Bible Questions & Discussion PAGE 554

Good Morning and a shout out to those who read on here but have not posted for some time. Thinking of you and hope you will post soon. Please let us know how we can pray for you at this time. May God bless you today with more of the untold riches of His glory and grace.

I agree with you. As Christians, we are caught between a rock and a hard place.

When a convicted felon is sent to prison, they have the chance to repent and seek forgiveness. But will they?

Meanwhile, what about justice for their victims? Did their victims know Jesus? If they didn't, then they were cheated out of a chance to have salvation.

I go crazy thinking about these kinds of things. Only God knows the truth. We have to trust Him.

There's no place in Job stating she left but after telling Job to "curse God and die" she's never mentioned much/at all after that. Many believe she stayed with Job as it never mentions she left him. Granted, there was likely a terrible judgement upon her -- that doesn't go to say she left him.

Predestination: Concluding thoughts

Lord willing; this commentary will be helpful for those who really haven't seen the repeated themes of the unity of the Godhead; and the predetermined "elect" group who are chosen for Christ to be revealed; and who therefore will respond to show saving faith. A major point that I tried to bring up in earlier chapters was that there is always a corresponding interaction going both ways; so that confession of faith and all of man's actions prompted by the Spirit are simultaneous actions. KNOWING us according to Matthew 7:23 is part of saving faith; hence the absence indicates we are tares. Our soul testifies with His Spirit ( Romans 8:16) that we are God's children.

None of the contradicts the necessity of confessing with our mouths and believing in our hearts that Christ is Lord ( Romans 10:9). We are asked to repent; but it is He who grants the gift of repentance ( Romans 2:4) and this also has a group of people in mind (the Jews as a whole who come to faith) in Acts 5:31 and the Gentiles in Acts 11:18. We still our to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5-6). All good fruits therefore come from the source of God; and are evidences of saving faith ( Matt. 7:17). We need to remember that God chastises all He loves ( Hebrews 12:6 etal); and therefore He prunes back so even more fruit is produced ( John 15:1-2). He is doing the work therefore; our WORKS are merely the external evidence that indeed He is working from the inside out. These have been prepared for us from before the foundation of the world ( Eph. 2:10).

The other doctrines such as God's sovereignty; our totally depraved nature; and perseverance of the saints are covered in many scriptures and can be covered in other studies. As far as free will is concerned; God accomplishes His purposes through the vicissitudes of man; and the wiles of Satan and all his minions. To not submit to our Creator is folly ( Psalm 14:1; Psalm 2:2; Rev. 19)

John 21: The Resurrection of Christ; predestined plans for His Apostles

This chapter begins with some of the disciples fishing; and for the THIRD time Christ appears "incognito"; this time by the sea of Tiberius. Some surely would have seen Him in His resurrected glory before this; and you would think He would be recognizable. The scene played out much as it did when Christ first found Peter and the others fishing without success. Therefore; John knew immediately once the command in verse 5 and the resulted enormous haul that it was indeed the Lord. It was therefore evidenced by His characteristic behavior; at least as much as the miracle itself. Often missed is how Christ Himself got the fish and bread to prepare this meal without fishing gear before they even arrived having it cooked.

The rest of this narrative gets into the fate of Peter and John (always described in the third person). Peter is given the "interrogation" as it were as to the commitment of His love toward Jesus. He then is given prophetic insight as to his fate of martyrdom in verse 18; and repeated once again in the next verse the original calling "follow me."

As for John; Peter was inquisitive for some strange reason what would happen and Christ hypothetically brought up the fact that if he were to remain alive until He comes what was it to Peter? As it was; Christ decided to let him die a natural death after tradition apparently describes a foiled attempt to boil him in oil. The end of this chapter indicates one reason in verse 24; that is to write scripture; which also would extend until John wrote Revelation for him to leave this world.

Therefore; we see individual lives as planned all the way to the end in the eternal plans of the Godhead. As Deuteronomy 29:29 states the secret councils of God are beyond us; however kings search things out ( Prov. 25:2). May we seek as overcomers those things which glorify Him; and trust the path He has placed before us ( Prov. 3:5).

John 16: 7 Christ is speaking and is leaving so who is the comforter that he will send?

Micha ya gotta realize Jesus shed his blood on the Cross to give us a Clean heart....A new heart and a new spirit....Has absolutely nothing to do with our literal feet....If any man be in Christ Jesus he is a New Creature.

Behold the lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world...Its our sins that defile us....As Jesus said its the things that come from the heart of a man that defiles him.

As Jesus said outta of the HEARTS ( OUR MINDS ) of a man proceeds all manner of evil.

But b/c of Psalms 41:39 An old friend (Judas ) that eats at my table has lifted up his HEEL Against me....Thus he washed their feet their heel....He cd not offend in any place till all was fulfilled including Psalms 41:9....He did every thing in parables and metaphors to hide it from the wise and prudent....And we see that there are still folks who think we are made clean by a literal foot washing....Making his blood of no effect....We cannot mix 2 Covenants....Calvary was a New Covenant in his blood making everybody clean....The thief on the Cross was made clean by hearing his Words...You are made clean by the words i have spoken unto you.....ok GBU Micha

Thanks Brother Jesse!

I knew King David establishment of the priest was associated with the 24 elders but never knew meaning. "perfection in covering." brings more clarity.

God bless you.

When Christ answered Nicodemus about being born again, He told him that a man must be born of water and Spirit to enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus qualifies this by saying that which is flesh or of the earth which is water is flesh. And, that which is born of Spirit is Spirit or from above heaven.

1 John 5: 6-8. Jesus came by water and blood. We are covered by His blood. When the soldier pierced Jesus's side out came blood and water. Water proves that Jesus was truly the Son of Man from earth. That's why we are to test the Spirits to see if they believe that Christ came in the flesh or believe that He was born of earth. We that believe this are of the Spirit of Christ. Those that do not believe this are of the Spirit of the anti-Christ and there are many.

Christ says He has a baptism to baptize you with. For He comes to baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with Fire.

Hope this helps and have a blessed day!

Anytime the four winds are mentioned in the Bible it is referring to "The Great Tribulation" The Time of Jacobs Trouble.

Revelation 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

Matthew is prophesying how God Gathers His Elect (together) out of the great tribulation for the sign of the 2nd coming is near Christ is near.

Then we are told to learn the parable of the fig tree in v32

Now learn the parable of the fig tree; When its branch shall have become already tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye get to know that summer is nigh: (Christ's return is near)

God uses the life cycle of the fig tree to give us an indication of when to expect the coming of the 2nd advent.

Romans 4:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.

Romans 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: (This is the word of God - not an opinion)

Romans 6:15-23 (verse 18) Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Galatians 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (comment-What if you die suddenly while committing one of the above)

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. ( There is a difference in a fault and willful sin)

Why did the lord jesus christ leave when he did back to heaven, and wait so long to come back. which now is over 2000 years ?

I agree with you, as far as governments should apply the law correctly to capital crimes; that's why they are appointed, in part for the punishment of crimes to ensure the safety of their citizens.

Yet, from a believer's perspective, the death of anyone, innocent or guilty, brings on sadness, as lives are being taken away without knowing the love of God & His forgiveness to all who repent & turn to Jesus. Time needs to be served, even some receiving the death penalty, but the eternal state of one's spirit should be uppermost in our thoughts, however grievous the crime.

And this can be a conundrum to a believer: how should we appropriate the rightness of a severe punishment given to a criminal and yet hold a tender heart towards him, for the welfare of his soul. Not an easy thing to do but for the ministry of the Holy Spirit with our spirit & mind.

Spencer ,

After reading Jesus words about the prodical son, and hearing His explanation of the shepherd who leaves the 99 sheep behind for the 1, I was compelled to write these words. Still, seeing myself in these stories as a soul that is in constant contention with the flesh, and God. Even so the Lord does not leave us alone in the midst of our sin and unfaithfulness!

Now seeing Him as He is, a faithful, loving, forgiving shepherd, who loves and forgives us.

The hearing and seeing, is that part that we learn when we leave and return! We are begotten again unto a lively hope, He is forever watching and loving His Sheep! His explanation is perfect of who He is and what He does!

In the end,Seeing Him on the cross, is the complete knowledge of what He has done for the world! It is not until we stumble and fall, that we even begin too come close to understand what He has done for mankind! This then becomes the seeing and hearing. God bless, Scanlan Thank you,for sharing

Repeat shoplifters ?

You're right bro S. Spencer, we do tend to focus on that which causes us to wonder - where nothing more is said about what Jesus wrote on the ground. Yours is a good guess as also the many others who have their suggestions; but they can remain only in our thoughts.

Mine were directed to Isaiah 55:7, "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Could Jesus have written along those lines, 'God is merciful to sinners - show mercy', as they readied themselves to hurl their stones. And then Jesus stood up & spoke to them, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." With those words & whatever Jesus had written on the ground, they got the message, that mercy ought to prevail, even as Jesus put aside His authority to administer justice to her.

Yet the Law was still in force - but Jesus' coming brought in a transitional period, where the Law began to fade away, for the 'fulness of God's Grace & Glory' now stood before them ( John 1:14), culminating in the full expression of that Grace, at the Cross. Even if the religious leaders had the power to judge & penalize, Jesus was showing (even through this encounter with this woman), that mercy & forgiveness was now the order of the day, as this was to be seen in Jesus Himself present with them - that the harsh implications of the Law and entrance of God's abundant Grace in Christ, had absolutely no correlation, indeed, diametrically opposed to each other.

The Law revealed sin & only brought death & sin abounded by the Law for there was no mechanism within the Law to bring about a change in heart & life. Grace now came through Christ and was able to deal with that unbridled sin - that Grace might reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." ( Romans 5:20,21). Those leaders might not have learned this, but at least seem convicted.

Thank you brothers Jesse & S. Spencer for your further words of teaching & encouragement.

Hello Brother Spencer,

I also have heard of two views. Many believe the elders, who are of the church, clothed in white raiment, (the promise to believers), and have crowns of gold upon their heads, (evidence of the reward to believers). We see the white raiment in Rev. 3:5, and crowns of gold in Rev. 2:20.

Many believe this is the representation of both the OT and the NT, the entire church, both Jew and Gentile, with the elders and the 24 courses, or 24 elders that are sitting.

The book of Revelation is a piece of Jewish Literature and understood by the symbols and the presentations that we receive from the Tanak, the Old Testament. There are 404 verses in Revelation, and there are over 800 allusions and direct quotes from the OT.

So there are 24 elders sitting on 24 thrones.

In 2 Chronicles Chap 24 and 25, this is where it is listed for us where David began the courses of priests, and he assigned 24 courses of priests, that they would serve throughout the year so that the priesthood is covered. And all the people are covered, and they are called courses, 24 courses of priests.

24 in Jewish Literature has to do with perfection in covering, 24 courses to cover all of the people, and to cover all of the calendar for the twelve months.

Rev. 4:9 tells us that there's a time frame here. In heaven, things happen in order. The four living creatures are the ones that lead all of heaven in their orchestra of praise to God. When the four living creatures give their glory, honor, and thanks to the one who sits on the throne who lives forever, then the 24 elders fall down before Him that sat on the throne, and they worship Him that lives for ever and ever, and they cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things for your pleasure.

So the living creatures act, the 24 elders respond, and then the rest in heaven follow in the same way of worship and action!

Thanks Gigi.

I'd like to say something about the oil filled lamp stand. It was beautiful and it gave light to the holy place, the place of worship. It was a shaft with 6 branches, three on each side. The shaft and the 3 sides held the lights and the stand represents our Lord Jesus Christ. He's in the midst of the candlesticks/branches. The light is the Holyspirit and shows the beauty of the lampstand our Lord.

"He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. John 16:14."

God bless.

John 18 and 19 The predestined plan of God-crucifixion and atonement

Rather than detailing each event in separate chapters; I am making some general points here.

It doesn't seem fitting to do a forensic analysis of the details of the horrors of crucifixion in studying this subject; but instead doing a broad based approach to the events which played out in the time when Christ voluntarily laid down His life. ( John 10:18).

In regard to Judas Iscariot; of course he was the predestined son of perdition prophesied in Psalm 41:9. There were curses to be on his descendants as well. As to Pilate; the discourse went down in chapter 18 where Christ plainly told him that all who are of the truth hear His voice ( John 18:37). His response "what is truth" in the next verse clearly shows he remained in darkness; albeit his sin wasn't to be as great as the others who brought Him to Pilate.

We also; of course see how Christ's statement to Peter came to pass. We can sort of call prophecy predestination in a way; unless it is based on conditional factors. Jesus knew Peter couldn't stand in his own strength; but was already preparing him for when he had a change of heart. Several prophecies are in chapter 19 along with the one in the other gospels where He asks why God foresook Him taken from Psalm 22.

This most important event in human history allows us to be with Him in heaven eternally.

That is the central message that should be in our minds as to the certainty that God's plan and will are accomplished. This calls for praise and a humble and contrite spirit as Psalm 51 indicates. Psalm 110:3 shows "we shall be made willing in the day of thy power..." and seems to reflect sentiments as Job 19:25 and Isaiah 26:19 on the Resurrection

Amen my dear brother,

I must say that I am somewhat embarrassed. I said John Chapter 12 but what was being discussed is found in Chapter 13. I was trying to go off memory without actually looking up the Chapter. Lesson learned!

Thank you so much for those two pieces of scripture. They fit perfectly. Jesus always seemed to take the low road.

Jesus said I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. I see Him talking about a spiritual cleansing, and that believers need to be cleansed. It is a symbol for cleansing. Feet signify the walk through this world, and the dirt is metaphorically applied to our walk through this world, and picking up the influences of the world.



So if we bathe, and that would be salvation, but if we bathe, we have been cleansed all over, and the only thing we need from that point forward is to have our feet washed because as we walk through this world, we are going to be under its influence.



I noticed that He did not say that you should do "what I have done" to you, but you should do "as I have done" to you. He I took the position and function, the menial task, the lowest task that even a Jewish or Hebrew person would not even do, and this is what we are to do for one another.



We are to take the lowest position, what might embarrass us, and what might go against our pride! He says as I have done to you, not what I have done to you.

Thanks again for your kindness. You are such an encouragement to many of us and truly blessed in knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to Christ!

He who is of the tribe of Judah, or from Judea, they are Jew. Outwardly means it's a guise, Inwardly which is one "in secret"

Thanks Brother Chris.

I never thought of it in that way.

I always focused on what he might have wrote on the ground like perhaps the absent man's name.

Even if he did they would certainly need someone to execute that judgment.

Thanks and God bless.

Thank you for your reply to my question. I am new at learning about the bible..

Hi Charlotte.

There's 2 popular views.

Some say the Patriarchs, and The Apostles and some say these 24 elders are represents the Church elders as a whole. I hold the view that they are of the Church.

God bless.

I've always been in favor of the death penalty. I think the worst offenders should be permanently stopped. King Solomon saw what happens when the wicked are allowed to run rampant.

Ecclesiastes 8:11

Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

We see the folly of showing mercy to rapists and murderers, or repeat offenders.

Amen Brother Chris.

Great parallel verses and if that expression of humility and service can come from the Lord we should have no problem serving one another.

John 13:12-17 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

God Bless

True, Marilyn,

But also our Lord promised that the Spirit will teach us in all truth. He will increase our knowledge of Him and of His ways. Paul blessed believers by requesting from God that they will grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

We can never know more that the Godhead. We are but creatures. But we can grow more knowledgeable and that is desirable to do. As infants, there is a strong desire to learn and discover which God placed in our nature. We continue to do this all of our life. There really is no excuse to remain unknowing or ignorant in the presence of opportunities to learn and grow and increase in knowledge and wisdom. We are to use the abilities and faculties of our minds to honor God and bless others.

I have researched the migration of peoples from the three sons of Noah, and it is believed that the descendants of Japheth migrated to Europe and peoples the lands there. Over the centuries, some from the tribes of Israel (including Jews) migrated north from Assyria and Babylon during the captivity and settled in Asia Minor, the Caucasus region, and north and west of that area. Also, the Israelites (including Jews) migrated to Greece, Italy, Spain, and northern Africa (around the Mediterranean shores) over the centuries after that, especially after A.D. 70 and the destruction of Jerusalem. And some of the people descended from Ham also migrated across the Mediteranean regions to the north. So, Europe was peopled by descendants of all three of Noah's children as they were scattered across the earth after the Tower of Babel.

Many descendants of Ham migrated eastward and southward and settles Ethiopia, Egypt, and sub-Sahara Africa, India, and the far east. Some of the descendants of Japheth also migrated north and eastward and settled Russia, Mongolia. Shemites mostly stayed in the Mesopotamian/Canaan/Arabia area, but some did migrate outward from this area.