Bible Questions & Discussion PAGE 61

Agreed, brother Spencer.

God does look deep within our being concerning our actions and sees the corruption of our sinful nature so that even when we think we are obeying God, there is still something in us that resists Him. This is why we need Christ's righteousness, not ours (which is a lack of completely righteous acts) as the basis of our justification. The law, though good and holy, teaches us that we cannot justify ourselves. It is a work of God imputing the righteous life of Jesus to us. This is the only way that the law can exonerate anyone, when it is Jesus' perfect and complete obedience to every aspect of the law given to us for our justification that makes us righteous before God.

The law does convict of us our own sin and its corruption of our natural self. This is true for believers and unbelievers alike.

Yet, as believers, the law of the Spirit has freed us from the condemnation of the law and His power and grace does help us to become more and more like Jesus in our obedience. Our obedience never justifies us, yet looking at the law as teaching us about the moral goodness of God and how He wants us to avoid what is against His law, believers use the law as a guide to what Jesus meant when He gave the commands to love God and one another with it's higher demands as to the spirit of the law than the letter. The law also teaches us how it typifies the work of Jesus. We can read the law of Moses and grow in understanding on how Jesus is the antitype of the commandments of God.

And lastly, we can look at the moral law of God and rejoice that when we are resurrected, we, too, will act without sin in the life to come. May each of us grow to truly love righteousness and advance in our understanding of God's holiness, longing to put on the incorruptible when Jesus returns.

But in this life, we will never be exonerated in expecting our attempts to live out Jesus' commands, which sum up all of the 10 commandments, which are always corrupted by sin.

I'd appreciate prayer this week with being shorthanded at work as well as with the substance abuse (actually general addiction) ministry my friend Joe is starting at church tomorrow night. I am sitting in and hopefully will be quiet when I should be and speak what He would have me say. I am looking to wisdom if this is something I should continue in (it's currently a 15 week sort of "pilot" program).

Hello, once again,

I do not see anywhere in James that 2:24 is ONLY for the Israel. Although the letter is addresses to the Israelites scattered across the nations from the 10 tribes exiled to Assyria and then mingled among the Gentiles, 2 Tim. 3:16 tells believers under Timothy's shepherding that ALL SCRIPTURE is for all the church for various aspects of learning, conduct, and sanctification.

So, I can see that you overlay Scripture with your interpretation that some NT Scripture is for ethnic Israel only and other Scripture is for Gentiles and/or the church, which is somewhat of the lynchpin of dispensational hermeneutics, therefore you are bringing this outside bias/approach to the Scriptures. I would say that each of us may have bible interpretation approaches that differ from another believers' approach, and we should respect that we each can have differences in hermeneutics.

I do not overlay Scripture with the dispensational bias that you do which keeps Israel and the church/Gentile believers distinct in reference understanding Scripture. I think that Scripture is God inspired and transcends to all generations following the first generation of believers down to our own time because of what Paul exhorted Timothy in 2 Tim. 3:16 as well as what is written in Heb. 4:12.

I do agree that we are to be conscious for whom the bible passage is addressed to (usually in the opening statements in each book). But I do not think that we are to view any Scripture as being not for us and for our edification, learning, training in godliness, and for doctrine.

So, as to Paul in Rom. 3:28 and James 2:24, I take both Scriptures as being something I should believe is for me and that the Holy Spirit will lead believers to understand the apparent contradiction in these two verses. And therefore, I will explore the discrepancy between what Paul and James teach here more fully, as we always should do when we come upon two bible teachings that seem to disagree with each other.

Revelation 22:13

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last."

Revelation 22:14 "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."

Blessings

To all that be in Christ,

Food for thought about context!

Context is the anchor that keeps Bible study from drifting into speculation. Every verse has a setting: who wrote it, to whom it was written, what was happening historically, and what came before and after. Pulling a single phrase without its frame can lead to contradictions or even false doctrines. For example, James 2:24 says a man is justified by works, while Romans 3:28 declares justification by faith without works. At first glance, these clash-but context shows James is addressing Israel's faith under law, while Paul is revealing justification in Christ apart from law in this dispensation.

Interpreting scripture with scripture means letting the Bible explain itself. God's Word is a unified whole, and comparing passages sheds light on difficult texts. Paul himself appealed to the Old Testament to confirm truths ( Romans 4 using Abraham as an example). This method guards against personal bias by ensuring one verse is not isolated, but harmonized with the rest of God's revelation.

Without context and cross-referencing, readers may force their own meaning into the text. But with them, clarity emerges, and God's progressive revelation becomes plain: Israel's promises remain, while the Body of Christ has its distinct calling. In short, context and comparing scripture with scripture protects truth, sharpens understanding, and preserves God's intended message.

Grace and Peace.

Day 10 January 10, 2025 Matthew 25:14-30 KJV Spiritual Discipline West Angeles Church Los Angeles California Consecration Calendar

I Pray for wisdom to manage my time , talents and resources.

Matthew 25: Verse 14

My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:

"Jesus Christ is God. Is One to all the World.God's word to believe he is the only God. (Refrence one example applied to servants)

Me REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY example has applied my faith believing Jesus Christ Is God end of law unto New Testament Holy Bible - Romans 8:2 KJV"

Matthew 25 Verse 16

My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:" Father and Son are one Jesus Christ is God"

Matthew 25 Verse 19

My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY: Says God's word is with faith to receive.

Matthew 25 Verse 20

My Respond:

God will prosper me in all labour's.

Matthew 25 Verse 21:

My Respond:

I believe this scripture helps me to be apart of West Angeles Church Cogic Cathedral. Myself identified as member.

Matthew 25 Verse 28

My Respond:

Scripture supports me to have joy on my own life away from the Christian Church

Matthew 25 Verse 29

My Respond:

Supports me to do the will of God attending Sunday Service, giving supporting West Angeles Church Cogic Cathedral, Reading my Holy Bible, prayer and fasting.

Word Spoken and Written by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY

Mt.5. 10-12 'theirs is the kingdom"

"For theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

All heavenly blessings have common centre the Word. This is enshrined in the Covenant in seven days. He that hath the Son has his Father as well."Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also."( 1 Jn 2,23) Thus the peresecution is set off by the devil who denies the Son.. He refused to enter the God's rest offered on the day Seven. For those who entered therein God has prepared a kingdom. Consequently persecution comes for righteousness sake. In v.11 we have this 'for my sake.'. It explain why the Pharisees spoke ill of him, "This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils." Jesus assures the righteous , Blessed ye are. (Mt.12.24) "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake./ Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you" The reward is not only in heaven but their blessings have begun in Jesus already. An example we have of Jesus was manifested to destroy the works of the devil. In the garden when the man was expelled it was like the house cleard. But in the present wicked generation it is full blown."When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none./Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished./hen goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation."(Mt.12.43.45) Jesus sends 70 other disciples as the Word was Law so they return with joy, "but rejoice because your names are written in heaven' ( Lk 10.20).

Great response and scriptures brother Chris.

The law "given to Israel" exposed the efficiency of man at his best to the world.

Israel was and still is on display even while the Lord was in their midst in much of the OT.

This ministry brought death so that ALL would enter God's kingdom the same way. FAITH!

You cannot put new wine into old wine skins.

You can't try to take a person who still have an unborn heart and make them follow God.

Even if the law was given to bring life, the exterior act isn't what the Lord looks at.

I believe the Lord looks at HIS work being done in a believers heart.

It's the inside the cup that counts.

Blessings.

Hello MyBible,

Again...Context matters.

All of Scripture is given for our learning, correction, and instruction in righteousness ( 2 Tim. 3:16). The Old Testament writings, the Gospels, and even books like Hebrews, James, and Revelation contain truth, prophecy, and examples that reveal God's character and His dealings with Israel. These portions of the Bible teach us much about His justice, mercy, faithfulness, and ultimate plan for the ages. Paul himself affirms this when he says, "whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning" ( Rom. 15:4).

Yet, NOT ALL of the Bible was written directly to the Church, the Body of Christ, in this present dispensation of grace. The law, the prophets, and the earthly ministry of Jesus were directed primarily to Israel and tied to the promises of the coming kingdom. In contrast, Paul uniquely declares that the "dispensation of the grace of God" was committed to him for us Gentiles ( Eph. 3:1-9). His epistles-Romans through Philemon-contain the revelation of the "mystery" and set forth the plan of salvation by grace through faith, apart from the works of the law ( Rom. 3:21-28; 1 Cor. 15:1-4).

Therefore, while the whole Bible is for us, only Paul's writings are to us for salvation and daily instruction in this age. His gospel of grace explains the believer's justification, reconciliation, heavenly calling, and identity in Christ. The rest of Scripture, while not our direct marching orders, provides background, prophecy, and examples that illuminate God's eternal purpose. By rightly dividing the Word of truth ( 2 Tim. 2:15), we can appreciate the entire Bible without confusing Israel's kingdom program with the Body of Christ's heavenly hope.

Only Paul's 13 epistles (Romans-Philemon) are the only books written directly to the Body of Christ, revealing salvation by grace through faith and God's mystery program for this present dispensation.

Grace and Peace.

Hello 77,

Context is important, and scripture must always interpret scripture.

Romans 2:13 declares, "For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." At first glance, it seems Paul teaches justification by works, but in context his argument is different. In Romans 1-3, Paul is laying out the universal guilt of both Gentiles and Jews. In chapter 1, Gentiles are shown guilty for sinning against conscience and creation's witness. In chapter 2, Paul turns to the Jew, who boasted in possessing the law. His point is clear: merely hearing the law read in synagogue does not make a person righteous. God's standard is perfect obedience. Thus, if one actually kept the whole law, that person would indeed be justified. But Paul quickly demonstrates that none do. Romans 3:9-20 drives this conclusion: "There is none righteous, no, not one for by the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified." Therefore, Romans 2:13 functions as a principle, not as an attainable path. It exposes hypocrisy and proves that the law cannot justify, only condemn.

This fits the pattern of Israel's program. Under the law of Moses, the promise was "do and live" ( Lev. 18:5). But Israel failed, and the law testified against them, shutting every mouth. Paul's gospel then reveals the only way men can be justified: "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe" ( Rom. 3:21-22). The "doers" principle stands hypothetically to silence Jewish pride, setting up the unveiling of grace. So, Romans 2:13 is not offering salvation by law-keeping, but proving that true justification is found only in Christ, apart from the law.

Grace and Peace.

Matthew 5:13

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

To properly understand we must always consider the source and the primary audience (Jews) at the Sermon on the Mount.

Summarized from a Creative Commons source, Baruch Korman:

We are familiar with salt to enhance taste and to preserve food. The meaning here is taken from it being forbidden to eat blood ( Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 3:17). After slaughter and hanging the meat to drain, it was salted to draw out the remaining blood. Once it was used it no longer would work and was thrown out. Likewise, being the "the salt of the earth" we have been given a purpose and if we do not serve the LORD of what use are we?

Mt.5,10-13 'Persecution"

Persecution comes because of evil. As there is kingdom of light there shall be the evil one spearheading the children of darkness. Good separated light from darkness. When God sent his Son to the world he was the true light. He was persecuted by the nation of Israel, for no other reason than that they hated the light, The traditins of their fathers and the Law of Moses was their cover. and Jesus puts the finger on the heart of the problem. "If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin."( Jn 15,22)The clause 'If I had not spoken' refers to the doctrine of his Father. Jesus of Nazareth was not simply any man but the word become flesh, So the word of God points the culprit and it is the devil who sins from the beginning sins.

Jesus Christ embodies the Law of the Spirit and he refers in Mt.23.35 to the victims of persecution and generations after generation, from Abel onwards are counted. The 'great' persecution has already begun from the beginning great many believers are yet to wake up and know on which side they are. In Rev,4 we have the memorial of the four beasts before the throne of God.. They are His creation. The seven Spirit of God are sent to the earth so the Spirit of Christ was already in the garden of Eden as he shall be raising the two witness from their death. The Spirit of God is also present when Jesus says, " Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Persecution comes for righteousness sake meaning the Son. '"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way." applies to his own. God shall raise him though he fell a victim.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Mt.5.4-5 Mourning

"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."

"Here we have two verses which give an insight into the inner landscape of the Son of man. Every soul given to introspection shall know the dichotomy of being called to perform while natural inclination is to sit apart brooding and Jesus of Nazareth was one such; it was for him to deliver from masses given to go with the flow, and his task, (' I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance-Lk.5.32), to save sinners for his Father's kingdom for one who knew no sin sin and did no sin and must have sat on him against the grain that Isaiah qualified hum as 'man of sorrows.In the book of Proverbs we have a glimpse of the idyllic existence of the Word was with God, "Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;/Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men./ Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways."(Prov.8.23-32) What does this line signify,"Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth," and he was the unseen part, in the bosom of his Father while he created heaven and the earth.(Gen.1.1) He was comforted when he could say,'it is finished' and yielded up his ghost. "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."(Heb.12.2

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.Meekness of the Lamb holds one end. T'the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world'.is rounded by the throne of God and of the Lamb.)Rev.13.8;22.1)

Mt.5:29-30 "If thy right eye offend"

Literally Jesus challenges you with this statement so it must be understood the folly of reducing the word of God to nonsense. Reading with understanding is like holiness which lies outside your sphere of action. Reading is one thing and it can be read but understanding is supplied by the Spirit of God which gives life to the words. In the case of the two witnesses 'a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither." It is thus the words dead when the Spirit of God gives it life.(Rev.11.12-13). Before we go through the Mission Statement of the Kingdom know who is addressing. Jesus is there as the Word become flesh and he is declaring the doctrine he has herd from his Father's bosom. So we shall begin with a hard saying, Jesus said," without me ye can do nothing. Look at politics, which is the art of impossible that is made to look possible. It is like MAGA and you may shout yourself hoarse but Making America Great Again is not from the cesspool you wallow but is created by all citizens on their knees lifting their clean hands to God. Kingdoms of this world becoming kingdom of God only by an earthquake that shall throw all the wicked out of their comfort zone as God tells Job,"That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?"( Job 38.13)

Jesus did not please himself but he had a mandate from his Father," and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!". It is thus we have body fashioned from dust of the ground. Our 'dust jacket' must be translated into a glorious 'inheritance' not made with hands in heaven. "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?/ For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."((1 Cor.6.19-20)

Page 2. Azzan77.

Ephesians 2:14,15, "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace."

Hebrews 8:6,7, "But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second."

Hebrews 8:13, "In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away."

2 Corinthians 3:6, "Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."

Galatians 2:16,21, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."

"I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." Blessings.

Page 1.

Exodus 19:3-6, "And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel."

Romans 3:19,20, "Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin."

2 Corinthians 3:7-9, "But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory."

Galatians 3:10-13, "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them." Onto Page 2.

Mt.5.48 "Be ye holy"

"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

This can be rephrased without losing its truth, "Be ye holy, for I am holy.' Our holiness is not what we manufacture as bees do in their hives but what Christ abiding in us do. When we received Jesus as our Savious he came into our hearts, (Rev,3.20-21) By abiding in him, the true vine we bring forth fruits worthy of him. 'Without me ye can do nothing.' Here are two quotes:

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me./I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

2.

"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;/ Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy./And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear."(1 Pet.1.15-17)

I agree Gerald, "as Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD" ( Genesis 6:8), so we find that the same LORD has always been a gracious God to all. The Nature of God has never changed: God has always shown and given Grace to those whose hearts are obedient and turned towards Him, and now so much more in Christ that all may hear of and accept His great Salvation.

But none, not a one, has ever been accepted or saved on the basis of their obedience to the Law, for "by the law is the knowledge of sin" ( Romans 3:20). The Law was given only to Israel, as His chosen people, that they may know who this God is & His Holy requirements for them, as He rescued them from their bondage in Egypt. Not only the Law, but of circumcision, were the impositions placed upon them which truly separated His people from all others.

The Law couldn't save them then or now, and yes, it ought to have convicted them of their sin and inability to obey and please God under it. But they rejected God's free offer of salvation in Christ Jesus, as most do now, preferring to bask under the Law and their election in hope of God's Approval and Acceptance. What a sad and dreadful day when they see the One "whom they have pierced" coming in the clouds ( Zechariah 12:10), realizing that all this while they held onto a false belief and hope. Blessings.

Okay I prevaricated (look that one up).

I thought about it and it seems prudent for me to discuss exactly how we should handle proclaiming that we are escaping in the Rapture. I will offer my (condolences; not sure how to word it) to those not espousing this eschatology.

Now we can't make people happy who want to be ambivalent toward the Gospel but we can attempt not to be glib as accused in having some sort of superiority complex enjoying escaping the earth and knowing that so much suffering will be in the world which we won't have to deal with.

First off; as I have stated in earlier posts it seems verses in Revelation indicate that we won't be floating around taking up space during these end time events but interact with prayers and seeing destruction from afar as some scriptures indicates the righteous will do. Now we could be wrong and it could be still quite a while off beyond the lifetimes of many still (seems hard to believe that). But again of course we don't know when our last day on earth is; but it would seem that some may wake up Post Rapture to the truth and know what to do because of our message. That isn't to say that a few won't heed the warning now and come to faith; but it seems most won't heed the message until later. Whether revival comes before then I am doubtful but certainly not averse to it; but there needs to be a lot more prayer; fasting and close fellowship in churches and the truth must be embraced uncompromisingly which is rare today in many of what were formerly reputable establishments; shall we say.

We need to be the salt and light of the world; so that no matter what they say or how they act towards us they can't deny our conviction and sincerity of our motives even if in their minds we are wrong. There is a good way and a bad way to "get under their skin" so to speak. We don't need to bark like a dog but leave the hounds of heaven to keep people awake at night to consider their dire need for a Savior.

Agape.

Concluding thoughts (hopefully) for today

I may have said this before; but the final stage of shall we say lifestyle aberrations will be no doubt man merging with AI. That; I would say has been in Satan's playbook since our society began to sink some time ago. Immortality as a delusion can already be found in the games kids are obsessed with (and sadly too many adults); where sexual immorality and violence are glorified and of course demonic entities are glorified. I would also guess that for all who are not in the Book of life to worship the Beast and take his mark everyone has their own delusion that is brought forth to satisfy. Immortality will no doubt be aided by the apparent resurrection of the A.C. at the midpoint of the Tribulation as they will all say "who can make war with him"? ( Rev. 13 someplace).

For those who are under the altar in Revelation 9; they will soon be joined by the rest of the martyrs and after that brought back to life for the Millennium rule along with us. The rest of the world; well sadly they will decay to the point where they attempt to fight Christ upon His return (as we see in Psalm 2 and Revelation 19). They would like to eliminate us no doubt but we will be in immortal and glorified bodies. It will be a strange time when those who survive into the Millennium and allowed to enter in flesh and blood bodies encounter us along with Christ in glorified bodies.

We know that this is coming; if you asked me when becoming a new believer in 1982 I never would have guessed it would take this long. We dare not let these date setters deter us from preaching His soon and imminent return; as He could come today; tomorrow; next week or next month. IF He tarries of course we must remain vigilant with whatever strength we have in Him.

We know we shall be with Him in life or in death immediately.

Anyway; I appreciate everyone's patience; occasionally I feel the urge to discuss these end time matters.

Agape; Rich P

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: ( Amos 8:11).

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. ( John 12:32).

And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. ( Luke 4:20).

I write this post basically as an indebtment to myself as to failings in fulfilling the Great Commission. The enemy would like to have us all rendered useless; sitting in the sidelines or not having the fullness of joy as we spread the Good News. Many of us no doubt are tired; of this old world and its decrepit systems; the flesh and the Devil in whatever order their situation finds most applicable to their individual misery. This bad news about the inevitable events of the end times can't be dealt with effectively if there is still baggage holding us captive. In our flesh we simply can't fathom the meaning of all of our comforts being taken away which can happen in persecution now and today; but surely is coming in spades after our removal from this place.

Now the world when we are with the Lord in heaven will be relieved that they can finally initiate their view of utopia; according to their own desires for a world of their own imaginations when the man of sin comes in his own name yet eventually declares himself to be God. Whether they are not fully cognizant of the event or more likely deliberately rejecting the truth because they didn't love it; they will find this Antichrist irresistable. Whether it is filling the Western European vacuum since World War 2 of a dictator of charisma; or a religious fulfillment of all faiths including no doubt ALL of apostate "Christians" left behind the New Age prophecy of our "reeducation" will commence and the "evolutionary leap" for mankind set in motion.

I'll say glad to be outta here.

The exponential devaluation of life

To sort of bring in this plane to a landing (I have been rambling more than usual); I will say in my advanced years (old age) that I can see the steady devaluation of the value of everything. We can look to the literal dollar and it's reduction in strength in the USA as the visible picture of that; from it's early takedown from the gold and silver standards to later removal of silver from coinage (although 40 percent halves existed a bit longer) after 1964.

People used to decry the fact that kids were so short sited; a toy they were excited about on Christmas was soon found in some altered state or missing due to a shady trade or other nefarious event a few weeks or months later. We have of course gone from literal things (such as silver coins) to all sorts of electronic things; currencies; games and other things which are make believe worlds now dominated by AI as the latest aberration.

Now I don't need to state the obvious; but we see even among believers today many of the obsessions of the world; at least from those I know personally. The cell phone is one of those things which I have for only my Dad and a friend of mine who has had medical emergencies. Too much time for distractions even Christian sites are no substitute for fellowship in person whenever it is possible for such events. Overall; I have learned from a couple friends over the years the importance of having truly caring and meaningful dialogue before sharing the Gospel. This is harder with street preaching when we don't know if we will see someone for a long time if ever; but easier with people we see on a regular basis. Basic human communication and of course Agape love is something in these last days there is (pardon quoting an old song) too little of. What is known as love today; the world can have it. But we need to present ourselves as ambassadors for Christ; and of course the world shall know we are Christians by our love. ( Jn 13:34)

The shift in society from the last generation.

I commented on a prior post some months ago that the prophecy in Revelation regarding the whole earth giving gifts to one another when the two prophets are martyred in celebration is even more recently able to occur; as television around the world came first then commercial sites such as Amazon that can deliver items internationally with the click on a computer screen.

I have surmised that with many things likely to wreck the power grid early on in the Tribulation if not before that there will be a power source tied into solar power and that focused also on the mark placed on someone that can use the energy of the body to run the system. I am basing the solar power idea on one of the bowl judgments when the kingdom turns dark after the sores develop on people and likely this will end the use of the mark for buying and selling.

This whole series of postings is based on things I feel the Lord has shown me over the past 40 or so years although I will attempt to keep things scripurally accurate. I have always felt this subject is a specific calling I have had; but this isn't about me and surely this site wouldn't want that anyway.

At any rate when it comes to material things; the malls that were the epicenter of commerce in the last generation are now largely a shell of what they used to be at least in many urban areas in the NE USA. Some things like finding a shoe that fits are much harder with stock supply shortages; and of course it has become birtually impossible to look at a model of say a solar powered generator in almost all retail stores along with many other things. I do believe that for those who are able to be clever there is always money somewhere to be made until the Rapture as no doubt many of the regulations being made are like a shell game where someone is pocketing something if things move fast enough not to be seen. I guess I'm out of room again so will attempt to gather my thoughts later.

The mark of the Beast: What we know is to come.

When we discuss this matter; again it seems that I see more in the world attuned to this reality that is clearly approaching then that of the church who it seems oftentimes could care less. Now we can from what I understand although a few here disagree have assurance that we will not be on earth once the Antichrist forces that mark on people. But that shouldn't make us complacent to warning others to flee the wrath to come; and others should see that we are in the world but not of it. That is why our conversation should be Biblically based; if we are used to that it should be easier to evangelize as even having others overhear our talk about the Lord could open those avenues.

Now naturally the media has gotten into some Hollywood pictures; specifically to reptilian demons in the older flicks; and alien abductions; etc. As to the mark of the Beast I am not sure; but I am certain it will be worse than anyone can imagine.

On this side of the Rapture we know that God brings His children all good things; and the enemy is limited in coming out fully with implementation of not only the mark but Beast worship. It is easy to be lulled to sleep because of this delay but the souls of men are in jeopardy daily. It is easy to see many who would worship Satan today should the Rapture be imminent; but also the Lord will wake up a countless multitude who die for their faith in that time. It is the harvest which is to come which will be what ultimately looked forward to beyond the horrors of what is to come. God wants fruit to come to maturity; and no doubt has seen much less in general in recent years with many lukewarm and few still on fire for the Lord.

Again we have seen how violence and all sorts of reprobate activities are glorified in the world today; endless wars being no exception to this trend. If we live by the sword we will die that way in the Trib.; the sole victory is through martyrdom then.

The world system and spiritual warfare for the believer

Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Jeremiah 9:2 Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.

The avid materialism of this nation in the last generation has now advanced to the point where all sorts of abominations are exalted; whether in items sold or those who suppport their cause. Our society also supports those who often are unwilling to support themselves and are encouraged to live immoral lives to get a payout.

I say this in the context of my own plans to add funds anonymously to the church's benevolent fund to help a sister who will soon be in need; as my other friend I am now supporting after the funds ran out largely due to assistance on his behalf. Of course the church is called to do what we can to feed people with not only the Gospel but literal food and clothes so we are doers of the Word not just saying be blessed and doing nothing to help when we can; as the Boook of James admonishes us.

Again; I often discuss the covenant of marriage; although I feel unworthy to do so as no doubt my own failings contributed to the demise of my marriage. Nonetheless; as I have stated before the breakdown of the family has no doubt had a domino affect since it began 2 generations ago leading us eventually to where we are at present.

To make a general point; the enemy uses weaknesses in character; and a dependent society to lull everyone to sleep and have conveniences to keep us fed (often too much so as we see record obesity today); as well as providing all our needs using modern technology to trap everyone and get them used to a cashless society; and we know what Revelation says is coming next. In the next posting I will attempt to get into more detail on the prophetic to come

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness ( 1 John 1:9).

When Jesus was on earth, as He healed and forgave sins He told them to "go and sin no more". Once you surrender your life totally (with heart mind and soul) to God, He will send you the comforter (Holy Spirit) that will work in and through you to help you do what God ask of you. John 14:15,16 says. "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;".

Gerald, please provide bible tests to backup your comments. Lots of what you said is not supported by the Bible. Here is my response in readers digest format. Give me your email; my study is longer.

Point One - Romans 14:5,6

You referred to comments from Romans 14:5,6 where it seems to say that it makes no difference to God which days we keep holy. Actually, these verses do not concern any days that must be kept holy. This is proved by the context of the entire chapter.

The Bible elsewhere teaches very plainly which days God made Holy and commands us to keep holy. They are found inGenesis 2:2,3, Exodus 20:8-11 and Leviticus 23.

Point 2 - "Sabbath" in Strongs Concordance

There were 116 verses containing the "Sabbath". I found one in Col 2:16 that mentioned "sabbath days" which is talking about feast days from the Mosiac law written by Moses.

Point 3 - You said the "Lord is my Sabbath".

I didn't find any reference in the whole Bible that says we can just ignore the 7th day Sabbath of the Lord and call it "the Lord is my Sabbath". This seems to be a way out when you can't find Bible texts to false doctrine.

Point 4 - Sabbath in different time zones - come at different times.

That is a weak argument. The point I would make is that when the 7th day Sabbath arrives in whatever time zone, then it should be observed. This would be the fulfillment of God's requirements. Ex 20:12, John 14:15,16

Point 5 - Using parts of scripture instead of all to make a point.

I myself use the texts in context ( 2 Tim 3:16,17)). If you indeed have an open mind about what to actually know that God has for you in His word the Bible, He will send the Holy Spirit to interpret it for you, so you will understand what He expects from you.

Conclusion:

Most friends keep all 9 , call themselves Christians. I keep all 10, they call me legalistic! The Bible say I love the Lord. LOVE GOD + GRACE + FAITH = ETERNAL LIFE

To all that be in Christ,

2nd Cor. 5:19 "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation."

God, through Christ's work on the cross, chose not to hold the world's sins against them.

Instead of charging humanity's trespasses to their account, He provided reconciliation-peace and restoration-through Christ. This does not mean everyone is automatically saved, but it means the barrier of sin has been dealt with once for all. The message entrusted to Paul and those who preach the gospel of grace is to announce this reconciliation: that forgiveness is already secured at the cross, and by faith in Christ's finished work, individuals enter into that reconciliation personally.

In short: the cross removed sin as a barrier, we are already forgiven of every sin past-present and future and the gospel invites all to receive the gift of justification/salvation by believing, with nothing else being required for salvation.

Grace and Peace.

Hi Lbooth1955.

I like to look at it this way.

The penalty is death.

Hebrews 9:22

Romans 6:23

The penalty wasn't forgiven it was pay for. Mark 10:45.

Also.

Romans 5:8-10 reads "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

When we recieved Christ as savior we were baptized into his death and justified by the resurrection of Christ.

Blessings.

Rev.4.1-8 "The Word"

The four gospels delineate the Word in his four aspects. The same we shall see in the vision of St John.

vv.2-3 "And, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne./ And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald."

'like a jasper stone, a sardine stone. The Word was God. Father Son relationship is set in terms of stones while the rainbow round about the throne define the Word or Law of the Spirit.

v.5 "And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God." Voice of the Lord refers to the Word which was God. We come across the same line before the POV is changed. "and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail."(Rev.11.19) next in Rev.16.18 "And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake,"

Finally the 24 elders and four beasts together form the body God has set and it is the Word which was with God, The seven Spirits of God presented in v.5 is presented in the next chapter as well so the slain Lamb as in the will of God embodies the Word which was with God.(Rev.5.6) These voices, thunders and lightening reappear separately as in Mt.24.7 "For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." The voice cries,"Come up hither." Compare, "And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them./ And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven." Rev.11-13. The Spirit of life from God entered into them.