Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 493

I am Alpha and omega the beginning and the ending said the Lord which is and which was and which is to come the Almighty look up the all mighty in the greek Amen

what is the definition of sorceries?

Amen Brother Chris.

I've once heard a guy explain it like this; The prayer was for us to see that there was no other way but through the cross for man to be saved. Jesus himself knew.

He sort of done the same thing with Lazarus.

John 11:40-42 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. AND JESUS LIFTED UP HIS EYES, AND SAID, FATHER, I THANK THEE THAT THOU HAST HEARD ME.

AND. I KNEW THAT THOU HEADREST ME ALWAYS:

("BUT BECAUSE OF THE PEOPLE WHICH STAND BY I SAID IT, THAT THEY MAY BELIEVE ")

THAT THOU HAST SENT ME.

Man sin wasn't just excused, the penalty had to be paid for.

Jesus knew and by that prayer now we know.

God bless.

I have often wondered this as well. I worry about members of my family that believe they are saved forever without recourse, even though their lives are not reflecting it daily. I am not necessarily a new Christian, but have only been getting deep in the word the last couple of years, so I am learning so much but still get very confused by verses that may conflict, at least in my understanding of their meaning.

Having been raised Catholic, but truly saved as a young adult in a non-denominational church has caused some of my confusion as well. Through the years I was in and out of church, but always felt my relationship growing in Christ, yet always worried that my salvation wasn't sure. I have prayed many hours and my faith has grown, but now many years later as I'm truly growing as Christian, my faith is sure but I still get stuck in the conflict of verses. I have asked my Christian mentors and friends these questions and get different responses, so ultimately I'm in a circular argument.

Thank you for the original poster, and those who've taken the time to respond with their great verses that direct us to further reading and understanding.

The last verses, 58-62, all I can say is, Wow! Sad, that these others were so caught up in their comfort zones, enough, to even keep them, from being used by the Master.

Hi Lynn,

God hates lying: Proverbs 12:22

There's probably a difference between being strategic with words and lying. I think Jesus was clever in how He handled those who were trying to entrap Him. In some cases He was silent, failed to answer the question, put a question back on them, made a broader point, etc.

The Bible has examples of people misleading others, like Joseph not revealing who he was to his family. Abraham lied to Pharoah saying that Sarai was his sister. It doesn't mean this wasn't sin and that God didn't hate it, though. I think it just stated what happened.

My personal question is whether its ok to mislead or even deceive others for the sake of protecting self or loved ones. If someone tries to rob me and I tell them I'm sick and contagious, for example, it would be a strategy to avoid danger, but would that be sin? If a really dangerous man knocks on the door and asks if my daughter is home am I supposed to say yes just so I don't lie despite it putting her in danger?

Hi Lynn. Not knowing the circumstances surrounding your question, I would say that if you are unable to "do something" and you give the actual reason(s) for your inability to perform it, that's not a lie - you would be telling the truth. If however, if you gave a reason for your not doing something & that reason was not correct, then it would be a lie. In such cases, if for some reason (e.g. embarrassment, implicating someone else, the truth might cause pain), then it's good not to resort to a lie, but to simply say, 'I'm unable to do it for personal reasons, which I cannot talk about'. It would be another matter, if sitting before a judge & you are bound to tell the truth in the legal proceedings - you can neither lie nor avoid the question - you would be held in contempt. But in a private matter, the other party may not appreciate you (even despise you) for not sharing a reason (whether true or false), but at least before God & your conscience, you have not lied about it and that has to be the best way to go.

For Genesis 44:28, you would need to look back to Genesis 37:3-36 to learn the full account.

And to your other question about Joseph's rise from being a slave and then sold to the Egyptians to then becoming an overseer over Pharaoh's kingdom, you can read about that in Genesis chapters 39 to 41 (that the LORD was with Joseph in spite of a false accusation which put him in prison). If you need other questions answered or commentary on a particular verse, we will be happy to oblige you.

When studying & researching for these answers look into the WORD for other distinctive names, places ect. Notice:

Ezra 1,

King Cyrus, following Nebzzr. Then you can use search tools on website, for words. Isaiah 44:28, 2Chronicles 36:22,23, Daniel 1:21, Daniel 6:28,

Hopefully these are helpful in your study

Romans 14:11,12, Isaiah 45:21-25, Philippians 2:1-15,

Hopefully these are helpful

Malachi 2:13, Malachi 2, Malachi 3,

Hi Adam. I don't see that Jesus was praying, in the sense of, believing or expecting His request to the Father to be answered in the affirmative. Jesus knew the reason for His Coming & to fulfil this Divine appointment ( John 10:15-18). Rather, I see the anguish of soul to His imminent crucifixion & bearing the world's sins, as the one & only hope for mankind's spiritual deliverance. Should He fail, there remained no other perfect Sacrifice that would satisfy the Father's Holy Demand.

I realise the Matthew reference does look like Jesus was unable to muster up enough faith (having to thrice approach His Father), but given His faith to accomplish anything He wanted, it would seem unreasonable that His faith fell short in this instance; rather His faith isn't in question here but His deep anguish as when a son seeks the ear & comfort of his father in a time of pain & hopelessness.

Hi Adam.

I believe God answered his prayer in Matthew 26:39. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, IF IT BE POSSIBLE, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

"IF" it be possible may be the clue.

If there was any other way for man to be saved there would have been another outcome.

And later in Acts 4:12 Peter was able to say this "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

And also John in Revelation 5:2-5 "And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

And I wept much, because "NO MAN" was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof."

Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast "REDEEMED US" to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Jesus is our Kinsman redeemer.

No MAN in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book,

To be a Kinsman he had to be a Man,, "So Jesus took on flesh for the suffering of death."

Hebrews 2:14.

And to redeem us he had to be able and willing. He was the perfect Lamb of God. 1 Peter 3:18.

Hebrews 9:22-26.

I believe there was no other way.

There was no other sacrifice that would make it possible.

God bless.

Does anyone know how to reconcile Jesus praying in faith and not having His prayer answered in Matthew 26:39 compared to Jesus saying with faith as a mustard seed you can move mountains: Matthew 17:20?

Surely Jesus prayed with perfect faith far more than a mustard seed, right?

Again, well said, Giannis.

Amen, well aid, Bob

What verses in Genesis refer to chapter 44 v 28

why did they think joseph was eaten by a lion

how did joseph become pharoah's ? man over his house

pease answer with verses

your commentary is also appreciated

I was told Zachariah's course was in June

What does bow the knee mean as far as salvation

Is that a sin to lie when you cannot do something?

Rom 16:1&2 "I commend unto you Phebe our Sister..." I have granddaughter named Phebe.

Where can I find info on the sunrise and sunset tables in the Preface (Translator to Reader) to the 1611 KJV? Thanks in advance.

Thanks!!!!! so much; what a blessing for the soul again, Thanks!!!!

After contemplating the colt and the donkey, it would seem logical that Jesus would not had separated the mother from its foal. What is interesting is the fact that those who may have owned these animals allowed those two disciples to untie them and take them to Christ. These however, may have known the old testament prophecy, making sure that Jesus would have access to these animals. They being tied up in an intersection, between two places is significant, as if they were going soon, waiting to be sold too their soon to be new master. Or , perhaps they actually cared nothing, and thought that the decuples were the new owners.

we have to be careful not to read more into it than is already their! One thing is for sure, Jesus knew where these two animals were! Ne knew they were waiting for Him!

Hello Bob

I absolutely agree with you. All the events described in the Book of Revelation are symbolic. Symbolic of what? We don't really know, we can make guesses. But even logical guesses may be wrong, BECAUSE we don't know the real events that are going to be. God's people through the ages have made very many guesses that all failed. Revelation is written in a way that people who are going to live at that time will relate the events taking place with what is written and can understand. Nobody can understand beforehand. I don't think God will reveal specifically to anybody (no matter how intense one prays and asks God for) the truth beforehand. He hasn't done that for centuaries to anybody, why would He do it now? Revelation is a book which is primalily written for people who will go through the great tribulation and antichrist. It is written so that they know what would be really happening and know what to expect and what they should and should not do. Also for non beleievers to believe and save their lives.

Just an example. If the mark of the beast is the bar code in a chip embedded in people, as many believe, who could have known that 50 years ago when that technology didn't exist. No matter how hard people may have tried to guess 50 years ago they could have never found out. Today we know because we relate something we see in our everyday lives ( the cashless society) with what is written and can make a good guess which seems to be right. So as the end times are getting closer and closer the more we will understand, but still I think many things will only be known during the last 7 years. So lets read the Book as God asks us to do, but this must be as far as we one must go. No vast time should be spent on trying to interprete it. It is a waste of time which could be spent to read the other parts of the Bible. There will be time when everything is going to be revealed. But I hope at that time none of us is here in this world to live during those events. GBU.

The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil he shall preserve thy soul Amen

Chris, thank you. Your impression of where I was coming from in this matter is correct.

I agree that I think each person should find out for themselves about this matter rather than just take in what someone says on here or in any other publication or the preaching/teaching of others in such roles.

And I agree that there is so much we do not know about the early church and the leaders who wrote and spoke about many matters, eschatology included.

I am fine with bringing this discussion between us to a conclusion, but I just wanted you to know that I welcome any replies you wish to send me.

Who was Phoebe?

I was a pastor and evangelist for many years before an ailment prompted my retiring. During those years I have read and heard just about all the thoughts and theories on the book of revelation. And that my dear friends is all they are. Theories. No one has, or will be, able to precisely explain this book. It is one of the great mysteries of the Bible. I have read it over and over in my eighty-seven years on this earth. I started with my conversion at the age of twenty two. Some parts (few) would seem to be clear, but not enough to preach or teach with complete understanding. In fact, no one can rightly state they completely understand without doubt much of the scripture. We think, and read, with a finite mind. Whereas, the author who revealed these writings did so from his infinite mind. Who on earth is able to declare with absolute truth the mind of god? I have the belief of God revealing at the proper time, the true meanings of this amazing book. At that time the teachers and preachers eyes will be opened, and they will be able to enlighten all who are interested. Reading it will be as easy to under stand as John 3:16. But, of course, as I penned, it is just my belief and theory. Any believer who reads revelation should begin with prayer. Asking god to reveal what is important to their spiritual growth, and thanking him for his blessings for reading it. "Blessed is he who reads the prophecy's of this book" We are living in very perilous times. We should not be overly concerned with any parts of the Bible. Confusing our selves with un-anserable questions. Instead, we should busy ourselves with the importance of living the life god requires of us. I was, and still would be, a preacher of the New Testament, which I know is the most pertinent of all the Bible to read and study. Believers should be pondering how they can help others to come to the realization of their need to believe, and accept, his love and forgiveness. God be with you all.

Jesus is come in the likeness of man, The God, the creator, He has come in the flesh, this is the "the Son of Man".

The creator has manifested himself in the image of God, for this is His creation, Man created in the likeness of Himself. "If you have seen me, you have seen the Father"! As it is written, Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; Alex N, this I know without hesitation, that the palms, would become the highlight, would be the path of His choice . A palms these beasts would see and feel under their feet, guiding the way!

Can you see Him as He gazes across the multitudes, even those who stand at a distance and still are not convinced! These little ones who have laid out the path that will lead to an empty house. A house with no one their to receive Him! Do you hear Him saying, O Jerusalem! O Jerusalem!

The picture could not be more perfect as He spends the night waiting for the morning light. He will enter His house, and then you will see the tables fly! They have turned my house into a house of merchandise! This is His house, this is His temple, A temple not made with hands, a temple made in the heavens. Can you hear His voice as He disappears over the horizon? Don't wait to long, His voice you may not hear any longer!

Repent and be Baptized