Bible Questions & Discussion PAGE 1117

To GOD Be The Glory, Reading GOD'S Word and getting the true understanding, who you are and where you came FROM; Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. This meaning that we are like GOD himself wrapped up into an earthen vessel housing the spirit that is within us to do his will, his way here on earth, clearly it is written in Matthew in 6:10 Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven, GOD created us in His image to do the work here in earth as it is heaven, we are not to lose ourselves into this worldly world being disobedient to the call in which we were created to do, to be, and to say what Our Heavenly has predestine for each of us to do for His KINGDOM; 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people that we should show forth the praises of him he hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. GOD IS LOVE

Amen Sister GiGi,

I find that your various reply's to this thread have been very on target, thoughtful, and most of all encouraging.

As Christ followers we are asked to also carry our own crosses. Jesus, Paul, and the other apostles encourage us to do so in so much of their scripture.

Matthew 16:24-26

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. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

We need to be participators, not spectators, in our salvation!

God Bless.

Paul was saved wondrously for sure. What a testimony right?

He had given orders for Christians to be executed. He was like a poster child for sin. Except all sin is bad.

He was being boxed in by the Savior, until Paul realizes he can't fix this. HE is going to have to rely on Jesus and the Holy Spirit to keep him saved, sanctified, led by the Holy Spirit every single day.

God has to work that 'Reactive' impulse out of us. This happens and we react; that clobbers us and we have to react as our Savior would.

The Lord took me to this experience also. Until I was sitting in the dirt on the side of a road, just like Job. And then a Miracle Happens! We stop defending and striving; and this glorious acceptance from God envelopes us. Carries us through the problems on to the victory over them.

Our reliance on Jesus and the Holy Spirit is burned into our being. But Sometimes we'll fall into that trap of thinking we are hot stuff. Got all the answers and March onuntil we get set on the curbside, in the dirt again, to think, remember it was Jesus who got us where we are. He is constantly leading us; and follow Him we must do.

Our lives are Hid in Jesus. And people need to see Jesus, follow Jesus. Fall deeply in love with Jesus. Be smitten with love for the Holy Spirit.

Gods Love should fall on all people we run into.

Our hearts and what we know and have experienced, in Jesus; is the testimony we carry to others who don't yet have that. Follow Peace with all men (humans). They should see Jesus when we walk in the room.

Jesus is the WELL we draw from for the Living Water. If you feel like a voice crying in the wilderness, all alone; go to the WELL. Be filled anew. Splash that joy on the people.

Bread laying on the ground is eaten by crows. Jesus is the Bread of life. Feed those starving, with THAT bread. Come and Taste the Goodness of the Lord. Tell that Jesus to the seekers.

Mishael

Amen Brother Jesse.

1 Corinthians 3:14-15. 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 have yet to have someone who says you can loose your salvation tell me what the scripture means to them.

Julie, wonderfully stated.

..continued. God was present in the pillar cloud by day and the fire pillar by night and the still turned readily to idols. The Sabbath allowed them to turn their minds back to the True God and worship Him alone. The commandment did not make the Israelites obey God from the heart. Only a regenerated person can do this. Therefore, we who are regenerated obey the sabbath law by going above and beyond by worshipping only the true God and sanctifying every day to Him.

As for resting, God knew that mankind would need rest from physical work to have time to renew their strength and to have time for other important things. He made mankind to live in families and families need to spend time together, not all going their separate ways every day. Thus the Sabbath is for such things that working all the time doesn't provide for us.

Bro Dan I also am not a denomination christian I'm just a follower of Christ, thanks for your reply. God Bless

Judith,

The Sabbath is for man. God does not need to rest or worship Himself. He does not not need to be reminded that He exists or learn about who He is and what He has promised. We do.

Colossians 2:16-17 does tell us to keep everyday as holy to the Lord. If people want to have have a set day to rest and devote to God, that is good. If someone else is able to rest daily and devote time to God, good.

Some people have to work 7 days a week and do not have much leisure time. This was especially true in centuries past where most poor people and slaves did work a days a week. It is difficult for people on such a schedule to have time to attend worship services or fellowship outside of their home and family. Many of these people practiced the Presence of God all day long. Singing, meditating on God's word, and living towards others as God would have us do.

In today's society we have far more leisure time tan in any generation before us. That is why we have so many leisure activities and are inventing them daily. Look at the new outdoors sports activities that have been developed and popular in my lifetime. Look at the ways we entertain ourselves. Too much of a good thing isn't always good. I think it is important to remember to do all things in moderation. That way, we will have time each day to devote solely to God. Even so we are told that in whatever we do, we are to do all to the glory of God 1Cor. l0:31. We live each day not to ourselves, but to serve God in what ever situation we are in.

This is what Paul means when he talks about the liberty we have in Christ concerning the Law. We don't abolish the Law, but fulfill it in an elevated way beyond that proscribed by the Pharisees. The Pharisees had a myriad of laws and regulations about the Sabbat written in the Midrash. These additions to the simple commandment to keep holy the Sabbath burdened the Jews unnecessarily.

Hi Bro Rick,

Regarding the reason that Jesus was baptized, you may want to ask him:) because we both know he didn't need to! Personally, I believe that one of the most important reason's was to fulfill the scriptures, and show others that he was in fact the Son of God.

Matthew 3:17

"And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

This was one of many actions that Jesus took while on this earth to show us, and guide us, in what is right and to set a good Christian example for all of us to follow.

The "rightly divided question" concerns a verse used only one place in the bible. 2 Timothy 2:15.

I understand this scripture is directed (primarily if not entirely) at Timothy by Paul regarding how Timothy should endeavor to teach the Church.

Currently, there are many people saying that they use this verse and apply it directly - to help them to read and understand the Bible. Based on their understanding of this verse, they say that we are to "rightly divide" scripture in order to know which of the scriptures are meant for the Jews and which are meant for the Church. If it works for them thats fine.The problem that I see with this process is that many people have many different ways, to divide the scripture, and who is really right? I believe much scripture is being disregarded, and even twisted to fit their belief, which could be a big mistake.The result of dividing scripture can be easily seen by looking at all of the various denominations of Christians, ie: Baptists, Mormons, Jehovah Witness's, and on and on. All of them think their "rightly divided" scripture is the superior one.

My belief as a Christ follower, is to read the bible entirely (I don't add or subtract) and pray for the Holy Spirit to teach and guide me. I'm comfortable with my current understanding, and I will change as the spirit may move me.

God Bless.

Bro Dan,

Good post and conversation here.

It is true that we are saved when we believe in Jesus. This salvation is an ongoing salvation that will reach its fulfillment at the final judgement. Are we in heaven seeing Jesus face to face the moment we believe? No, So there is both a present and a future tense to our salvation. Like you said, in this life we are advancing towards that future fulfillment, when all is said and done for this life, in the fulfillment of the ages. We have something to look forward to, something to hope for, tat we do not possess quite yet, but have the Spirit as a guarantee (down payment) of what is to come. This knowledge of a future hope causes us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling in this life. Lord, teach us to order our days aright.

Thank you for your thoughtful post. I appreciate reading this conversation. It is helpful.

I think the Commentary by Matthew Henry, 1710 sums it up for you better than I can:

9-16 Whatever happens, nothing shall hurt the believer; though trouble and affliction befall, it shall come, not for his hurt, but for good, though for the present it be not joyous but grievous. (Meaning, even if it hurts for the time being, God is still working out everything for our good.) Those who rightly know God, will set their love upon him. They by prayer constantly call upon him. His promise is, that he will in due time deliver the believer out of trouble, and in the mean time be with him in trouble. The Lord will manage all his worldly concerns, and preserve his life on earth, so long as it shall be good for him. (Persecution isn't the most ideal way to live) For encouragement in this he looks unto Jesus. He shall live long enough; till he has done the work he was sent into this world for, and is ready for heaven. Who would wish to live a day longer than God has some work to do, either by him or upon him? A man may die young, yet be satisfied with living. (If a man completes what God has him do on Earth, Heaven is a reward versus continuing to live in persecution and suffering.) But a wicked man is not satisfied even with long life. At length the believer's conflict ends; he has done for ever with trouble, sin, and temptation. (In death, a Christian no longer has to deal with pain, suffering, sin and temptation.)

Debera,

Your post warms my heart this morning. Thank you.

Matthew 24:40; "taken left" = The word "flood" (vv. 38-39) translates from the Greek noun root "" (transliterated "kataklusmos"; pronounced "kata-klooce-MOS"), which derives the English noun "cataclysm," which speaks of either a social, political, or geographical disruption so violent as to result in mass and total destruction. Certainly the flood of Noah's day qualifies this description.

This verse (v.40) does not describe the Rapture of the Church. Those taken, are taken to be judged (cp. Lu. 17:34-37). Those left, are left to inhabit the Kingdom.

LORD JESUS qualified the word "taken" in Luke 17:37 when HIS disciples asked HIM, "[Taken] Where, Lord?" The LORD answered, "Wheresoever the body {contextually a corpse; carcass} is, there will the eagles {vultures; carrion eaters} be gathered together."

Those who are "taken" identify with those whom The LORD will "gather together" ( Rev. 16:16; 19:19) to judge them during Armageddon. Luke's expression as recorded in Luke 17:34 also agrees with Apostle John's description of "the Supper of the Great GOD" during which "fowls that fly in the midst of heaven" will assemble "to eat the flesh of" the armies of the Antichrist and his false prophet (see Rev. 19:17-18).

Those who are "left" will "live and reign with CHRIST a thousand years" ( Rev. 20:4).

The generation affected by the Flood presents a great typology: The earth's entire population were "taken" in judgment by the flood. In contrast, Noah and his family were "left" to replenish the earth.

Moreover, GOD "took" the entire population of Sodom and Gomorrah in judgment when HE destroyed the cities with fire and brimstone. Nevertheless, GOD preserved Lot and his daughters when HE "left" them out of harm's way.

In HIS parable of the net, The LORD graphically proclaimed this eschatological "taking" and "leaving": "So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just" ( Mt. 13:47-50).

Dear James,

My prayers are with you as you work trough your doubts. There is still a measure of faith planted within you by the Holy Spirit, or you would not be asking this question. So, trust that God will renew and grow your faith as you seek Him wit all of your heart. He will draw near to you as you draw near to Him.

I am sorry that you have gone through so much illness and loss. That is a huge, painful, heartbreaking trial! I pray for the Lord to comfort you and continue to bless you with all you need. May your son be blessed by you and be a blessing to you as he grows. May your son come to know Jesus as you work through this faith challenge. God is able to do all of these things. I pray that you can believe this, as well.

Chris, good explanation.

My thoughts are that animals were not given the consciousness or soul to know God, to sin, or to be indwelt by the Holy Spirit. As you said, they were not made in the image of God. I think that they were created to age and die as well. But I am not aware of a bible verse that states this.

Hi, Mishael,

I think that Romans 7 is referring to Paul's struggles as a believer. When we come to Christ and are remade in Christ we do become more acutely aware of our sinfulness and the impact of our sinful nature on us daily. Paul, before conversion thought of himself as righteous according to the law. His conscience did not bother him too much. But now, as a Christian believer, his conscience, being made aright by the Spirit, is bringing to light what Jesus meant when he elevated the commandments (if you are angry with your brother, you commit murder, etc..) Paul was being sifted by the Holy Spirit, showing him areas were unknown sin is manifested in his life. As one who really loved what is good and right, it was very grievous for Paul to face these sins (habits of the mind, attitudes, sins of omission) that didn't bother him before conversion. God was calling him to a higher righteousness than that of the Pharisees (which he was as a Jew) Wanting to be victorious over all sin in his life, he realized e could not and then turns his attention and hope to Jesus, proclaiming that Jesus alone can rescue him from sin and death. Praise God! This is true for us, too.

Well stated Ronald.

Hello, Sacha

Those of us who are in heaven will not be enjoy viewing the wicked receiving the penalty for their unbelief in hell. We will not be allowed to view it. God separates hell from heaven in order to have heaven be perfect for us. God is perfectly just and is not unloving when he judges unbelievers to eternal punishment in hell. He is exercising His perfect judgment and wrath rightly. It is this very judgment and wrath that Christ's death and resurrection saves us from, not just death. If death is all that awaits the unbeliever, then Christ's death does not change was only a one way act, sparing believers from eternal death. Which is not what Jesus taught (i.e. Lazarus and the rich man).

I believe that God will judge children, mentally impaired, and those who never heard the gospel in is perfect wisdom. I don't think we need to think for God.

I once heard a story about someone who was brought the gospel to a remote area of the world. Upon hearing of Jesus, one person remarked, "So that is the name of who we worship." This reflects what is said in Romans 1. Man can know that God exists and seek Him. But in places where they have not heard of Jesus or have the Bible to learn more of God, most people create idols and devise wicked practices and false worship. But even among such people, there may be some who worship God from a true heart. God does not despise these. Nor does he despise children or those who cannot understand Him through their minds. He speaks to their souls. The Holy Spirit can regenerate anyone He chooses. But since Jesus' incarnation, the Spirit most often regenerates through the hearing of the gospel.

I choose to let God be God, and myself be a lowly human. I do not question His judgments as either right or wrong.

If he created hell and determined that it will be inhabited by the unbelieving humans, angels, and the devil, I trust that that is the right and just thing.

Brother Earl We preach the Goodness of God and the Forgiveness of sin, we lovingly teach and implore not to sin or break fellowship, how can you teach heaven when your too occupied with thinking about hell. Just making a point,

pointing finger at fault shows no one how to change. I have met very few leaders that teach how to walk by the spirit

but have no problem telling someone how fast they can be sent to hell. So where's the leading in love that's what Jesus

Christ did and the Apostle Paul 1 Corinthians 4:21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod,or in Love and the spirit

of meekness. Eph.4:15 speaking the truth in Love not fire and brimstone. Just sharing some heart.

I read psalm 91 and i feel confused. It says those who make the Lord Most High their habitation that no evil shall befall them and also that they will tread and trample upon the lion and adder. How is it then that the christians who made the Lord Most High their habitation get attacked and eaten by lions in the colliseum in rome ? Also around the world people get persecuted and killed for their faith in God. I feel confused because it seems to say in this psalm that if we make God our habitation He will protect us.

Earl P.S. We need to take a hint from our Brother in heaven he always taught and displayed the Love, Heart and healing power of His Father and He was very aware of His enemy but did not magnify or dwell on him or the world. So for us

Phil.4:8+9 at the end the guarantee and the God of peace shall be with you.

Earl,

Sorry, it took me a while to study your posts. Scripture is clear; the lake of fire is real and it was prepared for Satan and his angels, Matthew 25:41. Those whose name is not in the book of life will be cast into this lake of fire, the second death, this is the death the saints will be spared. According to scripture we all will be judged and our reward will be given, good or bad according to our works Revelation 22:12. Each of us will have different rewards, some lights will be brighter than others, Daniel 12:2-3 and whether in the lake of fire, the punishments may be also judged accordingly.

My understanding is we do not get a second chance for salvation after this life in this flesh, Hebrews 9:27. We have this, there are evil and good people that live and have lived and those who did not have a chance to hear of the word of God, this may show how they will be judged at the white throne judgment, Romans 2:12-15 (this is my understanding of this), but those who have heard and rejected it, Katy bar the door.

I must humbly disagree, I am not in the lake of fire, we will be judged with fire, 1 Corinthians 3:11-15. The Bible has symbolic wording but represents real things, people, kingdoms, etc. I am sorry I can't follow interpreting the scriptures by allegorizing all, I feel we turn all scripture into parables.

RLW

Skewed logic: I have had this conversation with more than one woman who was pregnant and didn't want to be , why don't you have the baby and give it up for adoption ? Answer : oh I couldn't do that ! I'd never stop thinking about it , worrying if it's ok , if it's happy , if it's going to knock on my door in eighteen years time etc , no , I'd rather have an abortion then it's just gone and I never have to think of it again . That's what I call skewed logic , it's the same kind of logic that is offended by the thought that sinners are just dead and would much rather they were tortured in hell for eternity . We are all sinners . Some of us know the Truth , some of us don't want to know the Truth and very many of us have never had the chance to .

Brother Rick:

1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the SAVIOUR OF ALL MEN, specially of those that believe.

1 Timothy 4:11 These things COMMAND and TEACH.

Does the doctrines of man believe Jesus is SAVIOUR OF ALL MEN, NO.

Does the doctrines of man TEACH Jesus is SAVIOUR OF ALL MEN, NO.

Amos 3:3 Can two walk together (BE ONE) except they be agreed?

Matthew 5:25 AGREE with your adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him: lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

2 Thessalonians 2:10 And with all DECEIVABLENESS of unrighteousness in then that perish; because they RECEIVE NOT the TRUTH, that they might be saved.

2 Thessalonians 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie.

The lie, man's doctrine, that God is not a saviour of the world.

Matthew 5:44 And I say unto you, Love you enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Matthew 5:45 That you may be children of your Father which is in heaven; for he maketh the sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just an unjust.

Do you believe God COMMANDS you to love your enemies, YET he is going to send his enemies to HELL.

Man LOVES the doctrine of HELL because that gives them freedom to HATE their enemies.

Earl What other people do is on them our Job spiritual occupation is Go,Stand,Speak to the people the words of this Life, also 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21 we reconcile men to God witnesses, we are ambassadors, we are the righteousness of

God in Him. Our job is to love em up not ridicule condemn and criticise, the world does that. Remember there the lost bugs in the dark we are the light that attracts, so let your light so shine. We say that we are His and He is Ours deeds are

proof of this and not words and these are the proving hours!

Hw did john died?

Earl You didn't imply that was your statement that God showed you the Kingdom or whats really going on.

Earl Man knew God Romans 1:18-22 they knew God and they changed not God, also The bible is the Knowledge of

God it is just not believed. So don't understand your statement.

Brother Rick, I was not implying that God has only revealed the truth to me, but that it has to be God, through his word and his S pirit, that reveals the TRUTH, not following the tradition of man's teaching.

Few find the way.

Two thirds of the world don't read the bible, mostly those professing to be Christians are the ones that read the bible.

Why then does only a few, that read the bible, find the way, this should concern us, what is it that we think we see, but don't.

John 9:41 Jesus said unto them, If you were blind, you should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

John 9:39 And Jesus said, for JUDGEMENT I am come unto this world, that they which SEE NOT might SEE, and they WHICH SEE might be MADE BLIND.

Satan who deceives the WHOLE WORLD, that includes the two thirds that profess to be Christians.

What is it that man teaches. that deceives the whole world.

You have to let the Spirit, through his word teach you, and it will be different than what man teaches.

Amen Sister Sacha, Hosea 4, man has no knowledge of God's way. One day they will be like Paul, in an instant of burning light, they will fall to their knees and say, what will you have me do LORD.