Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 87

Isaiah 42:14 I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.

Continuing on the theme of God's withdrawing Himself to some extent during the Tribulation in particular is reminiscent of the horrors of the Babylonian captivity in Lamentations. Actually in Job it states Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. ( Job 13:15); and Lamentations states in chapter 3; verses 17-23

And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: I forgat prosperity.

18And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD:

19Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.

20My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.

21This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

22It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

There are further statements after these verses indicsting patiently waiting for the Lord. We know as believers we will never suffer separation from God as Jesus did in taking on the sins of others so He is always there whether or not our physical bodies perish.

What no doubt also made Jeremiah a prototype of the situation today is that as scriptures state nothing is done without the Prophets ( Amos 3:7); and there was extensive attempts to reach His people about the coming Babylonian invasion that came due to their own sins that had come up in God's face. They couldn't accept their culpability and guilt so they also couldn't heed the warning. Foolishly they thought it wouldn't occur; then tried deception and rebellion rather than surrendering as God warned them to do. Much can be learned today of these issues; but my point here is that God has a purpose; even a rest for the land itself in allowing the captivity; and of course that is true for AD 70 and the Tribulation.

Hello Ronald,

I believe you are correct in your summary regarding the bride.

God bless. Have a great day.

Not impugning sins unto us Any thoughts on this?

In the first place, my intent was not to criticize anyone But you have to be honest with yourself when cconsidering that there are approximately 45,000 Christian denominations worldwide and 200 what I would refer to as certified, noticed or recognized Christian denominations in the United States.

And for the most part, all of them have different interpretations of various parts of scripture. One must ask themselves why, why does that happen?

Is everyone right in their own eyes based on the denomination they attend?

In my opinion, I believe it happens because all these denominations mix to some degree, lol, and grace, which brings all kinds of confusion. One denomination will be confused about this or that another one about something else it's total confusion. Nobody agrees on anything so you tell me which denomination is right.?

That is why I follow second Timothy 2:15

Again, I'm not trying to beat up on anybody. I was part of the denominational world for years, but I do believe that the Lord brought me out of that with a better understanding of rightly dividing his word which has given me in my life more clarity and freedom in the Holy Ghost.

God Bless

Ronald,

Wow, thanks so much for that feedback. I believe you hit the mark-bull's-eye.

Thanks again have a great day my Lord bless you.

Lbooth1955

This Scripture clearly means that this reconciliation is for all and any who would believe-both Jew and Gentile. It is a good Scripture for us to remember as this aspect of Christ's work is to not only forgive us our sins, but make us completely new in Him and to fit us for holy relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He reconciled us to God through His sacrifice on the cross, shedding His holy blood to redeem everyone who believes in Him.

I love these truths. They comfort me daily and give me peace.

It is one of my favorite scriptures That God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, and not imputing their sins

Let that sink in.

Dear Lbooth1955

Here, after criticizing other believers for interpreting Scripture through a "lens", (so to speak), whether it is through a denomination, the teachings of a certain person, or one's own created framework, you admit that you, indeed, use a theological framework that began with Darby, was further built upon by Scofield and others, known as dispensationalism. So, you, too, approach the Scriptures with your own preconceptions, just as, perhaps, every other believers does. I think it is best if we each admit that this is true of ourselves before we criticize others for doing just what we do ourselves in our approach to Scriptures.

Secondly,

I have ask dispensationalists I converse with these questions repeatedly, asking for where the Scriptures explicitly, plainly and literally teach these things. I hope that you can show me such Scriptural proof.

1) Where does Scripture teach that we are to definitely and always keep ethnic Israel and the Church separated from each other?

2) Where does Scripture teach that we are to chop up Scripture, delineating specific Scriptures as being strictly for Israel and other specific Scriptures as being strictly for the church?

3) Where does Scripture teach that ethnic Israel will inherit eternally an earthly life and the Church will inherit a heavenly life?

4) Where does Scripture teach that the church came into being because the Jews rejected Jesus as their Messiah?

5) Where does Scripture teach that Jesus would have gone on to establish His kingdom on earth if the Jews would have accepted Him as their Messiah?

6) If #5 is true, where does Jesus sacrifice for sin enter into such a history? Would it have been set aside if the Jesus accepted Him as their Messiah prior to the cross?

I really want to know how dispensationalists justify these beliefs with Scripture that is explicitly, plainly and directly taught, especially by Jesus. Most answers I have been given rely on implicit inferences that are vague.

Amen!

That's a great section of scripture.

It's pretty straightforward.

Blessings

Hey Lbooth1955,

All of Jesus's life was about fulfilling the law and prophecy; it is to the Jew first and then the rest of the world, Romans 1:16, Romans 2:9-10. Jesus clearly said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and He instructed His disciples to do the same, Matthew 10:6, Matthew 15:24. Jesus spoke to them in parables so they would not understand and hear, and be healed, Matthew 13:13-15.

You are correct that, as a nation, they would have been able to receive Jesus as the Messiah if they had repented, and then the kingdom could have been established at that time. However, God knew their hearts. They were expecting Jesus to set up the kingdom at that time, including the apostles. They asked Jesus if He was going to establish it then, Acts 1:6.

Their final rejection is shown when they cried out loudly and covered their ears, Acts 7:57. Though many disagree, this also fulfills the last seven years in the prophecy of Daniel 9, which many associate with the end times and the doctrine of the Rapture of the Church. This gospel of grace is offered to Jew or Greek, and unto the whole world.

There is no difference between the Jew and any other person of any nation, Romans 10:12. It took the apostles some time to understand this, as shown by Peter's reluctance and his dream. It may not be in our Bible, but I believe they all understood God's plan. This Kingdom will be established when Jesus returns, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, Romans 11:25.

God bless,

RLW

Amen and so true Gerald,

Do you agree that we are in the dispensation of Grace at this present time?

Blessing!

Thanks, brother,

Chastising is one thing we don't think of as much as we should. How many times do we overlook events that we should learn and grow in our walk with the Lord? I guess that is what it means to quench the Holy Spirit. I agree that without the blood of Christ shed for us, we are just a walking, unclean thing.

God bless,

RLW

Brother Jesse,

I have enjoyed this discussion. We agree on many points. Salvation is a gift from God that we cannot earn, and nothing can take it from us. I know you and others believe one cannot walk away or fall away, but to me, that is what is going to happen, as told us in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. We cannot see into a person's heart; only God can, but I have seen people like the one I mentioned before totally change from who they were and never repent and return.

2 Thessalonians 2:3, falling away meaning apostasy, this is to happen before Jesus returns. This will be an enormous betrayal of the faith, as in 1 Timothy 4:1. My understanding this would not be an apostasy if these people were not saved in the faith of Jesus.

God bless,

RLW

Hi Azzan77,

I understand that many consider the church as the bride. My understanding, not to say yours is wrong, is based on Ephesians 5:21-25. I see it as a symbolic usage of a man, his wife, and marriage to represent how we should submit ourselves to Christ. Husbands should love their wives as Jesus loved the church so much that He gave His life for it.

2 Corinthians 11:2 the Greek word harmozo, translated as espoused, seems to be used in a marriage context. Considering Corinth, their morals were not very good, and Paul warns of the danger of spiritual infidelity. Saying he was jealous would be like a father concerned for his child.

I see the church figuratively spoken of as the bride, but the church is not explicitly called the bride. I understand you and others may not agree, but this is how I perceive it.

Thank you for your reply.

God bless,

RLW

As in the days of Lot continued .

In Isiah it says " if there had not been a very small remnant in Isreal it wouod have been as Sodom .

Applied to the UL that would make these islands barren rock and London a wasteland .

Pray to God we are counted among that remnant .

Lot was blind to the hour in which he lived because he walked by sight and not by faith . And though counted righteous for his " righteous soul was vexed by the filthy conversation of the wicked" he did not leave .

But God remembered him and sent messengers to get him out . The message that brought light and deliverance to him brought death and destruction to the inhabitants . They had a struggle though to get him to move! In the end he lost everything but the salvation of his soul " as through fire "

So it will be of some of Gods people they will be saved but" will suffer loss as through fire".

In the days of Lot you had Abraham . One walked by faith and the other by sight .

So shall it be at the coming of the Lord . Two in the field two in the bed ..etc one taken and the other not being ready ,left .

Jesus told his disciples " be ye also ready" .

Gen.1.1-19

How often a believer fails to remember that the Bible is the God document and read it as a narrative of events, when when man does is history. Thus we have litany of crimes and wars. What God does is for bringing the children of light to the forefront as examples of righteousness because they are wrought in God. Every believer who has come to the light and has wrought in God has faith and works. Accordingly the Holy Spirit classify a child of God as being complete in Jesus Christ. Under the seven days the Covenant everlasting has delivered from darkness. Thus heavenly blessings under this Covenant are presented.

v.19 establishes the believer having enetered into the God's rest shall move on unimpeded to the morning that says, there shall be no night ther. "And the evening and the morning were the fourth day."

Remaining three days similarly promises him all the blessings in Jesus Christ so his substance as inheritor shall be as having the Son. He has also the Father. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is./And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."( 1 Jn 3.2-3)

Hello Friends,

My final thoughts on the matter of Kingdom message compared to the Salvation through Faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross, with heavenly blessings and a heavenly hope.

The "kingdom message" preached by Peter and the other apostles-particularly in the early chapters of Acts-was primarily directed to Israel and centered on the offer of the earthly Messianic kingdom promised in the Old Testament. This message called the nation to repentance and faith in Jesus as the risen Messiah and King, with the expectation that if Israel as a nation responded, Christ would return and establish His kingdom on earth ( Acts 3:19-21). Peter's sermons (e.g., Acts 2 and 3) emphasized Jesus' fulfillment of prophecy, His resurrection, and His role as the promised Davidic King. The apostles preached "the gospel of the kingdom," which was consistent with what Jesus proclaimed during His earthly ministry ( Matthew 4:17; Luke 9:1-6).

However, this message was rejected by the nation of Israel, culminating in the stoning of Stephen in Acts 7. It is after this national rejection that God raised up Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles ( Acts 9; Romans 11:13). Through Paul, God revealed the "mystery" of the body of Christ-a previously hidden truth ( Ephesians 3:1-9; Colossians 1:24-27). The body of Christ is not a continuation of Israel's kingdom program but a new entity in which there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile ( Galatians 3:28). Paul's message was the gospel of the grace of God ( Acts 20:24), focused not on an earthly kingdom, but on salvation through faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross, with heavenly blessings and a heavenly hope.

In summary, the kingdom message was not meant for the body of Christ. It was directed to Israel, offering a literal kingdom on earth. The body of Christ, a new creation revealed through Paul, operates under a different gospel and program-centered on grace, not law or kingdom promises.

Blessings to all!

"As in the days of Noah .."

"As in the days of Lot "

We may not know the E act time of the Lord coming to the air FOR His bride .

But we are given the time as to the season .

In the days of Noah " the world was full of violence " and the imagination of mens hearts was towards evil continually"

At no time in the history of the world since then has the whole world been so violent .

And via the internet the imagination of mens hearts is towards evil continually without let without a break .

But in the time of Noah there was also Enoch who walked with God and was not for God took him . In another place it says he was " translated" His walk was by faith not by sight .

And while he was translated before the outpouring of Gods wrath upon the world .

Noah who was "moved with fear " was saved through the flood .

In the days of Lot we find a different world but one who's stench of corruption was so bad it had reached heaven .

We read of Lot that in the beginning he was as 'rich' in the blessing of God as Abraham and the land was not able to bare them both and there was friction . So Abraham despite being the eldest and shouild have first choice gave Lot the first choice and said " If you go that way ,I will go this way ,if you go this way ,I will go that way . It did not matter to Abraham which way he went for he was walking by faith . Lot on the other hand we are told walked by sight for seeing the land 'richer' " pitched his tent towards Sodom " The next time you hear of him he is captured WITH them and the next time he is living AMONG them and some sort of judge . But because he walked by sight albeit counted righteous he was unaware of the danger he was in or the hour of the day .

But Abraham was told of God what He was about to do . So Abraham began to intercede but found not 20 or 10 righteous men who could have saved the cities . In Isiah 5(?) It speaks that if there "had not been a very small remnant in Isreal it wouod have been as Sodom " to be cont

Hello Friends,

Maybe this will be helpful as to how I'm arriving at my viewpoints.

Dispensationalism is a theological framework that sees history as divided into distinct periods, or "dispensations," in which God interacts with humanity in different ways. It emphasizes a literal interpretation of Scripture and a clear distinction between Israel and the Church.

Most dispensationalists identify seven dispensations:

Innocence - Adam and Eve before the Fall ( Genesis 1-3)

Conscience - From the Fall to the Flood ( Genesis 4-8)

Human Government - After the Flood ( Genesis 9-11)

Promise - Abraham to Moses ( Genesis 12- Exodus 19)

Law - Moses to Christ ( Exodus 20- Acts 2)

Grace - The Church Age ( Acts 2-present)

Kingdom - Christ's 1,000-year reign ( Revelation 20)

Each period involves a specific test, human failure, and God's judgment, followed by a new dispensation.

The King James Bible (KJV) contains the word "dispensation" four times:

1 Corinthians 9:17

Ephesians 1:10

Ephesians 3:2

Colossians 1:25

These passages use the Greek word oikonomia, meaning stewardship or administration.

GB

Gen.1.16 "The lights"

"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."

The greater light to rule the day: It enforces the decree " I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee."(Ps.2.7) Second point is that Working relationship: my Father worketh hintherto, and I work.( Jn 5.17). The adjective 'great' establishes works of men shall be judged. " But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."( Jn 3.21) By the same token the Son (the lesser light) shall judge the evil. "For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved."(v.20) The Spirit refers to judgment with the phrase,'rule the bight.' The verb in this verse is not creating but testimony of the two great lights and those who come to the light, their 'deeds may be made manifest'. What is wrought in God make them sons of God. They are judged as wise. " And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever,"(Dan.12.3) These stars point to the new heaven and new earth where no night shall be there.'for there shall be no night there.'(Rev.21.25) What does that mean? That God may be all in all.The great light to rule the day is when the Son hand over his kingdom,"And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all."

Hello Chris,

Thank you for your recent reply. I enjoyed reading everything you included in your reply. I believe in my heart of hearts that we agree on more than we disagree on, and you are correct in your statement that there is no place in scripture where it states that baptism had ceased, and I do agree with that statement. I think the sticking point between your point of view and mine is the distinction between Paul's mission of going to the Gentiles with the gospel of grace without any works result in salvation, and Peter's mission of going to the little flock/i.e. the house of Israel which to my understanding is faith plus works i.e. baptisms are a requirement to acquire salvation, if I'm understanding you. I believe this is a sticking point. I will say that in my heart I don't believe it's a wrong to be baptized that would be ridiculous. Myself have been baptized many many years ago, and the father son and the Holy Ghost and then a few years after that in the name of Jesus Christ so I'm not opposed to people getting baptized I am opposed when it's taught that someone must be baptized in order to be saved I believe that to be an error.

Blessings

More on God's purposes for judgment

The concept of God allowing bad things to happen surely; as it were is on steroids today and not exactly diminishing in the Tribulation. We see verses where Christ discusses the fall of the tower of Siloam as well as the horrific experience of those killed due to Pilate's insanity ( Luke 13:1-4). Frankly I haven't heard any commentaries regarding exactly how either of these events went down although what happened to the Galileans isn't something I'm in any rush to examine further.

It is edifying in the sense that these passages show Christ was aware what was happening outside of the immediate parameters of His ministry. He used parables primarily; especially later on during His ministry with the Pharisees to bring out their hypocrisy with very specific wsys that they were "lording it" over the populus.

I already elaborated as to the overall reason for the time of Jacob's Trouble; or otherwise known to the world at large as the Tribulation. The Jews and Gentiles at that time are separately dealt with and judged as I also pointed out the other day.

Jesus wasn't playing when He mentioned coming back to rule and reign and killing His enemies ( Luke 19:27) The parables avoid specificity as to inditing any specific individual; and this is further evidenced by His silence with Pilate during his inquisition before He was crucified. He seemed to talk in the third person a lot; such is the concept of John 8:37. The same idea of course of Parables involved the righteous and blessings which are proclaimed in the "Sermon on the mount". We need to carefully examine these passages to avoid improper judgment of behaviors and attitudes of any individual "before the time" as their current state may or may not be permanent depending on if they come to faith or not. All that being said the church is to judge among its own; righteously but for the sake of jealousy for His Name and presence in the House of God.

For thus saith the Lord, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

( Jeremiah 29:10-12)

In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer. ( Isaiah 54:8).

These two passages show that during specific time frames God was leaving His influence from His people. The first verse is part of a lengthy section which reinforces the idea that the false prophets predicting a short time of exile and or good news about resisting Nebuchadnezzar and his army was to be ignored and that the 70 years in the land predicted was a done deal as far as God was concerned. We see this pattern as well with 7 years determined for the Tribulation which in this Isaiah passage and also Isaiah 9 which is in today's Bible verse describes in regard to the conditions during His rule and reign over the earth.

We only need to look at the passages in the Gospels regarding God the Father turning away for the brief moment Christ was on the cross to see the hour of darkness which enveloped the earth ( Luke 22:53) and see the parallel with the son of perdition at that time (Judas Iscariot) and the future one during the Tribulation once the Restrainer is removed ( 2 Thess. 2:6-7).

Jeremiah 3:14 states

14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:.. This; despite the passage in verse 8 in the same chapter announcing God's divorce from His people due to spiritual adultery; as it were.

God therefore has purposes in His hidden counsel ( Deut. 29:29); but a greater purpose

Thanks for your reply . Time and space will not allow everything that could be said to be said but I have written another post on the subject of culture before this one which might help to explain my thinking .

While I have not been out in the mission field per se . I married a French woman and we often went to France . I have also most of my Christian life been out and about preaching the gospel alone and with the church members to which I attend .

I have also taught Asian langauge students develop their English so I am a little conversant with cultures very different from ' western' ones as well as going to Africa once .( Nigeria)

So my thinking is not without some foundation of experience but more certainly by the scriptures for there I read of a culture like nothing on earth and to which all men by natural birth have no knowledge or experience of at all .Though some try devilish means to find some other way .

I'm an Englishman and thankful to God for being so born .This country has enjoyed more liberty in law religion and politic progressively and for longer than any other nation on earth . But we have exchanged the truth for a lie our liberty for bondage and our true Christian heritage for "a mess of pottage ". Our ' culture' has changed and not for the better .and we have become much like it was in Gidions day .and for the same reasons .

God raised up the Assyrians to be not only the scourge of the children of Isreal for their hypocrocy and idolitory but also and worse to the gentiles . God has not changed .

The children of Isreal " were improvised" and Gidion was hiding as he threshed his wheat . The church is in 'hiding'.

It has heard of God and what God did in the past but knows little today of the Great" I am ".

That's the culture I'm looking for and promoting and while I can be patient and gracious with others when I can , I'm not unaware that they are opposed to the gospel even as our present 'culture'is.

Thank you for your thoughtful reply .

On such a site as in any 'text' message misunderstandings can easily happen either because of a ill thought out mode of expression or simply because your not ' hearing' r seeing what people are saying .

So we all need patience with each other and not 'jump to conclusions' .

While I understand your point and the culture with which we might be faced with has many variations for each it seems emphasise parts that others see of No or little consequence.

And your example is a good one but it is not is it the gospel? It is simply tradition and social mores of a people .

The gospel cannot be changed to suit any culture .

Not shaking hands with a Muslim woman is more to do with wisdom than it is to do with the gospel .

But the greater includes the lesser but the lesser never includes the greater .

The approach to any man is where man is spiritually . And if we preach it is not so much to the English the Pakistani or Indian etc but rather to his Adamic nature .For it is that which has to change .

The rest will follow .

We are not talking about langauge for the gospel can be spoken in any langauge but we are lost if we try and make it 'fit' into a culture or conform to its sensibilities for whatever culture it is ,it never saved anyone .

But rather keeps them blinded to the truth for at root all cultures have their foundations in its particular religion.

A child of God is an ambassador of another kingdom and a true church of God is an embassy .

That kingdom is of " Gods dear Son " and we are of the light " the true light .

All the kingdoms of this world ( including the UK) are built on a foundation of treachery murder bloodshed and war .and if the UK or another turned out differently it was only by the grace of God. Nevertheless we seek a City that hath foundations who's builder and maker is God" we represent a kingdom and are citizens of it that is going to last forever for it is built on better foundations .

Just as a warning :

EVERY " Ism " bedevilling the church today ( literally) are all wrong .

Each taking one doctrine and thinking they can understand all scripture by it whatever that 'ism' is .Any true doctrine of God are like the bones in the body each has its place and function and gives the body strength and uprightness .

Trying to fit a doctrine in the wrong place simply will not work .

But if any try to do so or make all scripture fit that particular ism sooner or later you will have to " twist the scriptures" to try and make them fit to your own destruction .

People get polarised into their opposing "isms" and fight to the death for their position not realising they have been slowly swept from the truth like swimmers in the sea in a changing tide .

You cannot deny the dispensations of God but neither are they the be all and end all of "all truth ".

You cannot deny those doctrines that are of God but you shouid not tnink they are the key to understanding "all scripture"

Peter had to learn that lesson . For when he got the understanding " Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God";He was perfectly right and the Lord confirmed it . But when the Lord began to give more light as to His coming rejection suffering and death ,Peter could not 'see' how that fitted with what he knew to be the truth and started to instruct the Lord . He was rebuked as the mouthpiece of Satan . ( not infallible then)

Every denomination from Luther onwards has in some measure done the same .

Rome has not only held fast to her heretical errors but has since the reformation added to them and now counts herself infallible .

The Protestant church has with all its 'versions ' and " better understanding"is simply filled with a lot of opinions and debates things long ago tried tested and proved right or wrong and which Paul said was but the " milk of the Word"

Time is running out and the Lord is as it on His way and we need to " go on to perfection".

You have forgotten I think that the Lord is calked both the "second Adam" and in another place the " last Adam"

The second Adam because he was likened unto the first but after the first Adam there was no other like him till the " second Adam" and the last Adam because he was likened unto the first Adam but after Him there is no other .

" The first Adam was made a living soul the last a quickening Spirit "

Now if the Lord is likened u to Adam who had a body was not he put to sleep and a woman created from part of that body? A help meet for him a bride?

So too in relationship with the church which is His body .

The Bride of Christ will come from His body a body from the body a double selection .

Out of all the tribes of Isreal only Levi had no inheritance on earth for "God was their inheritance".

Out of the 12 disciples you had another body of Peter James and John who walked much closer with the Lord than the others who saw and partook of tnings the others did not. A body out of a body .

Behold I stand at the door and knock,if sny man has ears to hear and opens the door to THEM ( but not to all) is the promise made .

The ten virgins are separated from by only one thing . The 5 wise entered into the " marriage" the 5 foolish were barred from it not being " ready".( but not from the kingdom . For " I know you not " unrecognisable as the Bride .

The wicked are barred from the kingdom " I never knew you ". Unrecognisable as sons of God .

Every true BORN child of God is called to that high calling . But to be BORN again simply qualifies us to " run the race" it does not " win us the prize".

' is not the gospel that saves today' yiu say then how was it 3000 souls were saved?

The gospel is life to them that believe but death to them that do not.To the Jews first then the gentiles .

The same messengers that brought light and 'salvation' to Lot also brought blindness and destruction to the city.

The same message that Moses brought to the children of Isreal brought destruction and judgement upon Egypt and Pharoah .

The Lord Himself was spoken of as one who would be " the rising and falling if many" So it was then so it is now .

We stand between the living and the dead when we go out to preach the gospel .

I fear however the gospel has been so watered down if it was poison it wouod not kill anyone and if it was medicine it would not heal anyone . For what is often preached as grace is a disgrace .

God is a Holy God indeed, thrice holy . And we are to be reconciled to a Holy God and thus be also holy .

The gospel is a sword that will divide those who reject it from those who embrace it with thankful hearts .

The cross which seems so rarely preached is a place of death to sin as much as it is a place of life to all who believe .

" As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness so must thecSon of Man be lifted up ( on the cross) and if I be lifted up I will draw all men unto Me" in that He said " ALL " none then are omitted all are included .

The message preached by Peter was to them ALL and had the potential to save ALL.

Those being convicted and responding got saved .

God so loved the world who then is excluded? But who is the promise given to?

The world is in the mess it is in because Nan did not believe God and disobeyed God .

God has not changed .He is the same yesterday today and forever .

Those who are saved are those who believe God " shall not perish" and " obey the gospel" .

And Mankind ( not humans) still shall not LIVE by bread alone but by the Word of God that proceeds from the Father .

While God was married to Isreal under the Old Covenant He eventually divorced her on the grounds of her adultery ( idolatry).

She will eventually ( as a whole) be saved ( in a day) by the same means faith in Jesus Christ theur Messiah who they will see " who they had pierced"

But they will not make up the Bride of Christ though some Jews will be .

But Joseph was already married when he revealed himself to his brethren the second time . And Moses was also married to a gentile bride when he came the second time to ' save ' the children of Isreal .

The Bride of Christ will be made up primarily of gentiles from every nation etc .

The Church is mistaken in its perceptions as to the nature character and disposition ofthe Bride of Christ . Taking but one verse and building a mountain upon it when many other scriptures teach something else .

True it is that every true BORN child of God is called to that "high calling" but exposure to truth does not change us or get us ready but rather it's our response to it.

To be BORN again qualifies us to " run the race " it does not win us the prize".

The Lord is coming FOR His bride who has " got herself ready" they meet " in the air" and go to the marriage supper of the Lamb .

Her leaving will remove all restraints on the spirit of antichrist and will usher in the " great tribulation" .and the Antichrist .

Then at the appointed time He will come WITH His Bride.

( note) John the Baptist considered himself but " a friend of the bridegroom ". .

The two great lights one to rule the day and the other to rule the night .

Primarily if not exclusively refers to Christ who is the Sun and the church which is the moon but which has no light if it's own but bares witness to the fact that even in the darkest night when it is still shining ,that not only is the Sun still shining but that there is coming a perfect day .

She rules the night by her relationship with the sun seated with it in heavenly places . For when the Lord walked this earth He was the light of the world but since He left the church is to be that light as every true BORN child of God is a child of Light .

Thus the church is meant to rule over the darkness . You cannot overcome darkness with darkness nor indeed overcome another's 'truth' but with a version of your own 'truth'. But have only power and authority over " all the works of the enemy " y being in submission to the Sun .

A man may see the truth and hear the truth. He can meditate on the truth . He can know the truth ,the truth can be in him ,he can speak the truth walk in the truth and can do the truth but no ,an save the Lord even with all that say 'I am the truth'.. He can be but a witness of the truth as the moon is of the sun.