In Acts 2:38 Peter said unto them, Repent, and "BE" baptized!
When John the baptist was baptizing in Matthew 3:10-11 he says "And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
The question is what tree is John talking about and what group of people he's talking to? I believe we will find the answer in the previous verse.
9) "And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
John is talking to Israel!
John is the forerunner who goes out to announce the king. But he does more!
There's also an beginning to a different economy as he states in verse 10. "the ax is laid unto the root of the trees:
In verse 11 John gives precedence to another baptism that is by the Lord and not Israel's outwards profession.
11) "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
There's two baptisms here in this particular section of scripture. .
The baptism of John was to Israel identifying them to not so much a new economy but what was being projected all along.
Everything under the Levitical priesthood and old covenant was a foreshadow of the fulfillment in Christ. Paul makes this distinction in Acts 19:2-6
Water today is a profession to something that has already taken place.
"And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:"
John 3:5
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
Acts 2:38
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Acts 10:47
"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?"
Acts 22:16
"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."
I always read your postings because it shows how intent you are on reflecting on not only what is going on presently in our world, but also spiritual topics that affect the church in these times. So, Thanks.
My only comment on this post was your mention of Matthew 3:7 where John the Baptist is addressing the Pharisees and Jewish leaders when he was baptizing at the Jordan. John called them "vipers" and emphasize their need to repent or else they will not avoid the wrath to come.
This warning was for unbelievers and I think the wrath John was speaking of is what God brought upon Jerusalem in 70 A.D.
So, I do not think this is a verse that speaks to believers in our time. But, we should be careful that we do not become self-assured in thinking we are standing firm, lest we fall ( 1 Cor. 10:12) Self-examination in light of the warnings in Scripture is always in order as we prayerfully ask for God to humble us and guide us in every way, rooting out sinful ways within our hearts that we are not keenly aware of or that we brush off too readily, and seeking wisdom and truth in our inward parts, as David sought so seriously.
How do we begin? The 7-year tribulation is taken from the 490-year prophecy in Daniel 9:25-27. The he in Daniel 9:27 is said to be the antichrist, who will make a 3.5-year peace treaty with Israel. Midway through this week, he will cause the abomination that makes desolate, leading to 3.5 years of great tribulation.
In verse 25, it states there will be 69 weeks from the commandment to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Messiah, 483 years. This was fulfilled when Jesus was baptized and anointed with the Holy Spirit, as seen in Matthew 3:13-17. Jesus confirms His identity as the Messiah in Luke 3:16-21, and John denies being the Christ but speaks of Jesus in John 1:33-34.
Daniel 9:26 states that after sixty-two weeks, the Messiah will be cut off. The 7 weeks, or 49 years, had already passed, a period during which the temple and part of the wall were rebuilt. Jesus' ministry was 3.5 years, so His crucifixion was 69 weeks plus 3.5 years, totaling 486.5 years of the 490-year prophecy, leaving only 3.5 years of the 490-year prophecy.
The people of the prince who shall come are those who will destroy the city and the sanctuary. This refers to Titus, the prince, and the Roman army, the people, who destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in AD 70 for their abominations and rejection.
In verse 27, it is in the middle of the 70th week, Jesus' crucifixion causes the sacrifice and oblation to cease, Hebrews 9:12. During the remaining 3.5 years, Jesus was confirming the covenant to Israel through His apostles, as seen in Matthew 15:24, to the Jew first, Romans 1:16, which ended when the leaders of Jerusalem stopped their ears, Acts 7:54-60.
It says, "for the overspreading of abominations, he shall make it desolate." The he in verse 27 refers to Jesus, not an antichrist. The leaders of Jerusalem are the ones who spread the abominations, and Jesus made it desolate, as described in Matthew 23:37-38. Read the entire chapter of Matthew 23.
Thanks for that bro S. Spencer, to which I fully agree. Matthew 3:15, as you quoted, is particularly relevant, as what Jesus proclaimed through His Baptism marked a real turning point, not just to His Life & Ministry on Earth, but would affect both Jew & Gentile alike. As you mentioned, His Baptism & into His Death & Resurrection ended the Levitical priesthood where priests were no longer required ( Hebrews 10:11,12), Jesus Himself becoming our Great High Priest and the Lamb of God for the sacrifice of our sins. No earthly priest could ever fill that role - he could only stand before God with the burnt offerings pleading for the forgiveness of Israel's sins. "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God", and "by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified."
So Christ's Baptism not only reflected the imminent end of the earthly priesthood, but was also in demonstration before His Father that He would obey Him fully, being sent to fulfil His Will through His substitutionary death for mankind & their sins; and this baptism, unlike that of John's, spoke to John that Jesus came not to him for repentance of any sin within him (for He had none), but for the sake of our sins. So, as Jesus looked forward to Calvary in His Baptism, the believer looks back through his baptism at a marvelous undeserved Work accomplished for him at Calvary. And so "the new covenant, an everlasting covenant" was ushered in, which promises that there can never be another Covenant in the future that would or could make it redundant. God offered us His very best - Himself - that only the Blood of His Son could make a full, lasting & acceptable atonement. Thank you brother for your thoughts on this.
The Gospel of the Kingdom is the message preached during Jesus' earthly ministry, proclaiming the arrival of God's kingdom on earth through His reign as Messiah,
This was to the Jews while they continued faithfulness and righteousness under the Mosaic Law which was appropriate.
In Matthew 3:15 we see Jesus being of age asking John to baptized him.
"And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus IT BECOMETH US TO FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS. Then he suffered him.
I believe Jesus was baptized and inaugurated under the Levitical priesthood to fulfill and end that priesthood at the Cross and bring in the new covenant with his death which was necessary.
Hebrews 9:16-17 'For where a testament is, there MUST ALSO OF NECESSITY BE THE DEATH OF THE TESTATOR.
For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
in the beginning the Gospel of the kingdom was to first a gather the lost sheep of Israel who lost their way.
Then offer up the Kingdom.
Matthew 23:37-39.
That has been postponed!
I believe the mystery was to be revealed at that time also, "after the Gathering" and bringing both Jews and Gentiles under the new covenant by the cross.
However as expected, Israel denied their Messiah and all but a remnant was blinded until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Number 3, referring to those who start their theology with a doctrine they choose. I understand this as preconceived ideas in our minds that block the truth of scripture. We share the same view: the time of Jacob's trouble will not be seven years, but in Revelation 11:2, it will be; they will tread under foot forty-two months. The kingdom will be established on this earth, an unconditional promise from God, and the land of Israel will be restored.
Just like pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, and post-tribulation doctrines. Regardless of which is believed, these are doctrines of the rapture of the Church, not about the first resurrection, which scripture says there are only two. These seven years are not explicitly in Revelation but are often associated with a doctrine derived from Daniel 9:27, which is part of the 490-year or 70-week prophecy given to Daniel. This prophecy concerns the people of Israel and Jerusalem, with 490 years allotted for six specific events, and the destruction of the city and temple in vs 26 by the prince, Titus, and the people, the Roman army in 70 AD.
Additionally, verse 25 states that from the commandment, it will be 69 weeks until the Messiah. This occurred in Matthew 3:16, Luke 3:21-22, and was confirmed by Peter in John 1:45. The seven years had already passed when verse 26 states, "after threescore and two weeks shall the Messiah be cut off/crucified. 7 + 62 = 69 weeks. Jesus was anointed, and about 3.5 years later, He was crucified, not for Himself but for us. This was in the middle of the 70th week and ended the need for sacrifice and oblations, Scripture, not doctrine.
The prophecy given to Daniel in Chapter 9 has been fulfilled; the 70 weeks ended when Stephen was killed. Blindness is in part, and the gospel went to the Gentiles until their fullness. The 7 years are only part of the doctrine of the rapture of the Church, not in Scripture.
Thank you Lbooth1955 for sharing more on how you understand this matter. Let's say that what you believe (pertaining to Peter & the eleven apostle's understanding & performance of water baptism) is what they continued to do after the Lord's direction to them. Of course, I don't quite see it the way you do, as I would then need to make certain assumptions such as, what did those apostles actually understand when Jesus spoke to them and their beliefs on this after His death & resurrection. It is true that they were ministering to a people who were under the Old Covenant, and so their words, requirements & practises would pertain to them alone, rather than to the Gentile. Yet, we can't be sure that Peter & the others knew nothing of what the fuller proper meaning of water baptism was (that it would have the same meaning as if understood by Paul): i.e. a declaration of repentance from dead works & identification with the risen Christ Who was able to cleanse them and save them. After all, John (the Baptist) was the prelude to this in preparation of the coming Messiah Who would "baptize (them) with the Holy Ghost, and with fire" ( Matthew 3:11). Jesus' disciples, not Jesus Himself, continued to baptize ( John 4:2), but His baptism would one day be with the Holy Spirit.
What was once, "water baptism symbolizing repentance, cleansing, and identification with the coming kingdom and Messiah - It was a requirement for entering the prophesied kingdom on earth" (your quote), still continued well after Calvary and must have included the merits of the Cross firmly within its meaning, or else what the apostles believed & practised was totally meaningless, working under the Old Covenant of John's baptism. Onto Page 2.
Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
8For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
10That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Verse 7 shows that Paul has hidden treasure; as it were of things of heavenly value that were established when he fulfilled the Apostolic role of founding the Phillipian church. They are apparently co-workers in the body of Christ which resulted in great affection of Paul for them (verse 8). Paul's response to them was to continue to increase in love in relation to knowledge and judgment. This shows once again that judgment; righeous judgment that is was epected as it is mentioned also in the correction of the Corinthians who were anything but settled and mature in their walk. This theme is repeated later on in Phillipians 4:8 (what is stated in verse 10). The fruits of righteousness no doubt show works worthy of repentance. This theme is first seen in Matthew 3:8 and repeated elsewhere. (see Gal. 5:22-23).
Verses 12-14
But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
13So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
14And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Apparently Paul had a witness in the palace or governmental stronghold where he was. Clearly he was able to get letters in and out and others were aware of his plight
You have received good replies. To me, John is addressing those who will believe in the one after him, Jesus. The baptizing with fire in Matthew 3:11 and Luke 3:16 is after we accept and believe in Jesus as our savior and receive the Holy Spirit; we are then baptized with fire to refine us, as silver and gold are refined by fire.
These metals are put in a refining pot and placed over the fire. As the metals are heated, the impurities float to the top and are scooped off by a ladle and discarded, making the gold and silver purer. This fire represents trials and tribulations we go through to strengthen our faith and purify our hearts so that we become more like Christ, our pot is this world we live in.
Here are a few verses you may read: Malachi 3:2-3, Zachariah 13:9, 1 Corinthians 3:13, James 1:2-3, 1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 4:12.
There are more, and your search is part of your walk in faith. We must embrace trials and tribulations as signs that we are not alone and can have peace, as Jesus said in John 16:33.
Fire is often used in scripture to emphasize judgment or refining.
When it has unquenchable attached to it I believe that is judgment.
Matthew 3:11-12 reads "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. The chaff is what gets burned with UNQUENCHABLE fire.
I don't believe the Church is considered chaff.
That seems to speak of judgment. That's what John the Baptist preached,
I believe that's what the early Church believed.
The belief that it means Martyrdom came later but doesn't line up with scripture.
The baptism by fire comes from the Lord himself,
I can't believe he burned the believers by stake with unquenchable fire.
Hello WALKEC29. This expression, taken from Matthew 3:11, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire", was given by John the Baptist when the people (especially the Jewish religious leaders) gathered around him as he was baptizing with the baptism of repentance. He then speaks to them about the coming One, Jesus, who would not baptize with water but with the Holy Spirit and with Fire.
There are several interpretations for this passage, particularly "baptism with Fire". John does refer in verse 10 about the tree that produces bad fruit would be cast into the fire; and again in verse 12, that Jesus will gather the wheat (the good crop) into the storehouse, whereas the chaff will be horribly & eternally burned. Both these verses speak the same, being directed to these religious leaders, that they are the ones under the coming judgement, unless they repent & turn to the coming Savior. This is one interpretation that is valid.
The other is, that John was speaking of both Holy Spirit baptism and fire in the one thought, & probably inferring that the same Spirit of Christ would be given to indwell the believer but also bring about a fire in them. How could we understand this aspect? Some here might have other understanding, though I tend to lean to the one who puts their faith in Christ Jesus & is baptized with the Holy Spirit, will (must) have the Spirit's Work go through that believer to remove/burn off the dross or chaff of sin harboring within. This is not to mean that we become sinless as a result, but the Holy Spirit's Work, being manifold, is chiefly to keep us pure and holy before our Lord, keeping us very sensitive to sin's temptations & entrance, & to deal with it soon, so He doesn't have to deal with us. So the Holy Spirit and His Fire are continually at work within us.
I'm going to confidently say full immersion. Reading the scriptures it was always full immersion. Jesus was fully immersed, and his disciples followed suit when they baptized. Here's part of Matthew 3:16 "16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water:" so he went up and out.
So that being said, why would they change it? Even the Jews becoming Christians in the beginning of Acts all were done like that. We don't see sprinkling baptism come until much later in the church age, and if I remember right it came from like Africa or Egypt or something and that was an invention of Roman Catholicism.
I guess in short it's always been submersion and there isn't a point in scripture ever where it suddenly becomes sprinkling. I hope this helps.
Thank you, I did not start this thread and I should have known where it would lead. I have laid out my understanding of this over the years I have been on this site. I can give you my knowledge on what you replied, like Matthew 3:16-17 You see all three in these verses The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
What I see is that this message was given to John. When he sees the Holy Spirit alight on someone and remains, he will know that person is the one God has revealed to him as the Messiah, His Son, the Lamb of God, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. What else I see is God's Spirit was in Jesus, not on, God gave Jesus His Spirit without measure to do all the works God did.
God manifested Himself in Jesus on earth through His Spirit. God's Spirit did not leave Jesus, that is what Jesus said to His disciples, they know him for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. John 14:17, God's Spirit was in Jesus, and If you have seen me, you have seen the Father, John 14:9.
Matthew 28:19 I can say, I have researched this verse and the manuscripts, and many say it is not in the Greek manuscripts but that does not prove anything. I can also say if this was what Jesus told the disciples to do and the method to baptize, we do not see any baptizing done this way. All baptisms recorded in the New Testament is only done in the name of Jesus. Only in Jesus' name, Acts 2:38, Acts 4:12
I love you, brother, if I reply to all you have sent me nothing will change. I feel tensions rising, things are starting to be said, not by you, like I said I did not start this thread, and if you do not mind, I feel it is best if I do not discuss this subject anymore.
I believe that you are aware of the verses I am going to list below and probably you interprete them in your own way but nevertheless.
Verses that show that the Holy Spirit is a person, not an impersonal thing, like a mere power:
Firstly it is true that God does everything through His Spirit, but not really everything, we will see it later on. That is why the Spirit is called, especially in the OT, as the hand or arm of God, because as a man uses his hand or arm to do things similarly God uses His Spirit.
1. Matthew 3:16-17, "16And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:" 17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased".
Here we see the Father separate from the Son and the Spirit. The voice from heaven was not the Spirit's voice but Father's
2. Matthew 28:19, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:".
Why is the Holly Spirit included in the name of God if it is a mere thing? And why one name instead of three names?
3. Matthew 12:25-32, "And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; ...26And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; ...? 28if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.....31Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."
Today we may call the " gospel ", the good news. It's news from God to believe and follow .
1. The first good news.
Genesis 2:16-17
16And theLordGod commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
2. The second good news.
Genesis 7:1
And theLordsaid untoNoah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.
3. The third good news. The promises and covenants.
Genesis 17:5
Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall beAbraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
4. The fourth good news. Moses and the law.
Exodus 3:6
Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. AndMoseshid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
5. The fifth good news is John the Baptist.
Matthew 3:1-2
1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
6. The sixth good news . Jesus Christ the Messiah, the King, and the Savior.
John 1:17
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came byJesusChrist.
7. The seventh good news . Apostle Paul with the gospel of grace in the resurrection of Christ Jesus.
Romans 1:16
ForIamnotashamedof the gospel of Christ:foritis the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek
Galatians 1:1
Paul, anapostle, (not omen, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;
Now we are here today with the writing of Apostle Paul. We all have a choice to receive the good news from Apostle Paul's epistle.
May God Almighty in the third Heaven bless the gospel of grace to all .
To the first one: when we speak of Jesus being God, or Almighty God, we know that Jesus is not the Father - He is the Son (of God). But the question: where did Jesus come from that He should be called God, or Divine? Jesus Himself spoke of coming forth from God ( John 16:28, "I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father").
The prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 7:14 prophesied about a special Child to be born, which was fulfilled as given in Matthew 1:22,23, "Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us".
So just from these few verses we are told that God was going to bring a special Person into the World (and we know that it was for the purpose of Sacrifice & Redemption of sinners); and this Person was not born from the union of two humans, but His beginning was from God Himself. John 1:1-14 tells us that God's Word was made flesh, begotten of the Father - and John was speaking here of Jesus (Jesus' Origin & His Divine Nature).
Why does Jesus then pray to God? Because God brought forth One, a part of Himself, Who is both Divine & Human, & called Him His Son ( Matthew 3:17), for He came forth from within the Person of God. As a Son, Jesus now rightfully speaks (or prays) to His Father & was subservient to Him in every respect fulfilling the Will of the Father to one day make full payment for our sins. This Jesus has done, which God His Father accepted, & raised Jesus to be with Him sharing in His Glory, in Honor & in Power. As the Son of God, Jesus was wholly obedient to His Father's Will; now raised in Glory, the Son receives the praise & worship just as God His Father receives ( Philippians 2:5-11). Onto Page 2.
I believe your application of the Greek word HOSEI used in Both Acts 2:3 and Matthew 3:16 is correct. There was a point early on in my walk with the Lord where I used to envision a pure white dove descending from heaven upon Jesus at His baptism. It seems so easy to miss some of those little catch phrases in our study of the word.
In Acts 2:3, it's interesting because they could see an appearance of these languages dividing up and it sat upon each one of them. What they actually saw I'm not sure, but I can't help but wonder why it would happen like this for them.
I also find it interesting that both fire and wind to a Jewish person represents the very Spirit and presence of God. We see the wind in Acts 2:2. As you're probably aware, the word wind and the word Spirit, both in Hebrew and in Greek is the same word.
I look back at John Chapter 3, where Jesus told Nicodemus that he needed to be born from above (experience a spiritual birth from heaven). And in John 3:8, Jesus says that it's like the wind, you don't know where it's coming from or where it's going to go afterwards.
It seems to me that He's interchanging wind with spirit, and the sound of the wind was to a Jewish person, the coming of the Holy Spirit. So, in Acts Chapter 2, here are Jewish people, in the upper room, they hear the sound of wind, and they have seen languages sitting upon each one of them (as of) fire sitting upon each one of them. Fascinating!
Thanks again brother Jesse for these ongoing clarifications & teaching of biblical texts; and now looking forward to learning more from the Acts of the Apostles.
I noted your Acts 2:3, "And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them"; where you've explained the "as of" denoting a similarity or appearance of fire, but not actually fire. Also, I found interesting that you have seen 'glossai' as pertaining to languages (i.e. the appearance of divided languages coming upon them, and presumably the apostles then spoke accordingly to those languages). I have always imagined that the 'tongues' here (glossai) spoke of the similarity or appearance to the human tongue, not referring specifically to language(s), but to its appearance as of a flickering flame resembling a tongue. So, your explanation is something quite new to me & worth bearing in mind.
And back to the "as of" fire phrase; as you wrote this was not an actual fire, but resembled it. This could be the same word (hosei) used in Matthew 3:16, "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending LIKE (hosei) A dove, and lighting upon him". We see the illustration so often of a dove descending upon the Lord, that many Christians now believe that an actual dove, the shape of which the Holy Spirit assumed to come upon Jesus. Which of course is sacrilege according to the commandment ( Exodus 20:4,5; Deuteronomy 4:16-19). Rather, it seems that 'hosei' is used here as well, to show that the Holy Spirit's descent upon Jesus was seen just 'as a dove would flutter & glide towards the ground' and had nothing at all to do with an actual bird. I hope I'm using 'hosei' correctly in both Acts 2:3 & Matthew 3:16. Blessings.
RED APPLE TREATY 4 ME ONLY - In Reply - 1 year ago
Line 8-11 My Respond: I believe fruit can also allow growth and to bear.
God's confirming his covenant & to be God's son and in growth. Galatians 3:17 KJV
Though we have an important role to play, even our determination to flourish with fruit of the Spirit is evidence of God's grace.
Eveidence- Hebrews 11:1 KJV
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Myself trusting God and having faith has blessed me with evidence to receive (fruit of the Spirit)
Ways you can have faith is by reading your Holy Bible, prayer, attending church, involved in ministry, volunteering.
The Holy Spirit is the one who stimulates our desire to grow in Christ. Growth is gracious. My interpetation is God's grace Matthew 3:2 KJV, Ephesians 2:8 KJV
Trust that growth will happen, and when it does, thank Jesus for the fruit produced by his appointment.
Producing fruit John 15:7-8 KJV
Elder Graves Quoted Motivations for Christian Excellence
4. Excellence is a Witness to Others:
Line 5-8 My Respond: Having faith on Jesus death,burial and resurrection1 Corinthians 15:3-4 has blessed me and with integrity and Fairness.
Elder Graves Quoted Examples of Biblical Excellence
I like your scripture on Daniel and the Three Hebrew Boys:
My Respond:Daniel giving God credit, reference, Glory that is due.
Elder Graves Quoted 2.Define What Excellence Means to You:
My Respond:
Myself practicing these helps me show myself approved.
Elder Graves Quoted 3.Develop Habits of Diligence and Discipline:
My repsond:
Yes it prepared me in career, ministry, amd personal life.
My interpetation and Word spoken by Redappletreaty4meonly
For the next few days we'll consider how spiritual growth, is gracious, gradual, and guaranteed. My interpetation is God's confirming his covenant & to be God's son and in growth. Galatians 3:17 KJV
And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
Though we have an important role to play, even our determination to flourish with fruit of the Spirit is evidence of God's grace.
Eveidence- Hebrews 11:1 KJV
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Myself trusting God and having faith has blessed me with evidence to receive (fruit of the Spirit)
Ways you can have faith is by reading your Holy Bible, prayer, attending church, involved in ministry, volunteering.
The Holy Spirit is the one who stimulates our desire to grow in Christ. Growth is gracious. My interpetation is God's grace Matthew 3:2 KJV, Ephesians 2:8 KJV
Trust that growth will happen, and when it does, thank Jesus for the fruit produced by his appointment.
Scriptures that will help you trust God that he establish Deuteronomy 8:18 KJV, Proverbs 10:22 KJV
Producing fruit John 15:7-8 KJV
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
RED APPLE TREATY 4 ME ONLY - In Reply - 1 year ago
Continued:
These are examples of people in fear, sickness and death situations and my ways and interpetation to overcome through Jesus Christ is God died /sacrifice on the cross , buried in a grave, after 3 day rose from the dead.
1) A man with health concerns was about to undergo another major surgery, he said that while he was anxious about his health and didn't want to die, he wasn't afraid of being sick or dying. He was asked why -and said he knew that whatever happened, God was in control. My interpetation he had faith ( Psalms 30:2 KJV ) and believed Jesus Christ is God ( Isaiah 56:6 KJV )
2) A trembling woman who had been sick for many years approached Jesus . Then she touched the edge of his cloak and was immediately healed! While she was afraid to speak up about what she had done. Jesus assured her that her faith in him had made her whole. Here is a textual scripture: Mark 5:25-34 KJV My interpetation is meaning she listened to God's commands believing the truth-Jesus Christ is God.( Isaiah 54:10 KJV,) bringing and end to the law Romans 10:4 KJV meaning made well and healed.
Mark 5:33 KJV
33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
3)Sickness and death are things that we all fear in one way or another My interpetation believing in God and not believing in God. But as we look at these grim realities, we need to see them through the lens of a Jesus sacrifice for us My interpetation: ( Matthew 3:2 KJV, Matthew 4:19 KJV, John 3:16 KJV) and God love for us Romans 5:8 KJV.
Matthew 3:2 KJV
And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 4:19 KJV
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Have someone ever spoke to you or gave you writings about God's love?
Written and spoken interpetation Word by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
You said, "Temptation or testing is for an answer to whether someone will be obedient or disobedient,
Ronald here's a silly illustration. When a salesman at a car dealership let's you test drive a car, is he testing to see if the car is obedient? No. He's proving the car is what he say it is.
That's why the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to show Jesus is who the father said he was in the previous verse.
Here's how it's read straight through.
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Matthew 3:17 - Matthew 4:1.
You asked, How can one be obedient if they cannot be disobedient?
That would be a good question for you and I.
We have a rebellious nature.
Disobedience is our fleshly nature. That's not so with Christ.
If you have to resist sin, you have a sinful nature. That's not so with Christ.
You asked;
If the first Adam was created with a sinful nature could God say He saw everything.
Yes Ronald, Absolutely. He made Adam just the way he planned to make him, and Adam did exactly what was expected. Christ wasn't a afterthought. God knew Adam would sin before he made him.
That is the long answers I have for you Ronald.
Again, My short answer is, Jesus is God and God cannot sin.
Thanks Brother Ronald,
We both know we don't agree on this.
I just thought it was necessary to give my thoughts.
Matthe 4:1. "Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
Here's my understanding.
In Matthew 3 we see Jesus being baptized by John the baptist.
Then, in verse 17it reads, "And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased"
That brings us to Chapter 4 where we see the tempting of Satan in which the word for tempted is "peiraz" which means to to test (objectively) that is endeavor 6
scrutinize entice discipline: - assay examine go about to prove.
( Matthew 4:1-11)
Verse 1 says it was the Spirit which led Jesus up into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
What is Important to note in this section is that the DEVIL WASN'T BEING USED TO TEST TO SEE IF JESUS WAS THE SON OF GOD. HE KNEW JESUS WAS THE SON OF GOD!
In verse 3 where it says "if thou be the Son of God"
It should read "And when the tempter came to him, he said, "SINCE" thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
Again, It was the Spirit that led Jesus into the wilderness to EXHIBIT this truth that was declared in Matthew 3:17.
That's my understanding on Christ being tempted.
Also; There is nowhere in scripture that says Christ had a inherited sin nature. .
I don't hold the view that Adam was created "Without" a sin nature. Adam was made a living soul;
Christ was made a Life giving spirit. Neither had to become that or hold on to it. Adam sinned and it proved he had that in him.
Christ proved he didn't.
HERE'S HOW THEY CONTRAST; "Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual
The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
1 Corinthians 15:46-47.
Christ was ordained to be the Lamb that takes away the sins of the whole world before the world began! He didn't have to qualify.
To know Christ and to make Him known is the theme of the Navigators ministry and correlates with 1 John and other passages.
This is a good summary of understanding the personal meaning of Christ's sacrifice on the cross for atonement as well as our duties fulfilling our part in the Great Commission.
I imagine most here know the necessary doctrines of believing Christ is a member of the Godhead and thus Divinity Himself who was the only one who could atone for sins (as the sinless spotless Lamb of God) by becoming a man as we are without sin and remaining so throughout His earthly ministry; then dying on the cross and resurrecting from the dead 3 days later. Finally; He is to return once again physically to rule and reign on the earth.
2 Timothy 2:8 and 2 Thessalonians 2:2 show we should avoid the error of stating that the resurrection has already occurred or the day of the Lord is at hand. Matthew 24:26 states that the Lord hasn't come yet for those who say He is hiding somewhere and also states the likeness of His arrival as lightning in the very next verse. This should be enough to disclaim what Preterists state that the Lord has already come. Therefore I would contend that full Preterists that state this are far enough off in doctrine that we should avoid fellowship with them.
Assuming we have the essentials of salvation straightened out; there are many other warnings and admonitions in scripture such as testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith would involve ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). We need to accept that doctrines aren't just what is required to be saved; but also what is necessary to prove that we are bringing fruits worthy of repentance ( Matthew 3:8 and many other similar verses). We are not subject to the law in some sense IF we are truly dead to sin ( Romans 6:11) in one sense; because we have a new nature; but in the same token we DESIRE to obey Christ and love and serve Him as Lord; Master and Savior.
The following verse " Psalms 1:1-6 speaks volumes!
There's a lot of doctrine built around this.
Vs 3 "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.
(HIS LEAF SHALL NOT WITHER!
Forever being fruitful!)
Jeremiah 17:7-8 is another one that picks up on this.
"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, NEITHER SHALL CEASE FROM YIELDING FRUIT.
Jesus uses this idiom in John 7:37-39 "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Also see John 4:10.
THANK GOD FOR HIS HOLYSPIRIT THAT SEALS AND GUIDES US!
Psalms 1:1-6.
THE UNGODLY ARE NOT SO: but are like the CHAFF which the wind driveth away.
THEREFORE THE UNGODLY SHALL NOT STAND IN THE JUDGMENT,
(They will have their own Judgment)
NOR SINNERS IN THE CONGREGATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS.
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
(THE CHAFF IS NOT BINDING TO THE TREE AND HAS NO ROOTS AND NO FRUIT.)
More on the chaff. Matthew 3:11-12
Praise the Lord!
This is why Psalms 1:1 says "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
Thank you for your good question Kr00031. I have tried to do a little research on this by examining other verses with this 'anomaly'. And though I can't be sure about it in every case, my guess is that in the KJBible, quotation marks are not used to indicate someone's speech or a quotation from a source.
So, in today's English usage, if I were to write, Jesus said, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone...." ( Matthew 4:4), I would use quotation marks front & rear of the sentence to indicate Jesus' Words. But in the writing of the KJB, quotation apparently weren't employed but capitalizing the first letter after the speech or quotation, indicated the start of it.
You can look at the following examples to see how this works: Matthew 2:8 (Go); Matthew 2:23 (He); Matthew 3:3 (The); Matthew 3:15 (Suffer). I think you will get the idea of how the first letter of the first word is capitalized when a message is uttered or a verse is quoted.
I don't know how but I left letters out of Elohim three times.
The passages should have read as follows
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD Yehvh, make straight in the desert a highway for our "God/Elohim".
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before ME: AND THE LORD, WHOM YE SEEK, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD/Yehvh of hosts.
And
Isaiah 40:1-5
"Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your "God / Elohim."
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/Yehvh hand double for all her sins.
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD Yehvh, make straight in the desert a highway for our "God/Elohim".
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/Yehvh shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD/Yehvh hath spoken it.
It's interesting that you have Yehvh, lhym, and dn 'dn being represented as the same individual in these passages and if you add Mark 1:1-4Matthew 3:3 and John 1:14-29.
In Acts 2:38 Peter said unto them, Repent, and "BE" baptized!
When John the baptist was baptizing in Matthew 3:10-11 he says "And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
The question is what tree is John talking about and what group of people he's talking to? I believe we will find the answer in the previous verse.
9) "And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
John is talking to Israel!
John is the forerunner who goes out to announce the king. But he does more!
There's also an beginning to a different economy as he states in verse 10. "the ax is laid unto the root of the trees:
In verse 11 John gives precedence to another baptism that is by the Lord and not Israel's outwards profession.
11) "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
There's two baptisms here in this particular section of scripture. .
The baptism of John was to Israel identifying them to not so much a new economy but what was being projected all along.
Everything under the Levitical priesthood and old covenant was a foreshadow of the fulfillment in Christ. Paul makes this distinction in Acts 19:2-6
Water today is a profession to something that has already taken place.
Blessings
Matthew 3:16
"And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:"
John 3:5
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
Acts 2:38
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Acts 10:47
"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?"
Acts 22:16
"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."
Blessings
I always read your postings because it shows how intent you are on reflecting on not only what is going on presently in our world, but also spiritual topics that affect the church in these times. So, Thanks.
My only comment on this post was your mention of Matthew 3:7 where John the Baptist is addressing the Pharisees and Jewish leaders when he was baptizing at the Jordan. John called them "vipers" and emphasize their need to repent or else they will not avoid the wrath to come.
This warning was for unbelievers and I think the wrath John was speaking of is what God brought upon Jerusalem in 70 A.D.
So, I do not think this is a verse that speaks to believers in our time. But, we should be careful that we do not become self-assured in thinking we are standing firm, lest we fall ( 1 Cor. 10:12) Self-examination in light of the warnings in Scripture is always in order as we prayerfully ask for God to humble us and guide us in every way, rooting out sinful ways within our hearts that we are not keenly aware of or that we brush off too readily, and seeking wisdom and truth in our inward parts, as David sought so seriously.
Anyway, thanks for your input, as always.
How do we begin? The 7-year tribulation is taken from the 490-year prophecy in Daniel 9:25-27. The he in Daniel 9:27 is said to be the antichrist, who will make a 3.5-year peace treaty with Israel. Midway through this week, he will cause the abomination that makes desolate, leading to 3.5 years of great tribulation.
In verse 25, it states there will be 69 weeks from the commandment to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Messiah, 483 years. This was fulfilled when Jesus was baptized and anointed with the Holy Spirit, as seen in Matthew 3:13-17. Jesus confirms His identity as the Messiah in Luke 3:16-21, and John denies being the Christ but speaks of Jesus in John 1:33-34.
Daniel 9:26 states that after sixty-two weeks, the Messiah will be cut off. The 7 weeks, or 49 years, had already passed, a period during which the temple and part of the wall were rebuilt. Jesus' ministry was 3.5 years, so His crucifixion was 69 weeks plus 3.5 years, totaling 486.5 years of the 490-year prophecy, leaving only 3.5 years of the 490-year prophecy.
The people of the prince who shall come are those who will destroy the city and the sanctuary. This refers to Titus, the prince, and the Roman army, the people, who destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in AD 70 for their abominations and rejection.
In verse 27, it is in the middle of the 70th week, Jesus' crucifixion causes the sacrifice and oblation to cease, Hebrews 9:12. During the remaining 3.5 years, Jesus was confirming the covenant to Israel through His apostles, as seen in Matthew 15:24, to the Jew first, Romans 1:16, which ended when the leaders of Jerusalem stopped their ears, Acts 7:54-60.
It says, "for the overspreading of abominations, he shall make it desolate." The he in verse 27 refers to Jesus, not an antichrist. The leaders of Jerusalem are the ones who spread the abominations, and Jesus made it desolate, as described in Matthew 23:37-38. Read the entire chapter of Matthew 23.
See part 2.
So Christ's Baptism not only reflected the imminent end of the earthly priesthood, but was also in demonstration before His Father that He would obey Him fully, being sent to fulfil His Will through His substitutionary death for mankind & their sins; and this baptism, unlike that of John's, spoke to John that Jesus came not to him for repentance of any sin within him (for He had none), but for the sake of our sins. So, as Jesus looked forward to Calvary in His Baptism, the believer looks back through his baptism at a marvelous undeserved Work accomplished for him at Calvary. And so "the new covenant, an everlasting covenant" was ushered in, which promises that there can never be another Covenant in the future that would or could make it redundant. God offered us His very best - Himself - that only the Blood of His Son could make a full, lasting & acceptable atonement. Thank you brother for your thoughts on this.
Amen Brother Chris.
The Gospel of the Kingdom is the message preached during Jesus' earthly ministry, proclaiming the arrival of God's kingdom on earth through His reign as Messiah,
This was to the Jews while they continued faithfulness and righteousness under the Mosaic Law which was appropriate.
In Matthew 3:15 we see Jesus being of age asking John to baptized him.
"And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus IT BECOMETH US TO FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS. Then he suffered him.
I believe Jesus was baptized and inaugurated under the Levitical priesthood to fulfill and end that priesthood at the Cross and bring in the new covenant with his death which was necessary.
Hebrews 9:16-17 'For where a testament is, there MUST ALSO OF NECESSITY BE THE DEATH OF THE TESTATOR.
For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
in the beginning the Gospel of the kingdom was to first a gather the lost sheep of Israel who lost their way.
Then offer up the Kingdom.
Matthew 23:37-39.
That has been postponed!
I believe the mystery was to be revealed at that time also, "after the Gathering" and bringing both Jews and Gentiles under the new covenant by the cross.
However as expected, Israel denied their Messiah and all but a remnant was blinded until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
The new covenant is an everlasting covenant.
Blessings.
And lo a voice from heaven , This is my beloved son , in whom I am well pleased.
Thank you.
Number 3, referring to those who start their theology with a doctrine they choose. I understand this as preconceived ideas in our minds that block the truth of scripture. We share the same view: the time of Jacob's trouble will not be seven years, but in Revelation 11:2, it will be; they will tread under foot forty-two months. The kingdom will be established on this earth, an unconditional promise from God, and the land of Israel will be restored.
Just like pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, and post-tribulation doctrines. Regardless of which is believed, these are doctrines of the rapture of the Church, not about the first resurrection, which scripture says there are only two. These seven years are not explicitly in Revelation but are often associated with a doctrine derived from Daniel 9:27, which is part of the 490-year or 70-week prophecy given to Daniel. This prophecy concerns the people of Israel and Jerusalem, with 490 years allotted for six specific events, and the destruction of the city and temple in vs 26 by the prince, Titus, and the people, the Roman army in 70 AD.
Additionally, verse 25 states that from the commandment, it will be 69 weeks until the Messiah. This occurred in Matthew 3:16, Luke 3:21-22, and was confirmed by Peter in John 1:45. The seven years had already passed when verse 26 states, "after threescore and two weeks shall the Messiah be cut off/crucified. 7 + 62 = 69 weeks. Jesus was anointed, and about 3.5 years later, He was crucified, not for Himself but for us. This was in the middle of the 70th week and ended the need for sacrifice and oblations, Scripture, not doctrine.
The prophecy given to Daniel in Chapter 9 has been fulfilled; the 70 weeks ended when Stephen was killed. Blindness is in part, and the gospel went to the Gentiles until their fullness. The 7 years are only part of the doctrine of the rapture of the Church, not in Scripture.
God bless,
RLW
Thank you Lbooth1955 for sharing more on how you understand this matter. Let's say that what you believe (pertaining to Peter & the eleven apostle's understanding & performance of water baptism) is what they continued to do after the Lord's direction to them. Of course, I don't quite see it the way you do, as I would then need to make certain assumptions such as, what did those apostles actually understand when Jesus spoke to them and their beliefs on this after His death & resurrection. It is true that they were ministering to a people who were under the Old Covenant, and so their words, requirements & practises would pertain to them alone, rather than to the Gentile. Yet, we can't be sure that Peter & the others knew nothing of what the fuller proper meaning of water baptism was (that it would have the same meaning as if understood by Paul): i.e. a declaration of repentance from dead works & identification with the risen Christ Who was able to cleanse them and save them. After all, John (the Baptist) was the prelude to this in preparation of the coming Messiah Who would "baptize (them) with the Holy Ghost, and with fire" ( Matthew 3:11). Jesus' disciples, not Jesus Himself, continued to baptize ( John 4:2), but His baptism would one day be with the Holy Spirit.
What was once, "water baptism symbolizing repentance, cleansing, and identification with the coming kingdom and Messiah - It was a requirement for entering the prophesied kingdom on earth" (your quote), still continued well after Calvary and must have included the merits of the Cross firmly within its meaning, or else what the apostles believed & practised was totally meaningless, working under the Old Covenant of John's baptism. Onto Page 2.
Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
8For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
10That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Verse 7 shows that Paul has hidden treasure; as it were of things of heavenly value that were established when he fulfilled the Apostolic role of founding the Phillipian church. They are apparently co-workers in the body of Christ which resulted in great affection of Paul for them (verse 8). Paul's response to them was to continue to increase in love in relation to knowledge and judgment. This shows once again that judgment; righeous judgment that is was epected as it is mentioned also in the correction of the Corinthians who were anything but settled and mature in their walk. This theme is repeated later on in Phillipians 4:8 (what is stated in verse 10). The fruits of righteousness no doubt show works worthy of repentance. This theme is first seen in Matthew 3:8 and repeated elsewhere. (see Gal. 5:22-23).
Verses 12-14
But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
13So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
14And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Apparently Paul had a witness in the palace or governmental stronghold where he was. Clearly he was able to get letters in and out and others were aware of his plight
You have received good replies. To me, John is addressing those who will believe in the one after him, Jesus. The baptizing with fire in Matthew 3:11 and Luke 3:16 is after we accept and believe in Jesus as our savior and receive the Holy Spirit; we are then baptized with fire to refine us, as silver and gold are refined by fire.
These metals are put in a refining pot and placed over the fire. As the metals are heated, the impurities float to the top and are scooped off by a ladle and discarded, making the gold and silver purer. This fire represents trials and tribulations we go through to strengthen our faith and purify our hearts so that we become more like Christ, our pot is this world we live in.
Here are a few verses you may read: Malachi 3:2-3, Zachariah 13:9, 1 Corinthians 3:13, James 1:2-3, 1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 4:12.
There are more, and your search is part of your walk in faith. We must embrace trials and tribulations as signs that we are not alone and can have peace, as Jesus said in John 16:33.
God bless,
RLW
I concur with Brother Chris
Fire is often used in scripture to emphasize judgment or refining.
When it has unquenchable attached to it I believe that is judgment.
Matthew 3:11-12 reads "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. The chaff is what gets burned with UNQUENCHABLE fire.
I don't believe the Church is considered chaff.
That seems to speak of judgment. That's what John the Baptist preached,
I believe that's what the early Church believed.
The belief that it means Martyrdom came later but doesn't line up with scripture.
The baptism by fire comes from the Lord himself,
I can't believe he burned the believers by stake with unquenchable fire.
I hope this helps.
God bless.
There are several interpretations for this passage, particularly "baptism with Fire". John does refer in verse 10 about the tree that produces bad fruit would be cast into the fire; and again in verse 12, that Jesus will gather the wheat (the good crop) into the storehouse, whereas the chaff will be horribly & eternally burned. Both these verses speak the same, being directed to these religious leaders, that they are the ones under the coming judgement, unless they repent & turn to the coming Savior. This is one interpretation that is valid.
The other is, that John was speaking of both Holy Spirit baptism and fire in the one thought, & probably inferring that the same Spirit of Christ would be given to indwell the believer but also bring about a fire in them. How could we understand this aspect? Some here might have other understanding, though I tend to lean to the one who puts their faith in Christ Jesus & is baptized with the Holy Spirit, will (must) have the Spirit's Work go through that believer to remove/burn off the dross or chaff of sin harboring within. This is not to mean that we become sinless as a result, but the Holy Spirit's Work, being manifold, is chiefly to keep us pure and holy before our Lord, keeping us very sensitive to sin's temptations & entrance, & to deal with it soon, so He doesn't have to deal with us. So the Holy Spirit and His Fire are continually at work within us.
So both interpretations seem valid.
So that being said, why would they change it? Even the Jews becoming Christians in the beginning of Acts all were done like that. We don't see sprinkling baptism come until much later in the church age, and if I remember right it came from like Africa or Egypt or something and that was an invention of Roman Catholicism.
I guess in short it's always been submersion and there isn't a point in scripture ever where it suddenly becomes sprinkling. I hope this helps.
Thank you, I did not start this thread and I should have known where it would lead. I have laid out my understanding of this over the years I have been on this site. I can give you my knowledge on what you replied, like Matthew 3:16-17 You see all three in these verses The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
What I see is that this message was given to John. When he sees the Holy Spirit alight on someone and remains, he will know that person is the one God has revealed to him as the Messiah, His Son, the Lamb of God, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. What else I see is God's Spirit was in Jesus, not on, God gave Jesus His Spirit without measure to do all the works God did.
God manifested Himself in Jesus on earth through His Spirit. God's Spirit did not leave Jesus, that is what Jesus said to His disciples, they know him for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. John 14:17, God's Spirit was in Jesus, and If you have seen me, you have seen the Father, John 14:9.
Matthew 28:19 I can say, I have researched this verse and the manuscripts, and many say it is not in the Greek manuscripts but that does not prove anything. I can also say if this was what Jesus told the disciples to do and the method to baptize, we do not see any baptizing done this way. All baptisms recorded in the New Testament is only done in the name of Jesus. Only in Jesus' name, Acts 2:38, Acts 4:12
I love you, brother, if I reply to all you have sent me nothing will change. I feel tensions rising, things are starting to be said, not by you, like I said I did not start this thread, and if you do not mind, I feel it is best if I do not discuss this subject anymore.
I care too much for those on this site.
God bless,
RLW
I believe that you are aware of the verses I am going to list below and probably you interprete them in your own way but nevertheless.
Verses that show that the Holy Spirit is a person, not an impersonal thing, like a mere power:
Firstly it is true that God does everything through His Spirit, but not really everything, we will see it later on. That is why the Spirit is called, especially in the OT, as the hand or arm of God, because as a man uses his hand or arm to do things similarly God uses His Spirit.
1. Matthew 3:16-17, "16And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:" 17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased".
Here we see the Father separate from the Son and the Spirit. The voice from heaven was not the Spirit's voice but Father's
2. Matthew 28:19, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:".
Why is the Holly Spirit included in the name of God if it is a mere thing? And why one name instead of three names?
3. Matthew 12:25-32, "And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; ...26And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; ...? 28if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.....31Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."
Why is the Spirit insulted if it is not a person?
See pt2
1. The first good news.
Genesis 2:16-17
16And theLordGod commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
2. The second good news.
Genesis 7:1
And theLordsaid untoNoah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.
3. The third good news. The promises and covenants.
Genesis 17:5
Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall beAbraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
4. The fourth good news. Moses and the law.
Exodus 3:6
Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. AndMoseshid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
5. The fifth good news is John the Baptist.
Matthew 3:1-2
1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
6. The sixth good news . Jesus Christ the Messiah, the King, and the Savior.
John 1:17
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came byJesusChrist.
7. The seventh good news . Apostle Paul with the gospel of grace in the resurrection of Christ Jesus.
Romans 1:16
ForIamnotashamedof the gospel of Christ:foritis the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek
Galatians 1:1
Paul, anapostle, (not omen, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;
Now we are here today with the writing of Apostle Paul. We all have a choice to receive the good news from Apostle Paul's epistle.
May God Almighty in the third Heaven bless the gospel of grace to all .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
I have used Malachi 3:1 and associated it with Matthew 11:14,
Matthew 3:3,
Luke 3:3-4
and Isaiah 40:3-5.
but I overlooked Luke 1:16-17.
Thanks and God bless.
Hello Lovealot19. Thanks for your questions.
To the first one: when we speak of Jesus being God, or Almighty God, we know that Jesus is not the Father - He is the Son (of God). But the question: where did Jesus come from that He should be called God, or Divine? Jesus Himself spoke of coming forth from God ( John 16:28, "I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father").
The prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 7:14 prophesied about a special Child to be born, which was fulfilled as given in Matthew 1:22,23, "Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us".
So just from these few verses we are told that God was going to bring a special Person into the World (and we know that it was for the purpose of Sacrifice & Redemption of sinners); and this Person was not born from the union of two humans, but His beginning was from God Himself. John 1:1-14 tells us that God's Word was made flesh, begotten of the Father - and John was speaking here of Jesus (Jesus' Origin & His Divine Nature).
Why does Jesus then pray to God? Because God brought forth One, a part of Himself, Who is both Divine & Human, & called Him His Son ( Matthew 3:17), for He came forth from within the Person of God. As a Son, Jesus now rightfully speaks (or prays) to His Father & was subservient to Him in every respect fulfilling the Will of the Father to one day make full payment for our sins. This Jesus has done, which God His Father accepted, & raised Jesus to be with Him sharing in His Glory, in Honor & in Power. As the Son of God, Jesus was wholly obedient to His Father's Will; now raised in Glory, the Son receives the praise & worship just as God His Father receives ( Philippians 2:5-11). Onto Page 2.
I believe your application of the Greek word HOSEI used in Both Acts 2:3 and Matthew 3:16 is correct. There was a point early on in my walk with the Lord where I used to envision a pure white dove descending from heaven upon Jesus at His baptism. It seems so easy to miss some of those little catch phrases in our study of the word.
In Acts 2:3, it's interesting because they could see an appearance of these languages dividing up and it sat upon each one of them. What they actually saw I'm not sure, but I can't help but wonder why it would happen like this for them.
I also find it interesting that both fire and wind to a Jewish person represents the very Spirit and presence of God. We see the wind in Acts 2:2. As you're probably aware, the word wind and the word Spirit, both in Hebrew and in Greek is the same word.
I look back at John Chapter 3, where Jesus told Nicodemus that he needed to be born from above (experience a spiritual birth from heaven). And in John 3:8, Jesus says that it's like the wind, you don't know where it's coming from or where it's going to go afterwards.
It seems to me that He's interchanging wind with spirit, and the sound of the wind was to a Jewish person, the coming of the Holy Spirit. So, in Acts Chapter 2, here are Jewish people, in the upper room, they hear the sound of wind, and they have seen languages sitting upon each one of them (as of) fire sitting upon each one of them. Fascinating!
Blessings to you also!
I noted your Acts 2:3, "And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them"; where you've explained the "as of" denoting a similarity or appearance of fire, but not actually fire. Also, I found interesting that you have seen 'glossai' as pertaining to languages (i.e. the appearance of divided languages coming upon them, and presumably the apostles then spoke accordingly to those languages). I have always imagined that the 'tongues' here (glossai) spoke of the similarity or appearance to the human tongue, not referring specifically to language(s), but to its appearance as of a flickering flame resembling a tongue. So, your explanation is something quite new to me & worth bearing in mind.
And back to the "as of" fire phrase; as you wrote this was not an actual fire, but resembled it. This could be the same word (hosei) used in Matthew 3:16, "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending LIKE (hosei) A dove, and lighting upon him". We see the illustration so often of a dove descending upon the Lord, that many Christians now believe that an actual dove, the shape of which the Holy Spirit assumed to come upon Jesus. Which of course is sacrilege according to the commandment ( Exodus 20:4,5; Deuteronomy 4:16-19). Rather, it seems that 'hosei' is used here as well, to show that the Holy Spirit's descent upon Jesus was seen just 'as a dove would flutter & glide towards the ground' and had nothing at all to do with an actual bird. I hope I'm using 'hosei' correctly in both Acts 2:3 & Matthew 3:16. Blessings.
God's confirming his covenant & to be God's son and in growth. Galatians 3:17 KJV
Though we have an important role to play, even our determination to flourish with fruit of the Spirit is evidence of God's grace.
Eveidence- Hebrews 11:1 KJV
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Myself trusting God and having faith has blessed me with evidence to receive (fruit of the Spirit)
Ways you can have faith is by reading your Holy Bible, prayer, attending church, involved in ministry, volunteering.
The Holy Spirit is the one who stimulates our desire to grow in Christ. Growth is gracious. My interpetation is God's grace Matthew 3:2 KJV, Ephesians 2:8 KJV
Trust that growth will happen, and when it does, thank Jesus for the fruit produced by his appointment.
Producing fruit John 15:7-8 KJV
Elder Graves Quoted Motivations for Christian Excellence
4. Excellence is a Witness to Others:
Line 5-8 My Respond: Having faith on Jesus death,burial and resurrection1 Corinthians 15:3-4 has blessed me and with integrity and Fairness.
Elder Graves Quoted Examples of Biblical Excellence
I like your scripture on Daniel and the Three Hebrew Boys:
My Respond:Daniel giving God credit, reference, Glory that is due.
Elder Graves Quoted 2.Define What Excellence Means to You:
My Respond:
Myself practicing these helps me show myself approved.
Elder Graves Quoted 3.Develop Habits of Diligence and Discipline:
My repsond:
Yes it prepared me in career, ministry, amd personal life.
My interpetation and Word spoken by Redappletreaty4meonly
West Angeles Church Cogic Cathedral member
For the next few days we'll consider how spiritual growth, is gracious, gradual, and guaranteed. My interpetation is God's confirming his covenant & to be God's son and in growth. Galatians 3:17 KJV
And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
Though we have an important role to play, even our determination to flourish with fruit of the Spirit is evidence of God's grace.
Eveidence- Hebrews 11:1 KJV
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Myself trusting God and having faith has blessed me with evidence to receive (fruit of the Spirit)
Ways you can have faith is by reading your Holy Bible, prayer, attending church, involved in ministry, volunteering.
The Holy Spirit is the one who stimulates our desire to grow in Christ. Growth is gracious. My interpetation is God's grace Matthew 3:2 KJV, Ephesians 2:8 KJV
Trust that growth will happen, and when it does, thank Jesus for the fruit produced by his appointment.
Scriptures that will help you trust God that he establish Deuteronomy 8:18 KJV, Proverbs 10:22 KJV
Producing fruit John 15:7-8 KJV
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Written and Word spoken by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
These are examples of people in fear, sickness and death situations and my ways and interpetation to overcome through Jesus Christ is God died /sacrifice on the cross , buried in a grave, after 3 day rose from the dead.
1) A man with health concerns was about to undergo another major surgery, he said that while he was anxious about his health and didn't want to die, he wasn't afraid of being sick or dying. He was asked why -and said he knew that whatever happened, God was in control. My interpetation he had faith ( Psalms 30:2 KJV ) and believed Jesus Christ is God ( Isaiah 56:6 KJV )
2) A trembling woman who had been sick for many years approached Jesus . Then she touched the edge of his cloak and was immediately healed! While she was afraid to speak up about what she had done. Jesus assured her that her faith in him had made her whole. Here is a textual scripture: Mark 5:25-34 KJV My interpetation is meaning she listened to God's commands believing the truth-Jesus Christ is God.( Isaiah 54:10 KJV,) bringing and end to the law Romans 10:4 KJV meaning made well and healed.
Mark 5:33 KJV
33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
3)Sickness and death are things that we all fear in one way or another My interpetation believing in God and not believing in God. But as we look at these grim realities, we need to see them through the lens of a Jesus sacrifice for us My interpetation: ( Matthew 3:2 KJV, Matthew 4:19 KJV, John 3:16 KJV) and God love for us Romans 5:8 KJV.
Matthew 3:2 KJV
And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 4:19 KJV
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Have someone ever spoke to you or gave you writings about God's love?
Written and spoken interpetation Word by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
Thanks for responding.
You said, "Temptation or testing is for an answer to whether someone will be obedient or disobedient,
Ronald here's a silly illustration. When a salesman at a car dealership let's you test drive a car, is he testing to see if the car is obedient? No. He's proving the car is what he say it is.
That's why the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to show Jesus is who the father said he was in the previous verse.
Here's how it's read straight through.
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Matthew 3:17 - Matthew 4:1.
You asked, How can one be obedient if they cannot be disobedient?
That would be a good question for you and I.
We have a rebellious nature.
Disobedience is our fleshly nature. That's not so with Christ.
If you have to resist sin, you have a sinful nature. That's not so with Christ.
You asked;
If the first Adam was created with a sinful nature could God say He saw everything.
Yes Ronald, Absolutely. He made Adam just the way he planned to make him, and Adam did exactly what was expected. Christ wasn't a afterthought. God knew Adam would sin before he made him.
That is the long answers I have for you Ronald.
Again, My short answer is, Jesus is God and God cannot sin.
Thanks Brother Ronald,
We both know we don't agree on this.
I just thought it was necessary to give my thoughts.
God bless.
Part 2.
Tempted of Satan.
Matthe 4:1. "Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
Here's my understanding.
In Matthew 3 we see Jesus being baptized by John the baptist.
Then, in verse 17it reads, "And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased"
That brings us to Chapter 4 where we see the tempting of Satan in which the word for tempted is "peiraz" which means to to test (objectively) that is endeavor 6
scrutinize entice discipline: - assay examine go about to prove.
( Matthew 4:1-11)
Verse 1 says it was the Spirit which led Jesus up into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
What is Important to note in this section is that the DEVIL WASN'T BEING USED TO TEST TO SEE IF JESUS WAS THE SON OF GOD. HE KNEW JESUS WAS THE SON OF GOD!
In verse 3 where it says "if thou be the Son of God"
It should read "And when the tempter came to him, he said, "SINCE" thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
Again, It was the Spirit that led Jesus into the wilderness to EXHIBIT this truth that was declared in Matthew 3:17.
That's my understanding on Christ being tempted.
Also; There is nowhere in scripture that says Christ had a inherited sin nature. .
I don't hold the view that Adam was created "Without" a sin nature. Adam was made a living soul;
Christ was made a Life giving spirit. Neither had to become that or hold on to it. Adam sinned and it proved he had that in him.
Christ proved he didn't.
HERE'S HOW THEY CONTRAST; "Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual
The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
1 Corinthians 15:46-47.
Christ was ordained to be the Lamb that takes away the sins of the whole world before the world began! He didn't have to qualify.
God bless.
To know Christ and to make Him known is the theme of the Navigators ministry and correlates with 1 John and other passages.
This is a good summary of understanding the personal meaning of Christ's sacrifice on the cross for atonement as well as our duties fulfilling our part in the Great Commission.
I imagine most here know the necessary doctrines of believing Christ is a member of the Godhead and thus Divinity Himself who was the only one who could atone for sins (as the sinless spotless Lamb of God) by becoming a man as we are without sin and remaining so throughout His earthly ministry; then dying on the cross and resurrecting from the dead 3 days later. Finally; He is to return once again physically to rule and reign on the earth.
2 Timothy 2:8 and 2 Thessalonians 2:2 show we should avoid the error of stating that the resurrection has already occurred or the day of the Lord is at hand. Matthew 24:26 states that the Lord hasn't come yet for those who say He is hiding somewhere and also states the likeness of His arrival as lightning in the very next verse. This should be enough to disclaim what Preterists state that the Lord has already come. Therefore I would contend that full Preterists that state this are far enough off in doctrine that we should avoid fellowship with them.
Assuming we have the essentials of salvation straightened out; there are many other warnings and admonitions in scripture such as testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith would involve ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). We need to accept that doctrines aren't just what is required to be saved; but also what is necessary to prove that we are bringing fruits worthy of repentance ( Matthew 3:8 and many other similar verses). We are not subject to the law in some sense IF we are truly dead to sin ( Romans 6:11) in one sense; because we have a new nature; but in the same token we DESIRE to obey Christ and love and serve Him as Lord; Master and Savior.
The following verse " Psalms 1:1-6 speaks volumes!
There's a lot of doctrine built around this.
Vs 3 "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.
(HIS LEAF SHALL NOT WITHER!
Forever being fruitful!)
Jeremiah 17:7-8 is another one that picks up on this.
"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, NEITHER SHALL CEASE FROM YIELDING FRUIT.
Jesus uses this idiom in John 7:37-39 "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Also see John 4:10.
THANK GOD FOR HIS HOLYSPIRIT THAT SEALS AND GUIDES US!
Psalms 1:1-6.
THE UNGODLY ARE NOT SO: but are like the CHAFF which the wind driveth away.
THEREFORE THE UNGODLY SHALL NOT STAND IN THE JUDGMENT,
(They will have their own Judgment)
NOR SINNERS IN THE CONGREGATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS.
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
(THE CHAFF IS NOT BINDING TO THE TREE AND HAS NO ROOTS AND NO FRUIT.)
More on the chaff. Matthew 3:11-12
Praise the Lord!
This is why Psalms 1:1 says "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
God bless.
So, in today's English usage, if I were to write, Jesus said, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone...." ( Matthew 4:4), I would use quotation marks front & rear of the sentence to indicate Jesus' Words. But in the writing of the KJB, quotation apparently weren't employed but capitalizing the first letter after the speech or quotation, indicated the start of it.
You can look at the following examples to see how this works: Matthew 2:8 (Go); Matthew 2:23 (He); Matthew 3:3 (The); Matthew 3:15 (Suffer). I think you will get the idea of how the first letter of the first word is capitalized when a message is uttered or a verse is quoted.
I don't know how but I left letters out of Elohim three times.
The passages should have read as follows
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD Yehvh, make straight in the desert a highway for our "God/Elohim".
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before ME: AND THE LORD, WHOM YE SEEK, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD/Yehvh of hosts.
And
Isaiah 40:1-5
"Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your "God / Elohim."
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/Yehvh hand double for all her sins.
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD Yehvh, make straight in the desert a highway for our "God/Elohim".
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/Yehvh shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD/Yehvh hath spoken it.
It's interesting that you have Yehvh, lhym, and dn 'dn being represented as the same individual in these passages and if you add Mark 1:1-4 Matthew 3:3 and John 1:14-29.
Jesus showed up as a member of the Elohim.