Bible Questions & Discussion PAGE 435

Gigi,

Where are the 25 billion believers that ever lived going to fit on earth? What about God's other people who are true lovers of God, will they not suffer a mortal death, too? Wouldn't you need a new earth and new heaven to accommodate such a large number of people? Also, if Christians are raptured, that puts the doctrine in direct conflict with Hebrews 9:27.

Ezekiel 21:1-4 describes Israels visitation; both good and bad people are taken (killed). No rapture.

Luke 17:34-37 The disciples ask Jesus where the "taken" people go? Jesus says the bodies will be where vultures circle. They are not raptured, they are dead.

The rapture isn't Biblical doctrine, you adopted it along the way. It's popular when there's a shortage of sound solutions, and chances are you wouldn't have settled on that doctrine on your own. The "rapture" was made popular by a 15 year old girl, Margaret McDonald. Study the topic before answering, I can wait a few days. I really want you to focus in on the subject, take notes. We're going to use scripture and logic to iron this out.

Thank you.

Nehemiah 1:2 refers to Jews... Nehemiah1:6 refers to the children of Israel... Any ideas as to what the distinction is?

Thank you , I appreciate the opinion , you are right about Knowing the narrative inside and out (is) critical. Ezekiel 38 is the battle of Megeddo not Amageddon .

The manuscripts don't say kings of the east , they say those of the rising son/sun , also symbolic . the river euphrates is an literal river , but as much as it's been literal it's a boundary , symbolically between Israel and Babylon . To correlate , in Rev 16 You don't really believe literal Angels are bound (in) the river waiting to be loosed do you ?

You don't believe that in this sophisticated day and age and technology and all the mega dams built along the river that they are waiting for it to dry up naturally to cross over do you ? Okay ! we can have difference of opinion all day long but the drying up (is) symbolic for the boundary being removed and Satans camp moving in onto God's mountain 2 Thes 2 . The 4 Angels , the number 4 is the biblical number of earth . to loosen the 4 angels of earth is to say release the bad players , those of the rising sun/son . Even though he is already here at the WOE of the fifth trump Rev 9:12 where it says one woe is past , It's not until the 6th trumpet sound that Satan reveals himself and slays a third part of man which is what verse 15 infers and is what was asked to be explained (hence thrust upon the scene), And the four angels had been loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, in order to slay the third part of man. (an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year is a specific time) and it saying the 6th trump not the fifth when the men are slain . I said God's elect were sealed at the Woe of the fifth trump thanks , there is a fifth trumpet sound and a Woe of the fifth trumpet , there is a difference .

Now that was really great what you said. I needed info like that.

I was not sure who you were responding to. And, if I may ask, what is your name?

My view of the "rapture" is that:

When Jesus returns at the end of the age, all believers and unbelievers will be resurrected. Believers will be changed to have resurrection bodies and meet Jesus in the air at His descent. Our bodies will be made immortal and incorruptible with the sin nature totally removed. We will be sealed like the angels who did not rebel and will never sin again. We will be with Jesus forever.

Unbelievers will be resurrected into their bodies only these will be immortal but still corrupted with a sinful nature. They will be judged to hell forever, joining Satan and his angels. They will be tormented forever with the wrath of God upon them ithout mitigation.

You. Why didn't you answer, that's not like you.

Sometimes the sight posts my name, sometimes it doesn't....

I'm looking forward to the utter downfall of man.

Especially America, NATO & Israel. The sixth trumpet was made for them.

After the US/Israel attack Iran's nuclear facility, I'm moving to S. America to escape. Revelation 9:15 gives me time, so while Russia is preparing their weapons of indignation, I'll be preparing as well. I don't mind dying, but not like that when I know the narrative and signs, Revelation 18:4 says "get out". I will enjoy watching the video analysis of the attack over and over. The merchants can morn America, but not me, I'll be satisfied. Oh I know, that's terrible of me to say, but that's literally the way it plays out. Jesus defeats the beast, and 42 months prior, the beast defeated America. I'm sure in hindsight, you'll be able to identify America as Mystery Babylon, with her European Babel partners, all desolate and smoking, blocking out the sun. You might even take credit, saying you had a hunch it was that bunch.

Hello Anonymous, Are you responding to me or Richard?

You know Roman, Satan did rebel first and the many angels followed. But even if the angels had not begun to sin, I think that man could have just as easily rebelled all on his own without the temptation of Satan. Adam and Eve could have reasoned themselves into doubting God's word and wisdom all by themselves. They could have eaten from the tree of knowledge of good and evil without the wiles of Satan. But as it were, Satan was an instrument in the fall of mankind, but Adam and Eve made the choice to sin in and of themselves. They could have resisted in their innocent state, but they did not.

Leviticus Chapter 10 continued

.. In verse 8 it says that YHWH spoke directly to Aaron. This was unusual. Aaron must have felt the weight of God's attention on him. God said that none of the priests are to drink wine or strong drink while they were doing service before God. This does not mean that they could not drink alcohol when they were outside the tabernacle, but only when they were performing priestly duties before God. This statute concerning drinking wine and alcohol was to drive home to Aaron and the priests the seriousness of distinguishing the holy from unholy (referring to worship actions and common actions, not necessarily right and wrong actions). God also told Aaron that it would be his job to teach the people all of the statutes given to Moses.

Next, Moses instructs Aaron and his sons to eat the remaining meat offering (unleavened bread) in the holy place beside the altar as it is their portion of this sacrifice. They also were to eat the thigh and breast offerings that are wave and heave offerings before God as this is their share of the meat of the peace offering.

Next, Moses inquires about the sin offering (a goat). The sons were to eat it, but instead they had burned it on the altar.

So, they were trying to follow God's rules, but erred in this respect. This was different from Nadab and Abihu. They were not trying to be presumptuous. They didn't feel worthy to eat the offering after the sins and deaths of Nadab and Abihu. Moses set them straight on how this is to be done. Yet, Moses was content with Aaron's explanation. So, in light of what happened in this chapter, there must have been a big difference between the attitudes of the hearts of Aaron, Eliazar and Ithamar verses Nadab and Abihu.

May we grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ in fear and reverence of Him, recognizing he is holy and pure. May we not treat Him commonly or casually like a buddy or worse. May we honor Him and praise Him with true affection and worship.

Leviticus Chapter 10.

Nadab and Abihu were ignited by YHWH for bringing fire along with incense into the tabernacle. They may have had zeal for YHWH but did not fear YHWH properly. God had strictly restricted the fire to be burned on the altar to come from the altar within the tabernacle. This fire was to be a perpetual fire. Moses had just instructed the priests and consecrated them. The priestly duties had just begun. But these sons were brash and immature. They did not respect God's ordained way for them to serve Him. God's judgment upon them was swift and deadly. Imagine the horror to Aaron to see his sons made into human torches by God. And then Moses instructed Aaron and his family to not mourn for his sons in the usual mannerisms.

This event reminds me that there really is only one way to approach God and that is in and through Jesus who is our righteousness and covering. He covers us and vouches for us to protect us in our lack of truly knowing how holy God is. Jesus keeps us from being destroyed by God's consuming fire.

The bodies of Nadab and Abihu were taken outside the camp because their remains were unholy. God instructed Moses, Aaron, and the Israelites to distinguish between what is holy and unholy and right and wrong worship. God insisted that anyone who approaches Him must acknowledge his holiness and any actions are to glorify God before others, never to draw attention to oneself.

God instructed Aaron and his remaining sons that they should bewail God's judgement and sincerely and soberly regard it. Same was to be for the people. They are not to trifle with God in their own will and reason. Aaron and his sons were not to leave the tabernacle as they were serving God as priests still with the anointing oil still being upon them and this instruction was given by Moses under threat of death. Aaron and Moses obeyed. This was a difficult and substantial lesson for the priest to learn. Their service to YHWH on behalf of the people is holy.

@GiGi & Duncan: Thanks for responding.

However, Jesus talked about how bad people would become in the last days. ( Luke 21:8-28) It's just like Sodom and Gomorrah out there. And Paul talked about it too. ( Romans 1:18-32)

Don't cha know that quoting scripture is the new Hate Speech????? People want to sin and not feel bad about it. These people have been given over to a reprobate mind and their hearts are hardened. Everything evil is considered good, and everything good is considered evil. They don't want to hear the Gospel. Meanwhile, the Christ-deniers are setting themselves up to be the good guys. Millions of people are being deceived.

All we CAN do is pray for people, 'cause talking to them is like talking to a brick wall. So if I don't warn someone in person & verbally- am I still responsible??: "his blood will I require at thine hand".

Yes,, Richard. Satan is our adversary. I have wondered if he and the angels watched while God created Adam and Eve. Or, if they did, was he already in his fallen state and so became very envious and determined to destroy this creation imprinted with the image of God. He does want to destroy the human race anyway he can. He knows he cannot destroy God. so, he continues to rebel, becoming more and more evil with every passing moment. He especially hates prayer, as you said.

I think he also hates the human family, the marriage union, and the begetting of children. His goal is to decrease the world population any way he can. He especially does not want Christians to be fruitful and multiply because then we would soon outnumber the unbelieving as we bring our children up in the faith! He does not want us to be surrounded by billions of believing who have shared godly values and lifestyles because our influence upon the world would be magnified.

He hates it when we focus on God in worship and in the Word of Life. He hates it when we share God's truths with others. He hates it when we build one another up in faith and love. He hates it when we have harmony between us and when we are united in purpose. He hates it when we magnify the Lord ad refuse to give him undue attention.

We need to be wise concerning him, but confident that God will protect us. The Holy Spirit lives within us. There is no room for him in us and the Spirit prevents him from possessing us because we are God's possession in Christ.

Praise the Lord for that!

If there were no angels, they'rd be no sin, oh you better stop me before I begin.

Yes, Texsis, I have studied Paul's Epistles repeatedly along with the Gospels and Acts. Never get tired of reading those.

I have not studied the O.T. much. have read through it, but, since all Scripture points to Jesus and is instructive, I am enjoying going through from the "beginning".

I have had a long, long walk with the Lord over the years (turning 66 in a few months). I began reading the Bible for myself at age 9 being led to by the Holy Spirit. So 6 decades later, I have been very blessed in my journey with Jesus. Always something new to learn, to consider, to share.

Be blessed, Texsis. So good to have you back on the "board". I missed you. We never really know why some leave from here or just take a break or who simply are "readers' for a while. But I am always glad to see people return to posting and reconnect.

Thanks, I understand all of that but the question is . Is it the fiver fold as in APEST or is it the four fold Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, and Pastors-teacher? As I researched there is so much controversy around this subject, but I don't want to believe anything in the Bible is subjective.

If you believe in the rapture, please tell me how that happens. Is your group really first, even before the 1st resurrection? Please help me understand the timing of your rapture, how it fits in.

God is the God of all, a fair God, and at the appointed time everyone will receive the portion they deserve to make them whole. It has to be by the book. Modern day Israel is revealed in Revelation 7:9. That indicates God's mission to spread Israel's seed to the 4 corners of the earth is complete. Israel is everyone and everyone is Israel.

In the Old Testament, the commandment to Tithe was given to the Jews. Everyone was to donate (10% of) their crops and cattle and bring them to the storehouse, so that in times of famine there would be food for all. Nowhere was tithing mentioned by Jesus in the N.T. If tithing was so important, you would think Jesus would have quoted O.T. scripture to support it. (It is written.....) Jesus didn't mention a lot of things, but neither did He contradict His father. Jesus tried to bring people back to our Heavenly Father. He didn't have a cent to His name but He gave what He had received from the Father: healings, freedom from demons, food for the masses, hope, and Salvation.

Now a days people give their tithe to the "church", who fritters it on Jets, homes, vacations for themselves. What a bunch of wolves in sheeps clothing.

In the New Testament after the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit of God came down to the earth to dwell with men- those that witnessed that miracle were happy and shared what they had willingly. At least at first. There are always some that ruin it for everyone.

Read 1 Corinthians 11:18-29 where the new "Christians" turned the Lord's Supper into a free-for-all. Would you support a bunch of gluttonous parasites, "Christian" or not????? Every Christian needs to use some discernment when it comes to giving. "Christian charity" is for one believer in Christ to another. Not every infidel that has their hand out.

Discussion on Satan as a "roaring lion".

One of the best ways to describe Satan is as a chameleon which I suppose is something like the serpent in Genesis 3. In order to entice men to sin; he will infatuate the heart; afflict with fear; cripple with sickness; appeal to the baser nature; lusts of the eyes; flesh; violence; etc. The poison bait is always set for the perfect trap for a person based on their disposition. The enemy of our souls would like us to think that he is in charge of hell as well; as he is a master at inflicting all sorts of mental torments which; of course he tries to utilize his own "cures" such as sorcery; witchcraft; and any variety of false religions to bring short term; temporary relief while upping the ante on the toxin. Obviously; self destruction is one of his favorite things; and he can use those with violent fantasies through video games; for instance to try to "rule the world" by such methodologies. Whether they be a two bit bank robber that is shot dead at the first try; or a mad dictator nearly ruling the world the end is surely the same. Antichrist will be the final ruler and; of course right before he destroys all humanity he himself will be the first one to be thrown into the lake of fire; along with the false prophet Satan's other tool. Satan's doom will be after the 1000 years confined to the bottomless pit.

As long as we remain in these earthly bodies and with a fallen nature whether Christians or not we must NEVER underestimate the enemy. He will be allowed to test us; if He did this with Paul and with Christ and with Job we are certainly (that is if dangerous to his kingdom) be on his list. For most of us "peons" he will use one of his emissaries to do the dirty work; he saves his personal efforts to those at the top of his heirarchy and the same can be said for top principalities and powers at his command. I am convinced that prayer is at the top of the goals he has to throw the wrecking ball at.

Richard,

Thank you for these thoughtful posts. Gives me lots of food for thought. May you be blessed again and again everyday.

Hi Richard, I will be reading through your posts on this subject. But, for this post I just want to throw in my two-cents worth and say that I think that Jesus was speaking to His disciples asking Him the questions in Matthew 24 about what would be happening between then and the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. So, I believe that it is that generation alive when Jesus spoke these words that will see this judgment come upon Judah and end the O.T. system, Judaism, Priestly functions, etc. when the Romans surrounded the city and laid waste to it. I read that over 1 million Jews were killed, many by other Jews, and about 100,000 were put on ships to be delivered to other countries as slaves. I guess, I don't see what Jesus is speaking about in chapters 21-24 in the days after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem in the last week before His crucifixion as being referring to the end of time.

I realize that there are many who do not share my view. But, just as I have studied the dispensational millennial viewpoint, I would encourage those who don't think like I do to at least study up on this preterist view. I am not a full preterist, for sure, but I do not hold to the dispensational millennial view. More inclined to the some of the point of ammillennial, and historic millennialism. I guess I am not totally convinced on any of these I mention. But I know that I do not hold to the dispensational view. It has many beliefs that i cannot square with Scripture. But I am still open to read and consider every viewpoint.

OIC, I used to do the same & after yrs of study, feeling I wasn't getting anywhere & being confused w/so many laws & rules. I felt led to reread & study Paul's Apostles ( Acts 9-Philemons) first. For these are how God wants us to live today "in the now". No longer following old testament writings. I went from yrs of believing I knew Christ to mere weeks of truly Knowing Him & how we get truly saved & join Him in heaven some day.! No more stress, anger, resentment or being vengeful either.! Praise God, try it & get the peace God wants us to have that passes all understanding.!

When are our names entered into the book of life?

Dear May

The commandment say not to commit adultery. This is applied both to men and to women in all circumstances. Jesus said that, as it was in the beginning with Adam and Eve, so should marriage be, one-man to one-woman relationship. As for divorce and remarriage. Jesus was pretty plain about this, too. One who divorces a spouse for any reason other than infidelity is not to marry another as long as this first spouse is alive. To do so is adultery, as Jesus stated and this adultery is not a one time occurrence when a couple remarry and have relations for the first time. It is adultery every time they have relations, in my understanding.

From what Jesus said, I do not think that polygamy is permissible from the time He taught on marriage until He returns. So, I think that polygamy is outside of God's perfect will for man and woman. In some parts of the world polygamy is the norm, even for Christians, and the women do not have much say in the matter. So, these communities are inviting all kinds of problems from being outside of God's will in this area.

Hello Freda, I hope that you are feeling better. I will continue to pray for you. Did you hear anything new from the Doctor?

Hello Dgjot,

Yes, people from just about every tribe, tongue, and nation have been saved by the gospel of Jesus Christ over the centuries. And the Bible is in print in many languages. So, we can pray that God will draw unsaved people to those who are saved in their community so they can hear the gospel spoken to them. We can pray for God to call people to be missionaries in various ways. We can pray that we will be willing, equipped, and bold enough to share about Jesus and the gospel with those we meet who are unbelieving. But I do not think that we are to throw up our hands and write off those around us as being undeserving of hearing the gospel. We, too were undeserving, but God reached out to us through the people who brought the witness and truth of Jesus and His work to each of us.

As a former teacher, I have overheard conversations among students where one person will talk about Jesus and the other will ask, "Who is Jesus". So, there are many who haven't heard whom God has softened their hearts to receive the gospel.

And there are those who will see our godly life and speech. and may ask why we live the way we do. We should want to share with them our hope in Christ when they ask us.

Also, we are to love those who are undesirable to us, even those who live disgusting lifestyles. They are to be pitied and we should understand how darkened their souls truly are. so, if we do not feel compassion for such people, we should definitely pray to become more compassionate and willing to interact with those people who repel us so much.

But, I get you in that our society is so devoid of moral goodness and so many people flaunt their rebellion against God. It is concerning and difficult to partake of much of what society values. But we can always do what is morally right, kind, loving, and Spirit-led among those who come our way. This, in fact, is what we are called to do-be salt and light. Even if we are instrumental in only turning one person to Christ.

Psalm 50. Once again; this Psalm is prophetic and has some overlapping themes of the previous one; as well as the next Psalm. Zion is described here in verse 2 as to where "God hath shined." That could be from the heavenly city or the mountain here on earth when He comes. Gathering the saints who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice sounds like the Rapture; and also reminds us of the sentiment of a "broken and contrite spirit" spoken of in Psalm 51:17.

The purpose of the tine of "Jacob's trouble" ( Jeremiah 30:7) seems to be the meaning of verse 7. Verse 8 interestingly seems to indicate that despite the sacrifice of Christ meaning any future ones to cover sins are futile; the Lord allows this in the Tribulation for a time. This would probably be to bring Satan's plans into fruition; the final "Abomination of Desolation" to be installed; and the realization right before Messiah returns who Christ really is. These verses can be examined further: Daniel 11:30-31; and Zechariah 13 and 14 in their entirety.

There still will be; as the last chapters of Ezekiel indicate a final Millennial Temple where apparently as a memorial or for ceremonial cleansing for those still in earthly bodies will need to worship around those glorified saints and Christ Himself; lest they be consumed.

Verses 10 through 13 show the eventual fuility of animal sacrifices. Verse 14 shows as Psalm 51 does about offering a sacrifice of praise; and verse 16 reminds us of Deut. 4:30 when there is hope even in Tribulation for those who cry out. Verses 16 through 22 describe the fate of the wicked; always contrasted with the righteous in scripture and always needed for the complete Gospel of salvation as well. The righteous in the last verse once again are called to praise; but with the stipulation of keeping his "conversation aright". Isaiah 33:14 asks us who can dwell with (or in the presence of) everlasting fire? It mentions "speaking rightly" in the next verse.

Hello ,

You can learn about God by reading the Bible. He is the eternally existing, all-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere present, completely pure and holy, infinitely perfect, absolutely complete and unchanging Creator of all that exists other than Himself.

He is good, loving, righteous, merciful, gracious, just. He is absolutely sovereign over all He has made. He is self-existent, self-sufficient, and self-satisfied within Himself. He is glorious, majestic, outstanding and preeminent in all things.

He is One Being Who eternally exists in three distinct persons-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. For all eternity these three persons have loved, interacted, communed, and lived within one another.

May you be every blessed in Your discovery of Him.

Hi May,

I hope you can get your account sorted out soon. It seems that you are not alone in this. Thank you for thinking of me. I am recovering from a minor surgery I had Friday. I had a nasal vascular tumor removed from my nostril. It will be biopsied, but there is a very low chance of cancer. It also is very rare for one of these tumors to occur in the nose. Most of the time they are on the skin or int he mouth. About 5% are in the nose and of these, most of them are in people who have nose piercings or snort drugs or both. I have never done either. So, kind of a rare thing for me. Just pray that it won't recur. It was about the size of a pea, so pretty small, locale anesthesia and just snip, snip, snip with the scissors and cauterized. So, really fast and painless. Glad I noticed it, as they can grow large enough to block the nasal canal.

May, how are you doing? I hope well. It is always good to hear from you.

Dear John, Nice to hear from you again. My prayer for you is that God will place you in a warm, safe, home where people are generous to you as long as you are unable to earn a living. I pray that you will be able to do some work to earn some of your keep, but I understand from your posts that you have been homeless for a while and need lots of financial support along with godly relationships and the care of a church congregation. I pray that God will supply all of these soon, especially since we are entering the cold season. God bless you today, John.