Bible Questions Page 37

Part 1

Will the Church age Believers received a mansion ? ?

Jesus was talking to the Twelve Disiples about many mansions for them .

John 14:2

In my Father's house are manymansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Jesus is promising The Twelve Disiples the twelve thrones, just like the many mansions.

Matthew 19:28

And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelvethrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Part 2

The only building the church age will get is in heaven.

2 Corinthians 5:1

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have abuildingof God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Our building is in the Lod Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:21

In whom all thebuildingfitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

We have the temple of God living inside us .

1 Corinthians 3:16

Know ye not that ye are thetempleofGod, and that the SpiritofGoddwelleth in you?

We are all to build on Apostle Paul's foundation and that is the gospel of grace.

1 Corinthians 3:10

According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wisemasterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

May we all understand the word of truth.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Part 5 Assurance of faith

The problem with the "once saved always saved" concept; bringing home my point in the previous post; is the idea that some sort of mystical thing happened where we suddenly are saved without any obvious changes occurring. Cheap consumerism may be a human trait in acquiring something which we throw away a short time later. God redeemed us with intent for an eternal future in His Kingdom; and to purge us from our old ways to make us fitting and suitable to be in His presence now; and heaven later.

If someone doesn't see Christ in us then they aren't able through our lifestyle to hear His voice; and our words may not have effect either. There are some exceptions to that as even false preachers have seen genuine converts. Speaking His Word will have its effect but let's face it who here wants to see converts despite our actions as opposed to because of our Godly lives demonstrating Christ's love and in turn bringing the fear of God to them? This brings us to Balaam and the mad prophet who a donkey had to speak to to correct. God spoke through the High Priest who prophesied about one man dying for the nation ( John 11:50-51). Somehow even Pilate insisted that King of the Jews be written above the cross Jesus hung on.

Now to some acts of true converts.

Repentance. Going back to the James verse I quoted in an earlier post today; we can talk about hell until we are blue in the face; an in fact many who claim to have had an NDE or actually briefly perished and had what they said was a hell experience admittedly often try to forget; or it doesn't change them immediately from their sinful lifestyle; and they state they weren't saved at that point. Again it is the sin nature that is the root of the problem not just outer actions; only Christ can truly crucify the old nature. And only HE can show us how truly evil we are; and the love of Christ does that if it is AGAPE and truly from the Lord. We die but have NEW desires in Him.

Take 2 Eternal security or lack thereof

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. ( James 3:17).

See Colossians 3:2 in regard to the mind of Christ along with Romans 8:16.

The unbeliever will go through life much as Solomon describes it in following animal type passions; and dying much in the same way ( Ecclesiastes 3:19). Nonetheless we are differed from animals as we have some concept of "eternity in our hearts" ( Ecclesiastes 3:11) and the believer as these verses show have the true light from God which guides the now living spiritual man to direct their actions.

Let us go through a few examples that are commonly seen which are NOT assurances of salvation

I can illustrate my point through a poem; hopefully not flagged but I think it better brings some of these concepts home.

I come from a native tongue not from some ragged slum (ok not the best rhyme) (racist)

I'm the pride and joy of my family 5th generation with my name on the tombstone (pride)

Outside our private home. (respecter of persons)

We made something of ourselves in this world; a grand reputation (guilt by association with family pride)

Put the fear of God in those heathen and reaped the harvest of our emancipation (superiority complex; conquest mindset)

I've got more titles than many famous statesmen (again pride in status making importance of man made titles like Pharisees)

In my heritage there are Bishops; Deacons and Knights of persuasion

And my endless good works are proof of my salvation. (the clincher; good works EARN our way into heaven)

How about them apples? Ok I seriously hope that everyone monitoring this page will bear with me; as I extract my pertinent meanings from this little deviation from the norm...as a little damage control I did a preemptive parenthetical commentary to point out the faults of this worldly mindset).

More to come I hope

which chapter in Job refers to "hoary head"?

Part 1

What is sin today ? ? Is the Ten Commandments shows us that we are sinners ? ? Ten Commandments was given to Israel from Moses to follow and more laws were added. Here is the Ten Commandments in Exodus.

Exodus 20:1-17

1 And God spake all these words, saying,

2I am theLordthy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

3Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

4Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

5Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I theLordthy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

6And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

7Thou shalt not take the name of theLordthy God in vain; for theLordwill not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

8Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

9Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

10But the seventh day is the sabbath of theLordthy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

11For in six days theLordmade heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore theLordblessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

12Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which theLordthy God giveth thee.

13Thou shalt not kill.

14Thou shalt not commit adultery.

15Thou shalt not steal.

16Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

17Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

Ray

Should a Pastor have a payroll in a church ? ?

Jesus as a preacher possible had a job as a carpenter with His stepfather Joseph.

Matthew 13:55

Is not this thecarpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

Jesus as a preacher does not believe in a church to sell goods for profit.

Matthew 21:12

And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of themoneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

Jesus as a preacher also paid his taxes .

Matthew 17:24-27

24And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

25He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

26Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.

27Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

The gospel of grace has no payroll, it's free.

Why should we follow Paul ? ? But what about following Jesus ? ?

All Twelve Disiples followed Jesus earthly ministry in the four gospels for the kingdom of heaven on earth.

Matthew 4:19

And he saith unto them,Followme, and I will make you fishers of men.

Mark 1:18

And straightway they forsook their nets, andfollowed him.

Luke 5:11

And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, andfollowed him.

John 1:37

And the two disciples heard him speak, and theyfollowed Jesus.

Why should we follow Apostle Paul ? ?

Jesus Christ in Heaven did say that Apostle Paul was a chosen vessel for the Gentiles.

Acts 9:15

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is achosenvesselunto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Jesus Christ is the author of the whole Bible.

Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus theauthorand finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus Christ wants us to follow Apostle Paul's epistle for doctrine and Salvation.

1 Corinthians 11:1

Be yefollowers ofme, even as I also am of Christ.

Apostle Paul's doctrine is from Jesus Christ in Heaven.

Romans 16:17

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to thedoctrinewhich ye have learned; and avoid them.

Apostle Paul said that we can always learn from the Old Testament and the caring down kingdom of gospel in the four gospels. The death of Jesus Christ started the New Testament

Hebrews 9:16

For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of thetestator.

Romans 15:4

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for ourlearning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

I follow Apostle Paul's epistle in Jesus Christ for Doctrine and Salvation.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

More thoughts on money-how much is too much?

Our Pastor of late has studied a couple books related to finances; one of the best I suppose on discipline overall is Larry Burquette.

One of the big issues in terms of a church budget is the building itself and the much less expensive alternative of sharing the rent of a building with others (or owning a church that is rented to others). That again gets into the "guilt by association"; if we know another congregation is teaching heresy I argue that we should remove ourselves (better yet find out beforehand who we rent to).

Those congregations that can work together can cetainly multiply exponentially what can be done in the community. I have seen this occur in a different situation where a church worked with a different congregation (maybe more than one) across town in a Pittsburgh church (I suppose I can't mention the name here).

This begs the question why such arrangements can't be made first or at least sought out before making agreements with others.

Issues with musical groups in our church who I also won't mention has allowed for some entertainers not singing about the Lord to be featured who thankfully were resisted by some. That involves letting another person or organization run functions who we haven't monitored carefully another subject matter.

Knowing personally a missionary (probably several) that have overcrowded churches due to budgeting issues and other factors holding things up and seeing the buildings (or basic frames thereof) that are much more crude than ones we are used to helps bring things into focus.

I would say that a top priority should involve a basic explanation or review of where church spending goes and participation of members as to making certain decisions. Wisdom of those with business experience is different than RUNNING a church as a business.

My next segment will focus on the Pastor himself and attempt to find a scriptural basis on what his salary should be.

Guilt by Association Part 2

9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

( 1 Cor. 6:9-11)

This section of 3 verses pretty much sums up what culture is promoting these days. To be delivered from sin and live a new life doesn't mean we no longer sin but we are affected by the grieving of the Spirit when we turn our backs on God and don't live a lifestyle characterized in this manner again. The question as to whether we are dealing with a brother who is backslidden or someone deceived as to being saved at all means of course we have to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith; again that is another topic.

Romans 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Here we see what is sadly often the case; those calling themselves Christians in order to increase their own financial gain cowtow to those who are obviously in rebellion and themselves often are deceived while deceiving others ( 2 Timothy 3:13).

How sad that the opposite doesn't occur more; that those who do believe the truth invite the lame; blind; poor and other miserable wretches of society to eat with them and spend time with these individuals out of concern for their souls. It is much more likely among individual parishioners than pastoral leadership in most places today; for if their isn't financial incentive for many in leadership there are ego perks involved; whether in meetings with other Pastors or doing community service.

More in next part

(1 Thessalonians Part 11):

1 Thessalonians 4:14 - For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and the word "if" is 1st Class Condition, meaning it's true. It's translated since. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also, and notice this: which sleep in Jesus God will bring with him.

How do you bring dead people with you if they're in the grave? They're asleep in Jesus. Their physical body is in the grave. They are absent from the body and present with the Lord, and when the Lord comes back, they come back with Him.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 - For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout. The word shout, KALUO, is the word for command. He's just not going to yell. He's going to give a command.

More on personal experience in reading scripture.

In general, we could state the world is still very similar to what it is today in the time of Christ in many ways when it comes to moral and civil matters in more respects than we may expect although there were obvious differences in the freedoms of women (although that varied back and forth through different centuries); and the acceptance of slavery to name two things. We could; for example take Christ's parables and say why not substitute it for similar moral precepts today? We certainly don't need to use the old British coinage of "talents" and "mites" and other obscure descriptions of money to get the concept of these Parables.

The eternal truths of the Parable of Lazarus and the rich man means it is not allegorical but literal; therefore more like forensic evidence for realities of the afterlife than a story about moral principles. At any rate taking latitudes to change the story or come up with other tales that show the same principle aren't necessarily wrong but also it doesn't rise to the level of scripture which always supplements earlier materials (such as talking about the "bosom" of Abraham; again a real life event just as what happened at the Transfiguration where Moses and Elijah appeared).

Such ideas could expand to subjects such as Christian music as well. There are those who rightly espouse singing Psalms who are worshipping God straight out of scriptures; something which we don't see today with most "Christian" music with a few exceptions; mainly with Messianic Jewish groups. The exclusion of any other styles; or using instruments may have some merit but as a rule I cannot hold to such strict boundaries. The same can be said for "intentionality" here though; why are these artists singing about Christ is it to promote their own careers by never challenging anyone in their lyrics or personal appearances about sin and only stalking about God's love in some sappy lyrics?

Interpreting scripture.

Does our interpretation of doctrine determine the meaning of scripture or our understanding of scripture build our concept of the doctrines and meaning therein?

Under no circumstances would I continue to submit to the authority of a church whose leadership expouses what is clearly a false doctrine. There are those around us who may have different concepts of what certain doctrines mean. How I would approach that is to study the Scripture; and make any argument or "burning of bridges" be based on what CAN be understood. What is most important is that THE truth is present; i.e. the Holy Spirit is leading people to true repentance. Sometimes error can proceed from simply not considering scripture. It is also true; of course that even those in cults may have better knowledge of scripture than we do just to prove their point that they are the "chosen ones" or elite.

Therefore; it is the intention of the use of scriptures which is to be a major factor. Are we trying to indoctrinate people as a cult leader; or control freak by using guilt or shame to put fear in people rather than the true fear of God? Who is being exalted?

We also have to look at Bible translations; and I am willing to state that indeed it appears KJV is the best translation or one of the best most common translations to date; although once again I should point out the Tyndale and Geneva Bible came beforehand (the Geneva is something I have been borrowing in my small group studies of late and I can say it is sufficiently close to KJV). There are crucial places where the "I am" appear to be missing; for instance in other translations.

In looking to persoanal applications this is a tricky business. Indeed we have to relate things in our human brains to what we have seen in our own experiences in some ways; on a human level to understand the Word; ultimately the Spirit will illuminate the minds of the truly regenerate.

More to come; Lord willing.

Part 2

Since women have left their houses and their children and went off to the job market, our kids grow up not next to their parents but in state scholls where they will be tought for the next 10-15 years the wisdom of Babylon. "I will teach them the right think", shouts the devil. "go to your job, don't worry, your kids are under my protection. I will be taking care of them now" "Go, go, be successful, work hard, 2-3-4 jobs from day to night, be rich, rich houses, rich cars, jewelery, buy happiness BUT leave your kids to me" " I will teach them progressive things, like God is a myth, man came out of apes, life is short, eat drink as much as you like, LGBT agendas, inclusion, respect the wills of others, why are you interested what they do on their bed, it is their right to do what they like, everything is normal." LEAVE YOUR KIDS TO ME TO TEACH THEM THE WISDOM OF BABYLON.

And this often doesn't ring a bell in christian parent's ears. They work from day to night to provide the best for their kids - not bad but there must be a limit to that. Isn't that what Pharaoh also did? He forced the Israelites to work hard all day so that they have no time to think and worship their God. And the parents' only dreams from their kids is to be successfuln in life, brilliant studies, rich houses, cars, money, good athletes, piano, guitar, great talents BUT lost sheep as well. They have lost the right direction. We have lost our path to heaven. We are walking down the wide and easy way. If the devil can not bring the church in the world then he will try to do the opposite, to bring the world in the church. And I think this is the major problem in all christian congregations nowadays. We have lost our scope in life, we have gone another way, the way of the world. Firstly us and then our kids who God has given to us and trusted in us to bring them safely to heaven.

did God ever call us christian? where can I find it in scripture.

Little children you know the Father and your sins are forgiven .

Young men the Word of God dwellers in you richly and yiu have overcome the wicked one .

He fathers you know Him who is from the beginning .

1John .

Little children are forgiven ,born again .

What then of " young men"? Is that not growing in grace and in the knowledge of God? and the Word of God dwelling in you richly . That's growth and development .

But what of fathers? Who know Him who is from the beginning. Some have saud this is knowing Jesus from the beginning of His ministry . This can't be so thought it might 'fit' with some denominations . But John was writing to us all not just them . So it is knowing Him who is from the beginning . The Creator.

Surely some might say if as little children you know the Father then you know the creator . Clearly not by John the Apostle who be degrees shows it takes maturity to know Him who is from the beginning .

This is certain if in any measure you know Him who is from the beginning , you are rooted and grounded in God . You not going anywhere " a tree planted by the living waters " . But also the word will hold no terrors for you for not only are you not of it but know Him who created the heaven and the earth and all that's in it .

It took only just over two years to reach the promised land from Egypt . It's time the church shook off the dust of the earth lean upon her be.over arm and leave the wilderness .

What is the word of truth and where does it come from ? ?

Apostle Paul almost got Noble Festus to believe the word of truth.

Acts 26:25

But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth thewordsoftruthand soberness.

Apostle Paul is telling us by believing the gospel, the word of truth, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 1:13

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard thewordoftruth, the gospelofyour salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spiritofpromise,

The word of truth is the gospel.

Colossians 1:5

For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in thewordofthetruthofthe gospel;

We are to separate the kingdom of heaven on earth for the Jews from the gospel of grace.

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing thewordoftruth.

This is the gospel of grace in which is the word of truth.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures

May we all understand the word of truth.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

The word of truth is the gospel of grace.

Part 1 b

Apostle Paul is a Jew in the flesh.

2 Corinthians 11:22

Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed ofAbraham? so am I.

Because of Abraham, we received the blessings through Jesus Christ of the Spirit through faith.

Galatians 3:14

That the blessing ofAbrahammight come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

We are bless to receive blessings of being Abraham's seed .

Galatians 3:29

And if ye be Christ's, then are yeAbraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Now Jesus Christ is made of the seed of David in the flesh.

Romans 1:3

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of theseedof David according to the flesh;

Galatians 3:16

Now toAbrahamand his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

I truly believe that Jesus Christ is the first true Jew.

2 Timothy 2:8

Remember that JesusChristoftheseedofDavid was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

Romans 9:27

Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

The first covenant that will run through Israel.

Genesis 15:18

In the same day theLordmade acovenantwith Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

Some would say, " here it is, we are Spirit Jews and inherit all of Israel's covenants

.

Romans 8:17

And if children, thenheirs;heirsof God, and joint-heirswith Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Galatians 3:29

And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, andheirsaccording to the promise.

Ray in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Part 3

The grace age church in the Body of Christ Jesus is Heavenly.

Ephesians 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings inheavenlyplacesin Christ:

Ephesians 2:6

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together inheavenlyplacesin Christ Jesus:

Ephesians 3:10

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers inheavenlyplacesmight be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

Amen, glory to God and the Lord Jesus Christ for the Heavenly Places

How important is the Jews ? ? The Jew had the word of God and all the blessings that came with it.

Romans 3:1-2

1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?

2Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

Acts 7:38

This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the livelyoraclesto give unto us:

1 Peter 4:11

If any man speak, let him speak as theoraclesof God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

May we all love the Jew and pray for them.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

What is the second coming of Jesus Christ ? ? The only way to answer this question is to read the scriptures. Jesus Christ was on earth for 33 years and He died on the cross for all our sins. Now Jesus Christ will come again to land on earth, but before He lands, He will call us up, all the grace age church, dead or alive to meet him in the Clouds , it's called the Rapture.

This is the second coming of events of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 13:38-40

38The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;

39The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

40As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.

Revelation 1:7

Behold,hecomethwithclouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Jude 1:14

And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

The wicked will be taken out first . That is the the Rapture event.

Matthew 13:41-42

41The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

42And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Peter never speaks of the Rapture, only the second coming of Jesus Christ inwhich is the Tribulation.

2 Peter 3:10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Part 2

Jesus Christ will return on land, on Mount Olivet again.

Acts 1:11-12

11Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

12Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

Only Apostle Paul speaks of the Rapture or Gathering in the clouds with Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:52-58

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

53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

57But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

May we all believe that we are in the third Gap Theory right now.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

There are three Gap Theory in the Bible .

God does things in three's .

The first is the earth was made void.

Genesis 1:2

And theearthwas without form, andvoid; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

The second was Noah's food.

Genesis 6:17

And, behold, I, even I, do bring afloodof waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.

The third is the church age and the Rapture inwhich was revealed to Apostle Paul in a revelation and we are living in it right now.

Jesus stop reading in the middle of the verse. Did Jesus Christ keep the third Gap Theory a secret ?

Luke 4:18-19

18 The Spirit of the Lordisupon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Note: Jesus was reading Isaiah 61:1-2 , but stop in the middle of chapter 2. Jesus knew the Church of Grace was going to begin.

What Jesus said that day was important in describing the times in which he ministered, but he closed the book before he finished the sentence in Isaiah.

Equally important as what he read before he sat down, was what he purposely did not read all of the verses

The sentence inIsaiah 61:2continues:

"and the day of vengeance of our God" - Isaiah 61:2

Why did Jesus Christ keep the resurrection a secret from the Twelve Disiples ? ? ?

Mark 9:9-10

9And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.

10And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Part 1

What in the world is the Kingdom of God ? ?

Think of a large circle being the Kingdom of God and the two small circles are Israel and the Church . Israel will have the kingdom of heaven on earth and the Church the body of Christ will have the heavenly places.

Jesus Christ is promising the Twelve Disiples the kingdom on earth and become kingdom of priests.

Matthew 19:28

And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in thethroneof his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelvethrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

kingdom of priests.

The Twelve Apostles will have there new Jerusalem on earth and Jesus Christ will be there King.

Revelation 21:2

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Part 3

Satan inherit the earth and universe when Adam sinned in the garden of Eden.

Genesis 3:1

Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which theLordGod had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

God had to buy us back from Satan .

1 Corinthians 6:20

For yeareboughtwithaprice: therefore glorify God in your body,and in your spirit, whichare God's.

Our kingdom is in the third Heaven where Jesus Christ dwell .

2 Timothy 4:18

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenlykingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Romans 14:17

For thekingdomof God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

1 Corinthians 15:24

Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up thekingdomto God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

I believe we will have some part in the kingdom of heaven on earth, because where Christ is, we will be with him. One day we will see Apostle Paul in the heavenly kingdom where Jesus Christ dwell .



Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Why do Jews in the Old Testament and including the four gospels don't talk about Heaven in the Godhead ? ?

The earthly Kingdom will appear again, but the grace age believes in the Body of Christ Jesus will be taken up in the Rapture first.

2 Peter 3:13

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look fornewheavens and anewearth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

New Jerusalem will be the new kingdom on earth.

Revelation 3:12

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which isnewJerusalem, which cometh down out ofheavenfrom my God: and I will write upon him mynewname.

Jesus Christ will be the New Messiah drinking the cup in New Jerusalem.

Mark 14:25

Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in thekingdomof God.

The Twelve Disiples will have there New Jerusalem, the kingdom on earth.

Luke 22:30

That ye may eat and drink at my table in mykingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

The Kingdom of Heaven on earth will appear again.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Part 1

Does God heal today ? ?

God will take away some of our gifts and replace it with the word of truth.

1 Corinthians 13:8

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shallcease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

We now have the word of truth .

1 Corinthians 13:10

But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall bedoneaway.

Apostle Paul wants us to pray in the Holy Spirit.

Praying always with allprayerand supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

We should always gift thanks to the Father in Heaven before we ask .

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing byprayerand supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

We should pray to do no evil.

2 Corinthians 13:7

Now Iprayto God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

We should pray for knowledge.

Philippians 1:9

And this Ipray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

We should pray always everyday.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Praywithout ceasing.

God want us to pray for everything in life.

1 Timothy 2:8

I will therefore that menprayevery where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Colossians 2:8-23

8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

10And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

11In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

14Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

15And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

16Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

17Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

18Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

19And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

20Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

21(Touch not; taste not; handle not;

22Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

23Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfy of the flesh.

I think it's very helpful , when we read the Old Testament , to know exactly who is being referred to when the words God , or Lord etc are used . Do all these different names actually refer to different beings ? You can and should , make your own mind up . Here's what I know .

El , pronounced Ail , rendered God . Represents Power , Might Strength . The Great First Cause , Power Uncreate . The means by which the angels perform their duties and the Lord Jesus his miracles . Psalm 18 v 32 , it is El that girdeth me with strength .

Eloah , also rendered God . Signified Mighty One , who's might is derived from El . Therefore the Deity in specific manifestation . This word is used of Jesus ( who is the manifestation of the Father ) in Job 19 v 26 and in Hab 3 v 3 . Hab reference should have been translated in the future tense - "shall come " .

Names of God part one . Part two to follow soon ish .

How long did it take the children of Isreal to go from Egypt to the promised land? The usual answer which I often thought was 40 years . But no . It was just over two years . But the church of which I am a part has made the wandering in the wilderness for 40 years as the norm. Jordan is death and the promised land heaven. This cannot be so . For there are no giants in heaven to conquer etc or land to battles to be fought and while Jordan is a type of death it is not the death of the body but rather the 'death' of baptism it is the entering into the spiritual life .

Paul warned the church to be not .Ike them that "entered mkt in because of unbelief"

Unbelief is not simply not believing God it's believing another message .

Paul also warned us not to be deceived like Eve. She too believed the wrong message .

When they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years thry were still His people , they had miracles every day twice on Saturday . Their cloths did not wear out . The fire by night and the cloud by day. Yet withall that they were out of the centre of Gods will.

The wilderness was boot camp as it were where civilians become soldiers . It need not have taken any longer as proved by Joshua snd Caleb who were ready .

Is it not about time we believed God ? Is it not written the Bride Christ will come out if the wilderness terrible as an army wuth banners ,leaning upon the arm ( trusting and not upon our own understanding) of her beloved"

The Lord said to be ready " be ye also ready" for we do not know the hour but we know what season we are in .Fir if by Hebrews 1:1 God hath spoken in these last days by His Son over 2000 years ago then those days were clearly "green" if those were green then today it is very dry and ready for the fire .

Is your name written in the book of LIFE ? ?

Philippians 4:3

And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in thebookoflife

Anyone that was not found in the book of life is in be trouble.

Revelation 20:15

And whosoever was not found written in thebookoflifewas cast into the lakeoffire.

There's only one way to Heaven and that's believing the gospel of grace in Apostle Paul's epistle 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 .

Jesus Christ warns us about Him and His word .

Matthew 10:33

But whosoever shalldenyme before men, him will I alsodenybefore my Father which is in heaven.

Apostle Paul warns us about denying Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 2:12

If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if wedenyhim, he also willdenyus:

May God Almighty in the third Heaven have mercy on us .

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Denial of the gospel of grace is cruel.