I accept that as well Gerald, that the forty years belief (so often read in the Word), is taken as the norm. But it refers to the Israelite wanderings in the wilderness after the spies' report, and not their desert travels to get to the Promised Land. So, forty is probably an easy number to hang onto, since it is a clear number recorded several times in the Bible and easier to remember or include it in hymns.
Just quickly to your other questions: I feel the Promised Land would equate to the rest we, as believers in Christ, have in Him. We will experience tribulations and temptations, just as Israel did when physically in their Canaan, but it was their own God-given possession and rest from their bondage, struggles, & their enemies ( Deuteronomy 12:9,10). So, I don't equate the Promised Land with Heaven, for we still have our enemies, within & without, to fight & conquer.
Romans 8:37. Through everything that life or Satan might throw at us, if Jesus by His Spirit is reigning in us, we will, through Him, be victorious in every circumstance we face. It's never easy traveling down struggle street, but when our eyes turn to Jesus & not our circumstances, we find victory; and greater victory than a human conqueror may or may not gain, returning from battle; for the victory for those in Christ is certain, continually, through Christ alone.
Matthew 16:18. True, gates can be considered the weakest part of a fortified city, but it is through those gates that the troops issue forth to battle. Those symbolic gates of Hell are opened allowing destructive deceiving spirits to wreak havoc on humans, particularly against Christ's Church. But the true and faithful Church will stand strong against those evil forces, by attending wholly to God's Word and abundant Life in the Spirit, so evil cannot gain a foothold & will leave defeated. But they will return for sure - the Church must ever remain on guard, "for we are not ignorant of his devices". GBU.
I the Greek the word "ecclesia" which means congregation/assembly of the called out ones. The Septuagint uses the word ecclesia.
There's a different word in the Hebrew used in the wilderness equivalent to ecclesia which means "assembly" and is derived from the root word to "gather
The word "QAHAL" means "assembly" or "congregation" and was used to refer to the community of Israel as a whole.
In Matthew 16:18 Jesus says And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and UPON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
This is future! Jesus is the cornerstone, That's leveling point where the foundation depends on for accuracy!
This is the most important part of a building.
If its off the whole construction project is out of whack!
When the cornerstone is set then comes the foundation. (Apostles)
Afterwards comes the building!
This is the ecclesia! (Jews and Gentiles alike)
The wall of partition has been broken down. Ephesians 2:14.
This group of believers is under a "NEW COVENANT" that is different from the gathering in the wilderness!
When Jesus made this statement the foundation haven't been laid yet.
The cornerstone was set at Jesus crucifixion, afterwards the Holyspirit indwelling beginning with the Apostles. (Foundation)
Afterwords the Church Jesus mentioned in Matthew 16:18.
Note:
The rock is built on the statement Peter made in Matthew 16:16
Hello Franklinc.. We do see glimpses of Jesus Christ, in the prophet Jeremiah, both in his person and writings. Even some of the people of Jesus' day wondered whether this Jesus personified one of the OT prophets, such as Jeremiah ( Matthew 16:13,14). Whether they actually saw something about Jesus' Life and Ministry that led them to wonder or maybe they believed that Jesus came in the spirit and power of those men, we can't know.
Jeremiah prophesied about Jesus (not by Name of course) in Jerermiah 23:5,6; and this prophecy is still future when Jesus returns to Earth and sits on the 'Throne of David'.
Jeremiah also speaks about a New Covenant ( Jeremiah 31:31-34). Although Jesus brought in a New Covenant in His Blood, which we are the blessed recipients of, Israel by-and-large have rejected it to this day. But this is the final Covenant, for no greater can be made other than through God's Son's Sacrifice. But the day will come when the fulfilment of this Covenant will be realized when all Jewry will acknowledge the Giver of this Covenant & be transformed in the inner man.
Jeremiah 11:19-21; Jeremiah 20:7-18. The prophet suffered very much physically. Even as Isaiah spoke of Jesus being "brought as a lamb to the slaughter" ( Isaiah 53:7), Jeremiah voices the same grief unto himself ( Jeremiah 11:19).
Jesus seems to quote Jeremiah in His castigation of the temple merchants ( Matthew 21:12,13; cf Jeremiah 7:9-11).
So, a few examples that I could think of that hopefully addresses your question. Blessings.
In Matthew 16:16- And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
(the Son of the living God.) This is interpreted Jesus is God. Why this is important? I will come back to that.
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.
Jesus is telling Peter "on this basis (Jesus being God) will set the cornerstone for the foundation that the Church will be built on.
Hebrews 9:22-24 reads "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
Jesus was the only perfect sacrifice that could present himself as that perfect Lamb from God that could atone for our sins.
Peter says in Acts 4:11-12 "This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Jesus wasn't a descendent from Adam where he carried sin in the flesh as all of man kind.
He was brought foward by the Spirit of God. Matthew 1:20-21.
Hebrews 2:14 reads "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Listen to Jesus in John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
As far as I know, there is only one religious group that falsely interprets Matthew 16:18 and uses this verse as the basis for their supposed authority over all other churches.
If I may, the armies that come from heaven when Jesus returns are angels, as mentioned in Matthew 13:39, Matthew 16:27, Matthew 24:31, Matthew 25:31, Matthew 26:53, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, and others.
If the Church, the dead in Christ, are resurrected and those still living are changed and taken to heaven, raptured before Jesus returns. When Jesus does return, who are they in Revelation 20:4-6? The judgment seat of Christ includes some who are here during the time of the beast. That would make another resurrection.
A separate rapture before the second coming would mean two resurrections before the white throne judgment. I can't find that in Scripture. The Rapture of the Church and the Second Coming of Christ must be the same event.
We see this in Matthew 16:24. But then again in Luke 9:23 it says that we are to do this daily. Basically, Jesus is giving conditions of discipleship. He starts out by saying that if anybody desires to come after Me. This means to come behind Him and follow Him wherever He goes. This would be the opposite of someone saying I believe in you and then going their own way. If anybody desires to come after me (that's the first condition), let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
The word "deny" means to reject. After a person surrenders to Christ, their human nature, ego, and desires continue to function. The Bible tells us that human desires (flesh) come up against, and attack the things of the Spirit as He is trying to lead us in our life.
Jesus said if you're going to make a decision to come after me and follow me, then you are going to have to reject yourself. Whatever we think, or feel, we're going to keep thinking; we are going to keep feeling, but whatever it is, we are going to have to reject it!
Secondly, and to your question on "take up his cross daily," this literally means day after day. What this is making reference to, and we see this in Romans Chapter 6 which tells us that Jesus died our death. In Galatians Chapter 4, it says that those who are of Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Paul said in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ lives in me." You see, when Jesus substituted Himself to die our death on the cross for our sins, that was our death. The Bible says we were crucified with Him.
This is what He crucified. I have died, but I keep living because Christ is in me. So, I find that my daily battle is not against Satan. I find that my personal life is trying to get down off that cross and back into circulation in the world again. But Jesus said take up his cross daily. That's what we are to do.
Mark 10:34 in the King James Version (KJV) reads...
"And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again."
You asked: Why does it say Christ will rise "the third day" rather than "after the third day"?
Understanding "the third day" vs. "after three days"
This confusion comes from how time was reckoned in Jewish culture during the first century. Here's a breakdown:
1. "The third day" means inclusive counting
In Jewish reckoning, any part of a day was counted as a full day.
So:
Day 1: Friday (crucified)
Day 2: Saturday (in the tomb)
Day 3: Sunday (rose early in the morning)
Thus, Jesus rose on the third day, according to their cultural understanding.
2. "After three days" is also used in Scripture
Some verses say "after three days" (e.g., Mark 8:31). This isn't a contradiction but a colloquial flexibility in ancient Jewish and Greek phrasing. "After three days" can still mean "on the third day" in that culture.
Examples:
Matthew 16:21 - "...and be raised again the third day."
Mark 8:31 - "...after three days rise again."
Luke 24:7 - "...and the third day rise again."
All of these refer to the same resurrection timing, just using different expressions.
Summary:
The phrase "the third day" in Mark 10:34 follows Jewish inclusive counting, where Friday (crucifixion), Saturday (burial), and Sunday (resurrection) count as three days. It does not mean "after three full 24-hour days." Different gospel writers used both phrases ("after three days" and "on the third day") interchangeably without contradiction based on how time was culturally understood.
Not all bibles use the same words but if a translation uses a different word than what we have in the KJB, that does not necessarily mean that the other translation is incorrect.
Taking Isaiah 45:7 as an example (as you have provided), we have to consider the original language used. We know that the OT was mostly written in Hebrew with very little Aramaic.
The Hebrew word used in Isaiah 45:7 is Ra' (pronounced rah) which can be translated into English as Evil, bad, wicked, harmful, or unpleasant. If you look up the Hebrew word Ra' in a Strongs Concordance, it lists evil, distress, misery, injury, calamity as definitions. In some English translations, you will see the word calamity used instead of evil.
So, if an English translation uses one of these words instead of the word evil, they would be correct. For instance, if someone is using the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible, and in Matthew 16:4, their translation says evil, but I'm using the KJB which says wicked, which translation would be correct? Some might say the KJB is correct because all other English translations are "evil" (pun intended).
If I say the King James is correct because I believe it is flawless, then what do I do with Matthew 12:39 (KJB) where Matthew is saying the same thing in Matthew 16:4 (KJB), except in one place he says a wicked and adulterous generation, and in another place, he says an evil an adulterous generation. Which one is correct, evil or wicked?
Luke 22:31-32 31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Ugh. Next to the sufferings of Christ on the cross this may be the hardest scripture to take in. Whew.
Other than Job; there are no other accounts where such an event of permission to attack a saint by Satan himself is mentioned; although there are other occasions when clearly deception was given to the false prophets and collateral damage likely ensued with some of the plagues when David sinned that God allowed but the enemy no doubt wouldn't object to to say the least.
This is savage; there are no minced words here. Peter had been warned previously; I believe in Matthew 16:23 how wishing to escape death for the Messiah was a Satanically inspired comment. Now; Peter himself though his own fear and weakness would buckle to the pressure and deny Christ to save his own skin. Now we do observe that all the other Disciples also ran off; but they didn't have the audacity to make such a statement that they were ready to die for Him ( John 13:37).
Jesus knew that eventually he would be "converted" and strengthen his brothers; that looking ahead to Pentecost no doubt. There were further admonitions at that point as to the veracity and strength of Peter's love at that point which prophecy about Peter's own death to come.
We have the hard truth here that apparently Jesus granted Satan's request. John 18:8-9 showed prophetically that for the time being the disciples were not to be arrested and killed based on John 17:12 which had just been said before this. This is the only time I know of that Jesus referred to any New Testament statement as a prophetic fulfillment; but Peter should have known His prayers would be answered; as well as the promises for him to be the rock ( Matt. 16:18) of the church.
Hello Nstew. I believe you're referring to one or both instances recorded in Matthew 16:27,28 and Luke 9:26,27. I have to admit that this is a very difficult portion to properly understand, since nothing more is recorded about it or referencing back to these Words of Jesus to His disciples.
My own understanding: is that Jesus was instructing His disciples of what would be a foretaste of the coming Kingdom of God. Soon after (within a week or so), three of Jesus' disciples saw Jesus transfigured (or, transformed) revealing His Glory ( Matthew 17:1,2; Luke 9:28,29); that Glory which He would receive back after laying it aside for humanity's sake ( Philippians 2:5-9). That would have been the first taste given to His disciples of the coming Kingdom of God.
Then of course, through His Death, Resurrection & Ascension into Heaven, the disciples had further confirmation of both the Truth of Jesus' Words (while He taught them) and the institution of God's Kingdom. It is true, that what we would normally understand and expect of the Kingdom of God (i.e. when Jesus returns to the World in His second Coming) didn't happen then as it hasn't happened till now, we can still see that His disciples were given a foretaste of that coming Kingdom which would never end until Christ comes - and beyond.
They saw His Glory at the mount, they were witnesses of His resurrection ( Luke 24:24-40), and they were witnesses of His Ascension ( Luke 24:50-53). And the disciples (and also to all those who love the Lord Jesus & would serve Him), would receive power to live the Christ-centered, Christ-crucified life, declaring to all that truly God had now visited sinful man & offered him so great salvation through His Son. Yes, the Kingdom of God is potentially within all mankind ( Luke 17:20,21), where, even if those unbelieving Pharisees would only put their faith in Jesus, the reality of the God's Kingdom could also be theirs when God would do a new work in them ( Ezekiel 11:19,20). GBU.
Jesus met with Moses and Elijah who discussed His coming death (see Luke 9:31). Peter, James and John were the three that came up with Him as I mentioned earlier ( Matthew 17:1). Verse 12 indicates that Elijah had come already as a type of forerunner in the spirit or likeness as it were of John the Baptist (verse 13).
Elijah must come first before Christ returns the second time (verses 10-11; see Malachi 4:5-6). This seems to make certain that he is one of the two prophets mentioned in Revelation 11. I would argue strongly against Moses since scripture indicates he died ( Deut. 34:7) and personally my view is that the verse Hebrews 9:27 that would indicate to me that Enoch is the second prophet.
Restoring all things in the middle of the Tribulation would tie in with Romans 14 in that "all Israel will be saved". ( Romans 11:26). In one sense it is hard to fathom the invincibility and power of the two prophets that end up being killed but makes sense in light of the claim of the Beast in Revelation 13; in that those who tormented the whole earth will be killed; and this will make Antichrist seem to be superior along with his apparent resurrection. I won't get further into that for now.
Matthew 16:27-28 seems to indicate the transfiguration; but full Preterists seem to think that means Christ would return by 70 AD and somehow is here physically but hidden in plain sight. Again I won't go in length on that but will say if He is here physically it makes His claims of returning as lightning from the east to the west ( Matt. 24:27) and Revelation 19 seem to be rather insignificant not to mention the control on the insanity in the world at present would be questionable.
His countenance as the sun reminds us of John's vision in Revelation 1. We can ponder on His humanity in verse 7 when He says do not be afraid. Again this revelation He wanted kept from public domain (verse 9). Nothing was to stop His upcoming death
What is the spirit world ? ? Humans have a spirit that communicates with God and the devil can influence the spirit as well.
Satan is the spirit of this earth and the air.
Matthew 4:8
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of theworld, and the glory of them;
The Second Coming of Jesus, the saved Jew of the kingdom is the good seed and the bad seed is the children of the wicked. The person next to us could be unsaved.
Matthew 13:38
The field is theworld; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
Satan can convince a person not to get saved by deceiving them and now they are the wicked. The devil has wicked seeds of lies
Matthew 13:39
The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of theworld; and the reapers are the angels.
At the last days in the Second Coming of Jesus in the Tribulation, the wicked will be taken for destruction. It is not the Rapture.
Matthew 13:40
As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of thisworld.
At the Tribulation, the angels will kill the wicked. It is the not the Rapture.
Matthew 13:49
So shall it be at the end of theworld: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
It is harder for a rich man to be saved because he has everything in life except Jesus Christ.
Matthew 16:26
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the wholeworld, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Here is another time when Jesus was explaining his death and resurrection and they understood nothing.
Matthew 16:21-22
21From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
22Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
23But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
John 20:6-10
6Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
7And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.
8Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.
9For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.
10Then the disciples went away again unto their own home
The Disciples couldn't understand the future resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Luke 18:31-34
31Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.
32For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:
33And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.
34And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
Isaiah 66:4 says "I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not."
This reminds us of the sobering verse of 2 Thessalonians 2:11 on "The lie" which no doubt means Antichrist and his false prophet ultimately in the Tribulation.
John 10:38 states that we can believe in Christ simply because of the miracles He does; but many others warn of thinking He is anything other than God's Son which itself is only revealed by the Father in heaven to whom He chooses.(see Matthew 16:13-20; and Matthew 11:27 just a couple chapters back as well as much of the Gospel of John for further study on these truths.)
Isaiah 53:2 dispels all the images made of Christ which are venerated. The opposite of not believing Him and the potential of committing the unpardonable sin of blaspheming the Spirit ( Matthew 12:31) is elevating Christ to that of any other man; as the Son of Man is greater than His creation. We see other verses where He excoriates those in the cities where He did many miracles and stated the punishment for unbelief would be greater than that of Sodom. With Peter we see how the thoughts of man no matter how "noble" they may have seemed in respect to Jesus not dying on the cross because of His notoriety brought the stern rebuke against Satan himself who was operating through Peter at the time; remarkably very shortly after Christ revealed that Peter could only have recieved revelation as to who He truly was from God Himself.
We can look at many in the ministry today as we approach the last days judgment of the church before the rest of the world is judged and see how many traps lead men to perdition. We need to be real and believe Jesus when He states the narrow road is only followed by a few; especially when Christianity is "politically correct."
1 Corinthians 7:33 - But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.
But he that is married cares, and again that's MERIMNA. He's occupied for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.
1 Corinthians 7:34 - There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.
He says there is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord, again the word cares is the word MERIMNA. In order that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married cares (MERIMNA), for the things of the world, and how she may please her husband.
1 Corinthians 10:4 - And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
The rock is PETRA. It's the same word that Jesus used back in Matthew 16:18 when he called Peter a PETROS, a pebble, but he says upon this PETRA, meaning Himself, I will build the church. PETROS and PETRA are two different words in Greek. PETROS is the pebble, and PETRA is the slab or the foundation stone.
But it is interesting that five times it is mentioned that everybody received the provision of God, and everybody ate the same spiritual meat and the same spiritual drink from the rock, and the rock that followed them was Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:5 - But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
But with many of them God was not well pleased:
It didn't say all. In the Greek text, it expresses the majority. Everybody but two. That's a lot of people! God was not well pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. That is, their bodies were scattered in the desert. They were killed!
When we examine verses such as Matthew 16:18 we see how the church would never be extinguished by the forces of darkness.
Again; as my last posting and many others that I have placed on this site in the past I emphasized the believing remnant of the true Christians vs pretenders as being much smaller than the professing church. In that group we once again need to differentiate a smaller group who wish to be godly in Christ Jesus and suffer persecution. ( 2 Timothy 3:12). Thus; we see a differentiation of rewards in heaven and those who wish to be great will seek His face to be given the desire to run the race with endurance as Paul did and find examples of godly individuals to emulate.
Ruling and reigning is something the book of Hebrews discusses of those who are in the "hall of fame" and in the great cloud of witnesses ( Heb. 12:1-2). Therefore we are currently "seated in heavenly places" ( Ephesians 2:6). Therefore the history of the church is something which will be today once tomorrow comes; and it leads to the future when we will rule as "kings and priests" on the earth. ( Rev. 1:6; also see 5:10). For now the church is in training for this future by our pruning by the Spirit and our trials and testings on earth to refine us as gold ( 1 Peter 1:7).
It is a good thing that the church has continued to succeed; especially when ALL seven churches that originated in the area of Turkey today ceased to exist within a few centuries of their inception at least where they were originally as the vast majority of citizens there are Muslim. We can also see that deception comes shortly after revivals as was the case where Paul warned Timothy of what would come in the last days after he departed within their own midst. Much of this these days can be blamed on faulty logic; when we just want to bring in numbers to fill the church there is always compromise on verses such as 2 Cor. 13:5; and John 15:2. We should make disciples.
The easiest way to track the initial progress of the church is; of course to study the New Testament between Acts and Revelation.
The true church is to be under the assumption of true doctrine as Christ's physical resurrection and belief in His atonement being a baseline to determine saving faith. As I stated in the first introduction posting on this subject even the greatest theologians had besetting sins; if Paul could say that he was the "chief of sinners" ( 1 Tim. 1:15) certainly no one else can be absolved from criticism for transgressions. Those who would try to lift up Peter; for instance indicating he was the first in the line of papacy are hesitant to mention his glaring issue of denying Christ; trying to stop him from going to his death in the famous "get behind me Satan" verse in Matthew 16:23; as well as his hypocritical stance with the Jews on avoiding unclean foods that Paul had to publically rebuke him for (Galatians I think).
Doctrinal error and general apostacy was predicted to occur as Peter and Paul's last writings before martyrdom indicated (also see James). The fact it existed before the end of the first century is clear from the admonitions to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3. In terms of the history of the church and or various types of churches throughout history, the seven churches clearly show that the Laodicean type is prominent today by far.
Going into the first few centuries; we can clearly see the errant influences that became the genesis for spurious doctrines of many denominations today which influenced Catholicism; Eastern Orthodox churches and Coptic ones where men were made saints then later taken from that auspicious category; and a lack of belief of Christ being God in the flesh; denial of the "Trinity" or better put Godhead in 3 persons; etc. There were gnostic influences and many other cultural assimilations that took over particularly in European circles.
Thank you, brother, I know many have your understanding of this, and defining the difference between the soul and the spirit is difficult, in Scripture they seem to be interchangeable, at least it is for me. Salvation is not dependent on this, we know we are sealed and secure in Jesus regardless of what happens when we die.
In Genesis 2:7 Adam became a living being/soul the Hebrew word nephesh, in the New Testament it is the word psyche. My understanding this is who we are, our senses, desires, affections, appetites, intellect, and memories. The soul, who we are can be killed, Matthew 10:28. My understanding when we die is the soul/who we are, is asleep with our body in the grave, and is resurrected either to eternity with Jesus or is killed in the lake of fire.
Man cannot kill our soul all souls belong to God Ezekiel 18:4. God has offered a way of salvation for souls that are doomed to die, Hebrews 9:27. And we are told we can walk in the world or walk in the Spirit and Jesus told us the consequences, Matthew 16:26.
Spirit both the Hebrew word ruach and the Greek word pneuma translated as spirit have the concept of breath or wind at their roots. This part of us can be alive or dead Ephesians 2:4-5. The most enter part of us that connects or refuses to connect to God, like a radio receiver and it gives life to the body, Psalm 104:29James 2:26.
This is what returns to God when we die, there is no more communication our fate is set after we die our soul is asleep in death until we are resurrected, Daniel 12:2. I know you said you do not know Plato, Greek philosophy, many in those days were influenced, the spirit or soul is immortal and the descriptions of an underworld. I believe Jesus took parts of these fables and used them as subject matter in this parable.
My understanding the spirit does not have a body it gives life to the body, and we are resurrected and given an eternal spirit.
2 Corinthians 4:2 KJV) Can guide them through their lives becoming children of God the Father of nations "But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil." 2 Thessalonians 3:3 KJV
Manifest- Plain, open, clearly, visible to the eye or obvious to the understanding, apparent, not obscure or difficult to be seen or understood.
Elder Graves Quoted Paragraph 1: Line 5-13 Allows me to plant a seed of spiritual fruit when I am in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Giving children identified as atudents equal opportunity of education to achieve their goals."But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil." 2 Thessalonians 3:3 KJV
Allows me to be rewarded. 1 Corinthians 3:8-9 KJV
Reward- return for the good done, for kindness, for services and the like. Can consist of money, goods, or any return of kindness and happiness. Career/Employment
According to California Department of Education supports high - quality educational programs for California diverse student population through its educational leadership role and places great importance on cultivating a diverse staff that understands and promotes the intellectual, ethical, cultural, emotional, and physical growth of each student. Matthew 16:18 KJV Ephesians 2:20 KJV
Govern now making me blessed & rewarded into education system. According to U.S. Department of Education to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.
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Blessed- Happy, prosperous in educational affairs; enjoying spiritual happiness, and the favor of God, enjoying heavenly felicity.
Children today that we have here today are called students who by law are required to attend school to be educated, read, write, solve math problems.
My faithfulness meaning steadfast in the fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23 KJV -1 Corin 3:9
1 Peter 4:17 reads "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:..
( In this chapter Peter is exhorting the church "the house of God" which was facing persecution, to persevere.
They were also struggling to separate from the former worldly sins that had once enslaved them (verses 1-4).
Peter reminds them that the wicked will face God's judgment (verse 5) but that believers in Christ must hold themselves to a higher standard than they once did.
In 1 Corinthians 3:9-11 we see Paul mentions a foundation being layed. "Jesus is the precious cornerstone of this foundation
This is the first and most important part of a house or any building being built. "The walls, floors and roof, all depends on the perfect placed cornerstone!
That's important!
Also see Isaiah 28:16.
1 Peter 2:6-9 speaks much on this as well.
Paul mentions this in Ephesians 2:19-22. "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God THROUGH THE SPIRIT.
Matthew 16:18 Jesus states, upon this rock I will build MY CHURCH;
Everything we do as members of the house of God must be done by the Spirit of God!
That's all important!! Are we living our life and ministering in the spirit.
That what is being Judged in 1 Corinthians 3:6-15. NOT OUR PLACE IN CHRIST BUT OUR WORK "BY CHRIST"
So, Look at verses (14-15)
"If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
If any man's work shall be burned, HE SHALL SUFFER LOSS: BUT HE HIMSELF SHALL BE SAVED; yet so as by fire.
Unfortunatelly you interpreted and misunderstood the content of my post by which I commented my zeal for the Word of GOD;The Word is GOD,GOD Himself,and GOD is Truth.What I meant in my reply to Momsage, it was to clarify why in my preachings I assert"In JESUS GOD created heavens(plural) instead "heaven"(singular)-Gen.1:1-, and I showed the own GOD is who said and revealed this to Moses,as is written in the Torah that was written by him,a Hebrew Bible,Berechit-Genesis-1:1-2,that's the original source of universal translations of the Bible,the Holy Scriptures,with their eventual imperfections or failings.
You misinterpreted my post to Momsage,and consequently accused me by saying"I have a knack of twisting words" what is not true once I sought the original source-GOD Himself,as a proof of my assertion, and you made a comparison of my zeal for the Word of GOD with a supposed zeal of Satan for the Word of GOD, saying unto me "You have a zeal so has Satan".You shouldn't never say Satan has zealous for the Word of GOD,what you say and wrote is not true,for the Word is GOD, GOD Himself, GOD is Truth,and Satan was a murderer from the beginning,and he NEVER abode in Truth,because there is no Truth in him.When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own:for he is a liar,and the father of it- John 8:44KJV.
You said:
"Consider this in good spirit.You have a zeal so has Satan.But humility was never in him." But what do you consider a good spirit? For me a good Spirit and humility is GOD-JESUS, the Spirit of Truth, this explains why "humility was never in Satan" as you say.
You said: "Whether you are right or not, it would have given a shine to your Christian spirit to be gentle and considerate" But we cannot replace the Word of GOD, so let no man beguile you being puffed up by his fleshly mind.Take a look what happened with Peter being gentle- Matthew 16:22-23.
You said:"You told what you have settled as the truth. But is it truth?"
1 Peter 4:17 reads "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:..
( In this chapter Peter is exhorting the church "the house of God" which was facing persecution, to persevere.
They were also struggling to separate from the former worldly sins that had once enslaved them (verses 1-4).
Peter reminds them that the wicked will face God's judgment (verse 5) but that believers in Christ must hold themselves to a higher standard than they once did.
In 1 Corinthians 3:9-11 we see Paul mentions a foundation being layed. "Jesus is the precious cornerstone of this foundation"
This is the first and most important part of a house or any building being built. "The walls, floors and roof, all depends on the perfect placed cornerstone!
That's important!
Also see Isaiah 28:16.
1 Peter 2:6-9 speaks much on this as well.
Paul mentions this in Ephesians 2:19-22. "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God THROUGH THE SPIRIT.
Matthew 16:18 Jesus states, upon this rock I will build MY CHURCH;
Everything we do as members of the house of God must be done by the Spirit of God!
That's all important!! Are we living our life and ministering in the spirit.
That what is being Judged in 1 Corinthians 3:6-15. NOT OUR PLACE IN CHRIST BUT OUR WORK "BY CHRIST"
So, Look at verses (14-15)
"If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
If any man's work shall be burned, HE SHALL SUFFER LOSS: BUT HE HIMSELF SHALL BE SAVED; yet so as by fire.
Matthew 16:22 - Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
Literally from the Greek: Peter began to rebuke him saying, have mercy on you Lord, this shall never happen (Double Negative) to you. It would be equivalent to our English saying, "God have mercy on you for saying that!"
Matthew 16:23 - But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Here it is literally: He turned, and He said to Peter get behind me, and that is an important word. Jesus will always emphasize that whether it's Satan, or people, or whoever it is. The proper position is behind Him, never alongside of Him, never in front of Him, always behind! He says, "Get behind me Satan."
He's speaking to the influence over Peter. It is Satan that says there will be no suffering in the flesh, and that there will be no hardship in the flesh. Satan is the great defender of the flesh. And through human reason and logic, he will oppose any doctrine that will present the fact that if you follow Jesus, there will be suffering and persecution.
Now the word offense is SCANDALIDZO which is where we get our English word scandal from. A SCANDALON in Greek was actually a rock that you tripped over. So, he says, Satan you are throwing a rock in my path to keep me from reaching my goal.
And the word "savourest" comes from the Greek word PHRONAY which means the frame of mind.
Please notice that Jesus is telling Peter that his frame of mind is not on the things of God, but on the things of man. When we hear about suffering how do we react? Peter's reaction was, and his frame of mind was to defend and protect the flesh. We need to be careful of that in the church. Our frame of mind must be on the things of God, not on the things of man, or the things of the flesh.
Matthew 16:24 - Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Now the word deny (ARNEOMAI), means to reject. This is what it means in the Greek. The word deny seems a little soft. It means to reject yourself.
Matthew 17:2 - And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
A more accurate word would be transformed rather than transfigured. In fact, it is the Greek where we get our English word metamorphosis from. He was completely changed in form and in substance. He was transformed before them.
Matthew 17:6 - And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
In my humble opinion, the translators could have saved us some time here. Sore is from the word SFODRA that means exceedingly. They were terrified!
Matthew 17:15 - Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
I love the way these people come. They are asking for mercy. They are asking for compassion. They are not demanding it. For he is a lunatick. That is the Greek word for "moon-struck." Our term lunatic comes from lunar. There are people who suffer, or have behavioral times, or phases, based on the various phases of the moon. That is where the term lunatic, "acting like a lunatic" comes from, Lunar.
Matthew 17:17 - Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.
Faithless means completely without faith. They were not lacking faith. They had none! The word "suffer" means to uphold or support. How long am I going to be around you? How long am I going to be the one that's supporting you, and you keep going to other people?
I know it have to be frustrating when you clearly stated you were going to share YOUR thoughts on some scripture from a Greek perspective and you wasn't trying to push it on anyone and yet have to be picked apart from all sides.
Don't be discouraged, you shouldn't be surprised.
In researching the scripture as suggested, I found what I thought was interesting and would like to ask you a question.
In Matthew 16:16 you mentioned the word Son used in the Greek is "HUIOS or Uihos" and that is a title of God to the Jews. What Peter was confessing was you are the Messiah and you are God.
That is also the view held by many. Also as you stated TEKNON means a child by birth. A HUIOS is someone who inherits the estate from his father. "A title of God to the Jews."
Using the word HUIOS instead of TEKNON would cause a that!
"The Huios of God" ties you to the ever lasting essence of God!
This reminds me of Matthew 1:23 "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, GOD WITH US.
MY QUESTION.
When speaking of Judas in John 17:12 isn't the word Son/Huios used in the same way, as a title instead of by birth?
John 17:12 "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the SON OF PERDITION; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
The word perdition means "destruction, ruin, waste." Judas was not the literal son of "ruin, destruction, and waste," but those things were the identity of Judas' life. Judas was a manifestation of perdition, just as Jesus was the manifestation of God.
Just quickly to your other questions: I feel the Promised Land would equate to the rest we, as believers in Christ, have in Him. We will experience tribulations and temptations, just as Israel did when physically in their Canaan, but it was their own God-given possession and rest from their bondage, struggles, & their enemies ( Deuteronomy 12:9,10). So, I don't equate the Promised Land with Heaven, for we still have our enemies, within & without, to fight & conquer.
Romans 8:37. Through everything that life or Satan might throw at us, if Jesus by His Spirit is reigning in us, we will, through Him, be victorious in every circumstance we face. It's never easy traveling down struggle street, but when our eyes turn to Jesus & not our circumstances, we find victory; and greater victory than a human conqueror may or may not gain, returning from battle; for the victory for those in Christ is certain, continually, through Christ alone.
Matthew 16:18. True, gates can be considered the weakest part of a fortified city, but it is through those gates that the troops issue forth to battle. Those symbolic gates of Hell are opened allowing destructive deceiving spirits to wreak havoc on humans, particularly against Christ's Church. But the true and faithful Church will stand strong against those evil forces, by attending wholly to God's Word and abundant Life in the Spirit, so evil cannot gain a foothold & will leave defeated. But they will return for sure - the Church must ever remain on guard, "for we are not ignorant of his devices". GBU.
I the Greek the word "ecclesia" which means congregation/assembly of the called out ones. The Septuagint uses the word ecclesia.
There's a different word in the Hebrew used in the wilderness equivalent to ecclesia which means "assembly" and is derived from the root word to "gather
The word "QAHAL" means "assembly" or "congregation" and was used to refer to the community of Israel as a whole.
In Matthew 16:18 Jesus says And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and UPON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
This is future! Jesus is the cornerstone, That's leveling point where the foundation depends on for accuracy!
This is the most important part of a building.
If its off the whole construction project is out of whack!
When the cornerstone is set then comes the foundation. (Apostles)
Afterwards comes the building!
This is the ecclesia! (Jews and Gentiles alike)
The wall of partition has been broken down. Ephesians 2:14.
This group of believers is under a "NEW COVENANT" that is different from the gathering in the wilderness!
When Jesus made this statement the foundation haven't been laid yet.
The cornerstone was set at Jesus crucifixion, afterwards the Holyspirit indwelling beginning with the Apostles. (Foundation)
Afterwords the Church Jesus mentioned in Matthew 16:18.
Note:
The rock is built on the statement Peter made in Matthew 16:16
"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God"
Christ deity is pinnacle in Christianity.
Blessings.
A well known quote of Jesus from Matthew 16:18 l.
Most agree that "this Church" started at Pentecost. This is no doubt a people of God
Question.
We're there any people saved in the OT?
Jeremiah prophesied about Jesus (not by Name of course) in Jerermiah 23:5,6; and this prophecy is still future when Jesus returns to Earth and sits on the 'Throne of David'.
Jeremiah also speaks about a New Covenant ( Jeremiah 31:31-34). Although Jesus brought in a New Covenant in His Blood, which we are the blessed recipients of, Israel by-and-large have rejected it to this day. But this is the final Covenant, for no greater can be made other than through God's Son's Sacrifice. But the day will come when the fulfilment of this Covenant will be realized when all Jewry will acknowledge the Giver of this Covenant & be transformed in the inner man.
Jeremiah 11:19-21; Jeremiah 20:7-18. The prophet suffered very much physically. Even as Isaiah spoke of Jesus being "brought as a lamb to the slaughter" ( Isaiah 53:7), Jeremiah voices the same grief unto himself ( Jeremiah 11:19).
Jesus seems to quote Jeremiah in His castigation of the temple merchants ( Matthew 21:12,13; cf Jeremiah 7:9-11).
So, a few examples that I could think of that hopefully addresses your question. Blessings.
In Matthew 16:16- And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
(the Son of the living God.) This is interpreted Jesus is God. Why this is important? I will come back to that.
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.
Jesus is telling Peter "on this basis (Jesus being God) will set the cornerstone for the foundation that the Church will be built on.
Hebrews 9:22-24 reads "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
Jesus was the only perfect sacrifice that could present himself as that perfect Lamb from God that could atone for our sins.
Peter says in Acts 4:11-12 "This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Jesus wasn't a descendent from Adam where he carried sin in the flesh as all of man kind.
He was brought foward by the Spirit of God. Matthew 1:20-21.
Hebrews 2:14 reads "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Listen to Jesus in John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
I hope this helps
As far as I know, there is only one religious group that falsely interprets Matthew 16:18 and uses this verse as the basis for their supposed authority over all other churches.
If I may, the armies that come from heaven when Jesus returns are angels, as mentioned in Matthew 13:39, Matthew 16:27, Matthew 24:31, Matthew 25:31, Matthew 26:53, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, and others.
If the Church, the dead in Christ, are resurrected and those still living are changed and taken to heaven, raptured before Jesus returns. When Jesus does return, who are they in Revelation 20:4-6? The judgment seat of Christ includes some who are here during the time of the beast. That would make another resurrection.
A separate rapture before the second coming would mean two resurrections before the white throne judgment. I can't find that in Scripture. The Rapture of the Church and the Second Coming of Christ must be the same event.
God bless,
RLW
We see this in Matthew 16:24. But then again in Luke 9:23 it says that we are to do this daily. Basically, Jesus is giving conditions of discipleship. He starts out by saying that if anybody desires to come after Me. This means to come behind Him and follow Him wherever He goes. This would be the opposite of someone saying I believe in you and then going their own way. If anybody desires to come after me (that's the first condition), let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
The word "deny" means to reject. After a person surrenders to Christ, their human nature, ego, and desires continue to function. The Bible tells us that human desires (flesh) come up against, and attack the things of the Spirit as He is trying to lead us in our life.
Jesus said if you're going to make a decision to come after me and follow me, then you are going to have to reject yourself. Whatever we think, or feel, we're going to keep thinking; we are going to keep feeling, but whatever it is, we are going to have to reject it!
Secondly, and to your question on "take up his cross daily," this literally means day after day. What this is making reference to, and we see this in Romans Chapter 6 which tells us that Jesus died our death. In Galatians Chapter 4, it says that those who are of Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Paul said in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ lives in me." You see, when Jesus substituted Himself to die our death on the cross for our sins, that was our death. The Bible says we were crucified with Him.
This is what He crucified. I have died, but I keep living because Christ is in me. So, I find that my daily battle is not against Satan. I find that my personal life is trying to get down off that cross and back into circulation in the world again. But Jesus said take up his cross daily. That's what we are to do.
Hope this helps.
God Bless!!!
"And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again."
You asked: Why does it say Christ will rise "the third day" rather than "after the third day"?
Understanding "the third day" vs. "after three days"
This confusion comes from how time was reckoned in Jewish culture during the first century. Here's a breakdown:
1. "The third day" means inclusive counting
In Jewish reckoning, any part of a day was counted as a full day.
So:
Day 1: Friday (crucified)
Day 2: Saturday (in the tomb)
Day 3: Sunday (rose early in the morning)
Thus, Jesus rose on the third day, according to their cultural understanding.
2. "After three days" is also used in Scripture
Some verses say "after three days" (e.g., Mark 8:31). This isn't a contradiction but a colloquial flexibility in ancient Jewish and Greek phrasing. "After three days" can still mean "on the third day" in that culture.
Examples:
Matthew 16:21 - "...and be raised again the third day."
Mark 8:31 - "...after three days rise again."
Luke 24:7 - "...and the third day rise again."
All of these refer to the same resurrection timing, just using different expressions.
Summary:
The phrase "the third day" in Mark 10:34 follows Jewish inclusive counting, where Friday (crucifixion), Saturday (burial), and Sunday (resurrection) count as three days. It does not mean "after three full 24-hour days." Different gospel writers used both phrases ("after three days" and "on the third day") interchangeably without contradiction based on how time was culturally understood.
Blessing Friend.
(Part 1):
Not all bibles use the same words but if a translation uses a different word than what we have in the KJB, that does not necessarily mean that the other translation is incorrect.
Taking Isaiah 45:7 as an example (as you have provided), we have to consider the original language used. We know that the OT was mostly written in Hebrew with very little Aramaic.
The Hebrew word used in Isaiah 45:7 is Ra' (pronounced rah) which can be translated into English as Evil, bad, wicked, harmful, or unpleasant. If you look up the Hebrew word Ra' in a Strongs Concordance, it lists evil, distress, misery, injury, calamity as definitions. In some English translations, you will see the word calamity used instead of evil.
So, if an English translation uses one of these words instead of the word evil, they would be correct. For instance, if someone is using the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible, and in Matthew 16:4, their translation says evil, but I'm using the KJB which says wicked, which translation would be correct? Some might say the KJB is correct because all other English translations are "evil" (pun intended).
If I say the King James is correct because I believe it is flawless, then what do I do with Matthew 12:39 (KJB) where Matthew is saying the same thing in Matthew 16:4 (KJB), except in one place he says a wicked and adulterous generation, and in another place, he says an evil an adulterous generation. Which one is correct, evil or wicked?
Luke 22:31-32 31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Ugh. Next to the sufferings of Christ on the cross this may be the hardest scripture to take in. Whew.
Other than Job; there are no other accounts where such an event of permission to attack a saint by Satan himself is mentioned; although there are other occasions when clearly deception was given to the false prophets and collateral damage likely ensued with some of the plagues when David sinned that God allowed but the enemy no doubt wouldn't object to to say the least.
This is savage; there are no minced words here. Peter had been warned previously; I believe in Matthew 16:23 how wishing to escape death for the Messiah was a Satanically inspired comment. Now; Peter himself though his own fear and weakness would buckle to the pressure and deny Christ to save his own skin. Now we do observe that all the other Disciples also ran off; but they didn't have the audacity to make such a statement that they were ready to die for Him ( John 13:37).
Jesus knew that eventually he would be "converted" and strengthen his brothers; that looking ahead to Pentecost no doubt. There were further admonitions at that point as to the veracity and strength of Peter's love at that point which prophecy about Peter's own death to come.
We have the hard truth here that apparently Jesus granted Satan's request. John 18:8-9 showed prophetically that for the time being the disciples were not to be arrested and killed based on John 17:12 which had just been said before this. This is the only time I know of that Jesus referred to any New Testament statement as a prophetic fulfillment; but Peter should have known His prayers would be answered; as well as the promises for him to be the rock ( Matt. 16:18) of the church.
The Lord is the builder of the house and the chief corner stone!
This reminds me of Matthew 16:18 and 1 Peter 2:5
God bless you!
My own understanding: is that Jesus was instructing His disciples of what would be a foretaste of the coming Kingdom of God. Soon after (within a week or so), three of Jesus' disciples saw Jesus transfigured (or, transformed) revealing His Glory ( Matthew 17:1,2; Luke 9:28,29); that Glory which He would receive back after laying it aside for humanity's sake ( Philippians 2:5-9). That would have been the first taste given to His disciples of the coming Kingdom of God.
Then of course, through His Death, Resurrection & Ascension into Heaven, the disciples had further confirmation of both the Truth of Jesus' Words (while He taught them) and the institution of God's Kingdom. It is true, that what we would normally understand and expect of the Kingdom of God (i.e. when Jesus returns to the World in His second Coming) didn't happen then as it hasn't happened till now, we can still see that His disciples were given a foretaste of that coming Kingdom which would never end until Christ comes - and beyond.
They saw His Glory at the mount, they were witnesses of His resurrection ( Luke 24:24-40), and they were witnesses of His Ascension ( Luke 24:50-53). And the disciples (and also to all those who love the Lord Jesus & would serve Him), would receive power to live the Christ-centered, Christ-crucified life, declaring to all that truly God had now visited sinful man & offered him so great salvation through His Son. Yes, the Kingdom of God is potentially within all mankind ( Luke 17:20,21), where, even if those unbelieving Pharisees would only put their faith in Jesus, the reality of the God's Kingdom could also be theirs when God would do a new work in them ( Ezekiel 11:19,20). GBU.
Jesus met with Moses and Elijah who discussed His coming death (see Luke 9:31). Peter, James and John were the three that came up with Him as I mentioned earlier ( Matthew 17:1). Verse 12 indicates that Elijah had come already as a type of forerunner in the spirit or likeness as it were of John the Baptist (verse 13).
Elijah must come first before Christ returns the second time (verses 10-11; see Malachi 4:5-6). This seems to make certain that he is one of the two prophets mentioned in Revelation 11. I would argue strongly against Moses since scripture indicates he died ( Deut. 34:7) and personally my view is that the verse Hebrews 9:27 that would indicate to me that Enoch is the second prophet.
Restoring all things in the middle of the Tribulation would tie in with Romans 14 in that "all Israel will be saved". ( Romans 11:26). In one sense it is hard to fathom the invincibility and power of the two prophets that end up being killed but makes sense in light of the claim of the Beast in Revelation 13; in that those who tormented the whole earth will be killed; and this will make Antichrist seem to be superior along with his apparent resurrection. I won't get further into that for now.
Matthew 16:27-28 seems to indicate the transfiguration; but full Preterists seem to think that means Christ would return by 70 AD and somehow is here physically but hidden in plain sight. Again I won't go in length on that but will say if He is here physically it makes His claims of returning as lightning from the east to the west ( Matt. 24:27) and Revelation 19 seem to be rather insignificant not to mention the control on the insanity in the world at present would be questionable.
His countenance as the sun reminds us of John's vision in Revelation 1. We can ponder on His humanity in verse 7 when He says do not be afraid. Again this revelation He wanted kept from public domain (verse 9). Nothing was to stop His upcoming death
What is the spirit world ? ? Humans have a spirit that communicates with God and the devil can influence the spirit as well.
Satan is the spirit of this earth and the air.
Matthew 4:8
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of theworld, and the glory of them;
The Second Coming of Jesus, the saved Jew of the kingdom is the good seed and the bad seed is the children of the wicked. The person next to us could be unsaved.
Matthew 13:38
The field is theworld; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
Satan can convince a person not to get saved by deceiving them and now they are the wicked. The devil has wicked seeds of lies
Matthew 13:39
The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of theworld; and the reapers are the angels.
At the last days in the Second Coming of Jesus in the Tribulation, the wicked will be taken for destruction. It is not the Rapture.
Matthew 13:40
As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of thisworld.
At the Tribulation, the angels will kill the wicked. It is the not the Rapture.
Matthew 13:49
So shall it be at the end of theworld: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
It is harder for a rich man to be saved because he has everything in life except Jesus Christ.
Matthew 16:26
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the wholeworld, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Here is another time when Jesus was explaining his death and resurrection and they understood nothing.
Matthew 16:21-22
21From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
22Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
23But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
John 20:6-10
6Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
7And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.
8Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.
9For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.
10Then the disciples went away again unto their own home
The Disciples couldn't understand the future resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Luke 18:31-34
31Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.
32For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:
33And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.
34And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
Ray , in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Isaiah 66:4 says "I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not."
This reminds us of the sobering verse of 2 Thessalonians 2:11 on "The lie" which no doubt means Antichrist and his false prophet ultimately in the Tribulation.
John 10:38 states that we can believe in Christ simply because of the miracles He does; but many others warn of thinking He is anything other than God's Son which itself is only revealed by the Father in heaven to whom He chooses.(see Matthew 16:13-20; and Matthew 11:27 just a couple chapters back as well as much of the Gospel of John for further study on these truths.)
Isaiah 53:2 dispels all the images made of Christ which are venerated. The opposite of not believing Him and the potential of committing the unpardonable sin of blaspheming the Spirit ( Matthew 12:31) is elevating Christ to that of any other man; as the Son of Man is greater than His creation. We see other verses where He excoriates those in the cities where He did many miracles and stated the punishment for unbelief would be greater than that of Sodom. With Peter we see how the thoughts of man no matter how "noble" they may have seemed in respect to Jesus not dying on the cross because of His notoriety brought the stern rebuke against Satan himself who was operating through Peter at the time; remarkably very shortly after Christ revealed that Peter could only have recieved revelation as to who He truly was from God Himself.
We can look at many in the ministry today as we approach the last days judgment of the church before the rest of the world is judged and see how many traps lead men to perdition. We need to be real and believe Jesus when He states the narrow road is only followed by a few; especially when Christianity is "politically correct."
1 Corinthians 7:33 - But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.
But he that is married cares, and again that's MERIMNA. He's occupied for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.
1 Corinthians 7:34 - There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.
He says there is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord, again the word cares is the word MERIMNA. In order that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married cares (MERIMNA), for the things of the world, and how she may please her husband.
1 Corinthians 10:4 - And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
The rock is PETRA. It's the same word that Jesus used back in Matthew 16:18 when he called Peter a PETROS, a pebble, but he says upon this PETRA, meaning Himself, I will build the church. PETROS and PETRA are two different words in Greek. PETROS is the pebble, and PETRA is the slab or the foundation stone.
But it is interesting that five times it is mentioned that everybody received the provision of God, and everybody ate the same spiritual meat and the same spiritual drink from the rock, and the rock that followed them was Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:5 - But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
But with many of them God was not well pleased:
It didn't say all. In the Greek text, it expresses the majority. Everybody but two. That's a lot of people! God was not well pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. That is, their bodies were scattered in the desert. They were killed!
When we examine verses such as Matthew 16:18 we see how the church would never be extinguished by the forces of darkness.
Again; as my last posting and many others that I have placed on this site in the past I emphasized the believing remnant of the true Christians vs pretenders as being much smaller than the professing church. In that group we once again need to differentiate a smaller group who wish to be godly in Christ Jesus and suffer persecution. ( 2 Timothy 3:12). Thus; we see a differentiation of rewards in heaven and those who wish to be great will seek His face to be given the desire to run the race with endurance as Paul did and find examples of godly individuals to emulate.
Ruling and reigning is something the book of Hebrews discusses of those who are in the "hall of fame" and in the great cloud of witnesses ( Heb. 12:1-2). Therefore we are currently "seated in heavenly places" ( Ephesians 2:6). Therefore the history of the church is something which will be today once tomorrow comes; and it leads to the future when we will rule as "kings and priests" on the earth. ( Rev. 1:6; also see 5:10). For now the church is in training for this future by our pruning by the Spirit and our trials and testings on earth to refine us as gold ( 1 Peter 1:7).
It is a good thing that the church has continued to succeed; especially when ALL seven churches that originated in the area of Turkey today ceased to exist within a few centuries of their inception at least where they were originally as the vast majority of citizens there are Muslim. We can also see that deception comes shortly after revivals as was the case where Paul warned Timothy of what would come in the last days after he departed within their own midst. Much of this these days can be blamed on faulty logic; when we just want to bring in numbers to fill the church there is always compromise on verses such as 2 Cor. 13:5; and John 15:2. We should make disciples.
The easiest way to track the initial progress of the church is; of course to study the New Testament between Acts and Revelation.
The true church is to be under the assumption of true doctrine as Christ's physical resurrection and belief in His atonement being a baseline to determine saving faith. As I stated in the first introduction posting on this subject even the greatest theologians had besetting sins; if Paul could say that he was the "chief of sinners" ( 1 Tim. 1:15) certainly no one else can be absolved from criticism for transgressions. Those who would try to lift up Peter; for instance indicating he was the first in the line of papacy are hesitant to mention his glaring issue of denying Christ; trying to stop him from going to his death in the famous "get behind me Satan" verse in Matthew 16:23; as well as his hypocritical stance with the Jews on avoiding unclean foods that Paul had to publically rebuke him for (Galatians I think).
Doctrinal error and general apostacy was predicted to occur as Peter and Paul's last writings before martyrdom indicated (also see James). The fact it existed before the end of the first century is clear from the admonitions to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3. In terms of the history of the church and or various types of churches throughout history, the seven churches clearly show that the Laodicean type is prominent today by far.
Going into the first few centuries; we can clearly see the errant influences that became the genesis for spurious doctrines of many denominations today which influenced Catholicism; Eastern Orthodox churches and Coptic ones where men were made saints then later taken from that auspicious category; and a lack of belief of Christ being God in the flesh; denial of the "Trinity" or better put Godhead in 3 persons; etc. There were gnostic influences and many other cultural assimilations that took over particularly in European circles.
Thank you, brother, I know many have your understanding of this, and defining the difference between the soul and the spirit is difficult, in Scripture they seem to be interchangeable, at least it is for me. Salvation is not dependent on this, we know we are sealed and secure in Jesus regardless of what happens when we die.
In Genesis 2:7 Adam became a living being/soul the Hebrew word nephesh, in the New Testament it is the word psyche. My understanding this is who we are, our senses, desires, affections, appetites, intellect, and memories. The soul, who we are can be killed, Matthew 10:28. My understanding when we die is the soul/who we are, is asleep with our body in the grave, and is resurrected either to eternity with Jesus or is killed in the lake of fire.
Man cannot kill our soul all souls belong to God Ezekiel 18:4. God has offered a way of salvation for souls that are doomed to die, Hebrews 9:27. And we are told we can walk in the world or walk in the Spirit and Jesus told us the consequences, Matthew 16:26.
Spirit both the Hebrew word ruach and the Greek word pneuma translated as spirit have the concept of breath or wind at their roots. This part of us can be alive or dead Ephesians 2:4-5. The most enter part of us that connects or refuses to connect to God, like a radio receiver and it gives life to the body, Psalm 104:29 James 2:26.
This is what returns to God when we die, there is no more communication our fate is set after we die our soul is asleep in death until we are resurrected, Daniel 12:2. I know you said you do not know Plato, Greek philosophy, many in those days were influenced, the spirit or soul is immortal and the descriptions of an underworld. I believe Jesus took parts of these fables and used them as subject matter in this parable.
My understanding the spirit does not have a body it gives life to the body, and we are resurrected and given an eternal spirit.
Thanks again, God bless,
RLW
Manifest- Plain, open, clearly, visible to the eye or obvious to the understanding, apparent, not obscure or difficult to be seen or understood.
Elder Graves Quoted Paragraph 1: Line 5-13 Allows me to plant a seed of spiritual fruit when I am in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Giving children identified as atudents equal opportunity of education to achieve their goals."But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil." 2 Thessalonians 3:3 KJV
Allows me to be rewarded. 1 Corinthians 3:8-9 KJV
Reward- return for the good done, for kindness, for services and the like. Can consist of money, goods, or any return of kindness and happiness. Career/Employment
According to California Department of Education supports high - quality educational programs for California diverse student population through its educational leadership role and places great importance on cultivating a diverse staff that understands and promotes the intellectual, ethical, cultural, emotional, and physical growth of each student. Matthew 16:18 KJV Ephesians 2:20 KJV
Govern now making me blessed & rewarded into education system. According to U.S. Department of Education to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.
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Blessed- Happy, prosperous in educational affairs; enjoying spiritual happiness, and the favor of God, enjoying heavenly felicity.
Children today that we have here today are called students who by law are required to attend school to be educated, read, write, solve math problems.
My faithfulness meaning steadfast in the fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23 KJV -1 Corin 3:9
A response to you previously.
If you look at 1 Peter 4:1-19.
1 Peter 4:17 reads "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:..
( In this chapter Peter is exhorting the church "the house of God" which was facing persecution, to persevere.
They were also struggling to separate from the former worldly sins that had once enslaved them (verses 1-4).
Peter reminds them that the wicked will face God's judgment (verse 5) but that believers in Christ must hold themselves to a higher standard than they once did.
In 1 Corinthians 3:9-11 we see Paul mentions a foundation being layed. "Jesus is the precious cornerstone of this foundation
This is the first and most important part of a house or any building being built. "The walls, floors and roof, all depends on the perfect placed cornerstone!
That's important!
Also see Isaiah 28:16.
1 Peter 2:6-9 speaks much on this as well.
Paul mentions this in Ephesians 2:19-22. "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God THROUGH THE SPIRIT.
Matthew 16:18 Jesus states, upon this rock I will build MY CHURCH;
Everything we do as members of the house of God must be done by the Spirit of God!
That's all important!! Are we living our life and ministering in the spirit.
That what is being Judged in 1 Corinthians 3:6-15. NOT OUR PLACE IN CHRIST BUT OUR WORK "BY CHRIST"
So, Look at verses (14-15)
"If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
If any man's work shall be burned, HE SHALL SUFFER LOSS: BUT HE HIMSELF SHALL BE SAVED; yet so as by fire.
Perhaps someone would like to expand on this.
God bless.
You misinterpreted my post to Momsage,and consequently accused me by saying"I have a knack of twisting words" what is not true once I sought the original source-GOD Himself,as a proof of my assertion, and you made a comparison of my zeal for the Word of GOD with a supposed zeal of Satan for the Word of GOD, saying unto me "You have a zeal so has Satan".You shouldn't never say Satan has zealous for the Word of GOD,what you say and wrote is not true,for the Word is GOD, GOD Himself, GOD is Truth,and Satan was a murderer from the beginning,and he NEVER abode in Truth,because there is no Truth in him.When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own:for he is a liar,and the father of it- John 8:44KJV.
You said:
"Consider this in good spirit.You have a zeal so has Satan.But humility was never in him." But what do you consider a good spirit? For me a good Spirit and humility is GOD-JESUS, the Spirit of Truth, this explains why "humility was never in Satan" as you say.
You said: "Whether you are right or not, it would have given a shine to your Christian spirit to be gentle and considerate" But we cannot replace the Word of GOD, so let no man beguile you being puffed up by his fleshly mind.Take a look what happened with Peter being gentle- Matthew 16:22-23.
You said:"You told what you have settled as the truth. But is it truth?"
I showed what GOD said, GOD is Truth.
If ylook at
1 Peter 4:1-19.
1 Peter 4:17 reads "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:..
( In this chapter Peter is exhorting the church "the house of God" which was facing persecution, to persevere.
They were also struggling to separate from the former worldly sins that had once enslaved them (verses 1-4).
Peter reminds them that the wicked will face God's judgment (verse 5) but that believers in Christ must hold themselves to a higher standard than they once did.
In 1 Corinthians 3:9-11 we see Paul mentions a foundation being layed. "Jesus is the precious cornerstone of this foundation"
This is the first and most important part of a house or any building being built. "The walls, floors and roof, all depends on the perfect placed cornerstone!
That's important!
Also see Isaiah 28:16.
1 Peter 2:6-9 speaks much on this as well.
Paul mentions this in Ephesians 2:19-22. "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God THROUGH THE SPIRIT.
Matthew 16:18 Jesus states, upon this rock I will build MY CHURCH;
Everything we do as members of the house of God must be done by the Spirit of God!
That's all important!! Are we living our life and ministering in the spirit.
That what is being Judged in 1 Corinthians 3:6-15. NOT OUR PLACE IN CHRIST BUT OUR WORK "BY CHRIST"
So, Look at verses (14-15)
"If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
If any man's work shall be burned, HE SHALL SUFFER LOSS: BUT HE HIMSELF SHALL BE SAVED; yet so as by fire.
I hope this helps.
God bless.
Matthew 16:22 - Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
Literally from the Greek: Peter began to rebuke him saying, have mercy on you Lord, this shall never happen (Double Negative) to you. It would be equivalent to our English saying, "God have mercy on you for saying that!"
Matthew 16:23 - But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Here it is literally: He turned, and He said to Peter get behind me, and that is an important word. Jesus will always emphasize that whether it's Satan, or people, or whoever it is. The proper position is behind Him, never alongside of Him, never in front of Him, always behind! He says, "Get behind me Satan."
He's speaking to the influence over Peter. It is Satan that says there will be no suffering in the flesh, and that there will be no hardship in the flesh. Satan is the great defender of the flesh. And through human reason and logic, he will oppose any doctrine that will present the fact that if you follow Jesus, there will be suffering and persecution.
Now the word offense is SCANDALIDZO which is where we get our English word scandal from. A SCANDALON in Greek was actually a rock that you tripped over. So, he says, Satan you are throwing a rock in my path to keep me from reaching my goal.
And the word "savourest" comes from the Greek word PHRONAY which means the frame of mind.
Please notice that Jesus is telling Peter that his frame of mind is not on the things of God, but on the things of man. When we hear about suffering how do we react? Peter's reaction was, and his frame of mind was to defend and protect the flesh. We need to be careful of that in the church. Our frame of mind must be on the things of God, not on the things of man, or the things of the flesh.
Continuation in Matthew, (Part 20):
Matthew 16:24 - Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Now the word deny (ARNEOMAI), means to reject. This is what it means in the Greek. The word deny seems a little soft. It means to reject yourself.
Matthew 17:2 - And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
A more accurate word would be transformed rather than transfigured. In fact, it is the Greek where we get our English word metamorphosis from. He was completely changed in form and in substance. He was transformed before them.
Matthew 17:6 - And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
In my humble opinion, the translators could have saved us some time here. Sore is from the word SFODRA that means exceedingly. They were terrified!
Matthew 17:15 - Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
I love the way these people come. They are asking for mercy. They are asking for compassion. They are not demanding it. For he is a lunatick. That is the Greek word for "moon-struck." Our term lunatic comes from lunar. There are people who suffer, or have behavioral times, or phases, based on the various phases of the moon. That is where the term lunatic, "acting like a lunatic" comes from, Lunar.
Matthew 17:17 - Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.
Faithless means completely without faith. They were not lacking faith. They had none! The word "suffer" means to uphold or support. How long am I going to be around you? How long am I going to be the one that's supporting you, and you keep going to other people?
I know it have to be frustrating when you clearly stated you were going to share YOUR thoughts on some scripture from a Greek perspective and you wasn't trying to push it on anyone and yet have to be picked apart from all sides.
Don't be discouraged, you shouldn't be surprised.
In researching the scripture as suggested, I found what I thought was interesting and would like to ask you a question.
In Matthew 16:16 you mentioned the word Son used in the Greek is "HUIOS or Uihos" and that is a title of God to the Jews. What Peter was confessing was you are the Messiah and you are God.
That is also the view held by many. Also as you stated TEKNON means a child by birth. A HUIOS is someone who inherits the estate from his father. "A title of God to the Jews."
Using the word HUIOS instead of TEKNON would cause a that!
"The Huios of God" ties you to the ever lasting essence of God!
This reminds me of Matthew 1:23 "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, GOD WITH US.
MY QUESTION.
When speaking of Judas in John 17:12 isn't the word Son/Huios used in the same way, as a title instead of by birth?
John 17:12 "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the SON OF PERDITION; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
The word perdition means "destruction, ruin, waste." Judas was not the literal son of "ruin, destruction, and waste," but those things were the identity of Judas' life. Judas was a manifestation of perdition, just as Jesus was the manifestation of God.
Thanks and God bless.