Discuss Colossians 1 Page 9

No.

John the Baptist would have been That Prophet had Judah recieved Christ but they rejected him.

John the Baptist was like the famous Elijah because he was a fore runner to get Israel baptized to prepare to receive their King and the Redemption out from the devil's dominion.

He was a son of a Temple Servant: A Levite, but never served the temple, he was not A team material in the tribe like Elijah.

He Never served the Temple.

Malachi chapter 3:1

" Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple,"

Isaiah chapter 66 v 1 has some very rhetorical questions of Where God Dwells.

Today's Temple is in you. God was in Christ reconciling Himself to the world and Colossians 1:27 states that to the Born Again, it is " Christ in You".

The new temple Christ will build in 3 days AFTER the existing remains/ foundations are WASTED, is where God will Dwell with His People: The Bride of Christ.

The Bride are the leadership like in the wilderness: levites. Virgins because they did not worship other gods.

We are members of the Body of Christ, where God Dwells Now.

The Bride's outreach is to those who are in the resurrection of the just; the Children who are taught in dreamy sweet Tabetnacles like David's was.

They need to confess and believe too to 'brand-up' with eternal life because it was not accessible to them before they died.

The refining begins by establishing leadership.

The temple to serve today is Not the Bride, it is the Body of Christ.

Elijah to come has holy spirit, is born again and it is Christ who has commissioned him.

When Christ comes to his temple, he comes to the Body of Christ whom Elijah is counted among.

Romans 10:9

Wendy, you find it by finding what TRUTH is.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Wendy, you are a new creation in Christ.

Christ came as sinful flesh (you were that sinful flesh) and DIED, Wendy, you, sinful flesh died on that cross, and as you died with Christ, you also arose with Christ, a new creation.

Colossians 1:27 ....that mystery....Christ in you ....

Philippians 2:13 For it is God (Spirit)(Christ in you) that WORKETH (Spirit)(Christ, not you, you died) in you both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.

Ezekiel 36:27 And I (Christ) will put my spirit within you, and CAUSE YOU to walk in my statues, and ye shall keep my judgements, and DO THEM.

And truth shall set you free.

Philippians 4:13 I (Wendy, the new creation) can do all things THROUGH Christ which strengeneth me.

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the (works of) the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us that are saved it (the workings of the cross) is the POWER OF GOD.

GBU

Doug, that's a great scripture, Ephesians 3:19 ......that ye might be filled with the FULLNESS OF GOD (the DIVINE NATURE).

Christ was the first to be filled with the FULLNESS OF GOD (the divine nature).

Through the works of his cross, he (the Holy Ghost) is indwelling mankind and giving them the heritage of the divine nature, becoming son's of God (SPIRIT).

Colossians 1:27 ....this mystery, CHRIST (diety) IN YOU ......

GBU

Well Jim, you're doing well in keeping up with all the comments to you. And if I may continue as well.

I don't believe any of us have a problem with Jesus being called the Son of God & the Son of Man - for so He is. From your understanding, Jesus began life only at birth, as the Holy Spirit placed the Seed in Mary (of God) & she then gave birth to a Man (of man).

So, the passage you quoted ( 1 Cor 15:26-28) & others signifying Jesus' elevated Position & having all things subject to Him & He being subject to the Father, I would agree to as Jesus was raised from the dead as Man, ascended & at the right Hand of God, receiving worship, & fulfilling His Position in God's Design. The problem does not lie here as we agree to these things. The problem lies whether this Holy One was in an earlier 'Divine State' or not; was He part of the Godhead or only a newly created Being born in Bethlehem?

I noted your understanding, to Adam, on the John 1:1 verse, specifically, "I'm saying that the word of God is instilled in Our Lord Jesus." And John 6:38 as well: "The Holy Spirit of God from heaven produced the manna on earth. The same with Jesus. The Holy Spirit descended on Mary and created the Lord Jesus Christ."

To John 1:1: there are other hurdles to overcome here, viz verses 3 & 14. Verse 3 speaks of "all things being made by Him" & verse 14, "the Word (i.e. that which was with God & was God - of v1) was made flesh". So here we have Someone creating (also seen in Colossians 1:13-17) & that Word from God being given flesh. I doubt if any could avoid a clear understanding of what is being taught here. And then we have John 8:57,58, John 17:5, etc. If I avoided these verses, I could well agree with you, but Scripture taken in totality simply presents this Jesus as Someone far greater from eternity than a special sinless creation in Bethlehem. It would be interesting to learn your view on these other verses, as many others have failed to come back to me when asked of them.

Hey Vanessa,

The word Godhead is in the KJV three times.

Acts 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's. Godhead, os theios, meaning godlike, divine, divinity.

We see this same word in 2 Peter 1:3-4 translated divine, referring to an attribute of God, not to God Himself.

Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Godhead, , theiots meaning divinity, divine nature, theiotes has same meaning as theios.

Colossians 2:8-9 Beware 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. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead. bodily. theotes meaning deity.

My understanding, and I'm sure I am in the minority here; it refers to God's and Jesus's divine characteristics and nature. The word Godhead is used in conversation and discussion, referring to the trinity creed that I do not agree with. The divinity of Jesus the only begotten Son of God cannot be questioned. He is the beginning of creation and through Him all that is, Colossians 1:15-1 but there is many scriptures that does not support this creed.

I could post more but I hope you can use this in your study for your own understanding, not mine. Pray and let the Holy Spirit guide you.

God bless,

RLW

Kay, is it your faith, or Christ faith: that has been given to you. If it's is his faith then it has to be HIS WORKS also.

Psalms 92:4 For thou Lord, has made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.

Psalms 92:3 O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.

Psalms 92:4 A brutish man knoweth not, nor doeth a fool understand this.

Revelation 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth MY WORKS unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.

Revelation 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

Kay, we died on the cross, the life now in us is Christ.

Colossians 1:27 .... this mystery.... CHRIST IN YOU....

Philippians 2:13 For it is God (CHRIST IN YOU) that WORKETH IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.

We are the body of Christ.

Psalms 104:30 Thou (Father) sendeth forth thy Spirit (Christ in you), they are created, thou renewest the face of the earth (with son's of God).

Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature WAITETH for the manifestation of the Sons of God.

Romans 8:21 Because the creature itself shall be DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

If a person is truly trusting the LORD JESUS CHRIST for his or her salvation, no they cannot go to hell. 1 John 5: 11-13; John10: 27-30; Acts 4: 10-12; Colossians 1:12, 13; Revelation 20:15; 21:27.

GOD bless all those who have trusted in the Name of the SAVIOR the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

March 27, 2022

R:

John 3:13 And no man has ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the son of man WHICH IS IN HEAVEN.

Colossians 1:27 ...this mystery....CHRIST IN YOU.....

Revelation 21:1 and I say a NEW HEAVEN.....CHRIST IN YOU.... for the FIRST HEAVEN had passed away....

Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God then the kingdom of God (CHRIST IN YOU) has come unto you.

Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven (in you): Michael and his angels fought against the dragon ....(deception, lies falsehoods)

Revelation 12:8 And (lies, falsehoods and deception) prevailed not; neither was THEIR PLACE found anymore in HEAVEN (in you).

Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying IN HEAVEN (in you), Now is come SALVATION ....

Revelation 12:12 Therefore now rejoice, YE HEAVENS .......

Ezekiel 20:49 Then said I, Ah Lord God, doth not he speak in parables.

Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing SEE NOT, and hearing they HEAR NOT, neither do they UNDERSTAND.

Christ came to heal the blind and deaf and cause the lame to walk.

GBU

John, God is no respector of persons, he does NOTHING because of who we are, he does EVERYTHING because of who HE IS.

Casting lots is simply so we can understand that it's God's work and God's appointed timing. We receive these benefits of mercy and truth at God's appointed time and by HIS WORKS.

1 John 2:27 But the anointing which you have received of him ABIDETH IN YOU, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it (the anointing) has taught you, you shall abide in him.

Colossians 1:27 ....this mystery....CHRIST IN YOU.....

Philippians 2:13 For it is God (CHRIST IN YOU) that WORKETH IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.

You are THE BODY OF CHRIST, the new BIRTH.

Sins always brings about judgement from the LORD. The leaders in Jerusalem caused the people and the Nation to err. This brought about GOD'S judgement and in this case of our scripture reading captivity. Our sins have caused OUR GOD to remove HIS hand of mercy, peace, and comfort from upon us. GOD does not cast us out from HIS presence, but when we sin we throw ourselves out first.

We have allowed our elected leaders, on most every level of our society, on most every level of economics, and specially spiritually to lead us away from the LORD GOD JESUS CHRIST. We have allowed the voice of the minority to over power us and dictate to us a life style we do not believe praises the LORD according to Scripture.

The LORD GOD is our only hope and peace on this earth. Thankfully, if you are saved by the grace of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, then your eternal destiny has already been determined.

Our life here on earth is supposed be abundant and the envy of other countries; however it is not because we have departed from the faith of the LORD and HIS Word.



Praying for our POTUS Biden, VPOTUS Harris, SOHR Pelosi, SML Schumer, all the sitting members of the US congress, and senate to come to their senses and LEAD with the mind and desire of the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Praying for our spiritual leaders- our pastors, and all the saints to rise up in prayer and worship the LORD in truth and in spirit. We may not be able to stop the present evil to come, but we can plant the seed of the gospel into more hearts and souls as the LORD would have us to do. We ask You FATHER GOD for courage and wisdom in order to walk through the evil that is before us.

PS 23:3 -5; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Colossians 1: 10-13;

GOD bless all on this forum. The LORD shine HIS grace and peace on you and your family.

March 14, 2022

Isaiah 46:10,

Genesis 1, Hebrews 1:10,

Revelation 21:6, Revelation 22:13, John 1:1-5, Ephesians 3:9, Colossians 1:18, Luke 24:27, Revelation 3:14, Revelation 1:8,

Psalms 80:15-17, symbolic? Genesis 2, Isaiah 11:1, Jeremiah 23:5, Zechariah 3:8, Zechariah 6:12, John 15,

Isaiah 53, Luke 23, Psalms 22, Mark 15:34, Mark 15, in context

Hebrews 9:24-28,

The last, 1Corinthians 15:45, Romans 5:12-21, John 19:30,

Hopefully these are all helpful in your study

l love my Bible king jams version.

Jesus Christ is God:

Deity is the only explanation for all that He was and all that He did.

(1) He was pre-existent with the Father. "The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made" ( John 1:2, 3, KJV). (Also see John 17:5 and Colossians 1:17.)

(2) He is the Son of God.

His enemies admitted: "He...said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God" ( John 5:18, KJV).

Peter confessed: "And we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" ( John 6:69, KJV).

Jesus affirmed: "I and my Father are one" ( John 10:30, NIV).

(3) He was sinless, as only God can be.

Jesus challenged His enemies: "Which of you convinceth me of sin?" ( John 8:46, KJV).

Peter testified: "...Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth" ( 1 Peter 2:21, 22, KJV).

Paul stated: "For he...made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" ( 2 Corinthians 5:21, KJV).

(4) He forgives sin, as only God can.

The Scribes said: "Who can forgive sins but God only?" ( Mark 2:7, KJV).

Jesus said: "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins..." ( Matthew 9:6, KJV). (Also see John 8:11.)

Peter wrote: "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed" ( 1 Peter 2:24, KJV).

(5) He performed miraculous works.

He healed the sick: Matthew 8:9-13; Luke 4:31-44; 5:12-15; John 4:43 to 5:16; and other references.

He fed the hungry: John 6; Mark 8, etc.

He raised the dead: Luke 7:11-18; John 11:1-46.

Jesus Christ Became Man:

"And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us...full of grace and truth" ( John 1:14, KJV). (See also Philippians 2:7, 8.)

Psalms 139, Isaiah 41:10,

Psalms 130:4, Colossians 1:14, Ephesians 1:7, Acts 26:18, Luke 7:47,48, Psalms 32:1, Acts 8:22, Psalms 85:2,

Ephesians 4:26,

Proverbs 11:3,

Psalms 119:16, Hebrews 2:18, James 1:12, 1Corinthians 10:13,

Hopefully these are helpful

Hello Sabrina. The Greek word for 'Church' is ekklesia, and this word means, 'an assembly, a congregation, but specifically used of the called out people purchased with Christ's Blood'. We see it used by Stephen in Acts 7:38, where he spoke of the "church in the wilderness", referring to the Israelites who were the special called out people chosen of God to receive His commandments.

But after Jesus died for mankind's sins, all who put their faith in Him to save them from the penalty of their sins, are drawn into His Church by the Holy Spirit. In Colossians 1:18, we read, "And he (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." This verse alone tells us that the Church is His Body to which He is the Head. It speaks to us vividly that those He has purchased with His Blood are now inseparably part of Him & the Church derives its life, power, eternal existence, & continual hope & longing, because of her Head's constant ministry of Love & Grace. And this Jesus does by the Presence of His Spirit in each of His children.

So, who is the Church? It certainly isn't any particular denomination or sect of Christianity. It isn't any particular assembly of believers as seen in the 'churches' mentioned in Revelation chapters 2 & 3. The true Church of Christ, known as Christ's Body, are those who have been forgiven of their sin, having the Spirit of Christ within, & living according to the dictates of the Spirit. When Jesus comes to take away His Church, we might be surprised as to where the members of His Body come from, because the Church is not a particular group meeting together, but of those saved individuals that comprise the group, the Church.

Hey GiGi,

Yep, Jesus has been reigning since God placed His name above all and put all under Him, and will reign here on earth after His second coming until all enemies are under His feet, "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death", Revelation 20:14. Some say it will not be on earth because when Jesus first came He told Pilate His kingdom is not of this world, John 18:36. And He is now sitting on His throne and we are in the kingdom now, Colossians 1:13.

When Jesus first came it was spiritual, for those who entered the kingdom their names were written in the book. When Jesus comes again, His second coming will be physical, it says we will ever be with the Lord 1 Thessalonians 4:17. We see in Revelation when Satan is released, they surround the camp of the saints and the beloved city, we should understand Jesus would also be there Revelation 20:9. When Jesus returns, He does not go back up He stays until all is fulfilled.

God bless,

RLW

There are 27 scriptures that say it was a cross. Only 2 say Pole

1 Corinthians 1:18

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Galatians 5:11

And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

Galatians 6:14

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Ephesians 2:16

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Philippians 2:8

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Philippians 3:18

(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

Colossians 1:20

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

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;

Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and 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.

*Next 2 verses referring to Jesus

Numbers 21:8

And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a POLE: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, SHALL LIVE.

Numbers 21:9

And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, HE LIVED.

It's interesting that you're noticing the differences, I'm guessing you've read Genesis before & studying or reading again or just very observant.

John 1:1-5, Revelation 4:10-11, Colossians 1:12-23, Ephesians 3:9, Revelation 10:1-7,

Note: Isaiah 42:1-12, Isaiah 42:23, compare: the Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke & John,

There is a difference I believe because it seems to point out that man Adam being put into the Garden, symbolic of the Church. To tend it, where GOD seems to already have given the Genesis 1:27-28 'created female & males, direction to multiply & subdue take dominion over the earth & creatures land & sea. Genesis 2:7-8, Genesis 5:1-3, interestingly it is the lineage of Seth the Jesus comes through : Luke 3:23-38

1Corinthians 15:45, 1Corinthians 15:42-47, Genesis 2:15, Genesis 2:18-24,

Donna,

Please keep reading the WORD.

Here's some scriptures about what your Pastor said

2Timothy 3:1-9, 2Timothy 3:12-17, 2Peter 3:3-14, Revelation 2, Revelation 9,

Scripture about the Church

1John 2:15-29, Genesis 49:1,8,9,10,11,12,18, Micah 4:1, Isaiah 2:2, Acts 2:17, Hebrews 10,

1Corinthians 6:2-3, Colossians 1:18,24

Don't worry: Philippians 4:6-8,

Hopefully these are helpful

Even if an officiating minister of God fell into sin, the same Blood of Jesus shed for all is efficacious when we acknowledge our sin & we confess it before the Lord ( 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."). And that is not just confessing our sinful state, but in sorrow confessing that we have wronged our Father & maybe hurt others badly; for in Christ alone & by His Sacrifice "we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins" ( Colossians 1:14).

However, I believe that his position of pastor/priest & living in adultery, becomes untenable - he would need to resign & also confess his sin to his congregation. If he maintains his position & not leave, I suspect that his congregation numbers would soon dwindle, at least by those who know the Word & would be subject to hypocrisy by his continuing as a leader. All sin is evil in God's Sight; how much more should God's servants be circumspect in every area of their lives ( 1 Timothy 3:1-7).

Good afternoon, Kent

I agree that the Holy Spirit is our witness to Scripture and He will guide us in our study. But I do not agree that a person does not need anyone else for Scripture says that the Holy Spirit appoints some as teachers in the body of Christ and that we are to teach one another. We are a body, we are a corporate entity, not singularly in Christ, but all believers are in Christ and are together His body. So we should remain open to learn from one another and to share our ideas about our study of Scriptures with others.

Proverbs 11:14

"Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

Colossians 1:28

"Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ."



But there are times, also, when a person will learn straight from the Spirit. Even then every person is exhorted to not quench the Spirit...and to test all things, hold fast what is good." 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

1 John 4 "Be:1loved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God...."

We all need to be yielded to the Holy Spirit, we need Him to shape our mind and understanding. We need each other, we should avoid being solitary in our day to day walk with God. We should make an effort to fellowship with others in a variety of ways and for various purposes. Studying God's Word is one of those things and purposes we should seek to do in fellowship with other believers.

YASSS Sylvia! You are blessed and chosen by The Lord. His Spirit dwells within you. He is who will teach you. You shall have no need for anyone else. You are called, AMEN.

Hi Alex N; glad to hear from you again, this subject is one of great depth concerning the kingdom, perhaps I understand this doctrine differently than you do as the first dispensation and manifestation of the kingdom has happened already. When we were born again we enter the kingdom John 3:5 The Apostle Paul taught we were translated from darkness into the kingdom of Christ, which I believe refers unto our spirit alone in Colossians 1:13 Again we already received the kingdom in Hebrews 12:28 These truths cannot be denied, Yet we look forward to the millennial kingdom of God as in Revelation 20:4 knowing this kingdom of Christ will come as you mentioned in Revelation 12:10 which indicates the middle of the seven year tribulation. Now we differ as I believe the man child are the sons of God, Christians who are mature, being led by the Holy Ghost, as in Romans 8:14 I cannot accept the man child to be the Holy Ghost, for the man child is raptured in Rev. 12:5-6 in the middle of the tribulation, yet the bible affirms constantly the Holy Ghost is here on earth working in the 144,000 the two witnesses, and all children of God during the tribulation, and such like. I do not interpret the woman as humanity, like you do, as the woman to me is the church of Jesus Christ as in Rev. 12:17 she has the testimony of Christ and keeps commandments, Israel does not have these things, and the world does not have these things either, only the church can have these things. Remember the woman is clothed with the sun, a metaphor for the gospel, the moon under her feet, meaning to have power over Satan and all fallen angels, which only the church has in the name of Jesus Christ. You are right to call the city New Jerusalem the kingdom of heaven, as this kingdom of God comes after the millennial kingdom of Christ, yet it is the final manifestation of the kingdom of heaven. I will ask therefore, have you taken into account, not all Christians will make it into the kingdom. Mat.7:21

I will comment on versus 19-21; we are warned by the Apostle Paul in these versus that if Christians live an ungodly lifestyle, they will not inherit the kingdom of God. In order to understand the warning we must first understand the difference between entering the first dispensation of the kingdom of God, and inheriting the second dispensation of the kingdom of God. All Christians, upon being born again enter the kingdom of God, as in John 3:5 & Colossians 1:13 The Lord Jesus taught during this first dispensation of the kingdom of God, it is within the heart of all believers. Luke 17:20-21 We got into the kingdom of God by unconditional promises, through faith without works, as part of the foundation that Christ Jesus laid. Yet when we speak about inheriting the kingdom, we cannot talk about this first dispensation of the kingdom of God at all, seeing the word used here is inheriting, meaning, the Apostle Paul is referring unto the second dispensation of the kingdom of God, known as the millennial kingdom. Not all Christians will make it into this kingdom, although they will all go to heaven, yet to make it into the kingdom of heaven, it is not a free gift, rather you must earn entrance by meeting conditional promises, as in Matthew 7:21 and as in Acts 14:22 and as in Matthew 3:5 and Matthew 3:10 All of which speak of entering the millennial kingdom of heaven by faith with works, as you meet the conditions spoken of in those chapter versus. On the other hand, if a Christian lives an immoral lifestyle, as mentioned here in these seventeen sins, he is denied entrance into the millennial kingdom of God, and will remain in heaven until the thousand year kingdom is over.

Col. 1. I am amazed that the Lord revealed to me in a last minute request of the Pastor for me to teach a Bible study, and having chosen this passage, He (God) gave me understanding beyond my scholastic abilities to explain to the people ( the identical) exactly what is broken down in the last paragraph on this breakdown above. Holy Spirit is TRULY a wonderful teacher on whom we can depend when we need to have an interpreter. Praise be to God on high. Hands lifted up!! :-)

Hi Alex N. In your response to conditional promises, you wrote about the kingdom of God, as though all Christians already have this in them, I should clarify this statement therefore to you, the first dispensation of the kingdom of heaven is inwardly, it lasts for 2,000 years, from the time the Lord Jesus died until he returns, according to the Lord Jesus in Luke 17:20-21 all Christians have the kingdom of God in their heart, this is also taught in John 3:5, all Christians enter the kingdom of God when they are born again, The Apostle Paul affirms this truth in Colossians 1:13, however, this is not what I was speaking about in conditional promises, I spoke about the millennial kingdom of God, which has not happened yet, no Christian has entered this yet, all scriptures place conditions upon entering that kingdom of God. I will say this, we made it into the first dispensation of the kingdom by faith without works, but to make it into the millennial kingdom, it is by faith with works. Please read Matthew 7:21 only if a Christian does the will of God can he make it in, this is a condition attached to making it in the kingdom. Read Matthew 25:14-30 unless you used your talents you cannot make it into the joy of the Lord, being the millennial kingdom, again a conditional promise to get it, or read Acts 14:22 as we must suffer much tribulation in order to make it into the kingdom, another conditional attached to making it into the millennial kingdom of heaven. Again read the warnings of why Christians will not make it into that millennial kingdom in 1 Cor. 6:9-10 & Galatians 5:19-21 & Ephesians 5:3-5 as a result of living a godless lifestyle, you lose your inheritance of entering into the millennial kingdom of God, in order to rule and reign for a thousand years. As concerning your topic of the man child teaching us all things, that prophecy is for the coming of Elijah in Malachi 4:5-6 it is not the ministry of the man child. I hope this explains conditional promises.

I can't disagree with what you've written Jim, particularly those individual quotes from Scripture. For truly Jesus' coming was in God's Mind at that earliest time in the first man & woman's lives. He was symbolically the spiritual Rock that supplied life-giving water to Israel, as He is also the Giver of that Living Water to all who believe. And He did become the Man Jesus at His Birth as He could also say that He would ascend to His Father & your (Mary's) Father.

The problem becomes evident when we rest only on those individual Scriptures & not look at all the Scriptures that speak of Him. I realize that you did, a few days ago, give your understanding of John 1:1-14, which I can't locate again. How then do you view John 8:58, John 17:5, or even Colossians 1:14-17, to name a few? What you write to us, we can readily agree to, but it's the Scriptures that are not taken into account, that makes understanding a difficult doctrine, one-sided. If these 'other' Scriptures were not given to us, then truly we must believe that Christ came into Being at His Conception in Mary. The examples of verses I've given above would be very difficult to read in any other way than given. Here are Truths that we can't avoid - they, together with His coming as a Man, must fit together so that we can properly understand Who this Jesus is (at least as much as is revealed to us).

Apologies Billy. I read your comment to Adam in a different way.

You're correct, Jesus' Name is not seen there in John 1:1-14, but who then is John the Apostle writing about? I can't think of anyone else that fits that description. John wrote about the Word of God: that which was with God & God Himself (v1). This Word was involved in creation (vv3,10) - notice John begins to use a pronoun (He, Him) describing this Word. In this Word was both Life & Light (v4). When John the Baptist arrived on the scene, he bore witness of that Light (v7). That Word Who was with God & was God, was made a man & lived the life of a man (v14). That Word came to His Own people but they rejected Him (v11), but those who received Him were made sons of God (v12). These are not separate accounts; this whole passage is consistent in its subject matter & implications.

This passage of Scripture is talking about God's Word. It's not about Apostle John or John the Baptist, or anyone else. The only Person Who could fit the bill is God's Word, Jesus Christ: He is the only One Who could be the giver of Life & Light & be the Creator of all things (also Colossians 1:15-17). He is the Only One Who could ask His Father ( John 17:5: "O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I HAD WITH thee before the world was."). He is the only One Who could state ( John 6:38: "For I CAME DOWN from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me."). And He is the only One Who could tell the Jews ( John 8:58: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS, I AM.").

I always wonder how folk consider these verses that I've shared here. I'm sure Jesus is not lying to us by saying those things. Do people read those verses as I do or in some other way that I'm missing? Or, should we determine that since the incarnation is 'impossible', therefore all these Scriptures are meaningless? Even if Christ's Deity is hard to understand, we can't simply reject it.

Hello Joseph. That is a great verse couplet ( Mark 12:29,30), which needed no explanation from Jesus, as every Jew had that those words indelibly etched in their minds. This is what they refer to as the "Shema", which means 'Hear' in Hebrew. What Jesus did add, was verse 31, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." And to this declaration, the Scribe/Lawyer clearly affirmed Jesus' Words, to which Jesus perceived that the man was "not far from the kingdom of God". Muslims also have a common declaration which is always repeated, known as the Shahada, but it doesn't bear repeating here because of its content.

However, I don't believe that Jesus was inferring the Trinity, or His Deity, by quoting the Shema. Jesus somewhat veiled this aspect of His Divinity, though never denying any outburst from the religious leaders for His 'blasphemous claims' (e.g. Matthew 26:59-65; John 10:30-38). I think that when certain spiritual eyes were opened, they were able to know from the Words of Jesus & the demonstration of His Life & Works, that this was no ordinary Man, however blessed He might be from God. This was One they had never encountered before: might they be standing before, seeing & listening to God Himself, now come to them in human form to bring light & hope to their darkened souls? When we read the Gospels, we see clearly this conflict amongst many who came before Him; many hated Him & wanted to dispose of Him - others realized the Messiah of God had come for their sakes & they'd better pay attention to Him.

And even though the word 'trinity' is nowhere to be found in the Scriptures, all the references to that point to Jesus' presence with God & part of the Godhead ( John 3:13; John 6:38; Colossians 2:9; John 1:1-14; John 10:30; Colossians 1:15-17; & many more), give us undeniable proof of Him & His Words. Only the Christ from God could fully pay the price for our sins, securing our redemption.

A day unto the LORD,

Genesis 1:5, in chronological order of the Bible, maybe not exactly Chronological of actual dates of oldest to newest. 1st reference of day is evening & morning 1st day. Also light day & darkness night. Scientificly can be referenced to earths rotation being a day, approximately 24 hrs. That also in itself isn't completely finite, that's why we have time changes throughout the year spring & fall & leap-year in addition. In that day of creation was the determination as the rotation of the earth? Interestingly the sun & moon were not yet created, Genesis 1:16, therefore was the light from GOD? It does not specify the rotation nor exact hours. Yet classified as "the first day"

Genesis 2:4, it is quoted "in the day that the LORD God made the earth, and the heavens" as you ask? Here may possibly be the 1st time we can differentiate day being a moment of time, because the previous chapter already clarified/classified 1st day, 2nd day, etc.

Genesis 2:17, Genesis 3:5,

Genesis 3:8, this may be the perfect example of clearly being 1 actual moment of a 24hr day. It would be interesting to know the different words used for each example from ealier translations & languages. To really study this more thoroughly.

Genesis 3:17 appears to be the 1st time in our translation & English wording that day is plural in multiple yet it was assumed previous as multiple yet as a single moment therefore classified as "a day" Genesis 5:2,

Again we see it Genesis 5:4,5,

Going further outside of Genesis; Luke 6:22-23, also being a moment not necessarily 1 rotation of earth. Luke 10:12, Luke 12:28, Luke 12:46, Luke 17:24, Revelation 6:17,

2 Peter 3:8,10, reading in context 2 Peter 3,

1 Corinthians 13:9-13, Colossians 1:26, there are principles here that help us understand we don't know everything here on earth in the flesh.

Hopefully this is helpful