Bible Questions & Discussion PAGE 72

Concluding thoughts on us being kings and priests in heaven

Maybe it's the extra caffeine I imbibed this evening but I am excited about the future and don't want to end this conversation too fast. Just imagine (and I'm not trying to demean anyone on this site) but not debating theology will be a welcome respite in heaven. We all want to be ready to endure however long it takes but if anyone here is wrong about the Rapture and we go up sooner than expected I won't listen to any complaints.

This was written by Psalty and Ernie Pattino-a kids song; you may have heard it. First two stanzas

Heaven is a wondeful place,

filled with glory and grace,

I want to see my sarviours face.

Heaven is a wonderful place.

I want to go there.

The song continues on the same verses over and over as a trance to kids minds as it was a children's song (never heard of their names but no matter).

(Looks like they spelled savior wrong oh well)

At any rate; we will understand how truly dark it is here once faith becomes our sight; so to speak. (loosely interpreted from 2 Cor. 5:7). According to 1 Corinthians 13:12

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

There is stuff all of us would like to keep hidden for now; and other things we would like others to understand. HE gets us anyway but it will be great for us to be able to fellowship up there without all the baggage we have holding us back today.

No more will there be the need for restraint to avoid sin; we won't ever be able to hurt others or ourselves again.

Before I end this; I want to again emphasize that beyond assurance of salvation which we need to test ourselves for after verbally confessing our faith that as saints whether we receive rewards and authority for more of a ruling position in heaven is dependent on our service NOW. Nehemiah 13:14 repeats a theme of "remember me" as to his deeds for Israel. Let's serve also.

Kings and priests: In training (part 3).

Before I embark further on this subject and how to facilitate proper preparation for future heavenly roles; I will say that as far as I can tell in heaven men and women rule; and as Galatians 3:28 states there is no male and female in Christ. The original implications of the curse are gone in heaven. We should realize that submission of women by no means disqualifies them from spiritual authority and holiness. This is; in my mind a sort of mystery but let's be honest; at least from my experience women are generally or at least have been the majority of those in prayer and spending most of the time doing it compared with men. Perhaps spiritual discernment has allowed me to observe these sorts of things.

As we consider further our training in prayer in particular then the concept of service goes beyond our own local congregation. Let us hope the internet helps with facilitation of communication with missionaries overseas and such-it ain't going to be our own little unit of believers once we get up there. Let's just call it a Bible conference on steroids; or perhaps a conclave from this earth for a time to borrow a Catholic term.

Stanza 2 and 3 from the "Youngbloods-1967

Come on people now

Smile on your brother

Everybody get together

Try to love one another

Right now

Some may come and some may go

We shall surely pass

When the one that left us here

Returns for us at last

We are but a moment's sunlight

Fading in the grass

I hope this can be posted; again this was not as far as I know a Christian group but there is a lot of theology here.

I always say we should start getting along with each other now since we're going to spend an eternity in heaven. For some that is a scary thought but there are always a couple million groups of others we can hang out with for a few hundred years before we cross paths again if we so choose.

I wish we could get just a moment experientially now; no doubt we wouldn't want to return.

Well I'm not sure here who cast their vote on the likelihood of a sequel but here I am once again.

I don't want to draw attention to myself but I am kind of excited about this topic and hopefully others can share this joy. We are according to Revelation kings and priests according to Revelation 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. That; my friends is the Word of God along with Hebrews 11:6 as an encouragement and exhortation: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

I'm not sure if any of us can begin to fathom what it will be like to rule and reign with Christ. It is unnatural for us; as imperfect humans to even spend whatever limited time we have in fellowship; although I will admit since I spend much time alone I need to ensure that I fulfill my responsibilities in heeding the call for Christian service above and beyond my own interests. As much as some have Christian family around them; of course I consider you guys part of this "forever family" concept-ok I'll stop before I get too mushy.

The formula for Sunday worship should follow some order based on the authority God has given elders and deacons; etc. This is to serve and honor God properly; but if the ritual or routine becomes stale it will fail (and in fact it will if the fervor of love for the Lord is left out of the equation as happened with the Ephesian church starting in Revelation 3:1.

When we look around; some may realize that church isn't a social club (at least for those left out of much conversation). The demographics of my church are of people my age (OLD) and not particularly physically attractive. As a guy frankly I'm glad not to have that distraction but I bring this up so we can all be aware of factors that inhibit close fellowshp as we are called to do.

MOre in next post

Ruling and reigning with Christ

I'll call this series (if it goes beyond this post) in depth Christian fellowship in the Body of Christ. As typical on my end I don't put as much forethought as I should perhaps. It should be clear by now that if I am obsessive with anything there is always scriptural backing. Hopefully thinking outside the box will help us to meditate on deeper meanings of our brothers and sisters in Christ; and how we learn to build relationships based on Christ's teachings and through the Spirit rather than our own understanding.

I also want to avoid being boring here; while admitting that without being strongly gifted with serving spiritually it is an effort at times for me to do what I'm sure many of you do on a regular basis in terms of serving others. In general my theme here is that being Born Again allows us to rejoice in serving not only other believers but those in the world who; well aren't exactly out there heaping praise on us all the time. I will say that even when I am not up to par; there is sympathy at times when people see my concern to get it right in an attempt to honor my supervisors and therefore the Lord in my work.

Of course as Paul stated it wasn't his primary mission (he really didn't have the time) in serving tables (see Acts 6:2). He certainly was an example of self sacrificial life himself but the Word of God and the limits of time he had as a travelling Apostle didn't allow for lengthy sidetracks.

I would like to redirect our attention to our role as kings and priests spelled out in Revelation. Jesus acts now; according to Hebrews 4:14 and many other verses in that book and elsewhere to facilitate intercession with the Father in our behalf. We are also 1 Peter 2:5

5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ-this indicates our role in service; prayers and TRAINING for future rule in heaven.

Amen Lbooth1955. Thanks for that added information on the distribution of Tithes. As well, your original question could be extended to: 'If tithing is not required by those under the New Covenant, what of those Laws, including the Decalogue that were given solely to Israel to introduce them to God's Holy requirements, as they found freedom from Egyptian bondage & to be settled in the Promised Land?'

Many believers maintain that we need to obey the Decalogue, in spite of the condemnation that it brings when we fail to "keep the whole law" ( James 2:10). I sense that these folk are considering this subject at the superficial level, i.e. God has spoken, and "the Law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good" ( Romans 7:12), so it remains current & very much applicable for us today to follow. And this would, or should, include keeping the Sabbath, which strangely very few do. And let's not include circumcision.

Whereas, like the Tithes and the hundreds of commandments, ceremonial laws, & the sacrificial system given to Israel to follow and perform meticulously, none of it bears upon us in Christ in any way, to us who have been given new life, under a new abiding Covenant, and God's eternal and comprehensive Laws directed to each of our hearts by His Holy Spirit. Israel of old determined their actions according to the Law that they were given, which then affected their conscience and sacrifice was made each year. Our actions & responses are according to the dictates of the Holy Spirit, which go far far beyond anything that the Old Law could ever do: it only brought condemnation and then the need for sacrifices to stay God's Hand of Judgement. Animal sacrifices were temporary and weak at best; but the Sacrifice of the Lamb of God is eternal and completely forgives and justifies ( Acts 13:38,39; Romans 3:23-28). Just thought to give a little addendum to your original question. Blessings.

Greeting's

Matthew 11:25 "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."

Matthew 18:3 "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."

Blessings

KJVHolybible17$,

The Key Verses for Revelation 4:8 would be Isaiah 6:2-3, which reads, "Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

So, they are mentioned as seraphims in Isaiah 6:2. Hope this helps.

Blessings!

2 Cor.6.2 "Now" (2 of 3)

"Now" as decreed by the Father refers to the Day where day of salvation is followed by day of regeneration followed by another, all of which are pendent to the Day. (Ps.2.7) Law of Slmilitude underpins parable; likewise, events on earth have their counterpart in heaven. And there was war in heaven. It has parallel action on the earth as well as below the earth. The Sovereign Lord commands a star,"a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit." Those four angels bound 'the great river Euphrates./And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men."(Rev.9.14-15). They were prepared as the four beasts rising out of the 'great' sea. The Spirit uses the river and the sea and the significance is the same. These obey the Law of the Spirit. The devil also have their angels. The angel of the Lord is on the part of the Covenant and the beast is the culmination of the curse placed on the children of wrath who refuses to enter into the God's rest. Thus we have seven beasts each representing them in a generation. These form the floods, "And the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. The sorrows of hell compassed me about: The snares of death prevented me.:(Ps.18.4-6) They war with the Lamb and we see the beast in our times being put to rout in Rev.19.11-16 "And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. And we are counted,"hese shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful."(Rev.17.11,14)

Armageddon, the battle of that great day of God Almighty, however is before Satan is finally over thrown."And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are."(20.10)

It is said that "there is nothing new under the Sun ... ." There are two things now that I question.

One; Has there been in the past where man meddled with God's DNA, as we are creating perverted life forms now, and

Two; Was there ever a time where Artificial Intelligence (AI) threatened God's creation?

What are the 4 beasts in Revelation 4:8, are they SERAPHIMS??? Thank!

Hi Chris,

I agree!

Tithing in the Old Testament was the giving of a tenth (10%) of one's increase, commanded under the Law of Moses for Israel. While Abraham ( Gen. 14:20) and Jacob ( Gen. 28:22) gave tithes before the Law, under Moses it became a structured system. Israel actually had three tithes: (1) The Levitical tithe-10% given to the Levites, since they had no land inheritance, and from it the Levites gave a tithe to the priests ( Num. 18:21-28). (2) The Festival tithe-a tenth of produce set aside for yearly religious feasts in Jerusalem, allowing Israel to rejoice before the Lord ( Deut. 14:22-27). (3) The Poor tithe-every third year another tenth was collected locally to support widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor ( Deut. 14:28-29). Altogether, the system amounted to about 23% per year. Tithes supported the priesthood, the temple, Israel's worship, and social care. Malachi 3:8-10, often quoted, was a rebuke to Israel for robbing God by neglecting this Law. In the New Testament, however, the Body of Christ is not commanded to tithe. Instead, giving is voluntary, cheerful, and according to one's ability ( 2 Cor. 9:6-7). Thus, tithing belonged to Israel's covenant system, while under grace believers are called to give freely, not by legal obligation.

Grace and Peace.

No Mr. Spencer.

I'm sorry but that is not what the Bible is teaching.

All of the promises to National Israel and the Churches related to this sin-cursed earth, BOTH THE BLESSINGS AND THE CURSES have been and are being fulfilled.

Christ is clear that His Kingdom is not of this world.

The Nation of Israel and the Churches were a corporate representation of Christ's Kingdom on this earth during their time, but not the substance of that Kingdom. Christ's Kingdom is an ETERNAL KINGDOM consisting of ALL TRUE BELIEVERS THROUGHOUT TIME, and will be revealed in all its glory at the Last Day when Christ returns to finalize His Judgement and Salvation program.

Those mentioned in Hebrews 11 understood these truths very well. And we must also.

"Christ spoke in parables, and without a parable spake he not". He did this both to reveal and to hide the NATURE OF HIS JUDGMENT AND SALVATION PROGRAM using types and figures throughout the Bible. (Read Mark 4 carefully). If we don't come to grips with this understanding as to how we are to approach the Bible, we will not come to a proper understanding regarding these truths. And will have a fragmented understanding of the True Gospel.

God did not write the Bible in a way that is easily understood. We must apply God's hermeneutic, not ours.

The Rest of SalvationOne Gospel

Hebrews 4

1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.

6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Thank you for taking the time to write all of that, addressing my question! I thank you for the comment you made and the advice you gave! It was Biblical! Blessings to you! Pastor Tim.

2 Cor.6.2 "Now" (1 of 3)

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." God decreed this day for his first begotten Son,, worship ye him. (Heb.1.12) He gave him a name "and given him a name which is above every name:/That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;/And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."(Phi.2.9-11) Worshipping Son is for the glory of the Father. This being the truth how come the know nothing rake up controversies for instance over millennium? Earth is the footstool and heaven is the throne.The natural man who refuses to worship him in truth and spirit shall remain the outer darkness from which no such worship is to be expected. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth to be sure.

Darkness over them taught to cut the heart out of the eternal word so the everlasting Covenant has been interpreted to create controversy over creationism vs. Darwinism. What the Law of the Spirit set as seven days, by the same line of reasons is made to mean, a week. It is with such lies the devil sidetracked believers, "The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies."(Ps.58.3) Each day pendent to the Day while the wicked are farther away from truth. We hear of Jesus Chatbots and the fourth beast in the night vision of Daniel, is an AI who shall demand sacrifices and offerings. "the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces."(Dan.7.19) Both left behind church and Jews shall know what a brute overlords over them. In the time of kings Israel offered sons and daughters to devil. Here it shall be reversed. " For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities/Reward her even as she rewarded you."(Rev.18.5-6)

Isa.1.2 "Faith"

"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken"

Isaiah calls the two worlds as witnesses. Hear of heavens refer to the Word, word which was with God; and the earth the prophet calls to witness and says, 'for the Lord hath spoken'. And how come some have heard while the remaining have not? St Paul also testifies, " But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.". The problem therefore is the ear of natural man rejects them as foolishness while the godly hears with the ear of faith. "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."(Rom.10.17-18)

Enmity of flesh and spirit is in their own being and each working under two contrary laws. "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man/ But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members."(Rom.7.22-23). These fall under two worlds where the world framed by the word know the truth because God has revealed them which the carnal man is sold under sin and he is like an adder that stops from hearing. The wicked refuses to come to light because their works are evil."The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies./Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear."(Ps.58.3-4) The Spirit of God raises the banner declaring the holiness of God emblem of which is the slain Lamb. The earth belongs to the Son who presented the doctrine of his Father under the banner of love. ( Jn 3.16)Before fulfilling the will of his Father he announced during the Last Supper,"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you." This life is the life of the Spirit, the emblem of the slain Lamb to which children of faith shall take to, "I am the Way" Grace is his gift.

Just lost the last post: More on the terror of the mark of the beast

This personal testimony I have shared before at least once I think a few years back. The fact that my writing got wiped out I expected; and I pray that I can get this message sent out.

Now my experience happened 40 years ago but is relevant today. The focus is undoubtably the pure terror I felt considering the mark of the beast; it was as an epileptic seizure paralyzing me in my tracks. I don't question those here who would question my sanity as it is indeed the definition of pure insanity and directly from the supernatural realm. What I was doing was getting involved with someone who was no doubt heavily influenced at the very least if not downright possessed back in college; and the vision involved seeing myself in the future and seemingly tied into the banking system where I was compelled to take the mark; as a goat would be in a pen.

Up until now I haven't shared this with more than a handful of people and haven't included it with street evangelism. Now I do believe as stated in my last post of predestination or election; but that also means those called and chosen will know or have some understanding what they have been delivered from. I do not believe anyone in the church will be present once this happens in the later part of the Tribulation; nonetheless God will strengthen those who have to die as martyrs.

Such a vision makes it impossible to ever forget. It also has made me realize how deep our bond is in Christ and being part of His body. It is also helpful against lukewarmness; which is essentially unbelief in the importance of scripture and how serious God's judgments are going to be and how joyful we should be to escape these things. Why is it when we are saved from God's wrath we seem to take it so lightly?

Eschatology is important but not to me made an idol of. To assent to truth can be worse than unbelief if it produces dull minds and cold hearts.

Further details about the Antichrist and mark of the beast

It is clear from Revelation 13 that all those worshipping the Antichrist go on to taking his mark and these are all individuals not in the Book of Life; predetermined before time itself it appears here.

I can't speak for anyone else here but I have had times many years ago when I was not right with God about being compelled to take the mark; as a sort of vision of the future and horror is an understatement for the pure terror I felt. Now I have discussed before what seems to indicate some who are left behind; but I am considering the state here of whoever is in the Tribulation. Man may indeed be terrified and serve Satan with fear who are unregenerate but the emphasis of scripture is rejection of God because men would not LOVE the truth and be saved. 2 Thessalonians 2:10 puts it this way: And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

Our Lord often stated let this sink into your ears; and this is one of those cases it seems. The sad truth and reality is that we all NOW would worship the Antichrist if we are unregenerate. Try that for size sharing the Gospel with someone; I wouldn't recommend it too often but if man cannot accept his sin nature that is a wake up call. As my "famous" quote states Satan is the equal opportunity destroyer; and (I'll borrow another common phrase) will use any means necessary to bring about his purpose and will. There will be no Atheists as I have shared before in regard to the 6th Seal by the time this mark ensues; and there will be no halfhearted followers. The signs and wonders will be worldwide and no doubt be more than sufficient to convince the masses to think that they indeed have utopia; and likely will live forever taking this mark. Perhaps some will glee in making themselves unredeemable through DNA alteration; in reality their souls already are lost.

Satan's end time "masterpiece"; the Antichrist

Based on my last post; many seem to think that Satan gets great glee in deceiving souls and sending them to hell. Considering that he is going there himself he may be mad enough to somehow think he can avoid his fate but anyone else being there with him I doubt gives him any consolation. We are to him most likely a means to an end to achieve a dream that is destined to fail; that is worldwide worship as the Godhead has only reserved for itself and of course the only Creator to be praised. Unlike our Lord who chastises everyone He loves; and in fact allows those angels who haven't left their first estate to observe and learn from us; nothing more constructive is or can be gained by Satan or his minions in their fallen state. Not being able to control his own fate has no doubt contributed to maniacal schemes to seize control once 2 Thessalonians 2:10 states For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

What we see from Revelation 17:16 is men (10 kings of the earth) destroying the woman on the Beast which is the false world religious system the first half of the Tribulation. This is no doubt to allow their beloved Antichrist to fulfill Satan's desire that he alone is worshipped and this facilitates their ability to have worldwide rulership for that short 3 and a half year time frame. There is much detail as to how the false religious system is a smokescreen; or a means to an end along with the parallel influence of a false prosperity for some in the worldwide economic boom as it were; which apparently extends even further the already bloated super rich class from others who are dying like flies from the plagues and poverty on the earth from the earlier seal and ensuing beginning of the Trumpet judgments. More study on this timing can be pursued later.

All who worship the Beast are NOT in the Lamb's book of life; the mark seals the deal

The plans of man; God and Satan

When it comes to stupidity; man seemingly has enough to go around to destroy himself without the Devil getting involved. 1 Peter 5:8 states: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: and Job 1:7 And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

When we consider these things; Isaiah 24 helps to clarify events: And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. (v. 21 I believe). This chapter is so relevant for today I think I will focus my next study on it.

Now some today still hold to correct theology regarding man's ultimate helplessness in sin and inability to do any good; and the need to repent (actually given as a gift by God) and turn from his wicked ways through the help of the Holy Spirit. What many if not almost all fail to communicate effectively is that we change MASTERS in that change of heart from Satan to the Lord Jesus Christ. When we realize that being in league with spiritual darkness also adds to our judgment we understand better what Jesus means by hell was meant for the Devil and his angels ( Matt. 25:41). The world as it were is the conduit through Satan's organization of rulership over governments and regions of the earth to align with his campaign. He uses the flesh to physically act out that which is impressed on the souls of unregenerate man; that is rebellion to seek selfishly those earthly pleasures which soon shall pass.

This concept makes us comprehend how we are slaves of righteousness ( Romans 6:18 in NKJV which artificial intelligence lead me to; which is stronger than just servants in regular KJV.) Yes we are also His friends ( John 15:15) as the enmity was ended ( Eph. 2:16) because of Calvary.

Addendum:

I left out the most important para which forms the last para of my post:

The ensign we fight is the slain Lamb before the foundation of the world. Whe nword became flesh, and as the captain of our salvation we have the gospels in which he is qualified as 'the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world'. The covenant of seven days has promised the same throne, called the Throne of God and of the Lamb.

Isa.59.19 "The ensign"

"and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him."

The darkness is the enemy to light and he is the adversary we have in Ge.1.2. Darkness was upom the face of the deep. Thus Spiit of the Lord has raised his standard against him. Inheritance of the children has a banner," He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love."(The Song.2.4) God is a Spirit and it has set up its ensign to which rank and file may look and fight on. Like the hand of Moses whenever it dropped from fatigue it had to be held up. "And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed." It is thus generations after generations fought agains the anointed heirs of promise. Amalekites in our generation is the great whore sitting upon many waters, to which we shall come anon. The seven mountains are seven beastsas there are seven days associated with the Covenant these have one mind. (Rev.17.9-18) "The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues." So our fight is not against flesh and blood but spiritual wickedness, heresy taught by the devil. The devil sins from the beginning and Jesus Christ was manifested to destroy his works. This being the truth what shall we call the Dispensationalists who still teach 'tithing' as proper? They worship another Christ and another gospel is it not. In them as Jesus faulted the Jews in his day," In the beginning was the Word and it was sent forth. " He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God."(Jn.8.47)In other works the same darkness prevail over them. Only those who found grace, a remnant shall be delivered,"The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled."(Ps.77.16)

Hello Pastortim2017. I know, some 'sins' are difficult to throw off, and certainly 'vaping' can be included in there, whether one actually considers it sinful or not; yet being addicted to an unhealthy slew of substances that destroys the body which is no longer his own, is indeed sinful. This person seems quite serious about throwing off this habit and has even earnestly sought the Lord's Help - very commendable. But when 'push comes to shove', we have to admit that when we sin, there is a strong element of fondness for that sin and this has to be removed. No doubt, vaping still gives him pleasure, which makes it all the harder for him, in spite of his earnest resolutions to quit, and yet, the Lord sometimes allows us to continue in such spiritual turmoil for a season, until the release from it becomes truly liberating with great joy.

There would be many suggestions (both from medical fraternities and govt authorities) to help such folk getting on the path of abstinence. And these could well be useful, but unless the Lord is in it to guide & encourage his child to get into the place of freedom and victory, there can sometimes be regressing into the old habits (which is happening with this person). 1 Corinthians 10:13 is a powerful verse to assure us that God is still with us, in spite of our sense of His absence; that if we are earnest and true to Him, he will make a way of escape as we continue to hold faith in Him under such trial. And I understand this, as the way of escape is available, but to get to it & into freedom might well take time & preparation (and this probably means in his case, really coming to terms with the comfort he gets in the habit & finding it repulsive).

To me, it seems he knows it's wrong and keeping him from knowing God's Presence & Assurance, but the pull of the habit is more compelling. With the Lord's Help, he would need to seek His Face for ways or people that would turn his focus away from vapes onto truly satisfying pursuits.

Hello again Lbooth1955. You could probably guess my response to your question, or even seen my response to others in the past about this question. No, I don't believe in Tithing as a requirement or even a command, for those who are in Christ. The oft quoted Scripture that seems to help us concerning our giving ( 2 Corinthians 9:7,8: "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work") is very applicable.

And I believe that this instruction is about a heart that has an attitude of generosity to others and complete faith in God, not just to the local Fellowship, but to those in need around them & supporting those in the ministry of the Gospel. We are to give according to our faith, our conscience, as God has blessed us. The widow's last two mites had greater value than all the 'tithes' & general offerings cast in by others. The LORD could multiply those valueless mites in an instant and that widow would have been the one to receive the greater blessing for her devotion to the LORD and sacrificial giving in faith, faith in the God Who was her "Yahweh-Yireh". That said, for the new believer uninstructed in these things and still desiring a dollar amount to give as his regular offering and exercise of faith, I would suggest that a tenth of one's earnings was a good place to begin, yet to always be open to the LORD and to the needs around him. When we have sensitive compassionate hearts, our yearning to reach out and help, must go beyond any monetary amount but the giving of ourselves to the LORD for His use in whatever way He enables and directs us. If we then disobey Him, the greater suffering will be ours. GBU.

Dear friend Pastortim2017. On my journey with Jesus these comparable things have emerged. The human brain is a somewhat complicated thing. And it is serious for the person concerned. But when your friend came to Jesus he was free, right? The scripture says that we are to remain in the light. Then everyday life comes and oops we are back. You know we have an enemy. And when I look at myself and learn from it. It seems that an old habit simply becomes that, because we let it. That is to say. We must resist, that action, preferably proclaim the name of Jesus. I have no faith that without Jesus' sacrificial blood on Calvary, little happens. We must therefore resist, in His name. We often get preoccupied with other things that pull us away from our new idea. And unfortunately, it can happen completely automatically, it's true. Think about it, how many times have you yourself been hindered from and make a fast for the Lord. To my delight, sometimes you even get visits from people you haven't seen in 10 years. They are hungry. I believe these things also go into it and do His will. For what is God's will if not what we see daily? Joh 6:29 It is the same for everyone. But then we have our own to struggle with. What I have found out is that clearly nothing happens until the person HAS made up his mind. And in Jesus' Name above all other names, (there is a need for understanding, we grow the growth that is from God). Our thoughts keep us in old patterns. The best thing for him is to put the whip away in the evening and be determined. And the morning after, go to a meeting or visit you, for example. Then he can be busy with something else for a few hours. And then afterwards he has to resist, that's where it's critical. Is it possible and do it, be determined and persevere in Jesus' Name. After a few hours it will be forgotten. Just sat and thought about it over the scripture where Jesus walks on the water. John 6:15-21

Immediately they were on land! Wonderful Jesus, love u

The Song.8.6 "Jealousy"

"Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame."

St Paul exhorts, You are complete in him" and what is the substance of your house then? "For in him (Christ) dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."(Col.1.9-10) It was thus God did fashion our heart salike. God does try our works."

Abiding in Christ as we have seen from the creation of Eve was on thesingle rib, and doctrine of Christ is the soil from which you draw your nourishment. We find many waters mentioned with a treeof righteousness, "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."(Ps.1.3) Many waters which denote heavenly blessings. The Law or the Coveant wiorks effectively so whatsoever you doshall prosper.' This love you testify in your daily walk is as strong as death.The arrows in the hand of the mighty man make you at the gate of death as St Stephen did,(Ps.127.5)

"Set me as a seal' is another way expressig this abiding life. The works you do as though Christin you did.Seal upon thine arms works likean amulet, a talisman. On the otherhad jealousy and we need go back to Ge,1,2, "and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." While sacred love sets you world all lit up what does darkness can offer to the childreen of wrath? Profane love speaks of destruction."jealousy is cruel as the grave.' "For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?"(Ps.6.5) " if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned,," meaning his soul is of little worth, :he heart of the wicked is little worth. It is worthy of hell fire.(Prov.10.20)

.:

Can anyone offer advice??? Someone I know has been struggling with a Vape Addiction for years! He has asked God to remove it from him. Has even surrendered himself to the Lord and has GIVEN this thing to Him, BUT, keeps FAILING. And he goes right back to it. He feels like h is cursed with this like Paul had a thorn in his side, he tells me! What can he do to see and experience TOTAL Freedom? He knows that if he continues, it will send him to Hell, or even left behind when the Rapture takes place! What can I advise him to do? Any Biblical suggestions?

Greetings

Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Exodus 20:10 "But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:"

John 14:21 "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."

John 15:10 "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."

Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."

Blessings

To all that be in Christ,

Any thoughts on Tithing?

Peace and Grace...

Hi FREE,

Believers and the Wrath of God

For those who trust Paul's gospel - that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day ( 1 Cor. 15:1-4) - the Scriptures assure complete deliverance from God's wrath. Though all were once "children of wrath" by nature ( Eph. 2:3), in Christ we are made new creations and sealed by the Spirit ( Eph. 1:13; 4:30). God's wrath is real, revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness ( Rom. 1:18), yet believers stand justified by His blood and eternally secure.

Romans 5:9 proclaims, "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." The penalty of wrath fell upon Christ at the cross, so that no condemnation remains for those in Him ( Rom. 8:1). While wrath abides on the unbeliever ( John 3:36), the believer has peace with God ( Rom. 5:1). Paul makes it plain that the Church, the Body of Christ, is not appointed to wrath but to obtain salvation ( 1 Thess. 5:9). Christ delivers us from "the wrath to come" ( 1 Thess. 1:10), meaning both eternal judgment and the prophesied outpouring during the Day of the Lord.

The "wrath of God" throughout Scripture falls upon the ungodly, rebellious nations, and those who reject the Son ( Col. 3:6; Rev. 6:16-17). But the Body of Christ is distinct; we are part of the mystery revealed to Paul ( Eph. 3:1-9). Wrath belongs to Israel's prophetic program and the unbelieving world, not to the saved in this dispensation of grace.

Key Truth:

In Christ, believers are forever secure. Wrath is past at the cross, present against the ungodly, and future upon unbelievers - but those who believe the gospel are delivered, sealed, and assured eternal peace with God.

Grace and Peace.