Bible Questions Page 39

I love the King James Version of the Holy Bible! It's my primary "go-to" for scripture. But, in one instance- Job 29:17-KJV fails us mightily. Allow me to explain. From Job 29:12 through verse 17, Job described his effort in tikkun olam (Hebrew for "repairing the world") For Job, tikkun olam was a personal obligation. Job said he delivered the poor and fatherless, caused the widow to sing for joy, was eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame. When he didn't know the cause, he searched it out. And broke the jaws of the wicked and plucked the spoil from their teeth. In verses 18-20, Job expressed a closely held belief in metaphor & simile:

"Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the SAND."

Other** English translations use PHOENIX, not SAND, which makes infinitely more sense considering he began by stating he "shall die in his NEST." Here, Job is describing eternal life! He continues to expand on his immortality metaphor in verses 19 & 20:

"My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch. My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand."

Why obscure this bold statement of our hope for transformation? Ten chapters earlier, Job asserted his beliefs about transformation in his prophecy of our Redeemer as follows:

"For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me." Job 19:25-27 KJV

Caveat: study it out for yourself, do your own research, pray for guidance, and hold fast the dictates of your conscience. **English translations with "phoenix" instead of "sand" include New Revised Standard,1989 re-revised from 1952 RSV; Revised Standard Catholic Edition,1965; Jewish Publication Society,1917; Complete Jewish Bible,1998; New American Bible,2011; & Wycliffe 1382.

I love the story of the 100 sheep's. Jesus Christ knows that the one sheep was lost because he knew he was lost. It's just like a remnant of believers today. The 99 are lost and don't care because they are comfortable with there lifestyle. Jesus Christ saved that one sheep.

Matthew 18:12

How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?

Now we rejoice in heaven for that one sheep that admitted he was lost and needed Salvation.

Matthew 18:13

And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

Today, Jesus Christ is using Apostle Paul's epistle for Salvation and doctrine and the 99 are just blind to it.

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hathblinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Apostle Paul's gospel of grace.

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:

Ray, in Christ Jesus

Part 3

Apostle Paul is the Masterbuilder of the gospel of grace given to him by the ascended Jesus Christ our God and Saviour.

Now that we are saved by believing Apostle Paul's gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, we are to build on his foundation inwhich is Jesus Christ.

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.

In the book of Acts, Apollos only knew the Old Testament and John the Baptist, but Apostle Paul had a new revelation that he shared with Apollos. There were lots a changes going on in the book of Acts and Apostle Paul was one of them..

Acts 19:1-6

1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

2He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

3And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

4Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 may God bless the gospel of grace to all

I've just realised that there are two separate issues that I need to be clear about . It's not that I think that these two issues might be essential for my salvation but non the less , they feel important to me in my understanding .

The first one is : did Jesus exist in heaven before God created everything ? And if he did what form did he take ?

So far I'm thinking that Jesus is the Word ( of God ) made flesh ( by God using His own Holy Spirit ) .

Secondly , is Jesus God Himself and so far I can't see evidence of this . It seems illogical to me . If Jesus is God who was Jesus praying to ? Why does Jesus say to his disciples : I ascend to my Father and yours , to my God and yours ?

I'm starting to realise the importance of metaphor and parables . I have a few friends who really struggle with metaphors . They literally take everything literally ! It's impossible to make them laugh because they have no sense of humour and they certainly don't have any imagination at all . They can be are work to be around . I mentioned to my friend that my dog does exactly the same thing at 9-30 every night , we were talking in the phone and I said : there he goes again ( about my dog ) and my friend said ( very seriously ) but it's only twenty past nine . What could I say to that ?

Gospel for dummies part 3.

Some common; well dumb things that are often said without much thought.

"Accept Christ". Christ is Lord over all; even all the powers of hell proclaim His authority. Better said if we must use this terminology is that we must accept our own deplorable and hopeless state and plead for mercy from a Holy God.

I am a Christian. This is probably a shocker here but I have seen it before where people with the most vile language and sinful lifesyles somehow give themselves that designation without a shred of evidence they love God; recognize His authority over their lives or for that matter know the true Christ and not one of their own imaginations that conforms to their mindset. Nonetheless this is probably how they do surveys or polls to determine what percent of the population believes in a particular faith. As a point to consider; how many Muslims would curse Muhammad like many like to use the God d word who call themselves Christians?

My Pastor said it was ok. Such twisted logic is the reason I made sure in joining a Reformed church in the past that the congregation could bring up a disciplinary action with those in authority over us according to the scriptural pattern. It is probably the reason many denominations have fallen over time; when heresy is tolerated the duty of the Body of Christ isn't being duly administered. In such statements on my part; no doubt we should realize many will falsely accuse those in charge because of personal bias hence the proper means should always be done. Also there should be respect for those elders and others who God Himself established if our church is truly a Bible believing one. If the Pastor is in sin and condones the same for others we may see this truth but those ignorant are deceived ( 2 Tim 3:13).

I haven't sinned in years (you fill in the blank). I have addressed this before so no need to elaborate; hopefully the logic flaw is clear for all here to see.

Part 1 a

Who is sounding the trumpet for the Rapture or the gathering of the Saints in the clouds to meet Jesus Christ ?

It's very interesting that people like to mix Apostle Paul epistles with the four gospels and Revelation when it comes to the Rapture.

Only Apostle Paul talks about the Rapture or the gathering in the clouds.

God's voice is the trumpet. God is sounding one trumpet.

1 Thessalonians 4:16

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with thetrumpof God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Thr seven angels are sounding the trumpets and not God in Revelation, Not the same as 1 thessalonians 4:16.

Revelation 8:6

And the seven angels which had the seventrumpets prepared themselves to sound.

Angels again sounding the trumpet and not God.

Matthew 24:31

And he shall send his angels with a great sound of atrumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Ray , in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 please read and believe

Apostle Paul is giving Timothy instructions for men to become pastors in the church. Apostle Paul never mentioned a woman to becoming a pastor. Bishop means pastor.

1 Timothy 3:1-7

1 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

When it comes to becoming a Bishop in the body of the church, it best to have a wive and husband with kids.

Ephesians 5:22-25

22Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

23For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

24Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

The husband needs to love the wife, like Christ loves the body of the church.

Apostle Paul is my Apostle, my Preacher and my Teacher in Christ Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

1 Timothy 2:7

Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles infaithand verity.

Please read Romans through Philemon for doctrine and pray continually everyday for God to speak to you.

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

Let the gospel of grace change your life.

Part 1

What is the Holy Ghost or the Holy Spirit ? They are the same in one .

The Holy Spirit talks in the book of Acts, a transitional book of history.

Acts 8:29

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

Acts 10:19

While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

The Holy Spirit is a male person.

Acts 13:2

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them

The Holy Spirit has a body shape .

Luke 3:22

And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

The Holy Spirit got Mother Mary pregnant.

Matthew 1:18

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Spirit is a God.

John 4:24

Godisa Spirit: and they that worship him must worshiphimin spirit and in truth.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 may God bless you with the Holy Spirit .

Part 2

How do we get the Holy Spirit ? By believing the gospel only and the Holy Spirit will seal us .

Ephesians 1:13

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heardtheword of truth,thegospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye weresealedwiththatholySpiritof promise,

After receiving the Holy Spirit, you can take advantage of the fruits.

Galatians 5:22-23

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Now that you have the Holy Spirit, God owns you and Satan can not take you away.

1 Corinthians 6:19

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghostwhich isin you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own.

By reading and studying the word of truth, we are going to be able to walk with God in the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:25

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit communicate with our spirit.

Romans 8:16

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

The Holy Spirit will help us in our Bible study and reading.

1 Corinthians 2:10

But God hath revealedthemunto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

The Holy Spirit has feelings.

Ephesians 4:30

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

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

Part 3

If we don't have the Holy Spirit in our heart, then we are not saved by Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:9

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the

Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

The Holy Spirit helps us pray and can translates prayers better to God.

Romans 8:26

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered

We get our knowledge and wisdom from the Holy Spirit.

We are adopted in the family of God by the Holy Spirit

Romans 8:15

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

God can reveal is word to us, but only by the Holy Spirit.

We received wisdom and knowledge by the Holy Spirit .

1 Corinthians 12:8

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

The flesh hates the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit wants to overcome the flesh.

Galatians 5:17

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Man will never know God without the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 2:11

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

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

Part 4

Because we have Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are able to communicate with the Father by the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 2:18

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

When somebody tell me they follow the law, I tell them that, I let the Holy Spirit lead me to righteousness.

Galatians 5:18

But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

I will do well with the Holy Spirit and be bless with the fruits of the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:7

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

The Holy Spirit dwells in the heart.

2 Corinthians 1:22

Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Galatians 4:6

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Having the Holy Spirit living in your heart will make it easy to do rightous while walking and avoiding the fleshly things.

We will always be saved because we are sealed by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:1

There istherefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

God knows what we are thinking in our hearts because of the Holy Spirit is communicating with God.

Romans 8:27

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth whatisthe mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according tothe will ofGod.

Why don't we follow the law ? Because the Holy Spirit has the law for us to follow.

Romans 8:2

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

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

Rightly dividing

2 Timothy 2:15 helped me understand how to let the Holy Spirit guide me in the right direction to rightly divide the Word in the Bible .

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

We are not to be buff up with knowledge and brag about it and belittle our brethren to shame, but to love one another in prayer and patience so the Holy Spirit will open the understanding spiritually .

1 Thessalonians 4:11

And that yestudyto be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

Only Jesus Christ will approve what we do on earth with our bodies.

2 Corinthians 13:7

Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appearapproved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

Now that we are saved by believing the resurrection of Christ Jesus, plus nothing, we are to be his workman for good works for a reward in the Heavenly Places.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are hisworkmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

I am not ashamed of the resurrection of Christ Jesus.

Romans 1:16

For I am notashamedof the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Even Jesus Christ divides.

Luke 12:51

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

1 Corinthians 12:11

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit,dividingto every man severally as he will.

We are to follow Apostle Paul's epistle for doctrine today because he is our Apostle.

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach theword; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the doctrine of the grace of God.

Pride continued

I wouldn't hesitate to say that for Moses to be the only one who spoke to God face to face at such an intimate level; and David being a man after God's own heart ( 1 Samuel 13:14) that surely God could be said to be proud of His creation in some respect.

Any success or rewards come from an individual submitted to the Spirit and operating in God's strength rather than their own.

Nonetheless there are thrones and crowns in heaven, which will no doubt relate to levels of authority in the next life for at least the Millennium and perhaps for all eternity.

To fulfill a purpose in life ties into the good works predestined for us from the beginning of the world ( Eph. 2:10). To be considered exalted takes discipline to deny self and wisdom not to get in the way of the Lord. We all should take heart in the fact that God knows all our suffering ( Psalm 56:8). We also know the reason for all struggles is to accomplish His purposes ultimately so we don't have to view things as useless suffering or as the lost who have no hope after this life's struggles.

Perseverance and patience results in rewards ( 2 Tim. 4:8 and supporting verses).

Exaltation probably is understood as a similar word to pride; neither make any sense if it is self doing it. Only God in His perfection DESERVES acclamation and can be proud (if I can use that term); the best example would be the Father's exaltation of the Son after His obedient sufferings making the atoning sacrifice for men that He was predestined to save. Even with the Godhead it would be strange if Christ said He was proud of the Father and even more so with the Spirit making such a claim.

We of course are just dust with an outer tabernacle as it were soon to pass. As corrupted as our bodies are; our souls no doubt in God's site are far worse ( Mark 7:21-22 for laundry list). If Christ in His humbled state is referred to in Psalm 22:6 as a worm how much more so were we before being redeemed? Self pride is dumb.

Pride

Proverbs 27:2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

We are all probably familiar with the verse stating that pride comes before a fall. In a comprehensive study of the Word; I am not aware of anywhere where God says He is proud of someone; however on a human level it builds character for a father to show such a reaction to a son who is obedient and the same can be said for anyone who can be acknowledged for displaying fruits of the Spirit in their lives as we try to build up each other through encouragement. The idea here is that the greater authority on a human level is generally the one giving out such praises; although surely those who are in authority could be viewed that way when demonstrating exemplary courage under persecution; for instance.

The verse above surely shows we should NOT desire self promotion as it relates to the way of this current world system. If we expand this concept to saying we are "proud to be an American" then we have to ask ourselves the question what is it that we are proud of? Is it the forefathers and those of this generation who died to secure our continuing freedom; or is it our prosperity and influence in the world? Is it indeed our freedom to worship God without widespread persecution or is it that we are free to engage in all sorts of debauchery and worldly pleasures because we aren't slaves in a caste system or a totalitarian regime or a fanatical religious caliphate? Pride about any sin is abhorrent to God; and before we bash those who have obvious deviant lifestyles we have to look at ourselves to determine what secret sins we harbor.

If we look at Lucifer; for example at face value we would see a most beautiful and talented worship leader who God had exalted into a place of great importance through musical intrinsic abilities and other attributes. Such glory itself only became ugly when the focus turned to himself rather than God.

(Colossians Part 16):

Colossians 3:21 - Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

To provoke means to irritate. It has to do with punishing someone for something they didn't do just for the sake of punishing them. It's very frustrating to them, very irritating.

Colossians 4:3 - Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

With praying also for us, that God would open to us a door of utterance, and door means a symbol of opportunity. He's praying for opportunity to speak. To speak what? To speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds, or in chains. He says I'm in prison for this very thing, to get an opportunity to speak the mysteries of Christ.

Reading 1st and 2nd Thessalonians , can anyone help with 1st Thessalonians chapter 2 verse 19 ? If when we die we go to heaven and are in the presence of Jesus , what does verse 19 mean ? Why put ' at his coming ' if we are with Jesus in heaven before he returns to earth ? Surely Paul would be in heaven with Jesus the same as us ? So why would Paul's hope ( which is hope for a future event surely ) be : ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming ?

I have a question 400 years ago the church was under the impression that the Earth was at the center of the universe and the sun went around the Earth my question is where in the Bible did it give them the idea that the Earth was in the center what verse or what chapter or where in the Bible did they give them in this idea or did it say it or did it just kind of lead to believe this if anybody knows would you please tell me where to find this? Thank you very much.

Mystery of God-light

God asks Job."Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof?( Job 38.19). Under the everlasting covenant God separated light from darkness. "And God saw the light, that it was good" (Ge.1.4-5) What is good is from everlasting to everlasting."And God divided the light from the darkness./And God called the light Day".Consequently whatever day specified in the Bible must fall under the Law of the Spirit. Ancient of days signifies it. Under the covenant the 144,000 that stand on Mount Sion is waiting for the Marriage of the Lamb. "And the temple of God was opened in heaven." (Rev.11.19) When it is done we shall have as mentioned here," And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." The city where light dwelleth is holy and is called the light of the Lamb.

Thus there is a way marked for the light, which we call as heavenly places and the direction is from east to west. The Spirit points the direction from which our blessings begin. "And a river went out of Eden to water the garden" and Adam was put in the garden, east of Eden. All subsequent movement of man is further east till the great river Euphrates is dried up."and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared."(Rev.16.12) Thus we have east as beginning and the ending of a way before tabernacle of God with man could commence.

Consider the saying of Jesus,"And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven./ But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness:" (Matt.8.11-12) God asks Job,"Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all." (J8.18) Man cannot measure the wisdom of God. He doesnot know the bread of the earth. Yet ignoramus speaks of third heaven as if he knows it.

(Colossians Part 11):

Colossians 2:14 - Blotting 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;

The word handwriting means a hand written certificate of debt. The bible says that every person, as soon as they sin, they are indebted to God for the payment for that sin, which no one can pay. But He blotted it out, which was contrary to us, and He took it out of the way, He removed it. He removed the debt, nailing it to his cross;

That's a very interesting statement. You'll remember in Matthew 27:37 when Jesus was nailed on the cross, and this is true for every criminal, is that they would put a plaque above the person on the cross which would list their crimes.

And so that's what this phrase is making reference to, that all my offences were nailed to the cross, on that plaque if you would, all of my sins, and that Jesus died for me. He nailed my handwriting certificate of debt to the cross for me.

Colossians 3:1 - If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

It starts out by saying, if you then be risen with Christ. The word "if" used here is a First-Class Condition Assumed to be True. It is literally translated since. Since you then are risen with Christ, seek those things (There's your command) which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.

The verb tense is continually seek the things above, the things of heaven, and not the things on the earth. So, we have to ask the question, what am I seeking? Every morning when I get up, I'm seeking something. Most of the time it's in the human. We're told that we are citizens of the kingdom of heaven, and we're to seek the things of Christ, not the things of the earth.

Just how quickly and how effortlessly were Jesus words misinterpreted ? John chapter 21 verses 20-24 .

We need to trust what the Bible actually says , not what we think it says , not what other people who we might like , think it says , what does it , the Word of God actually say ? It means what it says and says what it means . It doesn't mean what it doesn't say and it doesn't say what it doesn't mean . It really is that simple .

Mystey of God-Temple of God

"The temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein." and "And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: (Rev.11.1,19). This ought to tell us that the congregation (Rev.14.1) is waiting for the temple of God to open. The ark of his testament has nothing of the articles relating to the ark of the covenant under the Law of Moses. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?'( 1 Cor.3.16-17)Body also includes the altar and saints redeemed from the earth who are on mount Sion. Final measurement of it is given Rev.21.16.

"But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months." (11.2) The court is the world, "And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness"( 1 Jn 5.19). Forty two months is a tag for the nations which persecute the vulnerable. They taunt the poor as slackers and deny support that they well need."He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker."(Prov.14.31) The two witnesses signify all the martyrs since Abel. (Mt.23.35-36) 42 months also is a tag for "Ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?"(23.23)

"And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them./ And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand." (11.12-13). The number 7x1000 show wrath of God which is determined by the Law. The same earthquake is mentioned at the opening of the sixth seal. Wrath of the Lamb is repeated in terms of the day of the Lord.Now the earthquake in terms of the Word become flesh, " and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent."(Mt.27.51)

The Temple of God is in fact the house of prayer for all nations. Isa.56.8. Only a remnant from Israel is let in. Mk 11.17

Mystery of God-fulness of God

"And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine:"(Gen.14.18-19)

What is the bread from heaven? Jesus Christ of course. "I am the living bread which came down from heaven."( Jn 6.48-51) In the Gospel of St Matthew we have a reference, "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham."(Mt.1.1)

"For it pleased the Father that in him (Jesus Christ) should all fulness dwell. The Spirit consequently sets heaven, earth and below on a single standard which is Person specific. Thus the book of Genesis opens with the everlasting covenant and all the blessings of the worlds on Jesus Christ who is the Word become flesh. So bread and wine shall have a bearing on him.

The covenant decreed by God establishes a Father relationship by which principle of Similitude bread is brought from heaven to earth. By principle of Association Abraham is blessed as the double for the Son since Jesus the Lord from heaven was sent to the world, as only begotten Son. For that matter. heart bears relation to heaven since God made us living soul each abounding in grace. Melchizedek validates Abraham as blessed of God in his Son. Symbolism of wine we see at the marriage of Cana. Jesus made change so water became wine. It is how blessings of God should abound in his Son and for everyone who is created 'in our image'. In the gospel we have the generation of Jesus where Jesus is the son of Abraham and it is after the manner of flesh. But in terms of the covenant Jesus says with emphasis,' Before Abraham was, I am."(Jn.8.58). Similitude of Jesus and Abraham is established so we can appreciate 'being seated in heavenly places. Jesus was in the bosom of his Father (Jn.1.18) similarly we have Abraham, 'and Lazarus in his bosom'. When God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, the same relationship between God and his Son has spiritual basis. Our lives on the earth must be patterned from the world of the Spirit .(Eph.1.3)

Mystery of God-spoken word

Bible is the God document where various hands wrote down as God breathed and it is the word of God, a Spirit. "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."( Jn 6.63) 'The words that I speak unto you' is not simply that of a man but the Word that was God'. So it is the Spirit that is addressing us As for his humanity it pleased the Father that in him (Jesus Christ) that all his fulness should dwell.' Accordingly very little personal details of him is given. It is not gap theory but it was the intent of God to conform you to the image of his Son. Words used in the Bible, Aramaic, Hebrew or Greek are merely like bricks one upon another laid in courses so a spiritual volume is constructed so presence of God is an envelop around the reader. His soul,- inner man with indwelling Spirit are all actively engaged in hearing the word. Without faith, the ear hears and in vain. Isaiah's vision speaks of the spoken word, "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me."(Isa.6.8). Similarly the two disciples of Jesus testify, "And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight./ And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?"( Lk 24.30-32) Hearing and faith produces the same sensation of 'burning' so it is not Greek or any spoken language but between heaven and the heart of man. Secondly you compare spiritual with spiritual. Jesus declares the doctrine of his Father being in his bosom.(Jn.1.18). Abraham's bosom derives significance thereby. Joseph fees from Potiphar's wife leaving his garment. Cf.Mk.14.52 Gen.39.12. We are to enter into the life Jesus Christ,'and by him all things consist." Spiritual understanding is what we look for.(Col.1.17)

Part 1

Should, we today repent of our sins for Salvation ? Before I knew the gospel of grace in Apostle Paul's epistle, I was a master of repentance. I would run toward the altar and kneel .I would do it before I went to bed. I even repented for other people's sins. Repentance was written on my forehead. By the way, repentance means change of mind .

God changes His mind.

Amos 7:6

TheLordrepentedfor this: This also shall not be, saith the LordGod

God changes His mind.

Jonah 3:10

AndGodsaw their works, that they turned from their evil way; andGodrepentedof the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.

God changes His mind.

Genesis 6:6

And it repented theLordthat he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

Through out the Bible, Jews are required to repent because they always got into trouble.

Apostle Peter would tell the Jews to repent, they killed Jesus.

Acts 3:19

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 may God open our eyes to the Gospel

The Godly life

Continuing on the theme of the narrow; difficult path we of course can look at much of today's so called Gospel and we see what is drawing most of the crowds. I have said before that the testimony of those in the great revivals of yesteryear have mentioned tearful wailing and contrition as the biggest evidence of the Spirit's convictions on people. If we are to have a true move of the Spirit the reaction of any real experience with God is contrasted with our own state. This is bolstered by Isaiah; Daniel and John in their experiences in the Lord's presence; as Isaiah stated "Woe is me" ( Isaiah 6 if I have the right chapter or 9). The fear of the Lord is the beginning of understanding as numerous scriptures indicate. How often to we hear people talking about these topics?

Sadly; especially today as Revelation 2 and 3 indicate the churches often consist of a few faithful among a crowd of unfaithful proclaimers of faith. The challenge is to continue in fellowship especially as we see the end approaching; while knowing when to walk away and when to run as the famous Kenny Rodgers tune suggests. Leaving a fellowshp should be done after much prayer and attempting necessary discipline according to scripture through elders after dealing with individuals in terms of excommunication of a wayward parishioner; but when the leadership is amiss often things are too far gone to be rectified where apostasy is concerned. This is why proper discipleship is important; of ten it seems people overlook that in the Great Commission and simply focus on evangelism. This results in surface level commitments to the Lord when follow up isn't consistent and more interest in a numbers game to fill the seats rather than patient development through discipleship training.

Those in Reformed circles often have a proper concept of their own depravity to avoid some of these errors; nonetheless pride comes before a fall so even true doctrine can make us feel superior.

Why did God allow sin?

The capacity to sin makes men often look at Lucifer and his fall now making him known as Satan; the Deceiver; Leviathan; etc.

Why God allowed the free will to bring this downfall to him as well as Adam and how Predestination is involved is another topic.

When we look at Cain we clearly see God's instructions where sin was crouching at the door and apparently there was the ability to master it; this definitely makes us question some views on Predestination; again to be discussed another time. My point on mentioning that scripture was to show that surely Lucifer would have been given some indication or warning of the results of sinning; even though the Word doesn't state it explicitly we can look at the lament of Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 and see how God designed him to be originally and apparently some remorse as best as we can understand it from God as to his downfall if I am reading and interpreting the text properly. At any rate we may ask why does sin continue after Adam's fall? It is clear to me from othe verses later on in Ezekiel that a son cannot be held responsible for the sins of his father if he is a righteous man as well as the opposite the descendant of a Godly man can be totally wicked; hence it is the action of sin which we are responsible for. I would argue that it is not our fault we are born with a sin nature any more than the fact that we are mortal after salvation.

This is bolstered by other scriptures to show that those warned about hell were aware more or less of their sin actions as condemning them; again that doesn't absolve anyone from evil thoughts in the heart; but it does show how a 2 year old having a temper tantrum isn't the same as a man deliberately committing evil acts to rebel against God.

Also of course God has the remedy; through the Atonement we can finally die to ourselves and take on a new nature. Most don't want to take the narrow road and wish to stay on the broad and easy path to hell.

What is sin?

Simply put; sin is our actions that break God's law. It can be divided into sins of COMMISSION and OMMISSION-the latter behavior often not considered as much as the first.

When studying to Word we can start with Christ and fewer laws; or go to the Old Testament with the 600 give or take Commandments to see how the Lord operates. Christ came to seek and save the lost and had a ministry of reconciliation with God and came to die as a servant of all when He was the Master and Creator of man and the rest of the universe. If we choose the New Testament as a guideline because of fewer laws we make two mistakes. The first being the fact that the thoughts and intents of the heart are the most important factor so the Pharisees would recieve GREATER condemnation for obeying the Law as well as adding through their own traditions and the predecessor writings for the Talmud further rules. Christ excoriated them for their hypocrisy. Going back to the subject at hand the deeper meaning of not committing murder or adultery examines the state of the heart; hence Matthew 15:19 and surrounding verses don't necessarily excuse outward behavior that appears rightous. It is true following the Old Testament laws that ceremonial ones have been eliminated as evidenced by Peter's stay with the Gentile believer Cornelius in the Book of Acts (chapter 9 I believe). Saturday Sabbath also is trumped or overtaken by Christ in the example of Him doing "work" on the Sabbath as well as His being Lord o the Sabbath as I see it.

At the core of the matter is the fact that we are all conceived in sin. This doesn't mean the act of procreation but the sin nature that is transferred; hence the Son of God had to be born of the Spirit rather than the seed of man (hence the "seed of woman" as Genesis 3 makes clear). Questions as to why evil exists also could in like manner involve an investigation of why sin exists as well as the sin nature with Adam's descendants.

Was Peter loosing his mind when he said Jesus went to hell ?

Did Jesus Christ go to Hell ? Did Jesus take all our sins upon Him.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

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

If you ever visit New Hampshire, there's a city called Rochester. A litte town call Wolfeboro is amost a hour from Rochester. Most people will recognize Rochester because it's large, but not Wolfeboro . Same as Hell, it's larger than Paradise.

Acts 2:31

He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left inhell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

The saints that were held in paradise could of been call prison as well.

1 Peter 3:19

By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

Even if Jesus Christ went to Hell to preach, which it wouldn't make any sense because they are lost and can't come back, the fire wouldn't hurt Him.

Hebrews 12:29

For our God is a consumingfire.

Remember, Jesus Christ owns the earth and the world, but Satan rules by God's permission.

Psalm 24:1

Theearthis theLord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

May we all remember the gospel of grace that is free and nothing added .

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 to be free from hell, must believe the gospel that Apostle Paul wrote

Happy Valentine's Day , may we learn what love is.

What is true love today ? Is love giving the wife a new car , house, jewelry or a great dinner.

Most men don't think of love when the wife is sick or ill , they become blind to true love.

True love is God. We must love first in order to love one another.

1 Corinthians 16:22

If any manlovenot the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

If we that are saved by believing the gospel is to be married to Christ Jesus as for example, then we should show true love for Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:2

For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to onehusband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

If the man love the church, the body of Christ Jesus, then he should love the Wife the same way.

Ephesians 5:24-27

24Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

This is God's true love for all of us.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

May God give us the strength to love one another in truth, truth is believing and sharing the gospel .

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the love of this gospel

Who is God that we should worship ? Does God really answers our prayers ? Will God save us from Hell Fire ? We never hear God's voice, so why should we believe God?

I hear those questions all the time. People just want to go on with their life and be not bothered. People love the world more then the maker of this world.

Jesus Christ said that He is God.

Matthew 22:32

IamtheGod of Abraham, andtheGod ofIsaac, andtheGod of Jacob? Godis nottheGod ofthedead, but oftheliving.

John 10:30

IandmyFatherareone.

Titus 2:13

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Now we all know who is God. Jesus Christ

Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 may Jesus Christ save you today by believing these verses , just believe only