The second major factor of those who have dreams or visions is how rarely I hear people in these testimonies concerning CURRENT suffering in the world related to war; famine and plague or that of other believers suffering persecution today.
An individual testimony seems a lot like clickbait here; and no doubt the structure of sites online know what draws people.
I pray on this site we can continue to keep some of these things in mind as well. Again it is a balance between those who basically give believers no respect or are downright ambivalent but are for all sorts of social causes; and those who are believers with correct doctrine who are only focused on spiritual matters and aren't active enough in trying to be the hands and feet of Christ and helping the poor and persecuted. Let us all remember the suffering persecuted church today.
In light of my other posts let us be thinking people related to scripture in great detail. Most are contributing to this site with that focus in mind; and aren't drawn into lengthy things related to what I'm discussing with subjective experiences.
The problem as I see it is not having a deep personal spiritual communication and life with our Saviour. I haven't met anyone here as far as I know personally but feel I know a few at least better than those I do know. I would venture to say many are as it were with wounded and shattered souls and the reward comes from continued faithfulness despite that. I may be the only one here who could; if the thought festered drawn to anger over that idea. God takes the broken pieces and as it were makes a jewel from it. (see Malachi 3:17). In contrast those in the world who are brazen; bold and outwardly strong in reality have no life in them.
Waiting for the world to respect the saints of God is a fool's venture. They indeed may praise good works but only if they see God in it through divine revelation ( Matt. 5:16). Let your light shine.
Tithing in the Old Testament was the giving of a tenth (10%) of one's increase, commanded under the Law of Moses for Israel. While Abraham ( Gen. 14:20) and Jacob ( Gen. 28:22) gave tithes before the Law, under Moses it became a structured system. Israel actually had three tithes: (1) The Levitical tithe-10% given to the Levites, since they had no land inheritance, and from it the Levites gave a tithe to the priests ( Num. 18:21-28). (2) The Festival tithe-a tenth of produce set aside for yearly religious feasts in Jerusalem, allowing Israel to rejoice before the Lord ( Deut. 14:22-27). (3) The Poor tithe-every third year another tenth was collected locally to support widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor ( Deut. 14:28-29). Altogether, the system amounted to about 23% per year. Tithes supported the priesthood, the temple, Israel's worship, and social care. Malachi 3:8-10, often quoted, was a rebuke to Israel for robbing God by neglecting this Law. In the New Testament, however, the Body of Christ is not commanded to tithe. Instead, giving is voluntary, cheerful, and according to one's ability ( 2 Cor. 9:6-7). Thus, tithing belonged to Israel's covenant system, while under grace believers are called to give freely, not by legal obligation.
"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."
Malachi 3:18
"Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not."
I understand that the scriptures in
Malachi 3:16 and Matt. 25:33- refers to the RIGHT HAND PEOPLE.
Malachi 3:16
"Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name."King James Version (KJV)
They to whom he promised this reward mentioned in Matt. 25:34
Matthew 25:33
. "another book was opened which is the book of life," refers to the those who are judged by their works that
Jesus named in this Scripture:
"shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Matthew 25:34
"Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:"
(1) God will judge on what is written in those books. Including his Word to us by the Prophets and His Son. Our High Priest, Jesus Christ.
Tithing in the Old Testament (OT) was the practice of giving a tenth (10%) of one's income, produce, or livestock to the Lord. It was part of the Mosaic Law given to Israel and served multiple purposes-primarily supporting the Levitical priesthood, helping the poor, and celebrating religious festivals. Here's a breakdown:
1. The Basic Command
"Tithe" means "tenth."
The first mention is Genesis 14:20, when Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of the spoils of war-this was before the Law.
Jacob also promised a tenth to God in Genesis 28:22, again before the Law.
2. Under the Mosaic Law (For Israel)
There were actually three tithes commanded for different purposes:
A. The Levitical Tithe (First Tithe)
Numbers 18:21-24: The Israelites gave 10% of their crops and livestock to support the Levites, who had no inheritance or land.
The Levites then gave a tenth of the tithe to the priests ( Numbers 18:26-28).
B. The Festival Tithe (Second Tithe)
Deuteronomy 14:22-27: Another 10% was set aside each year for the Israelites to bring to Jerusalem and eat during religious festivals (like Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles).
If the journey was long, they could convert the tithe to money and use it to buy food and drink in Jerusalem.
C. The Poor Tithe (Third Tithe)
Deuteronomy 14:28-29 & 26:12-13: Every third year, a tithe was stored locally to support the poor, orphans, widows, and foreigners.
So, the average Israelite gave about 23.3% annually, not just 10%.
3. Tithing Was for Israel Under the Law
Malachi 3:8-10 is often quoted on tithing but was a rebuke to Israel for neglecting the Law, not a command to the Church.
The Temple system and Levitical priesthood made tithing necessary.
4. Tithing in the New Testament
No command is given to the Body of Christ (Church) to tithe.
Instead, believers are told to give willingly, cheerfully, and generously ( 2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
Tithing was not taught as a requirement for Gentile believers under grace.
You have received good replies. To me, John is addressing those who will believe in the one after him, Jesus. The baptizing with fire in Matthew 3:11 and Luke 3:16 is after we accept and believe in Jesus as our savior and receive the Holy Spirit; we are then baptized with fire to refine us, as silver and gold are refined by fire.
These metals are put in a refining pot and placed over the fire. As the metals are heated, the impurities float to the top and are scooped off by a ladle and discarded, making the gold and silver purer. This fire represents trials and tribulations we go through to strengthen our faith and purify our hearts so that we become more like Christ, our pot is this world we live in.
Here are a few verses you may read: Malachi 3:2-3, Zachariah 13:9, 1 Corinthians 3:13, James 1:2-3, 1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 4:12.
There are more, and your search is part of your walk in faith. We must embrace trials and tribulations as signs that we are not alone and can have peace, as Jesus said in John 16:33.
The Word of God is perfect, and there is no way to escape it.
His protection is as near as the very breath of life Genesis 2:7.I'm grateful for being able to share Bible studies, I also have a blog-it's not about Bible reflections, it's more of a personal hobby, but there is a verse inspira in my profession, that directly relates to it and always comes to my mind: "There is no speech nor language where His voice is not heard."I enjoy learning new words and texts, but as you mentioned (systematically), I must not get lost in philosophies.Yesterday, for example, I learned the word metaresiophobia.
It comes from Greek roots: Meta = change; Aresio from the verb "aresk" = to please, to adjust; Phobos = fear.In the Bible, we see that God does not change Malachi 3:6, but we must be continually transformed to be shaped into the image of Christ Romans 12:2.
Sometimes, I need to admonish myself and ask: am I really talking to an AI?Now, in my native language, I make a personal analogy with the word "admoestao" admonition, dividing it phonetically as: "admo" like "admonition" + "estacao" which means "season" or "station" in English.
This division is not technical, but phonetic and symbolic.To me, it's as if an "admoestacao" is a warning that comes in the right season - in other words, at the right time 2 Timothy 4:2.
I know, deep down, sometimes my fear isn't about change itself, but about accepting what is new - like learning a new language or facing situations that take me out of my comfort zone.But God is sovereign, and Daniel already warned us about the days when knowledge would increase rapidly Daniel 12:4.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (further thoughts on James 1:17)
We are reminded here of another verse in James 5:3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. (see also Matthew 6:19-20). There are other verses about silver and gold not saving us in the future wrath of God ( Zephaniah 1:18; etc). Once the mark of the Beast is established it won't be a viable option.
It is interesting to look at how a toy truck as an example is received with great joy for about a week or two maybe a couple months by a bratty kid. Five years later if he hasn't destroyed it or traded it it will likely go into storage; just for some collector 50 years hence to lovingly display it and if sold expect top dollar. Which of these is the most logical approach? Maybe the kid; because in the end it is all going to burn up with the rest of this old world. The Lord giveth and He taketh away ( Job 1:21). It is like that bad joke an elder quotes in our church about someone who got their wife to agree to take all the money with him to his grave. She said yes; I wrote a check and placed it there. In any case heaven is lined with gold streets and decorated with precious jewels. We won't be missing out there but of course it all reflects HIS glory; front and center stage.
As to the last post; in our relationships in the end we should seek to bring forth the jewels fitting for entry into heaven...And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. ( Malachi 3:17). None of us who know the Lord will miss any sinful aspects of our brothers in the Lord; and its effects of physical death and mental decline.
Tithing is the most controversial thing in the church today. Nobody wants to go broke giving a tithe. The Old Testament can give us a guide line, but it was given to the Jews to follow.
Deuteronomy 14:23
And thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always.
The Jews were to follow the law to tithe.
Hebrews 7:5
And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham
Churches will use this verse to make people feel guilty of Tithing.
Malachi 3:8-10
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Apostle Paul teaches us that the Old Testament and the four gospels are for learning because Jesus Christ had completed His mission and nailed the Law on the cross and all our sins .
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.
The New Testament teaches us how to give a offering by the heart, without madness and anger in the Lord Jesus Christ. Apostle Paul teaches us how to give without the law.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
There are many verses in the Bible that show the human nature of Jesus. But also there are many verses that show the divine nature of Jesus. Some of them are many parts of John's gospel (especially the begining) such as John 1:30, John 2:19, John 3:13, John 8:58-59, John 10:30-33, John 14:9-10, John 14:23, John 20:28, Acts 20:28, Titus 2:13, 2 Peter 1:1, Hebrews 1:8, Matthew 1:22-23, 1 Cor 10:9, Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1, Zechariah 11:12-13, Romans 9:1-5, and many other that I can not recall now. Jesus also accepted people to kneel infront of Him, something that is only permitted for God. Also compare Psalms 102:25-27 where it talks about God to Hebrews 1:10 where it talks about Jesus. Also compare Joel 3:5 to Acts 9:13. Compare Jeremiah 17:9 to Rev 2:23, etc.
So we have two kinds of scripture. One says that Jesus is human, the other says that Jesus is God. So what do we make out of these two? The obvious, that Jesus is the God, one person of the Godhead, who became man.
Lets think it in another way. We know that God loved people so much so that He sacrificed His own son for us. Now lets use another example. Suppose I love my brother and want to help Him. and the only way to help him is to give my own life for him. How does it seem to you that I would sacrifice instead of my own life, my son's life for Him to help Him? Why my son? And not myself? The most sensible thing is that I would sacrifice my own life for him, not somebody's else. That would be very egoistic. Somebody else to suffer for my intention to help somebody that I love? I think you can understand what I trying to say. So what did God do? He sacrificed Himself for us, one person out of the Godhead took on Him our nature, became a man and gave His life for us. So it is God's love that attracts people to Him. It wouldn't be love if He sacrificed somebody else, an innocent person's life, for his intention to save us. I hope I haven't done it so complicated to understand. GBU
Day 29 January 29,2025 West Angeles Church Consecration Calendar Psalms 19:1 KJV God's Glory in Creation.
Me being a member at West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California
Praise God for the beauty and majesty revealed in his creation "Jesus Christ is God + believe on him sons of God
John 1 :12 KJV"
Psalms 19:1 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
" Heavens Showing God perfection - Malachi 3:10 KJV giving you what you want. Romans 1:20 KJV Confirming me as man according with Jesus Christ God the Father is Victory in Jesus Psalm 18:49 KJV."Jesus Christ is God + believe on him sons of God
John 1 :12 KJV"
Heavens-Everything is the LORD's thereof. Psalms 24:1 KJV. Firmament handiwork giving me what I want and to do (strengthen hands to work) establishments to all the world. Jeremiah 10:12 KJV
Note: Heavens being Firmament- armies defend it agaisnt prince and principalities of the air-evil one. Not to be tried-Triune God.
Psalms 19:4 KJV For the words of my mouth are pleasing in God sight. 1 John 3:22 KJV
SCHOOL BOOK November 17, 2024 Ezekiel 47:13-23 KJV
COGIC WORSHIP 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: I worship a God that is Father, A God that is a holy promise land-inheritance. A God that is a haven-Blessings to his people. Malachi 3:10 KJV
"Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name." KJV
I was reading the gospel of Luke and I noticed something.
Luke 1:16-17, "16And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 17And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
Who is the "Lord their God" in verse 16? The answer is given in verse 17, "And he shall go before him". "Him" who? The Lord the God. It is the person who is going to come after John. Jesus Christ, Lord the God.
Malachi 3:1, "Behold, I(God) will send my messenger(John the Baptist), and he shall prepare the way before me(God): and the Lord, whom ye seek(God), shall suddenly come to his temple(His, meaning it still talks about God), even the messenger of the covenant(Jesus), whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts".
"Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name." KJV
Yes, yes, yes. God hears our "voice" when we talk about his Goodness and Grace. It is so important that he writes it down. Amen.
"God is a Spirit , the "Me" is the Spirit of God , God's Holy Spirit , which Christ , the chosen vessel , was filled with without measure.
End quote.
Yes, God is a Spirit and yes Christ was filled with without measure.
The "Me" we are referring to in Malachi 3:1 is interacting and answering a specific question in the previous verse.
Malachi 2:17.
"Where is the "ELOHIM" of judgment?
That question is answered in the next verse, Malachi 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,
So yes, you have the triune God represented in the usage of the name Elohim here.
And Jesus represented the fulfillment of this in his 1st coming and will again "with completion in his 2nd coming.
As for God being a spirit, that doesn't limit God! He can do "Anything." The scripture says that and I can believe that without comprehending it. He can certainly manifest himself in the flesh as scripture says " 1 Timothy 3:16. God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
With God's ability to do anything and be anything.
If we take what the scripture plainly and literally says,
I wouldn't dare question it concerning this.
And I certainly wouldn't rob Christ of his Glory and apply it to Angels in the usage of the name Elohim.
RED APPLE TREATY 4 ME ONLY on Jeremiah 32 - 1 year ago
Verse of day July 18, 2024
"Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:" Jeremiah 32:17 KJV
My Respond textual scripture:
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Malachi 3:10 KJV
I accepted Jesus Christ as God using my faith to receive it"( if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it")
"Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name."
Proverbs 3:9-10 may be a favorite verse of prosperity preachers. It states:
Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
It is too bad they don't go on to the next verse which says: My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights. (verses 11 and 12-so next TWO verses).
This concept of correction also makes Job 21:13 a frightening perspective because it describes them thriving until the moment of death; then the wrath of God afterwards (see rest of chapter and other parts of the book of Job as well).
Malachi 3:10 also discusses putting tithes in the storehouse and God's blessings; as well as pointing out their stinginess earlier in the book where they offer lame and sick animals ( Malachi 1:8). Naturally; if the first appeal doesn't work guilt trips like this are also utilized; any trick in the book to get the coffers filled.
The blessings of God are conditional on obedience to the Lord to His statutes and commandments; and of course that deals with matters of the heart as this verse in Malachi and similar references in Isaiah 1; for example. One can surmise that when one sin (covetousness which breaks the 10th Commandment) there is another; and that often is adulteries and adulterous remarriages that this type of celebrity pastor commonly is involved in. Since the church rarely stands up as they should to these matters with other members they sometimes can seemingly get by; but sometimes this does cost them a significant number of members.
In my next post I am going to explore factors in society that make such con artists thrive that exist today; as well as that form the personality types of individuals that tend to start on these ventures.
More thoughts on life after death and our identity as Christians
There is no doubt that this series of posts is going to generate a lot of buzz; and some major backlash. I can only be as transparent as I can in regard to my past experience when it seemed I sensed the presence of my grandmother who now has been gone the better part of 40 years. I had a quick dream for a few seconds the night before she passed with me telling her she was about to stand before God. As far as I know she was unsaved. Even if there was some last minute repentance it isn't something I would have known about her. There was much surrounding her in terms of possessions and photos and things that I cannot have as keepsakes.
Again; for those who are saved it is in the new identity as a believer that one becomes part of the Body of Christ; this takes us from what in some sense is Satan's body; if not his dominion ( Eph. 2:2). To the lost world it would seem we lose our freedom; and our individuality in such an identity where we die to our old self. But there are many facets like a jewel which we are compared to in Malachi 3:17; the Lord has made us to uniquely minister in and through Him and we shall rule and reign with Him as well.
I did want to say if anyone is still reading this at this point that I believe children before they can understand sin will by God's grace enter heaven. Also when considering the only scriptural example we have of a lost man in hades; we see how he wanted to warn his family not to go there; hence we should in that sense be further emboldened to share the Gospel.
I am not here to try to convince anyone to think this way. On one hand Jesus said "let the dead bury their own dead" ( Luke 9:60); on the other hand someone who compassionately has taken care of a rebel all their life who passes certainly can mourn.
It is only when such a loss keeps us stunted permanently in our growth in God that we need to step back to evaluate ourselves.
The dire/horrible/heinous/hair-raising picture of the current world of Devil,as you so well have described,it is the reflection the wicked and devilish nations of the Devil's world are already descending into hell as a whole,by the power of the Word of GOD,except the sons of GOD- John 1:12-13-of course,in LITERAL fulfilment of Malachi 4:1-3:->1For, behold,the Day cometh(seventh and last GOD's Day or seventh and last millennium),that shall burn as an oven;and all the proud,yea, and all that do wickedly,shall be stubble:and the day that cometh shall burn them up,saith the Lord of hosts,that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
2But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings;and ye shall go forth,and grow up as calves of the stall( Isaiah 43:2) .
3And ye shall tread down the wicked;for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the Day(seventh)that I shall do this,saith the Lord of hosts( 1Corinthians 15:24-26).
As you know,JESUS in His prayer to the Father,said: John 17:9-10 and 15-17:
9I pray for them:I pray not for the world,but for them which thou hast given me;for they are thine.
10And all mine are thine,and thine are mine;and I am glorified in them.
15I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world,but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16They are not of the world,even as I am not of the world.
17Sanctify them through thy truth:thy Word is Truth.
Malachi 3:16-18
16Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
17And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that Day when I make up my JEWELS;and I will spare them,as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
18Then shall ye return,and discern between the righteous and the wicked,between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
"Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven./Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants."
'Therefore' preceding the verse connects the verse before which gives us the Perfect number 7 and multiples of it. Kingdom of heaven calls for accounts which is directly pendent to the everlasting covenant drawn up in 'seven' days. God blessed His servants in manifold ways covered by verses in Ge.1:3- till 2:3. In the Parable of Jesus he refers God's commandment to man is service. He is the steward. Adam is a representational figure.(Ge.1:28) These are the Abstract and God shall require of his servants the proof of their service. Seventy is a man's life ("The days of our years are threescore years and ten,"-Ps.90:10). In short seventy years signifies the end times so when Jesus appointed seventy 'other' disciples he is referring to the everlasting gospel.( Luke 10:1)
The Spirit gives us an example of the Min-Max mode of narrative where a specific even veers of to the end times. Malachi 3:1 is a classic example. How we serve today is set in direct frame of reference to the Judgement so without abiding in Christ as so many branches to the true vine we are like the servant who hid his talent in the ground. ( John 15:3)
How does the talent is converted into the quality of service that one does? Gifts of the Spirit is given for building up each servant as well as for the common good. "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."(1 Co.12:7). And it is towards the one body to which gifts severally given to each member should count. In short no one may dare offending the will of God by serving as he pleases but according to 1 John 5:7-8.Both heaven and the earth must agree. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body"(v.13)
Vs 5 The plan of God, predetermined glory, Jesus knew the Scriptures. All that was to happen to Him and the glory He would receive after He suffered on the cross had already been spoken by the prophets in the past tense as though they had already happened.
As Jesus was on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:25-26, He talks about them not believing what the prophets had written about what was to happen to Jesus. The first man to be raised from the dead in a glorified body and God placed Him on His right hand on the throne a man, not a god.
Jesus was a man who was tempted like us and fulfilled all His Father asked Him we see hundreds of prophecies Jesus fulfilled and the man Jesus did it without one sin. Only a man could undo what the first man did. God could not do that because He cannot sin or die. The law was made for man and the curse of sin was on man, not God.
In Verses 20-22, Jesus had not yet been crucified and the glory the Father had given Him Jesus has given it to us today "but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;" This glory we will receive when Jesus returns and we are resurrected in our glorified bodies, we have it now, but it will not be manifest until Jesus returns.
If Jesus was a co-equal God in the three-person God, how could He be given anything He would already have it? Malachi 3:6 says God does not change so God cannot change, Numbers 23:19Isaiah 46:10Psalm 33:11Acts 17:26 The glory Jesus was asking for, He would receive when He resurrected.
The Spirit could not be given because Jesus had not been glorified (resurrected) John 7:39 Things were hidden from the disciples until Jesus was glorified (resurrected) John 12:16.
2 Timothy 1:9-10 It was given before creation so, John 17:24 we will be where He is when we are resurrected, Jesus was given glory with the Father before all creation in God's mind and plan. Ephesians 1:4
I hope this makes sense I am not the best at this.
Good evening, Chris. I find it fascinating that people have such a difficult time with thinking their salvation may not be secure. Answer me this, does God change? Does Jesus change? Does the Holy Spirit change? The answer to all those is no, of course not. Then why would God 'change' His requirements for a relationship with Him? He wouldn't. What is the main difference between the Old and New Testaments? The advent of Christ and His sacrifice on the cross for all mankind, including those who lived prior to His earthly life starting in Bethlehem. While believers in the OT went to Paradise, as opposed to Heaven, they were still God's children and were in Paradise until Christ's crucifixion and resurrection set them free (so to speak) to go to Heaven. All that to say this, do you recall anyone speaking of eternal security for the likes of Abraham, Noah, Moses, Rahab, Seth or David? No, you haven't because it didn't exist even though when they died and went to Paradise, they could never lose their relationship with God and be booted over the chasm to Hades.
So, why all of a sudden with Christ's birth, death, and resurrection, do we suddenly decide that God has provided eternal security for us? If according to Psalms 55:19, 102:27, Daniel 7:14, Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 1:12, 13:8, God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit do not change, then let's quit convincing ourselves they do. Have a good Thanksgiving and thanks for your time...
PS OT saints got in the book of Life the 'old-fashioned' way, trust and obedience. It works every time. Amen.
Friends, don't turn away from the Lord; Hebrews 12:29
who in His tender love trys our faith, whether it be birth & grounded in the doctrines of Christ.
True faith is birth of the Spirit & purifies the heart 1John 3:3Psalms 24:3,4Matt 5:8
If we are experiencing tribulations as define:
properly a pressing, pressing together, pressure within ,then our Refiner has come near us & we're in the fire being refined of false doctrines, sin or for whatsoever else He purposes are, for even after we are born again of His Spirit, tribulation & suffering continues in the perfecting of our faith, though now for a different purposes.
we're experiencing Psalms 89:14
Again, don't turn away from Christ, for He has come nearer to us, to purge out the dross
Love the Fire, its separates the precious from the vile, let us not hide our head in the darkness of an hole, like an ostrich & say i don't want to talk about it.
I hope you notice I said, we, us, our, Friends we all begin as miserable sinners, but we don't have to remain sinners.
Col 1:21,22 lets press towards the high calling in Christ Jesus
There was a question posted few weeks, regarding The Gift of The Holy Spirit.
Part 1
-I believe Jesus Christ is the son of the Living God and He died on the Cross for my sins, and He was buried and rose on the third Day and He is sited at the right hand of the father, and He is our high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
-Brethren bear this in mind that God is the same and He does not change.
As it is written Malachi 3:6, kjv
For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
-As God spoke by the prophets in time past in these days, these last hours ( John 1:18) He speaks to us by His beloved son in whom we have been qualified to be saints in the inheritance in the light by His blood at the cross By repentance. ( Colossians 1:12-14,KJV)
-And if you have repented at the cross and received salvation which is by grace and faith alone none of any of our works then we receive gifts according to His will which He gives for the edifying of the ministry (body of Christ For He is the Head of the Church Colossians 1:18, KJV.)
As it written in Ephesians 4:7-8, KJV
7.But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
-And in time past ( Hebrews 1:1, KJV) They the prophets healed the sick, raised the dead and provided provisions and all according to the will of God and not mans will.
-Therefore, we serve the same Living God who has been in the beginning and Does not Change and Was manifest unto us as a child, but He was there from the begging as a Son given unto us as a Son Mighty God, everlasting Father. (Isiah 6:9 KJV)
As it is written in 1 timothy 3:16, KJV.
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
You said that you "don't know if the angels can see the Father, or if for all eternity they saw the Godhead in the Son even before He was incarnated".
Remember that John the Baptist was an angel( Isaiah 40:1 to 14 reveal who is his person combined with Malachi 3:1), angels are born by the Power of the Word of GOD, by prophecy, even our Lord JESUS affirmed this( Matthew 11:9-10), and John the Baptist, the angel of the Lord, knew JESUS before His birth, as even he testified: John the Apostle wrote about the testimony of John the Baptist, saying: John 1:18 - 18 No man hath seen GOD at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.
By the way, we must know with certainty through the Word of GOD that the TRUE BELIEVERS will be angels of GOD from now on, by the transformation and changing of the nature of them all, the Word of GOD will do it in the true believers, do you understand? Because they was born from GOD-from the Word-the Word is GOD- Philippians 3:20-21 combined with 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 and Romans 8:18-25, Believest thou this?)
Our Lord JESUS said: Luke 20:35-36-
35 - They which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world (next world-the Kingdom of GOD- Revelation 11:15-18) and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
36 Neither can they die any more: for they are EQUAL UNTO THE ANGELS; and are the children of GOD, being the children of the resurrection.
Matthew 25:29 - For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Matthew 25:4-6
4 - The wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and SLEPT. (Similar Genesis 2:21-25)
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; GO YE OUT(yes, GO OUT)TO MEET HIM.
I discussed the other day about the Rosh Hashanah last trump concept that made it plausible that the Rapture would be this weekend. Clearly it went by again with no Rapture.
When we look at various events in scripture; we see the surprise element. Surely those watchmen who are asleep or not preparing others will be surprised when He comes (as many will be watching on high holidays such as this and Pentecost).
( Luke 12:35-40). The enemy camp is taken easiest this way in a successful ambush. Watching and waiting with patience is more than a one or two day spectator sport. It does seem that SOME warning comes before the bridegroom arrives ( Matt. 25:6); although some say this is deliverance perhaps before the second coming or even the midpoint of the Tribulation for the Jews or those on earth at that time. In any event; the idea that the Lord delays His coming brings laziness and sin ( Matthew 24:48-51) and results it appears becoming a statistic stuck in the Tribulation at best in verse 51 if not lost forever.
I am a Pre Trib person because it seems clear to me DECADES ago the enemy could have taken over the whole world and certainly we are on "borrowed time" today; the "restrainer" in 2 Thess. 2:6 has to be the Spirit working through the church.
The fact that only a few are really living fully surrendered today shows why in large part the salt and light has reduced to allow the level of ecil we see widespread today. This is in the world as expected but in the Laodicean church that typifies Western churches and that of many other countries in the world today.
Let us continue to warn others to flee the wrath to come ( Luke 3:7); whether it be imminent unexpected death or being stuck in the Tribulation. Remember that Christ comes as a thief to take His precious treasure ( 1 Thess. 5:2; Malachi 3:17). A thief such as this doesn't care about the profane; just the sacred objects of His affection.
I have in other posts described why the Rapture is going to occur. It fulfills scriptures such as Malachi 3:16 in the book of remembrance of those who OFTEN talk about the Lord and it is to reward those who patiently wait for His coming ( James 1:12 and other supporting text). My commentary also discussed how it is for the reunion of all the saints; past and present at the Lord's feet; and for us to be presented in the church as "kings and priests" who will rule and reign with Him ( Rev. 5:10). We are the armies of heaven who will eventually return with Christ in Revelation 19:14; and be accompanied by angels as well.
Psalm 40:3 shows how many shall see and fear us being lifted up from the miry clay (verses 1-2). The provoking of the Jews to jealousy ( Romans 11:14) perhaps will occur when the times of the Gentiles are full ( Romans 11:25). In any event the time of Jacob's trouble is specifically for the week of testing for seven years ( Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 9:26-27) which is also known as Daniel's 70th week.
Let us assume for a moment that the Rapture IS going to happen before the end of this year for instance. How many are ready for His coming? How many have their garments unspotted and unwrinkled ( Eph. 5:27). I have mentioned before that whether people believe the Rapture is Pretribulation or some other later date; it is the fruit of our lives that is most important. A theoretical concept won't keep those away who are true servants of the Master; but I guarantee those who are espousing a PreTrib Rapture but whose lives are not according to His will will by and large be shocked in many cases being left behind. Whether all these people never believed inthe first place or the Rapture is a reward issue; surely a great multitude will be saved but die as martyrs in the Tribulation ( Rev. 7:9). That is the purpose for the Tribulation for God's children; along with gathering the unregenerate for destruction.
The second major factor of those who have dreams or visions is how rarely I hear people in these testimonies concerning CURRENT suffering in the world related to war; famine and plague or that of other believers suffering persecution today.
An individual testimony seems a lot like clickbait here; and no doubt the structure of sites online know what draws people.
I pray on this site we can continue to keep some of these things in mind as well. Again it is a balance between those who basically give believers no respect or are downright ambivalent but are for all sorts of social causes; and those who are believers with correct doctrine who are only focused on spiritual matters and aren't active enough in trying to be the hands and feet of Christ and helping the poor and persecuted. Let us all remember the suffering persecuted church today.
In light of my other posts let us be thinking people related to scripture in great detail. Most are contributing to this site with that focus in mind; and aren't drawn into lengthy things related to what I'm discussing with subjective experiences.
The problem as I see it is not having a deep personal spiritual communication and life with our Saviour. I haven't met anyone here as far as I know personally but feel I know a few at least better than those I do know. I would venture to say many are as it were with wounded and shattered souls and the reward comes from continued faithfulness despite that. I may be the only one here who could; if the thought festered drawn to anger over that idea. God takes the broken pieces and as it were makes a jewel from it. (see Malachi 3:17). In contrast those in the world who are brazen; bold and outwardly strong in reality have no life in them.
Waiting for the world to respect the saints of God is a fool's venture. They indeed may praise good works but only if they see God in it through divine revelation ( Matt. 5:16). Let your light shine.
Agape. RP
I agree!
Tithing in the Old Testament was the giving of a tenth (10%) of one's increase, commanded under the Law of Moses for Israel. While Abraham ( Gen. 14:20) and Jacob ( Gen. 28:22) gave tithes before the Law, under Moses it became a structured system. Israel actually had three tithes: (1) The Levitical tithe-10% given to the Levites, since they had no land inheritance, and from it the Levites gave a tithe to the priests ( Num. 18:21-28). (2) The Festival tithe-a tenth of produce set aside for yearly religious feasts in Jerusalem, allowing Israel to rejoice before the Lord ( Deut. 14:22-27). (3) The Poor tithe-every third year another tenth was collected locally to support widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor ( Deut. 14:28-29). Altogether, the system amounted to about 23% per year. Tithes supported the priesthood, the temple, Israel's worship, and social care. Malachi 3:8-10, often quoted, was a rebuke to Israel for robbing God by neglecting this Law. In the New Testament, however, the Body of Christ is not commanded to tithe. Instead, giving is voluntary, cheerful, and according to one's ability ( 2 Cor. 9:6-7). Thus, tithing belonged to Israel's covenant system, while under grace believers are called to give freely, not by legal obligation.
Grace and Peace.
Revelation 20:12-15.
PART ( 1)
My question in regard to verse
Revelation 20:12
How many books were opened?
Where is the reference to sins we have committed?
"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."
Malachi 3:18
"Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not."
I understand that the scriptures in
Malachi 3:16 and Matt. 25:33- refers to the RIGHT HAND PEOPLE.
Malachi 3:16
"Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name."King James Version (KJV)
They to whom he promised this reward mentioned in Matt. 25:34
Matthew 25:33
. "another book was opened which is the book of life," refers to the those who are judged by their works that
Jesus named in this Scripture:
"shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Matthew 25:34
"Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:"
(1) God will judge on what is written in those books. Including his Word to us by the Prophets and His Son. Our High Priest, Jesus Christ.
(2) GOD's judgement is based o
1. The Basic Command
"Tithe" means "tenth."
The first mention is Genesis 14:20, when Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of the spoils of war-this was before the Law.
Jacob also promised a tenth to God in Genesis 28:22, again before the Law.
2. Under the Mosaic Law (For Israel)
There were actually three tithes commanded for different purposes:
A. The Levitical Tithe (First Tithe)
Numbers 18:21-24: The Israelites gave 10% of their crops and livestock to support the Levites, who had no inheritance or land.
The Levites then gave a tenth of the tithe to the priests ( Numbers 18:26-28).
B. The Festival Tithe (Second Tithe)
Deuteronomy 14:22-27: Another 10% was set aside each year for the Israelites to bring to Jerusalem and eat during religious festivals (like Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles).
If the journey was long, they could convert the tithe to money and use it to buy food and drink in Jerusalem.
C. The Poor Tithe (Third Tithe)
Deuteronomy 14:28-29 & 26:12-13: Every third year, a tithe was stored locally to support the poor, orphans, widows, and foreigners.
So, the average Israelite gave about 23.3% annually, not just 10%.
3. Tithing Was for Israel Under the Law
Malachi 3:8-10 is often quoted on tithing but was a rebuke to Israel for neglecting the Law, not a command to the Church.
The Temple system and Levitical priesthood made tithing necessary.
4. Tithing in the New Testament
No command is given to the Body of Christ (Church) to tithe.
Instead, believers are told to give willingly, cheerfully, and generously ( 2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
Tithing was not taught as a requirement for Gentile believers under grace.
You have received good replies. To me, John is addressing those who will believe in the one after him, Jesus. The baptizing with fire in Matthew 3:11 and Luke 3:16 is after we accept and believe in Jesus as our savior and receive the Holy Spirit; we are then baptized with fire to refine us, as silver and gold are refined by fire.
These metals are put in a refining pot and placed over the fire. As the metals are heated, the impurities float to the top and are scooped off by a ladle and discarded, making the gold and silver purer. This fire represents trials and tribulations we go through to strengthen our faith and purify our hearts so that we become more like Christ, our pot is this world we live in.
Here are a few verses you may read: Malachi 3:2-3, Zachariah 13:9, 1 Corinthians 3:13, James 1:2-3, 1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 4:12.
There are more, and your search is part of your walk in faith. We must embrace trials and tribulations as signs that we are not alone and can have peace, as Jesus said in John 16:33.
God bless,
RLW
The Word of God is perfect, and there is no way to escape it.
His protection is as near as the very breath of life Genesis 2:7.I'm grateful for being able to share Bible studies, I also have a blog-it's not about Bible reflections, it's more of a personal hobby, but there is a verse inspira in my profession, that directly relates to it and always comes to my mind: "There is no speech nor language where His voice is not heard."I enjoy learning new words and texts, but as you mentioned (systematically), I must not get lost in philosophies.Yesterday, for example, I learned the word metaresiophobia.
It comes from Greek roots: Meta = change; Aresio from the verb "aresk" = to please, to adjust; Phobos = fear.In the Bible, we see that God does not change Malachi 3:6, but we must be continually transformed to be shaped into the image of Christ Romans 12:2.
Sometimes, I need to admonish myself and ask: am I really talking to an AI?Now, in my native language, I make a personal analogy with the word "admoestao" admonition, dividing it phonetically as: "admo" like "admonition" + "estacao" which means "season" or "station" in English.
This division is not technical, but phonetic and symbolic.To me, it's as if an "admoestacao" is a warning that comes in the right season - in other words, at the right time 2 Timothy 4:2.
I know, deep down, sometimes my fear isn't about change itself, but about accepting what is new - like learning a new language or facing situations that take me out of my comfort zone.But God is sovereign, and Daniel already warned us about the days when knowledge would increase rapidly Daniel 12:4.
We are reminded here of another verse in James 5:3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. (see also Matthew 6:19-20). There are other verses about silver and gold not saving us in the future wrath of God ( Zephaniah 1:18; etc). Once the mark of the Beast is established it won't be a viable option.
It is interesting to look at how a toy truck as an example is received with great joy for about a week or two maybe a couple months by a bratty kid. Five years later if he hasn't destroyed it or traded it it will likely go into storage; just for some collector 50 years hence to lovingly display it and if sold expect top dollar. Which of these is the most logical approach? Maybe the kid; because in the end it is all going to burn up with the rest of this old world. The Lord giveth and He taketh away ( Job 1:21). It is like that bad joke an elder quotes in our church about someone who got their wife to agree to take all the money with him to his grave. She said yes; I wrote a check and placed it there. In any case heaven is lined with gold streets and decorated with precious jewels. We won't be missing out there but of course it all reflects HIS glory; front and center stage.
As to the last post; in our relationships in the end we should seek to bring forth the jewels fitting for entry into heaven...And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. ( Malachi 3:17). None of us who know the Lord will miss any sinful aspects of our brothers in the Lord; and its effects of physical death and mental decline.
Maranatha-come soon
Deuteronomy 14:23
And thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always.
The Jews were to follow the law to tithe.
Hebrews 7:5
And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham
Churches will use this verse to make people feel guilty of Tithing.
Malachi 3:8-10
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Apostle Paul teaches us that the Old Testament and the four gospels are for learning because Jesus Christ had completed His mission and nailed the Law on the cross and all our sins .
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.
The New Testament teaches us how to give a offering by the heart, without madness and anger in the Lord Jesus Christ. Apostle Paul teaches us how to give without the law.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthi
There are many verses in the Bible that show the human nature of Jesus. But also there are many verses that show the divine nature of Jesus. Some of them are many parts of John's gospel (especially the begining) such as John 1:30, John 2:19, John 3:13, John 8:58-59, John 10:30-33, John 14:9-10, John 14:23, John 20:28, Acts 20:28, Titus 2:13, 2 Peter 1:1, Hebrews 1:8, Matthew 1:22-23, 1 Cor 10:9, Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1, Zechariah 11:12-13, Romans 9:1-5, and many other that I can not recall now. Jesus also accepted people to kneel infront of Him, something that is only permitted for God. Also compare Psalms 102:25-27 where it talks about God to Hebrews 1:10 where it talks about Jesus. Also compare Joel 3:5 to Acts 9:13. Compare Jeremiah 17:9 to Rev 2:23, etc.
So we have two kinds of scripture. One says that Jesus is human, the other says that Jesus is God. So what do we make out of these two? The obvious, that Jesus is the God, one person of the Godhead, who became man.
Lets think it in another way. We know that God loved people so much so that He sacrificed His own son for us. Now lets use another example. Suppose I love my brother and want to help Him. and the only way to help him is to give my own life for him. How does it seem to you that I would sacrifice instead of my own life, my son's life for Him to help Him? Why my son? And not myself? The most sensible thing is that I would sacrifice my own life for him, not somebody's else. That would be very egoistic. Somebody else to suffer for my intention to help somebody that I love? I think you can understand what I trying to say. So what did God do? He sacrificed Himself for us, one person out of the Godhead took on Him our nature, became a man and gave His life for us. So it is God's love that attracts people to Him. It wouldn't be love if He sacrificed somebody else, an innocent person's life, for his intention to save us. I hope I haven't done it so complicated to understand. GBU
Me being a member at West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California
Praise God for the beauty and majesty revealed in his creation "Jesus Christ is God + believe on him sons of God
John 1 :12 KJV"
Psalms 19:1 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
" Heavens Showing God perfection - Malachi 3:10 KJV giving you what you want. Romans 1:20 KJV Confirming me as man according with Jesus Christ God the Father is Victory in Jesus Psalm 18:49 KJV."Jesus Christ is God + believe on him sons of God
John 1 :12 KJV"
Heavens-Everything is the LORD's thereof. Psalms 24:1 KJV. Firmament handiwork giving me what I want and to do (strengthen hands to work) establishments to all the world. Jeremiah 10:12 KJV
Note: Heavens being Firmament- armies defend it agaisnt prince and principalities of the air-evil one. Not to be tried-Triune God.
Psalms 19:4 KJV For the words of my mouth are pleasing in God sight. 1 John 3:22 KJV
Word Spoken and Written by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
The Lord hears us when we praise him. He is worthy to be praised.
Malachi 3:16,17_
..."And they that feared the Lord spoke often to one another:
and the Lord was listening, and heard it,
And a book of remembrance
was written before him
for them that feared the Lord and thought upon his name."(kjv)
May God continue to bless us all. Amen!
SCHOOL BOOK November 17, 2024 Ezekiel 47:13-23 KJV
COGIC WORSHIP 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: I worship a God that is Father, A God that is a holy promise land-inheritance. A God that is a haven-Blessings to his people. Malachi 3:10 KJV
A favorite scripture I would like to share.
Malachi 3:16
"Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name." KJV
May GOD bless us all. Amen!
I have used Malachi 3:1 and associated it with Matthew 11:14,
Matthew 3:3,
Luke 3:3-4
and Isaiah 40:3-5.
but I overlooked Luke 1:16-17.
Thanks and God bless.
Luke 1:16-17, "16And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 17And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
Who is the "Lord their God" in verse 16? The answer is given in verse 17, "And he shall go before him". "Him" who? The Lord the God. It is the person who is going to come after John. Jesus Christ, Lord the God.
Malachi 3:1, "Behold, I(God) will send my messenger(John the Baptist), and he shall prepare the way before me(God): and the Lord, whom ye seek(God), shall suddenly come to his temple(His, meaning it still talks about God), even the messenger of the covenant(Jesus), whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts".
I found that scripture in Malachi 3:16.
a few weeks ago. I love it.
Thanks for posting it.
Malachi 3:16
"Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name." KJV
Yes, yes, yes. God hears our "voice" when we talk about his Goodness and Grace. It is so important that he writes it down. Amen.
Thanks for responding.
Part 1.
Your quote in response to me as follows;
"God is a Spirit , the "Me" is the Spirit of God , God's Holy Spirit , which Christ , the chosen vessel , was filled with without measure.
End quote.
Yes, God is a Spirit and yes Christ was filled with without measure.
The "Me" we are referring to in Malachi 3:1 is interacting and answering a specific question in the previous verse.
Malachi 2:17.
"Where is the "ELOHIM" of judgment?
That question is answered in the next verse, Malachi 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,
So yes, you have the triune God represented in the usage of the name Elohim here.
And Jesus represented the fulfillment of this in his 1st coming and will again "with completion in his 2nd coming.
As for God being a spirit, that doesn't limit God! He can do "Anything." The scripture says that and I can believe that without comprehending it. He can certainly manifest himself in the flesh as scripture says " 1 Timothy 3:16. God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
With God's ability to do anything and be anything.
If we take what the scripture plainly and literally says,
I wouldn't dare question it concerning this.
And I certainly wouldn't rob Christ of his Glory and apply it to Angels in the usage of the name Elohim.
See part 2 Jaz.
"Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:" Jeremiah 32:17 KJV
My Respond textual scripture:
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Malachi 3:10 KJV
I accepted Jesus Christ as God using my faith to receive it"( if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it")
(Tears in a bottle 2/2)
Thank you for the scripture in Malachi
3:16& 17
Malachi 3:16
"Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name."
King James Version (KJV)
I do not remember reading it before.
Keep spreading the Word.
Jesus is the Way.
Proverbs 3:9-10 may be a favorite verse of prosperity preachers. It states:
Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
It is too bad they don't go on to the next verse which says: My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights. (verses 11 and 12-so next TWO verses).
This concept of correction also makes Job 21:13 a frightening perspective because it describes them thriving until the moment of death; then the wrath of God afterwards (see rest of chapter and other parts of the book of Job as well).
Malachi 3:10 also discusses putting tithes in the storehouse and God's blessings; as well as pointing out their stinginess earlier in the book where they offer lame and sick animals ( Malachi 1:8). Naturally; if the first appeal doesn't work guilt trips like this are also utilized; any trick in the book to get the coffers filled.
The blessings of God are conditional on obedience to the Lord to His statutes and commandments; and of course that deals with matters of the heart as this verse in Malachi and similar references in Isaiah 1; for example. One can surmise that when one sin (covetousness which breaks the 10th Commandment) there is another; and that often is adulteries and adulterous remarriages that this type of celebrity pastor commonly is involved in. Since the church rarely stands up as they should to these matters with other members they sometimes can seemingly get by; but sometimes this does cost them a significant number of members.
In my next post I am going to explore factors in society that make such con artists thrive that exist today; as well as that form the personality types of individuals that tend to start on these ventures.
There is no doubt that this series of posts is going to generate a lot of buzz; and some major backlash. I can only be as transparent as I can in regard to my past experience when it seemed I sensed the presence of my grandmother who now has been gone the better part of 40 years. I had a quick dream for a few seconds the night before she passed with me telling her she was about to stand before God. As far as I know she was unsaved. Even if there was some last minute repentance it isn't something I would have known about her. There was much surrounding her in terms of possessions and photos and things that I cannot have as keepsakes.
Again; for those who are saved it is in the new identity as a believer that one becomes part of the Body of Christ; this takes us from what in some sense is Satan's body; if not his dominion ( Eph. 2:2). To the lost world it would seem we lose our freedom; and our individuality in such an identity where we die to our old self. But there are many facets like a jewel which we are compared to in Malachi 3:17; the Lord has made us to uniquely minister in and through Him and we shall rule and reign with Him as well.
I did want to say if anyone is still reading this at this point that I believe children before they can understand sin will by God's grace enter heaven. Also when considering the only scriptural example we have of a lost man in hades; we see how he wanted to warn his family not to go there; hence we should in that sense be further emboldened to share the Gospel.
I am not here to try to convince anyone to think this way. On one hand Jesus said "let the dead bury their own dead" ( Luke 9:60); on the other hand someone who compassionately has taken care of a rebel all their life who passes certainly can mourn.
It is only when such a loss keeps us stunted permanently in our growth in God that we need to step back to evaluate ourselves.
Greetings in Christ
The dire/horrible/heinous/hair-raising picture of the current world of Devil,as you so well have described,it is the reflection the wicked and devilish nations of the Devil's world are already descending into hell as a whole,by the power of the Word of GOD,except the sons of GOD- John 1:12-13-of course,in LITERAL fulfilment of Malachi 4:1-3:->1For, behold,the Day cometh(seventh and last GOD's Day or seventh and last millennium),that shall burn as an oven;and all the proud,yea, and all that do wickedly,shall be stubble:and the day that cometh shall burn them up,saith the Lord of hosts,that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
2But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings;and ye shall go forth,and grow up as calves of the stall( Isaiah 43:2) .
3And ye shall tread down the wicked;for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the Day(seventh)that I shall do this,saith the Lord of hosts( 1Corinthians 15:24-26).
As you know,JESUS in His prayer to the Father,said: John 17:9-10 and 15-17:
9I pray for them:I pray not for the world,but for them which thou hast given me;for they are thine.
10And all mine are thine,and thine are mine;and I am glorified in them.
15I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world,but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16They are not of the world,even as I am not of the world.
17Sanctify them through thy truth:thy Word is Truth.
Malachi 3:16-18
16Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
17And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that Day when I make up my JEWELS;and I will spare them,as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
18Then shall ye return,and discern between the righteous and the wicked,between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
"Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven./Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants."
'Therefore' preceding the verse connects the verse before which gives us the Perfect number 7 and multiples of it. Kingdom of heaven calls for accounts which is directly pendent to the everlasting covenant drawn up in 'seven' days. God blessed His servants in manifold ways covered by verses in Ge.1:3- till 2:3. In the Parable of Jesus he refers God's commandment to man is service. He is the steward. Adam is a representational figure.(Ge.1:28) These are the Abstract and God shall require of his servants the proof of their service. Seventy is a man's life ("The days of our years are threescore years and ten,"-Ps.90:10). In short seventy years signifies the end times so when Jesus appointed seventy 'other' disciples he is referring to the everlasting gospel.( Luke 10:1)
The Spirit gives us an example of the Min-Max mode of narrative where a specific even veers of to the end times. Malachi 3:1 is a classic example. How we serve today is set in direct frame of reference to the Judgement so without abiding in Christ as so many branches to the true vine we are like the servant who hid his talent in the ground. ( John 15:3)
How does the talent is converted into the quality of service that one does? Gifts of the Spirit is given for building up each servant as well as for the common good. "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."(1 Co.12:7). And it is towards the one body to which gifts severally given to each member should count. In short no one may dare offending the will of God by serving as he pleases but according to 1 John 5:7-8.Both heaven and the earth must agree. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body"(v.13)
Part two
Vs 5 The plan of God, predetermined glory, Jesus knew the Scriptures. All that was to happen to Him and the glory He would receive after He suffered on the cross had already been spoken by the prophets in the past tense as though they had already happened.
As Jesus was on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:25-26, He talks about them not believing what the prophets had written about what was to happen to Jesus. The first man to be raised from the dead in a glorified body and God placed Him on His right hand on the throne a man, not a god.
Jesus was a man who was tempted like us and fulfilled all His Father asked Him we see hundreds of prophecies Jesus fulfilled and the man Jesus did it without one sin. Only a man could undo what the first man did. God could not do that because He cannot sin or die. The law was made for man and the curse of sin was on man, not God.
In Verses 20-22, Jesus had not yet been crucified and the glory the Father had given Him Jesus has given it to us today "but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;" This glory we will receive when Jesus returns and we are resurrected in our glorified bodies, we have it now, but it will not be manifest until Jesus returns.
If Jesus was a co-equal God in the three-person God, how could He be given anything He would already have it? Malachi 3:6 says God does not change so God cannot change, Numbers 23:19 Isaiah 46:10 Psalm 33:11 Acts 17:26 The glory Jesus was asking for, He would receive when He resurrected.
The Spirit could not be given because Jesus had not been glorified (resurrected) John 7:39 Things were hidden from the disciples until Jesus was glorified (resurrected) John 12:16.
2 Timothy 1:9-10 It was given before creation so, John 17:24 we will be where He is when we are resurrected, Jesus was given glory with the Father before all creation in God's mind and plan. Ephesians 1:4
I hope this makes sense I am not the best at this.
God bless,
RLW
So, why all of a sudden with Christ's birth, death, and resurrection, do we suddenly decide that God has provided eternal security for us? If according to Psalms 55:19, 102:27, Daniel 7:14, Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 1:12, 13:8, God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit do not change, then let's quit convincing ourselves they do. Have a good Thanksgiving and thanks for your time...
PS OT saints got in the book of Life the 'old-fashioned' way, trust and obedience. It works every time. Amen.
Friends, don't turn away from the Lord; Hebrews 12:29
who in His tender love trys our faith, whether it be birth & grounded in the doctrines of Christ.
True faith is birth of the Spirit & purifies the heart 1John 3:3 Psalms 24:3,4 Matt 5:8
If we are experiencing tribulations as define:
properly a pressing, pressing together, pressure within ,then our Refiner has come near us & we're in the fire being refined of false doctrines, sin or for whatsoever else He purposes are, for even after we are born again of His Spirit, tribulation & suffering continues in the perfecting of our faith, though now for a different purposes.
we're experiencing Psalms 89:14
Again, don't turn away from Christ, for He has come nearer to us, to purge out the dross
Love the Fire, its separates the precious from the vile, let us not hide our head in the darkness of an hole, like an ostrich & say i don't want to talk about it.
I hope you notice I said, we, us, our, Friends we all begin as miserable sinners, but we don't have to remain sinners.
Col 1:21,22 lets press towards the high calling in Christ Jesus
in love & truth
There was a question posted few weeks, regarding The Gift of The Holy Spirit.
Part 1
-I believe Jesus Christ is the son of the Living God and He died on the Cross for my sins, and He was buried and rose on the third Day and He is sited at the right hand of the father, and He is our high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
-Brethren bear this in mind that God is the same and He does not change.
As it is written Malachi 3:6, kjv
For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
-As God spoke by the prophets in time past in these days, these last hours ( John 1:18) He speaks to us by His beloved son in whom we have been qualified to be saints in the inheritance in the light by His blood at the cross By repentance. ( Colossians 1:12-14,KJV)
-And if you have repented at the cross and received salvation which is by grace and faith alone none of any of our works then we receive gifts according to His will which He gives for the edifying of the ministry (body of Christ For He is the Head of the Church Colossians 1:18, KJV.)
As it written in Ephesians 4:7-8, KJV
7.But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
-And in time past ( Hebrews 1:1, KJV) They the prophets healed the sick, raised the dead and provided provisions and all according to the will of God and not mans will.
-Therefore, we serve the same Living God who has been in the beginning and Does not Change and Was manifest unto us as a child, but He was there from the begging as a Son given unto us as a Son Mighty God, everlasting Father. (Isiah 6:9 KJV)
As it is written in 1 timothy 3:16, KJV.
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Part 2 next.
Greetings in Christ JESUS
You said that you "don't know if the angels can see the Father, or if for all eternity they saw the Godhead in the Son even before He was incarnated".
Remember that John the Baptist was an angel( Isaiah 40:1 to 14 reveal who is his person combined with Malachi 3:1), angels are born by the Power of the Word of GOD, by prophecy, even our Lord JESUS affirmed this( Matthew 11:9-10), and John the Baptist, the angel of the Lord, knew JESUS before His birth, as even he testified: John the Apostle wrote about the testimony of John the Baptist, saying: John 1:18 - 18 No man hath seen GOD at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.
By the way, we must know with certainty through the Word of GOD that the TRUE BELIEVERS will be angels of GOD from now on, by the transformation and changing of the nature of them all, the Word of GOD will do it in the true believers, do you understand? Because they was born from GOD-from the Word-the Word is GOD- Philippians 3:20-21 combined with 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 and Romans 8:18-25, Believest thou this?)
Our Lord JESUS said: Luke 20:35-36-
35 - They which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world (next world-the Kingdom of GOD- Revelation 11:15-18) and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
36 Neither can they die any more: for they are EQUAL UNTO THE ANGELS; and are the children of GOD, being the children of the resurrection.
Matthew 25:29 - For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Matthew 25:4-6
4 - The wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and SLEPT. (Similar Genesis 2:21-25)
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; GO YE OUT(yes, GO OUT)TO MEET HIM.
Come up hither- Revelation 4:1
Hallelujah, praise our GOD
I discussed the other day about the Rosh Hashanah last trump concept that made it plausible that the Rapture would be this weekend. Clearly it went by again with no Rapture.
When we look at various events in scripture; we see the surprise element. Surely those watchmen who are asleep or not preparing others will be surprised when He comes (as many will be watching on high holidays such as this and Pentecost).
( Luke 12:35-40). The enemy camp is taken easiest this way in a successful ambush. Watching and waiting with patience is more than a one or two day spectator sport. It does seem that SOME warning comes before the bridegroom arrives ( Matt. 25:6); although some say this is deliverance perhaps before the second coming or even the midpoint of the Tribulation for the Jews or those on earth at that time. In any event; the idea that the Lord delays His coming brings laziness and sin ( Matthew 24:48-51) and results it appears becoming a statistic stuck in the Tribulation at best in verse 51 if not lost forever.
I am a Pre Trib person because it seems clear to me DECADES ago the enemy could have taken over the whole world and certainly we are on "borrowed time" today; the "restrainer" in 2 Thess. 2:6 has to be the Spirit working through the church.
The fact that only a few are really living fully surrendered today shows why in large part the salt and light has reduced to allow the level of ecil we see widespread today. This is in the world as expected but in the Laodicean church that typifies Western churches and that of many other countries in the world today.
Let us continue to warn others to flee the wrath to come ( Luke 3:7); whether it be imminent unexpected death or being stuck in the Tribulation. Remember that Christ comes as a thief to take His precious treasure ( 1 Thess. 5:2; Malachi 3:17). A thief such as this doesn't care about the profane; just the sacred objects of His affection.
Agape.
I have in other posts described why the Rapture is going to occur. It fulfills scriptures such as Malachi 3:16 in the book of remembrance of those who OFTEN talk about the Lord and it is to reward those who patiently wait for His coming ( James 1:12 and other supporting text). My commentary also discussed how it is for the reunion of all the saints; past and present at the Lord's feet; and for us to be presented in the church as "kings and priests" who will rule and reign with Him ( Rev. 5:10). We are the armies of heaven who will eventually return with Christ in Revelation 19:14; and be accompanied by angels as well.
Psalm 40:3 shows how many shall see and fear us being lifted up from the miry clay (verses 1-2). The provoking of the Jews to jealousy ( Romans 11:14) perhaps will occur when the times of the Gentiles are full ( Romans 11:25). In any event the time of Jacob's trouble is specifically for the week of testing for seven years ( Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 9:26-27) which is also known as Daniel's 70th week.
Let us assume for a moment that the Rapture IS going to happen before the end of this year for instance. How many are ready for His coming? How many have their garments unspotted and unwrinkled ( Eph. 5:27). I have mentioned before that whether people believe the Rapture is Pretribulation or some other later date; it is the fruit of our lives that is most important. A theoretical concept won't keep those away who are true servants of the Master; but I guarantee those who are espousing a PreTrib Rapture but whose lives are not according to His will will by and large be shocked in many cases being left behind. Whether all these people never believed inthe first place or the Rapture is a reward issue; surely a great multitude will be saved but die as martyrs in the Tribulation ( Rev. 7:9). That is the purpose for the Tribulation for God's children; along with gathering the unregenerate for destruction.