false. There should always be corroborating evidence; unless someone deliberately is anonymous to save their lives from those who would seek to take it. I don't really comprehend computer voices with so called testimonies or simulated experiences. God is real enough; He doesn't need technology to help.

Let's not give Satan an advantage.

RP

Concluding thoughts from last post

In terms of counseling it is said that; so to speak it takes two to tango. Psychologists will state that there is a submissive person and the aggressor in terms of controlling behavior. Making ourselves the victim is something that aggressors often use to excuse abusive behavior by being obsessed with themselves and thinking everything is an offense against them.

At any rate; once again if we are strong in the Spirit fear comes on the manipulator. God can stop them from doing things; either way He gives us the strength even with threats and intimidation; nonetheless there are times someone needs to step in. Again when the Spirit is working mightily it is unnerving for someone from the outside because they are restricted. Someone who truly is saved but immature surely will be restrained because they cannot deny God is blessing someone; this can cause all ranges of reactions

This becomes an issue because we end up with those who make all sorts of claims on manifestations of the Spirit in their lives but they aren't out there effectively making a difference in spreading the Good News; while others of course hold no regard to any experiential personal communication between a believer and the Lord hence it is a doctrinal assent with little more to back it up. Neither position holds water or merit long term.

Again I feel like I am not the one to give such advice; having gone through a failed marriage. Some will sadly have the same fate as I did but I pray the lessons I learned can help others before a fatal blow comes to their relationships.

I will also state that no matter how long we have been calling ourselves Christians or religious; we still have potential in this life to either think or act out evil. As more than one brother has said to me over the years I'm a lot worse than you think. God brings two sinners together in a marriage covenant and we can claim promises based on it; but it's a daily struggle.

Luke 18:8 states I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? This shows in the context of the surrounding passages the Lord answering prayers for justice and perhaps has a tie in to the martyrs prayers for vengeance in Revelation where He says to wait a little season until the rest of the martyrs (fellowservants) are likewise killed (see Revelation 6:11).

Our day of redemption will arrive; at last. This earth is not our home. I see here tonight especially many with ongoing struggles.

Those who know the Lord will see if they indeed are called home at the Rapture things from an eternal perspective. The earth is seething with demons around every corner; although men's wickedness allows them to be empowered. Anyone truly saved and who possesses the Spirit has the authority to hold these forces at bay; although sadly many don't bother exercising (or should I say exorcizing) these God given rights.

Dead churches are doing more harm than good; because they encourage people to be comfortable in not proclaiming the Gospel and challenging individuals to grow in their walk; hence people are spiritually sick in various stages of dying. These were words my ex wife actually used before she went full force into adultery. When we get the first signs of realization that the enemy is getting a stronghold especially in marriages we need to be on the offensive in prayer mode. I wasn't even thinking this when I started but that is something a few tonight I believe need to hear. There are women present who appear to have a proper perspective on proper behavior in terms of submission but need to be offensively praying against the tactics of the enemy attempting to control them and their partner. We should encourage prayer with our husbands or wives especially if they claim authority in the church. In secret prayer women or men can wield tremendous power; and I pray that for those in need.

I have a few questions. I have read the bible about disables. All I can find in there is about adultry. So my question is when is divorce okay? But if god wants you to work it out he will let you right? I love my husband so much. Whenever I say I do my best I really do my best. He says he only gets angry around me.What do I do? I could really use some feedback. As far as I know there has not been any adultery. And I know there's has not been adultery from me.

Greeting's

1 Peter 3:7

"Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."

Psalms 145:18

"The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth."

Blessings

I want to be come a preacher

Prophet Owo saves my home, we don't have any problems, our kids are grown now, we still have the best love for ourselves helped me bring my ex-lover back to me after a 6-year breakup. Now we have been happily married for 15 years

Gen.1.16-19 "Predestination"

The Spirit while organising the God document sets two witnesses so the world of the Spirit upholds the Law of the Spirit to be precise, so Jesus declares,"Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." And it is in him it shall be fulfilled. Two witnesses hold appropriate symbols so predestination is not any doctrine by oracle delivered by man but with life as well.God created in the beginning so will of the Father has a symbol so has the Son who shall fulfill them in his body. Father of lights delineate the Father Son relationship.

Two lights delineate predestination it is full sense. "And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also./And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,"

Gospel of God made children of light as foreknow not because they knew the significance of it. The Spirit of God made them obey while darkness did not comprehend. God set celestial lights to divide the day from night. These are for the natural world. "the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:/And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth" Whereas the two great lights mentioned in the vv.16-19 signify the world of the Spirit. So Jesus as the word become flesh warns the Jews, " I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." The Law of the Spirit was imposed on him as well. My Father worketh hitherto, and I work" is part of entering into the rest of God.So children of light are those who chose to work,'in thy light we see the light.' God's rest is predestination where the word heard through the ear of faith is from everlasting to everlasting.. The lesser light rule over the night meaning the outer darkness was established in the complte will of God

Greeting's

1 Corinthians 1:13

"Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?"

Romans 15:29

"And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ."

Romans 15:16

"That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost."

Blessings

Thank you, Jesse. I think this was yet another example of them worshiping the "traditions of men" and not the commandments of God. Oh, and making money as well! Thanks very much, Jesse. God bless. Bob.

Free,

I thilk Babylon in the Book of Revelation has a close resemblance to the present Christian Church itself. A church should be a center where people experience God's grace, love and get regenerated with Holy Spirit. Sermons and programs must be supportive to the journey of Faith and spiritual growth.

But now adulterated messages, soothing offers and assurances are being heard from most places. The media too join the work. The call is not to look upwards to God, but to seek down, that is, for material benefits. This is Satan- sponsored gospel; He is the illegitimate custodian of earthly pleasures and he gives it abundantly in the guise that it is from God. The church people are happy: they get a good share of it.

Hosea 2: 1-13 "For she did not know that I gave her corn and oil and multiplied her silver and goldwhich they prepared for Bal" ( Hosea 2:8)

I think this is the great whore Babylon. God has allowed her to grow up till harvest. She still bears children for Satan

Matthew 13:30 "Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest, I will say to the reapers, gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn."

Blessings.

Rom.8.28-30 "Firstborn"

"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren".Wisdom's call was to sons of men ' I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was." Of this we know that it was without form, and void. St Paul here is giving some detail so the earth shall be conformed to the image of his Son. This also explains why the earth abides forever. It is the God's work and it is thus the voice of the Lord shaped his will working with men and angels. "For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else." (Isa.45.18).

God created the heaven so Wisdom shall work with Power and the word does not fall by the wayside. Principle of the Similitude: like begets like. In heaven holiness guarantees the fulness of God is same as in the Son. It is thus the world of the Spirit interface with flesh which is not of the dust from the ground but anointed in terms of the spirit."The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God./And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."(Rom.8.16-17) God set his name in angel, whom God made spirit, and in service they serve men in terms of the word.The firs-tfruits on mount Sion carried name of the Father.'having his Father's name written in their foreheads.'(Rev.14.1) God warned to heed the angel who led them. 'My name' is in him makes the word level all into a single measurement. (Rev.21.17; Exod.23.21). God named his Son when when became first begotten carried a name, Immanuel, meaning God among us. When we are glorified together the name given to us the same glory of the word. "Sanctify them: Thy word is truth"(Jn.17.17)

Pro.8.34-35 "Name"

Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors./For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord."

World of the Spirit is from everlasting to everlasting and it is one fit since heart is fashioned by God alike. "He fashioneth their hearts alike" and it is addressed to sons of men. (Ps.33.13-15). The gates of Wisdom and posts of her doors are no more or no less than faith with which God made the worlds frame by the word of God. In short the ear of faith which makes God, a Spirit reveal his goodness that has no end. Hence the Spirit uses 'everlasting to everlasting' with regards to His holiness. Without understanding man who frames by his intellect what is 'predestination'? Calvin's folly gave birth to a twin called 'limited Atonement'. It is thus man sullies the holiness of the most High. God, a Spirit has called and his call has been heard."So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God./But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world."(Rom.10.17-18). When you shut out the world of the Spirit how shall you understand? Knowledge of the holy is understanding.

God sent his only begotten Son to the world and the Word has set the name Jesus, that is bestowed from the world of the Spirit. In perfecting the will of his Father, the word attests that God sanctifies 'and given him a name which is above every name.'(Phil.2.9). It gives the 144,000 a name which only he shall know, 'which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." It is thus God called and those who heard are foreknown. Therefore they are set on mount Sion which is the other end. "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren." Those who are elect have Zion and for those are foreknown, so mount Sion is named.

Hello Aleicia. I think that you were looking at and referring to Revelation chapters 2 and 3, where Jesus speaks concerning those seven Church congregations in Asia Minor (now modern Turkey). To each of them, Jesus says, "I know thy works" and then goes on in praise and condemnation of most of them. And later in the Book ( Revelation 20:11-13) we see God's Judgement pronounced upon those who rejected God and His Son, revealed in "the books" that declared "their works", which of course were works that resulted from their sinful condition, of no eternal value - only harsh judgement.

But in Revelation chapters 2 & 3, when Jesus speaks about those Churches, these of course are Christians who have truly repented and followed Jesus in their lives and the works they produced were the acts resulting from their faith. So, they were in the most part commended (except the Laodiceans) in their faith & works therefrom, but failed in some other areas. And what this means to us is, what we do in our new lives that God has given us through His Son, must be acts that are produced from a new, active, vibrant faith in God. And this faith can only come from Him, by His Spirit in us. If anything that is done apart from this, however good & useful that might be, are not the result of 'faith in action', or to say it in another way, 'our acts have been done from motives other than Holy Spirit inspired and generated'. Jesus was looking for such works in them (led by the Spirit) and in us as well and we need to be alert and careful that we allow God's Spirit to govern every area of our lives. At the Bema Seat (the judgement of believers' works: 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15) is the only judgement that believers will face - and this judgement is not whether we're saved or not (our sins were judged at the Cross), but how we have lived our lives & the works produced from it.

Thank you very much, this is very interesting. Be blessed

Ps.2.6-7 "Holy hill of Zion"

Here we have King David inspired by the Holy Spirit referring to the beginning of things, ' Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God,' and the sweet psalmist of Israel is referring to the Word which was with God. Wisdom principle gives the Power its fulness so where does understanding comes from? "Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? This voice has no need for names to call man or generations since God has already given a decree concerning his Son.'This day' is holy for this reason." Unto you, O )men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man./O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart." How shall wisdom address man without a name? God fashioned all hearts alike and his fulness is in his Son. Understanding comes from God and 'knowledge of the holy is understanding.'

While we read the gospels the mountains are unnamed for a reason.Jesus Christ is before all things including mountains so named and by him all things consist.

When Jesus asserted "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil./For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. "(Mt.5.17-18 ) The Law that he came to fulfill was of the Spirit. Zion has nothing to do with literal place name but with holiness of God. "for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem." This Jerusalem is called holy city and it is new Jerusalem. It is the heavenly city descending out of heaven.

Concluding comment: The best advice I'd give is to accept certain doctrines or principles of God but not to let it become the end all; it is all part of the mystery of God. Ultimately; of course a big issue is accepting God's dealing with the lost with judgment that is eternal. I believe we can begin to grasp it in the Spirit but as with heaven it is more than we can bear in our mortal bodies and minds. In short; only let that which is edifying to others and helpful to you to occupy your mind. It is helpful to some extent for some who we know for years that ultimately never turn to the Lord; of course we need to continue to pray as long as they live.

Hopefully you can get some solace for your soul if these matters are vexing and disturbing.

Again; blessings.

RP

This subject of predestination is a hot topic and could very well cause a hornet's nest on this site; and in regard to your reaction could create unnecessary further confusion.

I would state that many are called; few are chosen (I will let you find the verse since it's late). But of course Judas Iscariot was called and chosen but was destined to be the son of perdition; lost forever.

Now those who are Calvinists seem to think that verses like that are referring to the elect only. There are other passages which mention the "shole world" which seem to be a stretch taken in that context. We also have to remember that Jesus offered Judas the sop which was traditionally an honor; and it was prophesied that He would be hurt by a friend's betrayal ( Psalm 55; also related to David's struggles). Just as it rains on the just and unjust; some argue common grace isn't true in some Reformed circles; etc.

I guess the best way I can describe it is man's responsibility coexists with God's sovereign choice or election as it were. Those that don't believe in Calvinism or the principles of election say it is the METHOD of God's salvation PLAN in the church that is being referred to; and in truth that explains those that try to climb in the sheepfold the wrong way. God has a prescribed method for following Him and that is of course abandoning ourselves at the foot of the Cross then of course carrying our cross daily. But there are verses in Acts and elsewhere discussing God GRANTING repentance. We truly can't love Christ without divine help; lost man of course will curse God but they love their sin more than God's righteousness; and men more than God as well. They can't see the sin nature; only the outer manifestations or behaviors of sin or professed "righteousness" which of course is as filthy rags as Isaiah states and no one does good as many other verses in Psalms; etc. declare.

Well outta space hope this helps a wee bit.

Agape RIch P

Listening to the tree frogs and crickets again. Seems like with the cool spells coming they won't be around much longer.

As we see in scriptures; all creation groans awaiting our redemption; Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. Just how our glorification affects things is interesting; certainly God is concerned for and created all animals and plants for a perfect earth that has been marred but will be renewed in the Millennium and recreated thereafter. Death has affected animals as well; Solomon mentions this in Ecclesiastes 3:21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? I don't see any reason why animals can't be resurrected as well but can't necessarily prove it-clearly though they were created originally to live forever but man has a unique comprehension of eternity as other Ecclesiastes verses show.

Since we face spiritual battles daily; we always want to be cognizant that indeed we are in enemy territory. Whether or not we are currently recipients of physical persecution or not evil can; if the Lord allows will come at us often unexpectantly. Just because humans as agents of the enemy are not always present the battles in the heavenly places are raging constantly.

We won't know on this side of heaven how those praying for us or vice versa has preserved us from many more things than would be otherwise; and also how local communities can be improved by the consistent prayers of a remnant still committed to consistent prayer.

All good gifts come from above. ( James 1:17; translated in part). The context of the rest of the passage shows God's consistency. In this world; health; beauty; mental acumen and other traits of youth change as our outer man slowly dies away. As a father pities his children,

So the Lord pities those who fear Him.

14 For He [a]knows our frame;

He remembers that we are dust. ( Ps. 103

Our works are judged whether we are saved or unsaved but it determines levels of either reward (heaven) or punishment (hell).

There is a lot to be said here; but to start with in Revelation I assume you are referring to the end or final resurrection at the end of the Millennium but you could be referring to Revelation 2 and 3 involving the different churches and things God specifically called out given churches and WITHIN them individuals that stood out. We see that God's children cannot save themselves by works either at salvation or as they progress in their walk. The works given are those predestined by God (I won't take the time now to look up the scriptures). With the Ephesian church; for instance they were doing everything right but they had left or lost their first love (I always get that one mixed up as to which it is).

We see also in the Gospels I think around Matthew 25 as I quoted yesterday in the Parable of the 10 virgins that there were workers of iniquity; in general anyone who tries to enter in another way; so to speak is attempting to do stuff in the presence of true believers but the Lord must be the one whose strength enables us to do His works. There are of course sins of commission and omission. In Matthew 24 discussing those who visit Him in prison and those who don't in the sheep and goat judgment in one sense describes practical works but also specifically is very likely how those in the Tribulation are judged as at that time (as we see in Revelation 6) everyone knows who God and Christ is; therefore we prove ourselves in helping the saints; who are in jail and end up being martyred. If we love Him we will obey His commandments; but of course it is the motives behind our actions that determine much of our reward or lack thereof.

Every word will be taken into account as stated by Christ ( Matt. 12:36).

Of course we all fail daily; we have to desire to seek Him with all our heart and move on growing in maturity and move on.

Hello Free. I looked up the Web for anymore info on Babylon and just send this short excerpt to you.

"There is not a thriving modern-day city of Babylon; the ancient city is now an archaeological site in Iraq, with ruins located near the modern city of Al-illah, about 55 miles (88 km) south of Baghdad. The ancient city was abandoned centuries ago, but the area contains remnants of its famous structures, including the Ishtar Gate and the Lion of Babylon statue, and has been partly reconstructed with elements like Saddam Hussein's palace."

As you rightly wrote, Babylon was located "in what we call Iraq today" and at the time of Christ, the apostles and the Church, there was very little there, just ruins. Now of course, cities have been built around it and there is every likelihood that believers and a Church gathering also meets in or around that area, at least in the city of Al-Hillah. Blessings.

Thank you for that. We've been thinking the same thing. I'm just one of those people that like to know for sure, so it is unfortunate that it's not specified in the Bible. I will continue to pray about it and have faith that I'm lead the right way. As of now, it's cremation. Thank you again for your words.

Quest:

What Agape, how to make? which scriptures I must meditate, and how to practice it? Women may?

Dear Tell Me More,

There is no place in the bible that explicitly commands or forbids cremation. In fact, I'm not sure if you will find any place in the bible that mentions cremation at all. So, I don't think that anyone here can say one way or another if it is allowed according to scripture.

1 Samuel 31:12-13, Leviticus 20:14, and Leviticus 21:9 is sometimes referenced as bodies being burned, but they do not address cremation.

Personally, I think it is a matter of choice. Some choose cremation over a traditional burial because the cost of cremation is much more affordable. Others choose burial and may be completely against cremation based on their belief that if their body is burnt to ashes, how is it possible for God to resurrect them if there is no body to resurrect.

This is something I also used to wonder about and still do. But if we think about it, does God require a physical body to be in the grave to resurrect a believer's new glorified body? I mean, if God can create the entire universe from nothing, could He not resurrect a body from ashes, or from nothing at all?

The bible clearly states that everyone will someday stand before God and give an account. Could a person who was cremated avoid standing before God because they were burnt to ashes by cremation?

I am not asking you these things looking for an answer. These are just some things to think about. But as far as needing a definite answer about what God thinks about cremation, you will not find it in the bible. So, if it is not specifically forbidden, then it should be an individual's personal choice?

God Bless!!!

Hello dear, wonderful words. Practicing God's Word Hallelujah Amen. Love u