Discuss Matthew 23 Page 2

Hello Ronald,

Thank you for sharing this information for my consideration. I have read the account of the 70 AD destruction of the temple. The things Antiochus IV Epiphanes was the inspiration for the Maccabean Revolt.

Some people think that when Jesus mentions in Matthew 24:15 "there shall be an abomination of desolation" is that's what they called it when Antiochus IV Epiphanes, back in 165 B.C., put up his image.



Yeah, it happened once before. But in Matthew, this is a future event, not to be confused with that event. This is something that must happen in the future.

I know this is one of the most debated topics amongst believers, but like you, I am not looking for debate either.

I believe that all prophecy concerning the end time is based on Daniel 9:24-27. I also believe that the misunderstanding of the prophecies of the last days is based upon combining Luke's account with Matthew's and Mark's account as if they are the same message. From what I have read, they are not the same message.

Looking at what Jesus said in Matthew 23:38, I understand that was fulfilled 38 years later in 70 A.D., when Titus the Roman General rode into Jerusalem and killed 1,600,000 Jews. He leveled the city, including the temple, just as Jesus said they would. Why?



Because they rejected their Messiah and even to this day, they no longer do sacrifice. That is because there is only one place that they can sacrifice and it is in Jerusalem, which is why the Jews don't sacrifice today.

But there will come a time in the future when the antichrist arrives on the scene, and he is going to help the Jews rebuild their temple in Jerusalem. And he's going to help them start sacrifices up again. And then right in the middle of the tribulation period, right in the middle of the 70th week, he is going to set up his image in the Holy of holies, and he is going to say that everybody must worship him.

Again, thank you for what you've shared.

God bless!

Brother Ronald.

Part 3.

Matthew 24:32-34.

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:

So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

Israel represents the fig tree in scripture.

Hosea 9:10.

Jeremiah 24:2-3.

Joel 1:7.

This generation is a particular people of this time. (Israel)

Generations is used in that way in scripture as a particular people or Genealogy as seen in Genesis 5:1 and other places.

SO YOU KNOW IT IS NEAR WHEN YOU SEE ISRAEL START TO BLOSOM.

THAT DIDNT HAPPEN IN 70 AD.

Back to Daniel 9:24.

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Reconciliation. Jesus done that on the cross, but no one is reconciled until they believe. As a Nation Israel still rejects Christ and will continue until the tribulation. Hosea 5:15, Matthew 23:39.

To finish the transgression. That refers to Israel. Zachariah 12:10 "The last days.

to bring in everlasting righteousness.

To anoint the most Holy. I also believe that's the Holy of holiness. but I believe that is in the Millennium temple that Ezekiel is talking about in the 41st through the 46 chapter.

I will have to leave off here for now Ronald.

God bless.

Hi Jesse,

Not to debate just something to consider.

I know many have this understanding of this abomination of desolation and applying it to Daniel 9:27. As you said it is in Daniel 9:27 Daniel 11:31 and Daniel 12:11 and only in 11:31 and 12:11 does it say the abomination that maketh desolate.

As what happened in 167 BC with Antiochus Epiphanies committed two blasphemous acts in the second Jewish temple by setting up an altar to the Greek god Zeus and also, he sacrificed a pig on the altar, and much more, that is thought something similar will happen in the future with the antichrist.

The abomination of desolation is this horrible person or beast that will do this action that is vile, vicious or terrible in the temple that is said to be rebuilt that makes it desolate. This being is the one who does the act to make it desolate.

If we look at Daniel 9:27 it says, "for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate." For the overspreading of abominations, this is saying because of abominations they have done, he shall make it desolate, not what he does makes it desolate.

Jesus disrobes this in Matthew 23:24-37, and He says what we read in Daniel 9:27. Matthew 23:38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For their abominations Jesus is the one who makes it desolate for the overspreading of abominations they have done and their rejection of Him. "and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. The Roman army and total destruction.

I agree they may flee from Judea in the future they did just before 70 AD the believers in Jesus fled to Pella a region across the Jordan river and were saved.

Just something to consider.

God bless,

RLW

WHAT IS THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION spoken of by Daniel

Matthew 24:15 Therefore when YOU SEE the abomination of desolation; spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the HOLY PLACE (whosoever readeth, let him understand).

You are the HOLY PLACE, the temple of GOD.

Christ was talking to those around him, so this APPLIED to them, as well as us, it was AT HAND, near to be reality.

Daniel 12:11 From the time the daily sacrifice (of animals) shall be TAKEN AWAY, and the abomination that maketh desolate SET UP, there shall be one thousand three hundred and thirty five days.

What is this 1,335 days? It's the changing of the COVENANTS, Christ coming as sinful flesh, and defeating

death; LIFE by Spirit, not blood.

Before the resurrection; LIFE was in the BLOOD, after the resurrecting, LIFE was from the Spirit.

Matthew 23:38 Behold your HOUSE is left unto you DESOLATE.

Man is THE HOUSE, now desolate without INHABITANT, it died on the cross.

Revelation 18:19 .....for in ONE HOUR (MAN, sinful fleshes death on the cross) is she made DESOLATE.

Revelation 17:17 ...and SHALL MAKE HER DESOLATE AND NAKED ..

Psalms 69:25 Let their habitation (house) be DESOLATE; and NONE dwell in their tents.

Isaiah 5:9 ...of a truth many houses shall be desolate ....

Are you DESOLATE; or has the Spirit of LIFE COME TO YOU?

Romans 8:2 For the LAW of the SPIRIT OF LIFE in Christ Jesus, has made us FREE from the LAW of sin and death.

Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over HIS OWN HOUSE, whose house you are ...

You died on the cross; and become DESOLATE, no LIFE, you were raised a body, a new creation, life no longer of the blood; but OF THE LIFE OF CHRIST, by the Spirit of our Father.

Colossians 1:27 ...this mystery .....Christ in you ....

God Bless YOU!

Psalm 82 "Ye are gods" (v. 6).

There is a notion these days that states that the Bible call us "little gods" and this Psalm is their evidence for that assumption.

The scriptures use this term to describe those judges or teachers of the law who were learned in the Torah but as this chapter points out judged for hypocricy.

Verse 3 shows a theme which is echoed in 1 Tim. 5 starting in verse 3; as well as James 1:27 which also refers to widows and orphans as to the definition of "true religion."

Verse 6 seems to suggest that these are all children of God; of the Most High. However; the context of most of this Psalm seems to suggest partiality to the wicked and therefore going against God's ordinances. This was a type of Pharasitical behavior that characterized those who would not escape the damnation of hell as quoted in Matthew 23:33. In one sense; of course all those in Israel of noble lineage could follow their family tree to prove that they were sons of Abraham. But again; not all were true children ( Romans 9:7). In one sense we were all created in God's image; more precisely now in the image of Adam. We were all put in the book of the living ( Psalm 69:28). That is different from the Book of Life; clearly. Perhaps the meaning remains ambiguous; the nation of Israel were chosen as a whole but only a remnant truly believed.

The Psalm is generally a call for men to be wise judges; but also ends with God being implored to act (verse 8). In any event every knee will bow someday to God and to His Christ (as quoted in Philippians AND Romans but also from God being represented in Isaiah 45:23).

God also allows wicked judgments to accomplish His purposes in the end; refining His people for instance.

John

I would like to add one more thought comes to mind along with what Myself and Brother Jesse has shared.

Fruit is what's produced inward and expressed outward, the cleansing is internally and the action outwardly is caused by this cleansing.

This is what the natural man can not do.

This is what Jesus is telling the Pharisees in Matthew 23:25-26 "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.

Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

This is what Israel could not produce. ( Jeremiah 2:21.)

There was no heart change in the working/covenant of the law.

I believe this is why Jesus says in John 15:1. I AM THE TRUE VINE, and my Father is the husbandman.

This production comes by the new birth or " Born from above" being connected to the life giver.

We are branches baring what the vine produces, being that we're LIVE and attached.

You see the outward result in being a live branch in baptism or "Identified" with Christ mentioned in Romans 6.

I hope this helps.

God bless.

Hi Lollyman.

I concur with Brother Chris.

The disciples were looking for the Messiah to set up the kingdom hereonearth. ( which is yet future)

As mentioned Isaiah 40:1-5 is one of the scriptures is why they expected this order of events.

"Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:

AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHALL BE REVEALED, AND ALL FLESH SHALL SEE IT TOGETHER: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

( This haven't happened yet. )

This concerns the restoration of Israel when Christ sits on David's Throne.

Matthew 17:11-12 "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. ( Still future. )

But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. ( John the baptist was the forerunner. He was to announce the King.) They rejected John and they rejected their King. ( John 19:15.)

During the tribulation they will be driven to seek their Messiah and he shall come. ( Matthew 23:37-39.)

God bless.

Amen and Tnank you brother Jesse.

Often we read or hear the word of God and we say "I'm going to do that". For instance We shall love one another as I have loved you. How are we carrying that out as a whole?

This is not anything our flesh wants us to do.

I believe the inerrant word of God CAUSES us to do something our natural man couldn't do.

This is Agape!

This is what Jesus asked Peter in John 21:15-17.

Peter understood. Peter responded "You know I love you Lord".

Peter didn't use the word Agape, he used phile. Perhaps that's the highest degree of Love the flesh is capable of.

He knew he wasn't capable.

Neither was the disciples ready for ministry until the were filled with the Holyspirit.

We're talking about fruit barring that Israel "being a degenerate vine" couldn't do. " Matthew 21:43.

You can't command someone to Love the way God loves.

I believe in Matthew 21:43 that nation mentioned here is the Church Peter mentions in 1 Peter 2:9.

Here's another reference of where our righteous deeds if counted worthy must come from within the heart. Matthew 23:25-28. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.

Thou blind Pharisee, CLEANSE FIRST THAT WHICH IS WITHIN THE CUP AND PLATTER, THAT THE OUTSIDE OF THEM MAY BE CLEAN ALSO.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.

Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Thanks Brother Jesse.

God bless you.

The concept of "waiting upon tables". Acts 6:2 discusses the situation where the twelve Disciples were in need of redistribution of assignments for what some would consider "menial tasks." Such a situation is reminiscent of Moses and the situation of him overexerting himself with resolving various issues among the throng of exiles and the resulting advice from Jethro in Exodus 18.

In observing such a topic; we are wise to remember Christ's statement that the greatest is the servant of all in Matthew 23:11.

The issue; of course was in both cases the gifts of the ministry were not being given the time to blossom for those God has placed in authority in the church. It is perhaps illustrated most commonly with the situation of a Pastor; but certainly could involve others who are overburdened within a church. That is where it gets tricky. With any ministry; it can be assumed that whatever the individual does the most is a reflection of their particular calling. There is a subtle difference between what a person is gifted in and the fruit of the Spirit which exemplifies their unique disposition. Someone; for instance could be very patient and longsuffering (a faruit); and it is assumed they are showing a gift of mercy or helps. They may in fact have wisdom from above; and a need to share through fellowship or Bible study things which are needed for mutual edification. We needn't dismiss a Pastor from helping with the "down and dirty" tasks either; at least we would expect help on a service day cleaning up a church; for instance.

When we look at Christ as our example; he indeed washed the Disciple's feet. ( John 13). We do NOT see any evidence that he went to towns to buy food (He would occasionally CREATE food when necessary). The concept of being invited to people's homes in order to preach the Gospel seems to be a lost art these days. Also Luke 10:38-42 shows how obsessively serving a guest may not be the best approach at times.

Page 1.

Just a few thoughts on what you've shared GiGi. I'm considering the three passages: Matthew 16:24,25; Matthew 11:28-30; Galatians 2:20.

a. Matthew 16:24,25. "Discipleship". Discipleship is costly, more costly than most of us can imagine or have even experienced. To put everything pertaining to life behind one (family, possessions, ambitions, reliance on the material), equates to denying oneself. And to take up one's cross, would be the cumulative effect of that denial/casting aside which one must be prepared to carry for the journey ahead. And this must also include whatever unknowns may lie ahead (of hunger, shelter, loneliness, rejection & persecution). I would think that very few have submitted so fully to the Lord, though the disciples, to whom these words were directly spoken, joyfully apprehended it when "endued with power from on high".

b. Matthew 11:28-30. "Under Grace". Though this passage can accurately be applied to the Lord's gracious Ministry to all, I believe that He is particularly referring to the religious leaders who exacted much much more from the people than what the Law demanded. In Matthew 23:1-4, Jesus spoke of those leaders who correctly brought out Moses' Law, but then He chided them because they added their own "heavy burdens" upon the people, making obedience to the Law wearisome coupled with fear for the penalty if their rules were broken. Therefore, Jesus calls all those that are so burdened & yoked to pharisaical rules to turn to Him, He Whose "yoke" is undergirded with Grace & Truth.

Psalm 42. PART TWO of the 5 sections of Psalms

I am not sure how the divisions of the Psalms relate to the Pentateuch but I heard they were in five sections. At any rate; this begins the first one that is NOT written by David. The sons of Korah were descendants of those destroyed in the rebellion by God therefore were grateful to have a place (see 1 Chronicles 9:19 for their place as doorkeepers in the House of God).

The first two verses echo the popular song "As the deer panteth for the water". The rest of the Psalm seems to contain a desire to appear before God (v. 3); and considering Him in a dispersed situation (v. 6). It seems like a diaspora; although the details are missing. The Psalmist (or multiple "sons" of Korah) seem to be taunted by the enemies as to where God is in verse 3 and 10. The author(s) of the Psalm also ask themselves and cry out to God the same plea in verses 5 and 9.

The last verse of the Psalm shows how praising God raises the condition of the soul from all sorts of despair. This is good to remember whether it is in suffering the perishing of the old body in 2 Cor. 4:16; facing martyrdom ( Philippians 1:21); or just the stresses of everyday life. Thankfully; as God states emphatically in Ezekiel 18:20. The sons are not to bear the guilt for their father's sins. This also; of course shows us that just because our parents may be a Pastor that we are not specially privileged in any way. Matthew 23:15 gives that principle to the Pharisees; whose physical descendancy from Abraham didn't give them any spiritual value without true faith. Praise the Lord for His grace toward the sons of Korah who didn't rebel.

Dear Bob,

I understand what Jesus said about calling men Rabbi or Father. These titles were given to men and people looked to them for spiritual guidance. But I think that the point is more so that we are to look for our Heavenly Father and seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit instead of looking to these men just because they have such titles. We need to be discerning about who we choose to help us in our Christian walk.

I don't think that it is wrong for children to call their biological father "daddy" or "Dad" or "Father". Nor call one who is instructing us "Teacher" or "Rabbi". As a Kindergarten teacher I was called "teacher" often everyday when children needed help.

I think Jesus was mostly speaking about placing any human person (Rabbi, Father, teacher, mentor) in place of God and His Word or as an authority above God and His Word. The Rabbis of Jesus' day thought of themselves this way, even thinking that they were on a level to instruct God.

I wonder more and more about men (not their character neccessarily) with the title 'father' or 'Rabbi' since The Lord said not to be called either. this is not meant to be a 'gotcha' statement, as it is recorded in the Gospel here [vs 6 >12]. If our Lord Yeshua's word's are open to debate/challenge/controversy/doubt, what's next? {written in God's Word(s) [KJV]} in these 'LATTER' of the last days "..perilous times.." [as of today 10/26/2022] on planet earth?

thoughts/comments?

kol tuv etc ....... Christian & (Messianic) Jewish Miscopah & MARANATHA, very, very, very soon!

Psalm 26 is very similar to the previous Psalm 25 as integrity is mentioned (verse 1 and 11); and David not sitting in the "congregation of evil doers." (v. 5). Again as my comments were there this is also as Psalm 25 reflecting the characteristic of Psalm 1.

Verse 10 brings up bribery specifically as a new detail. Also verse 6 reminds us of the ritual hand washing of the Pharisees; which didn't do them too much good to say the least ( Matthew 23:27 etc). It has to be accompanied with the proper attitude on the INSIDE (see Psalm 51).

The Psalm ends with David stating that he will bless the Lord "in the congregations." One thought that I have here is that we need to be discerning as to whether the house of God that we fellowship with isn't turning to the world and hence becoming reprobate. Apparently the word "congregation" can be used in a positive or negative light; generally. We need to be cautious not to always go with the majority concensus; when it comes to decisions such as approving or disapproving new leadership or members to the church; decisions on spending money in the church budget that aren't focused first on the Great Commission; entertainment brought in and in general any error coming in (a little leaven ruins the whole loaf) ( Gal 5:9).

No further thoughts at present.

Like many times, in our current world: when things go as it's supposed to, not much is mentioned but when it's going wrong, much more said. There was much wrong mentioned about wrongly leaving out Widows, Fatherless children, etc. Matthew 23:14, Mark 12:40, Luke 20:47, Job 22:9, Acts 6:1, Isaiah 10:2 please read in context, by reading all verses around the verses given, so you have the "whole story". They also were judged because of that * Malachi 2:17, Malachi 3:5, Deuteronomy 27:19

1Timothy 5, 1Corinthians 7, Deuteronomy 24:17,

I believe the Rules/Laws GOD gave forth to Moses for the Israelites was the ideal plan. These rules weren't not for "the rebellious nations, surrounding" probably because they may just disregard anyway.

I believe it's good if we look into the Laws & consider sincerely what we can apply today. Deuteronomy 14:29, Deuteronomy 16, we should share in our increase ( abundance ) Deuteronomy 24:19,20,21, elimination of greed, in every area

Deuteronomy 10:18,

James 1:27 , Matthew 25:35-41, Deuteronomy 26:13,14,

Genesis 3:14,15, just like then, the trick & deception was within twisting the WORDs. Genesis 3:1-4,

Woman's seed = Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:26-37,

Son of wickedness = 1Samuel 25:17, John 8, Luke 22:3, John 13:2,

Matthew 4, Matthew 9:32-33, Matthew 23:25-39,

Don't be in fear. 1John 4:18, Luke 12:5, Psalms 34:9, Exodus 20:20, James 4:7,

The enmity Jesus faced: John 19:6,

* Matthew 12,

Hi Gigi.

Part 4.

In Revelation 19:17-21 you see the parallel verse " Where the eagles gather as mentioned in

Matthew 24:28.

No mention of the removal of saints. If the saints were raptured and everyone else cast into hell and this is the last day on earth as you presented Who's going to populate the Millennium?

In Revelation 20 you see the Millennium reign of Christ and the great white throne judgment.

Let's use Daniel 12:13 you provided to see who the elect is in these scriptures.

Daniel 12:1-2 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for THE CHILDREN OF THY PEOPLE: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time THY PEOPLE shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Who's Daniels people? Israel.

Who's gathered from the four corners of the earth? Israel.

Isaiah 11:9-12.

Ezekiel 34:11-14.

Daniel is not talking about the Church.

The tribulation will drive Israel to their Messiah.

Hosea 5:15. I will go and return to my place, TILL THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR OFFENCE, AND SEEK MY FACE: IN THEIR AFFLICTION THEY WILL SEEK ME EARLY.

Matthew 23:37-39 (KJV) O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

For I say unto you, YE SHALL NOT SEE ME HENCEFORTH, TILL YE SHALL SAY, BLESSED IS HE THAT COMETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.

This means when they behold him as a nation.

God bless.

Concluding thoughts

This reminds us of Gideon when he asked the angel whose side are you on and he said "the Lord's side." ( Joshua 5:13-15). As with anything else the attitudes of the heart are more important than a surface level of the law. Or; in order to do what was expected "obedience is better than sacrifice." ( 1 Samuel 15:22). This is why certain functions were only done by priests. Christ Himself; of course was fully God and fully man; certainly the Creator could do as He wished. Mercy and compassion were used over and over to the obstinate Pharisees who Christ would frequently bother doing miracles on the Sabbath. Luke 14:5 shows that compassion to an animal is a "work" that someone with compassion would do if an animal fell in a pit. ( Proverbs 12:10-12).

The law until the church was established was still in effect; and people were told to do what was required but not the way the Pharisees did as they were full of hypocrisy. ( Matthew 23:23). The law now was summarized by Christ by loving God with all your heart; soul; mind and strength and loving your neighbor as yourself ( Luke 10:27). We are asked now in the N.T. NOT to follow "holy days" and such ( Galatians 4:9-10). Some say there is controversy there; but it is clear that Paul did meet on the first day of the week ( Acts 20:7); and collections were to be prepared that day ( 1 Cor. 16:2). At the very least; the Son of man being lord of the Sabbath trumps any earlier Sabbath laws since we are under a New Covenant as to having to meet Saturdays.

It would appear that Sunday worship was established; although I will not argue that it is to be substituted for what was Saturday worship; or it is wrong any day to gather for corporate worship. The effect of the law certainly doesn't bring a death penalty. However; many laws that did (the clearest being murder) hasn't helped society today with it's lawlessness; clearly.

Once He comes in the Millennium; He will rule with a rod of iron and enforce law.

You couldn't be more wrong GIGI!

Genesis 3:12 And the man Adam said,"The woman whom Thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat."

13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, "What is this that thou hast done?" And the woman said, "The serpent

[Satan] beguiled/wholly seduced me, and I did eat."

14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, "Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:

15 And I will put enmity/construct between thee and the woman, and between thy [Satan's] seed and her Seed; Christ shall bruise thy head [vital part], and thou shalt bruise His heel [lower part]."

16 Unto the woman He said, "I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception [pregnancy]; in sorrow [painful

toil] thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be subject to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee."

Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the SERPENT BEGUILED EVE THROUGH HIS SUBTILTY, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

Who's the serpent? Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Matthew 23:29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,

31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets

32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

Thank you for this question and thank you fellow believers for the answers. Please also consider this from Jesus:

Matthew 23:37 and Luke 13:34

Very respectfully,

Amen Brother.

That reminds me of these verses.

Matthew 23:26. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.

Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

"If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door."

Genesis 4:7

"That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel..."

Matthew 23:35 KJV Crown copyright in UK

In response to this...

Steve - in Reply on Matthew 23:9

Yet many hold to trinity doctrines of the RCC that are part and parcel of the same false religion, you later said God is only father and you are correct as Jesus called him father and God. No man even Jesus never claimed the position of God... Jesus is born of God comes from God, Son of God and Mary. But not the LORD GOD. No man can claim this...and neither did Jesus.

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Steve, I know I'm late to the party, but I checked this thread and no one had responded to your statement here. I just didn't want to leave it unanswered...

You stated as facts that:

1) "Jesus never claimed the position of God."

2) "[Jesus is] not the LORD GOD."

3) And, finally, that Jesus did not claim to be LORD GOD.

You may view these as facts, but since this position is completely discomfited by the teachings of the Bible, I will have to cry "heresy" on this. (You sound like a Jehovah's Witness, so pardon me if I've mistaken you, but I will address your comments with that working assumption in mind.)

There are SO MANY WAYS the deity of Christ (as LORD GOD, Lord, God, and Jehovah) are confirmed by the Bible. Unfortunately, if you are using the NWT you will have look a bit further than your Bible to find the true nature of Jesus. The Watchtower translators have done a fair job of removing his true nature & glory from the detection of their proselytes. You'll want to take a look at the Greek Interlinear New Testament (published by the Watchtower, but currently out-of-print), to see how the English you are reading lines up with (or fails to line up with) the original Greek text they claim to be translating. It's a great tool for anyone to see how word-by-word translation works. Unfortunately, it also reveals that they have not produced a word-for-word translation of the Bible. John Chapter 1 is a good starting point. It's one of the clearest declarations of Jesus as Jehovah, but they've altered it.

In response to this...

Vicki l Joplin on Ezekiel 13:20

The pillows are covering his outstretched hands. He wants his children to come to him but false preachers are covering the truth with the rapture theory.

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I think you are missing the context of the passage, and it has (as a result) created this totally off-topic discussion.

The mention of the pillows & the kerchiefs are references to falcon hunting. The pillow covers the hunter's hand/wrist/forearm to protect it from the talons of the hunting bird. The kerchief covers the eyes of the hunting bird--like a hood--until the hunter is ready to release the bird after its prey. (For more insight on this, you might check out the fantastic foreign documentary called "The Eagle Huntress".)

Suffice it to say--this chapter and the next are directly addressing God's thoughts on false prophets and providing some identifying marks for such persons. Here in verse 20, God is vowing to strip these false prophets (or false teachers, in our day) of the protective pillows that allow falconers to hold their captured birds of prey at the ready--as a perch for release & return. In the following verse God also vows to remove the kerchiefs that cover the falcons' eyes, keeping them in thrall to their handlers, between hunts. The pillow is: a contrived perch, a base of operations, a protection from the "natural consequences" of the sport (the talons being turned upon the hunter). The kerchief/hood enables control through blindness.

These are both classic mechanisms/trappings of cults, still alive & well today. (See also Matthew 23:15.) For example: Mormons baptize their children into their control group at age 8, feed them a steady stream of man-centered heresy & idolatry, then turn them loose (with no chaperone) as "missionaries" around age 18-22...trusting that they will "capture" others & return to their perches, obediently, when they are finished.

(These are both precious promises of hope!)

Thank you brother Jesse. Jesus fulfilled His appointment perfectly by His position & attitude of servitude to all, so that we might learn from His example. Philippians 2:7; Matthew 23:11.

Jesus always spoke of his Father in Heaven.

Matthew 16:17

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in HEAVEN.

[not in Rome]

Matthew 23:9

And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in HEAVEN.

Mark 13:32

But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

Matthew 5:16

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father

WHICH IS IN HEAVEN.

Some Blood of Jesus scripture references:

Hebrews 10:19 and 13:12; Ephesians 2:13

1 John 1:7 and 1 John 5:6

Matthew 16:17

I do not want to offend. The Pope, nor any priest of the Catholic Church should be called Father.

God is a consuming fire.

As long as we keep those facts straight, we are ok. The council of Nicea, adopted the King James Bible for all faiths to use.

The way things are going, in the World, now: is a good time to be following Jesus.

Recently, the Pope went to Israel and counseled them to give the West Bank to the Palestinians.

In the Book of Genesis, God made a Covenant through Abraham concerning the Lands of Israel; which includes Jerusalem. The Final wars of mankind will be over Who Owns Israel.

If you don't have a Bible, there is a full Bible on this Website, plus Commentarie.

Exodus 12:48-49

"48! And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.

49 One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you."

Also Leviticus 19:33-34, Leviticus 24:23, Matthew 23:15 etc

Zechariah 1:1,

I believe you may be mistaken, not the Word of GOD

In my study I looked up the "Court"

The Court : Exodus 27, in the tabernacle, Exodus 40:20-33, the House: 1Kings 6:16-36, 1Kings 8:64, 2 Chronicles 4:6-22, Solomon made,

2Chronicles 24:18-27, Court, before captivity into Babylon, note Isaiah was prophesing of it, in 2 Chronicles,

Zechariah, Zacharias, etc. 2Chronicles 29:1, 2Kings 14:29, 2Kings 18:2 2Kings 15:8,11, even Luke 1:5,12,13,18,21,40,59,67,

There seems to be several men with same name, but Jesus specified "the son of Barachias" Zechariah 1:1, note: Luke 11:50-51, Matthew 23:31-39, 'between the temple & the alter '

Zechariah son of Berechaih was alive prophesing during the 2nd year of Darius, Zechariah 1:1, seemingly During: Daniel 6:1, Daniel 9:1, Daniel 11:1, the time of rebuilding, Ezra 4:24, Ezra 5:7, Ezra 6:13, Haggai 1:15, Haggai 2:10, Nehemiah 12:22,

Please note Zechariah 7:1, the house of The LORD was rebuilt & Zechariah approached their sin, Zechariah 7, he even speaks of the 70 years of captivity: Zechariah 7:5,

Hopefully these are helpful

In Matthew 23:35 the Lord Jesus states that Zacharias son of Barachias was slain between the temple and the altar. II Chronicles 24:20-22 states it was a different Zacharias, son of Jehoiada the priest. Which part of the Bible is incorrect?

James, brother in Faith of Jesus Christ our Savior

John 13:34,35, Matthew 22:39, we all are to love one another

James 1:27, 2Timothy 2:24, Catholic have hospitals for wounded, known for helping widows & orphans, yet we all should be humbly teachable

Matthew 25:31-46,

Romans 14:4, GOD will judge ultimately, Romans 14:12,

These scriptures alert me: Jeremiah 7:18, Jeremiah 44:17-30 not to worship Queen of heaven, not to give offering either,

Matthew 23:9, call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 23, please read whole chapter, it actually corrects several Christian churches & leadership titles.

John 14:6, Acts 4:10-12,

1Timothy 4:1-3, false to teach forbidding to marry, 1Corinthians 7:28, 1Corinthians 7:2-6, by leaving these out of teaching & allowing into ministry, only the supposed abstainer may have perpetrated the horrible stain in that part of the Church today.

Hopefully these are helpful in this discussion