Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 72

Richard,

This was no trial run but Christ as the Apostle (Heb.3.1) and Luke is not referring to the lost sheep of Israel but 70 which has to do with With the Word. It was in his humanity which as the Word was with God his office covered the day decreed for him. "Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come." we have other references to 70 palms at Elim and 70 elders on whom God apportioned some of the Spirit from Moses."And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders."(Num.11.25)

Daavidmarsh,

Thank you for your precious testimony

Rev.5.10-11 "Worship ye him"

"And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;/Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing." I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High."(Isa.14.14) In the book of Hebrews the writer is presenting the Son as worthy to redeem the world from Satan who has made a false claim,"And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him." Accordingly we have in the Luke's gospel the angel's celebrating good news and they return as thy did appear, so it for the man to pass the message along. " And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."(Lk.2.13-14). How did Herod receive it? He was one of the kings,'five are fallen' and whence did his power come from? He did receive power, as with others who received 'power as kings one hour with the beast.'In the Acts of the Apostles we read that his reign was all too brief." the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost."( Acts 12.23;Rev.17.10,12)

In heaven we have the proper worship is called new. If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation."And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:/ And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth."(14.2-3) Yet sects teach Christ shall return to reign on earth.

A warning from Luke 10

13 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades.[b]

16 "Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me."

These statements seemed to come out before these 70 were sent out; if not at the time they were out there. Whatever the case it shows how quickly the doom of these places was declared and that it appears they only had one fleeting moment (in general) to come to the truth. Of course this doesn't stop a few from coming to true faith but speaks overall of the cities and their mindset and overall lack of faith. It also reinforces the message given means rejection of Christ and God the Father as we see from the end of verse 16.

These passages also illustrate the RESPONSIBILITY people have alongside their predestined outcome. We can argue whether their reaction was predestined or their fate to not be able to believe. The fact is BOTH seem to be clear from scripture; just as faith comes from hearing the Word ( Romans 10:17) that is God's methodology to reach those elected; called and chosen or Predestined whatever word we wish to use to describe these things has the same concept. Or to put it another way we read in 2 Thessalonians 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

Hence; knowledge of the truth alone doesn't save. We still are given minds that intersect and commune with our souls and we make a public declaration of what is in our hearts through our mouth; also stated in Romans. With more knowledge we have greater judgment.

Heavenly Father, Holy is your name, perfect is your wisdom. There is nothing hidden from your eyes and heart, and we praise you for are the only one deserving of it. And for what you have done to redeem us thru the sacrifice of your son Jesus the Christ.

We profess we have faith in your good news, the saving faith you gave to us by your grace alone thru Christ alone so we thank you Holy Father that we can call you ABBA father, our personal heavenly Lord and savior. We come to you in prayer for David and his family today, because our brother is hurting and asking you for help and us to pray, even though you already knew he would ask for prayer today before the foundation of the world , per your word. Your word says that your mercies are new every day. And today lord we all need your mercy, and provision, and increased faith to trust in your plan and will and perfect timing, making all things work to the good for those who trust in you. We rely on you alone father, and we trust in you and your wisdom and promises to be with us always, thru any struggle we face, and you love us even thru times when we are afraid and may doubt. But we cry out to you merciful and good father, only you know your will in David's situation so we ask for patience and assurance that you are always faithful and love us and care for us and Father please give David peace of mind and heart that you are in control of every detail of our lives and you are not far off wondering what's going to happen next. Please give David what he needs of you Heavenly Father, lead him to the right scriptures from you that will bless him with your truth which will erase the lies from Satan. Father guard David's mind from the enemy and keep him safe in your bosom and his family to follow David's Godly leadership. Whatever the actual situation is please we pray that you would touch and bless David and his family in real ways according to your good will and purpose, we Live you father, in Jesus name we pray

Good news on my end; my restricted diet to deal with IBS type symptoms seems to be starting to work to keep me more regular.

Not that I need that up on a billboard or anything just that I may have mentioned the situation a few months back.

Let us study Luke 10:21 as it has been on my mind the last few days- In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. It is noteworthy that all other translations I have surveyed other than KJV state the Holy Spirit rather than in spirit. Since He is part of the Godhead perhaps it doesn't mean that much; but this was a rare moment He and the disciples seemed to be "in sync". We also should see that this was the 70 sent out to preach the Good News on a sort of initial "trial run" and they rejoiced that demons trembled at His name.

The following verse clarifies a repeated truth. It states in verse 10:22 All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.

This passage indicates God's predestination and calling of His elect ONLY. Read in the broader context we see surrounding verses discuss that this is the fulfillment of what the prophets of old waited for; and sadly the Pharisees refused to see as fulfillment proving that indeed; He was the Messiah. Just as no one had been healed of sight in the O.T. (read John 9 for context); no one had been freed from demons. We do have the case of Saul being temporarily relieved by David's music; which reminds us of Matthew 12:45.

In this case; the report is of demons that seem to flee merely at the speaking of the Truth as they recognize Christ's authority.

This is probably the most common occurrence rather than today's sideshows often filmed for attention online

Greeting's

Psalms 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

1 John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

Blessings

Greeting's

Matthew 11:28

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

2 Corinthians 13:11

"Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."

Blessings

Thank you Azzan77 for those verses that reinforce several truths that God is teaching throughout the Bible.

In Matt 11:25 God is clearly stating that He has written the Bible in a way to HIDE truth from the "wise and prudent" and to REVEAL truth to "babes", ie those that God is saving. This is exactly what Mark 4 is teaching regarding the "parabolic" nature of the whole Bible.

Then in Matt 18:2-5 God is describing the "childlike" nature that God Himself instills in those whom He is saving, ie the elect of God; those that make up the Eternal Kingdom of God.

Very much appreciate your quoting scripture in your comments rather than presenting the mind of men.

Thank you and may God Himself open our spiritual understanding from His Word, as it might be in accordance with His perfect will, as we compare scripture with scripture throughout the entire Bible using God's hermeneutic.

Rev.17.11-12 "The beast that was" (3 of 3)

"And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition./ And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast."

The outer darkness is associated with Satan and it has ever been among us since there was war war in heaven. "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."(Rev.12.9) Jesus referred to the fall, "And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven."

In our time we have the apostles of Christ who must have four falcon jets if they have to go about preaching the gospel. St Paul warned of such," For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ./And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."(2 Cor,11,13-14). In our generation when the idea of Christian theocracy is sown into the heart we are seeing the parable of Jesus coming to a reality. Day of regeneration makes the house swept clean. But Satan shall still find his 'apostles of Christ' 'children of darkness,

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none./Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished./Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation." (Mt.12.43-45).

"And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea."(Rev.20.8-10)

Christian greetings! I like the thought in this verse being elected together as brethren.

"The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son." 1 Peter 5:13 KJV

Concluding thoughts on us being kings and priests in heaven

Maybe it's the extra caffeine I imbibed this evening but I am excited about the future and don't want to end this conversation too fast. Just imagine (and I'm not trying to demean anyone on this site) but not debating theology will be a welcome respite in heaven. We all want to be ready to endure however long it takes but if anyone here is wrong about the Rapture and we go up sooner than expected I won't listen to any complaints.

This was written by Psalty and Ernie Pattino-a kids song; you may have heard it. First two stanzas

Heaven is a wondeful place,

filled with glory and grace,

I want to see my sarviours face.

Heaven is a wonderful place.

I want to go there.

The song continues on the same verses over and over as a trance to kids minds as it was a children's song (never heard of their names but no matter).

(Looks like they spelled savior wrong oh well)

At any rate; we will understand how truly dark it is here once faith becomes our sight; so to speak. (loosely interpreted from 2 Cor. 5:7). According to 1 Corinthians 13:12

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

There is stuff all of us would like to keep hidden for now; and other things we would like others to understand. HE gets us anyway but it will be great for us to be able to fellowship up there without all the baggage we have holding us back today.

No more will there be the need for restraint to avoid sin; we won't ever be able to hurt others or ourselves again.

Before I end this; I want to again emphasize that beyond assurance of salvation which we need to test ourselves for after verbally confessing our faith that as saints whether we receive rewards and authority for more of a ruling position in heaven is dependent on our service NOW. Nehemiah 13:14 repeats a theme of "remember me" as to his deeds for Israel. Let's serve also.

Kings and priests: In training (part 3).

Before I embark further on this subject and how to facilitate proper preparation for future heavenly roles; I will say that as far as I can tell in heaven men and women rule; and as Galatians 3:28 states there is no male and female in Christ. The original implications of the curse are gone in heaven. We should realize that submission of women by no means disqualifies them from spiritual authority and holiness. This is; in my mind a sort of mystery but let's be honest; at least from my experience women are generally or at least have been the majority of those in prayer and spending most of the time doing it compared with men. Perhaps spiritual discernment has allowed me to observe these sorts of things.

As we consider further our training in prayer in particular then the concept of service goes beyond our own local congregation. Let us hope the internet helps with facilitation of communication with missionaries overseas and such-it ain't going to be our own little unit of believers once we get up there. Let's just call it a Bible conference on steroids; or perhaps a conclave from this earth for a time to borrow a Catholic term.

Stanza 2 and 3 from the "Youngbloods-1967

Come on people now

Smile on your brother

Everybody get together

Try to love one another

Right now

Some may come and some may go

We shall surely pass

When the one that left us here

Returns for us at last

We are but a moment's sunlight

Fading in the grass

I hope this can be posted; again this was not as far as I know a Christian group but there is a lot of theology here.

I always say we should start getting along with each other now since we're going to spend an eternity in heaven. For some that is a scary thought but there are always a couple million groups of others we can hang out with for a few hundred years before we cross paths again if we so choose.

I wish we could get just a moment experientially now; no doubt we wouldn't want to return.

Well I'm not sure here who cast their vote on the likelihood of a sequel but here I am once again.

I don't want to draw attention to myself but I am kind of excited about this topic and hopefully others can share this joy. We are according to Revelation kings and priests according to Revelation 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. That; my friends is the Word of God along with Hebrews 11:6 as an encouragement and exhortation: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

I'm not sure if any of us can begin to fathom what it will be like to rule and reign with Christ. It is unnatural for us; as imperfect humans to even spend whatever limited time we have in fellowship; although I will admit since I spend much time alone I need to ensure that I fulfill my responsibilities in heeding the call for Christian service above and beyond my own interests. As much as some have Christian family around them; of course I consider you guys part of this "forever family" concept-ok I'll stop before I get too mushy.

The formula for Sunday worship should follow some order based on the authority God has given elders and deacons; etc. This is to serve and honor God properly; but if the ritual or routine becomes stale it will fail (and in fact it will if the fervor of love for the Lord is left out of the equation as happened with the Ephesian church starting in Revelation 3:1.

When we look around; some may realize that church isn't a social club (at least for those left out of much conversation). The demographics of my church are of people my age (OLD) and not particularly physically attractive. As a guy frankly I'm glad not to have that distraction but I bring this up so we can all be aware of factors that inhibit close fellowshp as we are called to do.

MOre in next post

Ruling and reigning with Christ

I'll call this series (if it goes beyond this post) in depth Christian fellowship in the Body of Christ. As typical on my end I don't put as much forethought as I should perhaps. It should be clear by now that if I am obsessive with anything there is always scriptural backing. Hopefully thinking outside the box will help us to meditate on deeper meanings of our brothers and sisters in Christ; and how we learn to build relationships based on Christ's teachings and through the Spirit rather than our own understanding.

I also want to avoid being boring here; while admitting that without being strongly gifted with serving spiritually it is an effort at times for me to do what I'm sure many of you do on a regular basis in terms of serving others. In general my theme here is that being Born Again allows us to rejoice in serving not only other believers but those in the world who; well aren't exactly out there heaping praise on us all the time. I will say that even when I am not up to par; there is sympathy at times when people see my concern to get it right in an attempt to honor my supervisors and therefore the Lord in my work.

Of course as Paul stated it wasn't his primary mission (he really didn't have the time) in serving tables (see Acts 6:2). He certainly was an example of self sacrificial life himself but the Word of God and the limits of time he had as a travelling Apostle didn't allow for lengthy sidetracks.

I would like to redirect our attention to our role as kings and priests spelled out in Revelation. Jesus acts now; according to Hebrews 4:14 and many other verses in that book and elsewhere to facilitate intercession with the Father in our behalf. We are also 1 Peter 2:5

5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ-this indicates our role in service; prayers and TRAINING for future rule in heaven.

Amen Lbooth1955. Thanks for that added information on the distribution of Tithes. As well, your original question could be extended to: 'If tithing is not required by those under the New Covenant, what of those Laws, including the Decalogue that were given solely to Israel to introduce them to God's Holy requirements, as they found freedom from Egyptian bondage & to be settled in the Promised Land?'

Many believers maintain that we need to obey the Decalogue, in spite of the condemnation that it brings when we fail to "keep the whole law" ( James 2:10). I sense that these folk are considering this subject at the superficial level, i.e. God has spoken, and "the Law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good" ( Romans 7:12), so it remains current & very much applicable for us today to follow. And this would, or should, include keeping the Sabbath, which strangely very few do. And let's not include circumcision.

Whereas, like the Tithes and the hundreds of commandments, ceremonial laws, & the sacrificial system given to Israel to follow and perform meticulously, none of it bears upon us in Christ in any way, to us who have been given new life, under a new abiding Covenant, and God's eternal and comprehensive Laws directed to each of our hearts by His Holy Spirit. Israel of old determined their actions according to the Law that they were given, which then affected their conscience and sacrifice was made each year. Our actions & responses are according to the dictates of the Holy Spirit, which go far far beyond anything that the Old Law could ever do: it only brought condemnation and then the need for sacrifices to stay God's Hand of Judgement. Animal sacrifices were temporary and weak at best; but the Sacrifice of the Lamb of God is eternal and completely forgives and justifies ( Acts 13:38,39; Romans 3:23-28). Just thought to give a little addendum to your original question. Blessings.

Greeting's

John 12:25

"He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal."

Romans 12:2

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

Blessings

Greeting's

Psalms 119:19 "I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me."

Psalms 119:20 "My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times."

Psalms 119:21 "Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments."

Blessings

Lbooth1955,

Tithing is very good, if it helps towards building up the real church, the body of Christ. Tith is only one- tenth; But what about the remaining 9? ( Luke 17:17).

We are created in God's image and we bear Christ's name and seal on us ( Matthew 22:19-21). We are requested to offer ourselves (fully, not one- tenth) as a living sacrifice to God ( Romans 12:1). Then the people in our contacts may get the message of the Good News and turn to God. To live a Christian life (means complete surrender to His will) is the way to win our dear ones for Christ ( 1 Peter 3:1-2) The Cross may be heavy, but the end is glorious beyond imagination ( Psalms 126:5)

KJVHolybible17$,

The Key Verses for Revelation 4:8 would be Isaiah 6:2-3, which reads, "Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

So, they are mentioned as seraphims in Isaiah 6:2. Hope this helps.

Blessings!

2 Cor.6.2 "Now" (2 of 3)

"Now" as decreed by the Father refers to the Day where day of salvation is followed by day of regeneration followed by another, all of which are pendent to the Day. (Ps.2.7) Law of Slmilitude underpins parable; likewise, events on earth have their counterpart in heaven. And there was war in heaven. It has parallel action on the earth as well as below the earth. The Sovereign Lord commands a star,"a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit." Those four angels bound 'the great river Euphrates./And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men."(Rev.9.14-15). They were prepared as the four beasts rising out of the 'great' sea. The Spirit uses the river and the sea and the significance is the same. These obey the Law of the Spirit. The devil also have their angels. The angel of the Lord is on the part of the Covenant and the beast is the culmination of the curse placed on the children of wrath who refuses to enter into the God's rest. Thus we have seven beasts each representing them in a generation. These form the floods, "And the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. The sorrows of hell compassed me about: The snares of death prevented me.:(Ps.18.4-6) They war with the Lamb and we see the beast in our times being put to rout in Rev.19.11-16 "And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. And we are counted,"hese shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful."(Rev.17.11,14)

Armageddon, the battle of that great day of God Almighty, however is before Satan is finally over thrown."And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are."(20.10)

Greeting's

Matthew 11:25 "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."

Matthew 18:3 "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."

Blessings

2 Cor.6.2 "Now" (1 of 3)

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." God decreed this day for his first begotten Son,, worship ye him. (Heb.1.12) He gave him a name "and given him a name which is above every name:/That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;/And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."(Phi.2.9-11) Worshipping Son is for the glory of the Father. This being the truth how come the know nothing rake up controversies for instance over millennium? Earth is the footstool and heaven is the throne.The natural man who refuses to worship him in truth and spirit shall remain the outer darkness from which no such worship is to be expected. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth to be sure.

Darkness over them taught to cut the heart out of the eternal word so the everlasting Covenant has been interpreted to create controversy over creationism vs. Darwinism. What the Law of the Spirit set as seven days, by the same line of reasons is made to mean, a week. It is with such lies the devil sidetracked believers, "The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies."(Ps.58.3) Each day pendent to the Day while the wicked are farther away from truth. We hear of Jesus Chatbots and the fourth beast in the night vision of Daniel, is an AI who shall demand sacrifices and offerings. "the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces."(Dan.7.19) Both left behind church and Jews shall know what a brute overlords over them. In the time of kings Israel offered sons and daughters to devil. Here it shall be reversed. " For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities/Reward her even as she rewarded you."(Rev.18.5-6)

It is said that "there is nothing new under the Sun ... ." There are two things now that I question.

One; Has there been in the past where man meddled with God's DNA, as we are creating perverted life forms now, and

Two; Was there ever a time where Artificial Intelligence (AI) threatened God's creation?

What are the 4 beasts in Revelation 4:8, are they SERAPHIMS??? Thank!

Isa.1.2 "Faith"

"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken"

Isaiah calls the two worlds as witnesses. Hear of heavens refer to the Word, word which was with God; and the earth the prophet calls to witness and says, 'for the Lord hath spoken'. And how come some have heard while the remaining have not? St Paul also testifies, " 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.". The problem therefore is the ear of natural man rejects them as foolishness while the godly hears with the ear of faith. "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."(Rom.10.17-18)

Enmity of flesh and spirit is in their own being and each working under two contrary laws. "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man/ But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members."(Rom.7.22-23). These fall under two worlds where the world framed by the word know the truth because God has revealed them which the carnal man is sold under sin and he is like an adder that stops from hearing. The wicked refuses to come to light because their works are evil."The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies./Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear."(Ps.58.3-4) The Spirit of God raises the banner declaring the holiness of God emblem of which is the slain Lamb. The earth belongs to the Son who presented the doctrine of his Father under the banner of love. ( Jn 3.16)Before fulfilling the will of his Father he announced during the Last Supper,"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you." This life is the life of the Spirit, the emblem of the slain Lamb to which children of faith shall take to, "I am the Way" Grace is his gift.

Hi Chris,

I agree!

Tithing in the Old Testament was the giving of a tenth (10%) of one's increase, commanded under the Law of Moses for Israel. While Abraham ( Gen. 14:20) and Jacob ( Gen. 28:22) gave tithes before the Law, under Moses it became a structured system. Israel actually had three tithes: (1) The Levitical tithe-10% given to the Levites, since they had no land inheritance, and from it the Levites gave a tithe to the priests ( Num. 18:21-28). (2) The Festival tithe-a tenth of produce set aside for yearly religious feasts in Jerusalem, allowing Israel to rejoice before the Lord ( Deut. 14:22-27). (3) The Poor tithe-every third year another tenth was collected locally to support widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor ( Deut. 14:28-29). Altogether, the system amounted to about 23% per year. Tithes supported the priesthood, the temple, Israel's worship, and social care. Malachi 3:8-10, often quoted, was a rebuke to Israel for robbing God by neglecting this Law. In the New Testament, however, the Body of Christ is not commanded to tithe. Instead, giving is voluntary, cheerful, and according to one's ability ( 2 Cor. 9:6-7). Thus, tithing belonged to Israel's covenant system, while under grace believers are called to give freely, not by legal obligation.

Grace and Peace.

Just lost the last post: More on the terror of the mark of the beast

This personal testimony I have shared before at least once I think a few years back. The fact that my writing got wiped out I expected; and I pray that I can get this message sent out.

Now my experience happened 40 years ago but is relevant today. The focus is undoubtably the pure terror I felt considering the mark of the beast; it was as an epileptic seizure paralyzing me in my tracks. I don't question those here who would question my sanity as it is indeed the definition of pure insanity and directly from the supernatural realm. What I was doing was getting involved with someone who was no doubt heavily influenced at the very least if not downright possessed back in college; and the vision involved seeing myself in the future and seemingly tied into the banking system where I was compelled to take the mark; as a goat would be in a pen.

Up until now I haven't shared this with more than a handful of people and haven't included it with street evangelism. Now I do believe as stated in my last post of predestination or election; but that also means those called and chosen will know or have some understanding what they have been delivered from. I do not believe anyone in the church will be present once this happens in the later part of the Tribulation; nonetheless God will strengthen those who have to die as martyrs.

Such a vision makes it impossible to ever forget. It also has made me realize how deep our bond is in Christ and being part of His body. It is also helpful against lukewarmness; which is essentially unbelief in the importance of scripture and how serious God's judgments are going to be and how joyful we should be to escape these things. Why is it when we are saved from God's wrath we seem to take it so lightly?

Eschatology is important but not to me made an idol of. To assent to truth can be worse than unbelief if it produces dull minds and cold hearts.

Further details about the Antichrist and mark of the beast

It is clear from Revelation 13 that all those worshipping the Antichrist go on to taking his mark and these are all individuals not in the Book of Life; predetermined before time itself it appears here.

I can't speak for anyone else here but I have had times many years ago when I was not right with God about being compelled to take the mark; as a sort of vision of the future and horror is an understatement for the pure terror I felt. Now I have discussed before what seems to indicate some who are left behind; but I am considering the state here of whoever is in the Tribulation. Man may indeed be terrified and serve Satan with fear who are unregenerate but the emphasis of scripture is rejection of God because men would not LOVE the truth and be saved. 2 Thessalonians 2:10 puts it this way: And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

Our Lord often stated let this sink into your ears; and this is one of those cases it seems. The sad truth and reality is that we all NOW would worship the Antichrist if we are unregenerate. Try that for size sharing the Gospel with someone; I wouldn't recommend it too often but if man cannot accept his sin nature that is a wake up call. As my "famous" quote states Satan is the equal opportunity destroyer; and (I'll borrow another common phrase) will use any means necessary to bring about his purpose and will. There will be no Atheists as I have shared before in regard to the 6th Seal by the time this mark ensues; and there will be no halfhearted followers. The signs and wonders will be worldwide and no doubt be more than sufficient to convince the masses to think that they indeed have utopia; and likely will live forever taking this mark. Perhaps some will glee in making themselves unredeemable through DNA alteration; in reality their souls already are lost.

Satan's end time "masterpiece"; the Antichrist

Based on my last post; many seem to think that Satan gets great glee in deceiving souls and sending them to hell. Considering that he is going there himself he may be mad enough to somehow think he can avoid his fate but anyone else being there with him I doubt gives him any consolation. We are to him most likely a means to an end to achieve a dream that is destined to fail; that is worldwide worship as the Godhead has only reserved for itself and of course the only Creator to be praised. Unlike our Lord who chastises everyone He loves; and in fact allows those angels who haven't left their first estate to observe and learn from us; nothing more constructive is or can be gained by Satan or his minions in their fallen state. Not being able to control his own fate has no doubt contributed to maniacal schemes to seize control once 2 Thessalonians 2:10 states For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

What we see from Revelation 17:16 is men (10 kings of the earth) destroying the woman on the Beast which is the false world religious system the first half of the Tribulation. This is no doubt to allow their beloved Antichrist to fulfill Satan's desire that he alone is worshipped and this facilitates their ability to have worldwide rulership for that short 3 and a half year time frame. There is much detail as to how the false religious system is a smokescreen; or a means to an end along with the parallel influence of a false prosperity for some in the worldwide economic boom as it were; which apparently extends even further the already bloated super rich class from others who are dying like flies from the plagues and poverty on the earth from the earlier seal and ensuing beginning of the Trumpet judgments. More study on this timing can be pursued later.

All who worship the Beast are NOT in the Lamb's book of life; the mark seals the deal