Bible Questions & Discussion PAGE 1127

Genesis 4:1, Genesis 4:16,23,24,

Genesis 4:25,26, Genesis 5:1-3, Genesis 5, Genesis 6:1-13, Genesis 7, & 8, Genesis 9:8-9, Hebrews 11:1-7, 1John 3:12,

Romans 5:14, 1Corinthians 15:45, Deuteronomy 32:8, Matthew 3:21-38, Romans 5:14, 1Corinthians 15:22,45,

Jude 1,

The subject of suffering in the world is something that we humans struggle with, so for sure, your struggle, John, is a very common one. :)

There are a couple of thoughts I'd like to share, if I may.

First of all, when I see suffering, it reminds me of the seriousness of sin. From the beginning, sin causes death. God warned our first parents that if they ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they would surely die; and they surely did die spiritually for their disobedience.

We too, learn in Romans 6:23 that the wages of sin is death. It is sin that brings death and misery into this world. When I see the headlines - they scream out, "SIN!" What misery sin brings upon lives! The sinner himself or herself is injured by it, and most often - others are injured by it! Sin brings its own punishment, and it always has consequences!

Secondly, our Good God allow suffering to be his 'sheep dogs' that often drive wandering souls back to Him. David said in Psalm 119:67, "Before I was AFFLICTED, I went astray." When everything is going well - how quickly we wander far from God in our vain confidence! Remember - when Israel prospered and 'waxed fat', THEN 'they kicked against the Lord" in idolatry!!

Thirdly, the problems and suffering of this world help us to long for the new heavens and earth, wherein righteousness will dwell. The suffering here makes us wish for 'there'!! The suffering 'here' hinders us from desiring to put our roots down here, and hinders us from making this sad world our 'all in all", which is a BLESSING! How tragic for those who love this world and the things in it! It is all a delusion, and it is all passing away!

May the Lord help you understand the good that can be found even in suffering, John. :)

Blessings!

Revelation 10

Is that you Elijah?

vs 1 The angel with his right foot on the sea, and left foot on the earth is Jesus (mirroring the 2 beasts inRevelation 13, rising from sea & earth).

Revelation 10:5-6And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, 6 Andswareby him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:

vs 5-6 are paradoxical because Jesus says all creation is from God, where Christian's are sworn to saying that Jesus created all. The dichotomy. John 10:30

vs 7 We are reminded that God has plans to end this age at the 7th trumpet.

vs 8 Jesus gives the prophet the little book, the Word of God (Bible) to eat.

vs 9-10 Since it's sweet in his mouth, then bitter in his belly, it must be before the 6th trumpet, day of the Lord, and the terrible judgment to come.

Revelation 10:11And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

vs 11 This is a GREATEST prophet, Mat 11:11, whom we were promised. This introduces Elijah's ministry, before the day of the Lord. Elijah is to preach the word of God, salvation, on the backdrop of the day of the Lord, Malachi 4:5

Thank you for your prayer request, Gigi! It's always a joy to stand with brothers and/or sisters in Christ!

May the Lord's healing hand be on every aspect of your surgeries and your recovery, and when all is said and done,

may you have a marvelous testimony of the faithfulness of God to share with all of us!

Blessings and hugs, dear sister!

GiGi

Thank you again. I select from your answer to me three key phrases as your ideas consolidate my own thinking:

1."The Roman Catholic church has "mystified" what the bible calls our union with Christ"

2. "This mysticism is a mixture of Eastern religion and the concept of believers being unified with God through Christ"

3. "We will be perfected humanity likened to the perfect humanity of Jesus

I have never heard of any possible association of RC thinking with the "Eastern Religions" and probably because I have not considered the possibility before and not asked an related questions. Here I find the CE teachings at fault in that they did not refer in anyway to such a link in my religious education, indeed thinking back there was never ant discussion about any alternative religion let allow RC'sm. I should add that I was educated in the a very traditional C of E environment of the English.

Public School system and its normal "High Church" as opposed to Methodist, Baptist and Lutheran thinking. C of E still tending to support an abhorrence of Roman Catholicism with some respect for King Henry VIII and his rejection of Rome. To this day our Queen when she was crowned (1954) the Archbishop of Canterbury declared her to be the "Protector of the Faith.

I hope that I will not be considered rude by asking the question, are you a consecrated person as in clergyman, pastor or religious leader?

Very many thanks for your help with my understanding of our faith.

Roy

Truly a lamentable chapter. Very much like the book of Lamentations; in fact in many ways. This whole section of scripture shows Job's accusation of God bringing on the misery that He had delegated to Satan to be permitted to test Job. Not forgiving sins is an accusation that may have been the worst thing Job accused God of. It was; indeed the "accuser" Satan himself that was causing ALL this misery; from the bodily pains to the terrifying dreams. Thankfully; the transgression of verse 21 was finally taken care of at the cross. Before that time; we have righteous men such as Lazarus in paradise. After then; praise God! when absent with the Body we are present with the Lord. ( 2 Cor. 5:6). Verse 12 is surely interesting as well; reminding us of Jonah in the whale probably feeling much the same way at a much later time in recorded history.

This desire to depart from God is truly sad as well. Those who know God may have fear of Him; but it is never for their destruction if they are saved. This is a really great book for those who are overemotional in their walk and who may trust their feelings over their true status. The opposite of course is much more dangerous; for if we are expecting jubilant feelings while loving the world brings God's favor; and we aren't aware what He has saved us from or that we are enemies of God before coming to Christ; then we have to "test ourselves" ( 2 Cor. 13:5) to see if we are in the faith. Food for thought...

In this continuing monologue (with occasional responses by Job) from his first "friend" Eliphaz; here is a general principle of long life and prosperity mentioned as a benefit of being corrected or chastised by God. (v. 17). Although not directed to Job; and certainly not meant to compliment his righteousness in any way; there is nonetheless scriptural links with these admonitions and other verses in scripture; the chief being that He "chastises those He loves" ( Heb. 12:6). It was a sort of prophetic hope coming to pass with Job's eventual renewal to his original state; in fact even more than at first. It is unlikely that Job found any comfort in this; of course.

In all this; we have two points of general note. First; value can be found whenever God's word is spoken; even if it is with contention; as Paul stated ( Philippians 1:15-17).

The second point is that scripture needs to be evaluated in this book to see what is the truth. We need to understand that all scripture may be for instruction ( 2 Tim 3:16); but surely what Satan quoted is used against Christ and since he is a liar among his other vices; the intention of the words may be for other purposes. A lot of other things his friends were to badger him about were at best unnecessary; and as in the earlier chapter with a spirit speaking stuff; may be from the pit itself. And this book is faithful only in giving an accurate message of what was said; whether it is Gospel truth is only how well it ties in with other scriptures. Whatever his friends spoke may have had some scriptural basis; but there is no way of saying what may have come from other sources or legends. Much can be said for any truth in the Apocrypha; for example. Much has been borrowed from the Word of God but we need to discern what is instruction and what to avoid from what we do know as revealed truth. Only the parts of books such as Enoch actually in scripture can be trusted as well.

What was Satan's name before he fell from heaven

Let the games begin; as they say. Job's lamentable situation was; up until this point met with silence of his "friends" for a week when he was mourning. Now; the seemingly endless dialogue between each of the 3 individuals and Job (eventually involving the more youthful FOURTH figure) was to begin; and encapsulate more than 30 chapters of scripture. At least the first few verses acknowledged Job's accomplishments in helping others (v. 3 and 4) before the criticism ensued. This; as far as I know is the only positive thing his friends said-and even in this case it was used against him. The "spirit" passing before his face in v. 15 of Eliphaz sure sounds like a demon; and whatever truth was stated; no doubt was inspired by Satan himself to further torment Job in his compromised condition.

It should be remembered that from what we can ascertain; Job never learned the cause of his suffering and the author if it was Moses or not was only later given this understanding. It should serve as a sober warning of the "accuser of the brethren" ( Rev. 12:10) who continues his old tricks even to this day and until His doom comes to its final fruition. However the Spirit restrains him at present; the fact that God can give him authority to this level; and in fact surely would have killed him had God given permission should be a sober reminder to us not to trifle with principalities and powers apart from the power of the Spirit of God. Christ Himself and He alone has victory and determines when Satan is bound and sent to his final punishment (even if angels administer the action). We need to be praying for others going through "like temptations" as well (although I can't find the verse at present!)

Hello Richard, Those Israelites good ol' boys just could not stick with God's explicit commands to refrain from taking wives from the idolatrous nations surrounding them. It seems that both male and female Israelites were very easily swayed by the "customs" of the surrounding pagans and repeatedly fell into idolatry despite having the history of God's miraculous deliverances (through the waters and from attackers), providence (manna and quail), displays of God's presence (pillar of fire and cloud, glory filling the tabernacle, Mount Sinai "shock and awe"), the giving of the Law. This makes me think that the ways (and women) of the pagans must have been very alluring.

This makes me think how people can become so enamored and intrigued by "exotic" or "new" trends. This is true in the church as well. These "baubles" can make our daily walk in godliness and fellowship with the Spirit seem somewhat "boring", especially when we are called to live a quiet and godly lifestyle. But I haven't really minded what most would consider boring, because I love to follow God's ways. I find them satisfying. But we live in a culture that glorifies risk taking behavior (rock climbing, extreme sports) and fancy, shiny celebrity lifestyles. But as believers, I think it is wise to heed what Jesus taught about being in the world but not of the world, so to speak ( John 17:15, 18)

And Paul says for us to not be conformed to the world, but to be transformed.. ( Romans 12:2) and John says to love not the world or the things of the world... which is passing away...but he who does the will of the God abides forever ( 1 John 2:15-17)

And we are told by Peter to lives such good lives among the pagans .. ( 1 Peter 2:11-12) as we should live like sojourners.

Unlike the Israelites, let's hope we do better to resist worldliness and pagan influences.

"I've read your views.

Our views are far off!!"

Spencer, tell me what you disagree with, we can have a healthy conversation to level the field. My views are based on scripture defining itself through corresponding scripture. I've memorized to heart most of it. So, anything I've said that hasn't happened yet, I can explain through simple reasoning. If I'm wrong about what I write, then that needs attention. Since it's based in the future, interpretation, and I haven't seen the future, but for scripture, my views becomes more nuanced. That means I use the prophets' word to mitigate the gap, so you will gain from it.

I've given you a lot of material to dissect and question. For every issue you have, you must explain your personal method of understanding, and how you got there. Please review my work and write down each trespass for examination. Throw everything you got at me, perhaps I need humbled, and am the last one to know it. Looking forward to it, Spencer.

Verses 42- 44, Jesus notes that the widow gave all that she had. In the next chapter, the synagogue is to be destroyed in the future. Previously in verses 38-40, Jesus told them to beware of the scribes which devour widows' houses. Isn't that precisely what is happening here? The widow gave all that she had and now has nothing. Jesus did not comment that we should do the same. Isn't this more of a condemnation of the scribes and the system?

What does it mean to "have the mind of Christ" ?

I just got my question answered in Matthew Henry commentary here.

Thank you!

The "crap hits the fan" so to speak. The end of chapter six shows how his wife and whoever the "wise men" were (unless they were one and the same as his friends mentioned the previous day) changing their tune. His own downfall was now predicted just 24 hours later; if it was indeed of the Jews that had started to prevail.

Esther lets out all the stops here in this clever setup. There was no way of knowing that the king would just happen to read about Mordecai's unsung hero status in catching the two conspirators some time ago written in the records after he spent a sleepless night. Esther stated point blank what Haman had decreed against Mordecai and it should be noted that she stated if it was just "bondmen and bondwomen" that was determined for her people she would have held her tongue. Then when asked who had done such a thing it was stated that this "adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman".

The king probably had forgotten at least the logic of how he signed the edict; due to the seeming righteous indignation of Haman justifying such a document because of Mordecai's disrespect. Emotions got the best of the king once again and God's purposes were to come to pass; when Haman was to be hung on the gallows he prepared for Mordecai. More divine justice was to soon follow in the rest of the book.

As to Esther; this deck of cards dealt to her was MASTERFULLY played; in accordance with prudence and wisdom. And the name of God isn't mentioned anywhere in the book! Quite remarkable.

What are the most questions from the boble

Where is the verse that says " No man hath seen God at any time "



The disciples all saw Jesus many times and yet they say this ?

Any time ?

Jesus said if you have seen me you have seen the father , would mean they are the same , but still no man has actually seen the father , and we know He sits on His throne .

Jesus said the pure in heart shall see God , that must be future so take heart and keep it pure !

Haman was a distant relative of the Agagites; or Amalekites. God had; for whatever reason sought their destruction under Saul; and his disobedience would allow for a near extermination of all the Jews in the known world at this time.

In this passage; we see a continuing supplication of Esther which earned the king's respect. She prepared a feast in two phases; with the second planned event to bring Haman's demise.

Naturally, Haman was jubilant at his exaltation and honor; but he continued to hold hatred for the Jews in his heart (v. 9 and 10). His wife gave him the plan along with his friends to prepare a gallow 75 feet high (no small feat) to hang Mordecai. This would appear to "seal the deal" as it were but then there is (as Paul Harvey used to say) the rest of the story.

Pride comes before a fall; and this house of cards was about to collapse. ( Proverbs 16:18).

What does it mean to "have the mind of Christ" ?

1john 4.1-6

It a appears that the this problem began back in the Apostles time and is now prevalent today .

The key is that they believe in a spiritual God of their truth , but deny the humanity of Christ in so doing this .

Jesus is the Son of man and Son of God according to all scriptures . We must make it all important to realize that he has flesh and is come in the flesh . And still is .

To make him a special deity is to trump the fact that he comes as a man in the flesh .

God is not a man and does not have flesh . And never will because God never changes . He inhabits eternity. Before the world or heavens existed, and heaven and earth will pass away , but God remains the same as always .

Thank You S, Spencer. Appreciated.

ELB

Ha ha, that's funny. I will try, but i do not know how much pain meds I'll need to take and I wouldn't to make a biggie of a typo-if you know what I mean. Thank You, Earl.

Thank u Alex N, this was something i think too! Its a lot of examples. And ppl are good to mix it up. This is a evidence that we are ailiens on earth. And this is not our home. We will look up to heaven, amen! There is my home evan here at my eartly home i stay with my body and my spirit is with God alreaddy! But my home is in heaven here, We know wrong or not. We are with Jesus in body soul and spirit friends. Love u all be happy God have not done this wrong at all. He Will Have The Glory. Thank You Jesus Christ. Thank You for this perfect thing You have done. No one will ever take us from You. You did all, glory too You!

What can you tell me about salvation?

Dear Richard.

I absolutely agree with you. Separation is not permited unless one goes with another woman/man. Matthew 5:31-32. But even if so remarriage is not permitted. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11.

Now the verse in 1 Corintians 7:15 . The original Greek text says word by word " if the unbeliever separates let him/her separate. The brother or sister is not enslaved INTO THESE". What this "into these" stand for. Why enslaved? Marriage is not slavory, it was blessed by God. The explanation given in my church is that it refers to sexual acts. So lets take it from the beggining." If the unbeliever wants to separate let him do that, there is no problem you not having sex, you are not enslaved to it" It is not the usual explanation but it fits with Matthew that forbids divorse no matter if man or woman are unbelievers or not, only for adultery is permitted. It also agrees to 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 that forbids remarriage.

GBU

Oh yes common sense is still around !

Dear Rick Colombe, this your angle sounds interesting. Old maps from Calvary shows us that the crosses stood on a hill,

Don,

What's most interesting here is Obadiah:10

When did Esau ever place a mortal wound on Jacob? The last time theses twins met up was in Genesis 33, and even though Jacob feared Esau would kill him, for theft of the birthright, they exchanged gifts, and parted ways.

Obadiah speaks of a future battle between these two boys, now grown up. The day of the Lord battle is the event they've been groomed for.

God will use Esau (Russia) to destroy Jacob (US, NATO, ISRAEL: The Babylonian system).

Proverbs 14:34 comes to mind in this chapter. Here we see the beginning of a process which God Himself had "set up" to accomplish His purposes. Mordecai supervised Esther; and told her NOT to reveal that she was a Jew. This affiliation with her people was to have enormous implications that can hardly be overstated; and she later had to be prodded to risk her own life and reveal these things once the plot of Haman was concocted and the King's edict rendered.

Titus 2:3-5 also is relevant here; as is 1 Peter 3:6 among other verses which show God's plan for women to be exalted.

The record of Mordecai of the attempted assault of the two chamberlains showed how the Jews were to be commended for helping with the security of the King; and this record would help the "humble to be exalted" as it were at a later date to vindicate Mordecai. (see ( Matthew 23:12). This attitude of service was repeated with Daniel in exile in Persia under Nebuchadnezzar; and Joseph in Egypt under the Pharaoh. We see a similar pattern as well with a crisis for the whole Jewish nation when the golden idol was set up; and the three men along with Daniel refused to worship it. Daniel himself ignored an edict about praying toward Jerusalem which put him in the lion's den. To be willing to die rather than serve men; Christ (the 4th man in the fire) was exalted and edicts went out that anyone who did NOT honor the God of Israel was to have their houses made into a "dunghill" ( Daniel 3:29). The edict of King Ahasuerus was also a game changer; to bring about God's preservation of His people.

Your reply makes so much sense to me. I will be checking this out in scripture. Thank you

This is a very interesting section; and I have never heard anything preached on the subject of an edict mandating the respect of wives for husbands that is given here by the King after he is "dissed" so to speak from his wife Queen Vashti. Jut discovered it myself. It is questionable; of course thenecessity of showing her "beauty" to all (v. 11); not to mention the whole show of opulence and feasts showing off the king's glory . The decree in verse 20 basically commanding honor of wives to husbands would be broadcast throughout the entire empire (from Ethiopia to India). It is noteworthy that this is the single largest territorial expanse mentioned in all scripture.

Once again; a transgression that surely would have incurred a death penalty with the likes of characters such as Henry VIII did NOT result in a divorce. Keep in mind; this is a secular King. It seems fairly certain that divorce; if it did occur was quite rare and certainly didn't become widespread until some time at least in the Intertestamental era. It would seem that in a secular society such as Rome; it was vastly promulgated as apparently it wasn't all that unusual from historical accounts. It only was addressed (other than Deut. 24); once we got to the N.T.

There are questions that have been raised as to Esther's morality or lack thereof in the later chapters in the "beauty contest". Nevertheless; she became his wife. As to women with multiple husbands; it doesn't seem to be in the Bible either. It is likely that if the Queen was allowed to live; there were no longer relations; and she would be shut up in her residence as a sort of prisoner. I am not judging the validity of what went down here as to what he did to his wife but the verse in 1 Samuel 15:23 comes to mind. It is truly sad to see today how a desire for superiority has robbed much of a generation or two of women of true inner beauty; and godliness. In turn; men are more wimpy; and children rebellious.