Trees of righteousness as sign is validated by the tree of life. The burning bush that did not consume itself overarches into eternity where we read of the tree of life. "In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."(Re.22:1-2). On either side of the river establishes the earth where nations require healing while on the opposite side we have new earth and new heaven as one. Twelve manner of fruits from the same tree of life is the Lord's doing."This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes." Christ has become the source of healing for nations that rejected him.(Ps.118:19-23). For the nations months are counted while in the holy city of God 'forever' is being leaves that do not wither. In the vision of Ezekiel we have the view from the other side. "And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine."(Ez.47:12)
God makes a difference between what is holy and what is not. Le.10:10. The nation of Israel failed to honor God. So the tree of life is a sign to them. Yet do we not hear the imposter church teach unity of the Spirit. "And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? Total sanctification means a life of separation. "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,:(2 Co.6:15-18)
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman./ Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away."
Tree as a sign was given to Moses to which we shall come anon. Jesus as the true vine and 'my Father' who purges is the one who has broken off or grafted new to the vine. It is thus we need approach St Paul. Before discussing this purging what is the role of the sign?
Validity of any sign is in terms of the everlasting covenant. Trees no less. In the matter of light and waters God separated them first. Light was different from darkness. Waters above was similarly different waters which symbolised nations. Wicked were like the troubled sea while "Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah's son" we can sense the same separation marks Israel and Jesus Christ. (Is.8:6). This covenant thus stamps waters below, quality of which is judged by God. God gathers together sea and the dry land is called the earth. The provision for trees as mentioned in the covenant has this characteristic. "Let the earth bring forth" is the divine command.(Ge.1:11). The next verse is how the Son fulfills it,"And the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good." This is under the authority of the Son. The command number in third day establishes it.
So Jesus Christ is the true Vine.
"The Song of my Beloved is all about the vineyard. (Is.5:1-4) "Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?"
Ro.11:17-20This shall throw light in this passage the relationship of the tree in relation to the root."Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee." They were broken off for their disbelief. Their fruits or lack of it proved the point. "Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever."("forever"- Matt.21:19) So the fig tree that withered away is a sign.
"And death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works./ And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death./And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."(Re.20:13-15)
The book of life carries names and the Lord knows them. It is of them Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd said, "But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep./To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out./And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice." He has gone before us to prepare a place in that holy city. Let us check it out. Zion has a sure foundation. "His foundation is in the holy mountains."Ps.87:1;Is,2:2) Holy nation consists of all names written down before the worlds began."nd of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her./The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there."(Ps.87:5-6)
"And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life."
This fiery stream issued forth from the throne is similar to the river of stream flowing in the middle of the throne of God and of the Lamb. The last stop for the beast and the false prophet is the lake of fire. (Re,19:20) "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."(Re.21:8) Till such time God allows "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still."
"And God said, Let there be light: and there was light."(Ge.1:2). This light has a source that no one can duplicate. God is the father of lights, "Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto;"( 1 Ti.6:16). Jesus Christ as the visible image of God is the true light. When God separated light from darkness children of light shall have the same characteristic as that of the true light. This quality explains the burning bush that did not consume itself. Moses could not approach it. "God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I./And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground".(Ex.3:4-5). The Light that Jesus Christ radiates is holiness. "Be ye holy, for I am holy" is Person specific. In the new heaven and the new earth, a voice announces, "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."(Re.21:3). The light that the holy city of God radiated was the true Light so the city would need no sun associated with the natural world. "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof./ And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it."(21:23-24). Fire as a sign makes a distinction between saints redeemed from the earth and left behind earth, formerly called outer darkness, where nations which are saved may walk. The same demand on Moses with regards to holiness is insisted upon. Second aspect of fire as a sign we see in the night vision of Daniel.
Fire as a sign of judgment
"his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire./ A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him."
Thank you, I do not profess to know anything other than what comes from Scripture, not sure of the site you are speaking of, the Jewish teaching today may be different from what we read in the Old Testament. Every feast, every prophecy, and everything in the Old Testament points to the coming of our savior Jesus the Messiah/Christ, and the Jewish teaching today leaves that out.
What you wrote about the second chance was why I replied, some may feel they have blown it and give up. I just thought your post may give someone encouragement to repent and keep walking in faith and the Spirit.
What I have found that has helped me is to do a word search and read all the Scripture on any word like Passover, read the Scriptures before and after to take in the context, that will carry you through the entire Bible. We can do that with any word and see how that word is used in the old and the new. You can expand it to study the Hebrew word or Greek word and compare what English word was used in translation, there may be several different English words used for the same Hebrew or Greek word that also helps. It all is dependent on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
So thankful we have talked through this instead of not talking about it. It is settled and that is good for us. I value your friendship and insights. Have a good evening. Still waiting for my daughter-in-law to begin true labor. She is at her due date, but baby Rose is ready when she is ready! Hoping that she will be born within the next 5 days or so. I value your prayers.
Acts 1:6-8. sets our priority straight and is relevant to our topic we have been discussing over the last few days.
6) When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7) It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
We are given the Holyspirit for the purpose of being light that represents Christ to a dark world.
When we are on our mission there is unity, and our light shines and glorifies God as mentioned in Matthew 5:16.
When united as we should be we function as seen in Ephesians 4:6-14 as I mentioned in the previous thread. This Glorifies God.
John 3:17-21 also puts emphasis on the light.
For lack of time lets go to Revelation with our purpose and commission in mind.
Revelation 3:14-22.
15) I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16) So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
As you examine the text, the Laodiceans is Lukewarm and neither cold nor Hot for various reasons.
Verse 19) they are asked to be zealous and repent.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
THEY ARE ASKED TO HAVE A ZEAL.
A zeal for what?
They are not shining light on the Lord by the work that was commissioned to them.
They have grown complacent.
Verse 20 the lord is not even in their midst!
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
I am trying to start a new thread. Somehow part one didn't separate from my previous post.
Here is Part 2.
Matthew 5:13-15
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
(Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.)
This is a picture of the Lampstand!
Who is in the midst of the Lampstand and who does the lampstand shines light on? Our Lord.
What does the oil represent in the Lampstand? The Holyspirit.
OILED FILLED LAMPSTANDS.
John 16:7-16.
Verses 7 and 8 we see the disciples is to be impowered by the Holyspirit to carry on the work of Christ as the light in the world that reproves it of sin.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Acts 1:6-8
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Hi Brother Ronald , I did reply to you but it didn't appear on the message board but it's in the thread , weird . In case you didn't get it I said that you helped me realise that I have a big gap in my knowledge of all things Jewish . So I've signed up to a Jewish site to learn a bit more from them , I shared the web address and I think that's why my message didn't come up , still learning the rules . I'm enjoying their site but there seems to be a lot of ritualisation by them which I'm not comfortable with . I shall stick with it for now but I didn't realise how much of their beliefs is based on tradition and rituals etc . I shall be cherry picking from them . God bless you .
I was just wondering if anyone could help me. I've been studying in the book of Acts chapters 2 & 3 has anyone thought about the time between the two chapters it seems to me like this was all done on the same day. I know this may sound like a petty question, and it has nothing to do with salvation. For some reason, I cannot get this off my mind. Could someone help me with this?
Just wondering, has anyone thought about the timing of these events that may have happened between ACTS chapters 2 & 3?
While I was studying for my sermon it just hit me.
How much time was there between these 2 Chapters?
I think that these Chapters seemed to have happen on the same day, I know this may sound like a petty question, and has nothing to do with salvation, but for some reason, I can't seem to get it out of my mind.
I hope someone out there could help with this I would really appreciate it!
And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks.
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
Here in Revelation, chapters 1,2, and 3 the Lord is addressing his Church.
In this thread I want to focus on the candle stick. (Which is actually a lamp stand.) "Light barer".
The Lord identifies the Lamp stand in verse 20) the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Revelation 1:20.
Also, what's important to see is Jesus's placement in the picture drawn. He is in the midst of the lampstand.
This is a picture of the Menorah.
It is to be oiled filled and never burn out.
WITH THAT IN MIND LETS GO TO THE GOSPELS.
John 9:4.
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
John 1:4-12.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
It is clear Jesus came into the world to give light to a dark world and testifies to the world that its works is evil.
Thanks for clarifying because, as you said, your comment could be taken two ways, and I made sure I addressed both take aways with you.
I hope you are not offended that I explained how I felt if the first take away was true. I was not so much defending myself as attempting to explain how it is good to not assume things about others that we cannot know about them and leave that knowing up to God.
And, yes, we all have pride in us. As a believer, we are to overcome the temptations and put to death the old nature at every turn. Sometimes we do and other times we find in review of our actions and motives that pride has had its way in us. We repent and ask God to help us identify this and any other sin that tries to entrap us into committing, especially those that can be hurtful to others as well as those that fester motivations within us that dishonor our Lord and the unity of the brethren, as you emphasized.
In conversations here, I tend to think that people choose to bring up certain topics or respond to posts because they genuinely wish to discuss it, to find out what a person actually means if unclear to me, to attempt to faithfully bring out what is revealed in Scripture, and to do all this out of love and concern for the one I am speaking with.
And, yes, some people do bring up some topics and phrase their ideas in a way that is an outright challenge to debate or to stir up controversy. There are some like this in every situation. But it seems to me that most people here are to trying to do this.
Some of the more blatant ones who stir up controversy have come and gone. But then there is always some to step into the void when one of these people stop posting. It is not my desire (nor that of others) here to be a catalyst for anyone leaving this forum. But some will leave because they do not like the debating because they are uncomfortable with it themselves, or don't think it reflects well on Christ. Which I understand. Talk more later.
You made me go back and re-read that post. I wasn't accusing you of anything.
However, I can see where it could have been misunderstood.
Here my that quote.
"So, if someone comes on the site for help in their walk or faith, Don't be distracted by the quarrels and take the time and help them.
Gigi, I've seen you do that!
End quote.
Gigi, I was saying you take the time and help them. I wasn't saying otherwise.
Sorry for that misunderstanding. I do see how that could go both ways.
I said they DON'T break away from their quarrels or debate to help.
I was saying, "I've see you break away from your debate or quarrels to help. Just as I do. I don't think I have never left a UNANSWERED request for help concerning their salvation.
I'm saying that is far more important than 5 people debating everyday and ignore helping someone because they have become consumed in winning their debate.
Yes, pride will make you do that.
As for Pride. We all suffer that to some degree. If we feel we haven't then that maybe a sign of pride in itself.
Now I have ignored challenges. Here is how.
When I see in a lengthy debate with people like Chris, Jesse, and others like them that hold the same view I have on a topic like Eschatology, and then later challenge me because of something I said to someone else on a separate thread, that has nothing to do with them,
I pretty much tell them they have debated this with another brother that presented his argument, and I can't improve on it.
Or I see how consumed they are on a certain doctrine, so I refuse to engage, and I ask them if they wanted to discuss soteriology we can.
I've been doing this for some time now.
It probably started with Jimbob a year ago because he said he didn't want to discuss a topic on Salvation.
As mentioned in my other post. I will be discussing this on another thread.
I have prayed for your daughter and her situation.
Ad, it sounds like your son has helped to make your living space more enjoyable. It is so great to be outside and be surrounded by natural beauty. Hummingbirds are beautiful and intriguing animals.
Asking for extra strong protection, intervention and breakthrough for us and all in need. Also asking for much more strength, love, joy, peace, guidance, wisdom and to walk in the power and authority of the Lord.
Dear Heavenly Father, this brother needs the healing that comes from You for he is so very sick right now. We know that You hear our prayers and will answer when we come to You in the name of Jesus. Sp, thank You for your tender love and care for all of us but especially for this brother today. Amen.
" Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more."(104:35)
Fire serves as a sign of disfavour. So God created angels spirits,"his ministers a flaming fire."(v.4) From the life of Prophet Elijah we have an example, "And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head." (1 Ki.19:6). Why the Spirit has set this example? Prophet is set as a double for Jesus Christ. Now we shall see how the risen Christ was helped by his angel."As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread./ Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. "( John 21:9).
The Last Adam is he who came from heaven. The Lord of heaven refers to the fire as a sign. " I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?"( Luke 12:49) It is to this Apostle Peter refers, "But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men."(2 Pe.3:7)
The Prophet foreshadows in the manner he chose to defeat the prophets of Baal. "Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench."(1 Ki.18:38)
This is according to the everlasting covenant which is the house that Wisdom built. (Pr.9:1) These have foundation which we find in Hannah's prayer. "For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and he hath set the world upon them." (1 Sa.2:8). The same truth we have in the Psalm we are discussing at present. God " Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever."(104:5) Notice the ubiquitous phrase 'forever' used here? We are discussing fire as reserved for the children of wrath. Showers of blessing for the blessed in the Son. Everlasting covenant as a sure foundation. God knows. 2 Ti.2:19-20
If by saying that "Gigi, I've seen you do that!" you meant that even though I continue in a discussion were parties disagree yet still take the time to speak to others who post a request for help, then I have seen you do that, too. Thank you for doing so!
And lastly, when you speak of people here continuing in a discussion where parties strongly disagree you attribute it to pride. How can you say you know that is true? Only God really know the heart and intentions of why people do such things.
Was Paul being prideful when he addressed Peter strongly when Peter ate with the Judaizers instead of the Gentiles in fellowship meetings?
Was he being prideful when he spoke against those who spread false teaching? We cannot know for sure, but his love and zeal for the truth and right living compelled him as it does many here.
Was Jesus being prideful when he corrected or spoke harshly to the Pharisees and Sadducees, priests and leaders? Of course not!
We should all be careful to not judge others motives and the attitudes of their hearts concerning what they post here. We can certainly pray for one another and also think the best of others ( Phil. 2:3 tells us to think of others as better than ourselves). Doing so fosters respect and charity between believers. I endeavor to do just this, especially when another person says things I do not agree with or even are offended by their viewpoint. Even so, I pray for the conversation and the persons involved in it, myself and others, and I also seek not to judge another person in their intentions or in their standing with Christ.
This being said, I do think it is important that we be willing to speak the things that are hard to say, such as stating that what one speaks or promotes is erroneous or even heresy. We have an obligation to do this from Scripture as Paul and Jude m. But we do so in love even though it may not seems so to the recipient.
Hmmm. your comment that I have continued to quarrel on a topic when someone comes on the site for help is not a true reflection of me or my motives for continuing a conversation. But if you believe I have been this way, I can remember many times when you have continued debate on a topic in the same way even when there are people who post their requests for help. So, we should be self-reflective when we accuse another person of the same things we have done.
If you look at my history on here you will find that I respond to requests for prayer and help often. And when a topic is being discussed strongly, I try to continue in it until it seems to come to a point to cease, as I believe you and many others do here.
For me, I don't mind strong disagreement on ideas as long as we are free to respond on topic. Others may not like to engage this way. Having strong disagreement is not the same as being divisive or mean-spirited. The free exchange of ideas and view points is allowed here and has been part of the Christian conversation since the time of Jesus and the early church. Being assertive is not the same as being argumentative.
Also, what you may consider a minor topic or doctrine does not necessarily make it so. Therefore, we should not be the judge of the choice of topics on this forum.
I know that both you and I and many on here are concerned about truth being spoken concerning biblical teachings, and we should be. I understand that there are many beliefs that are in disagreement among believers here and in the church at large. But just because there is such variety does not mean that we take a Laise-fair attitude about this because truth does matter.
I do agree that we should be speaking of soteriology often on this site and I do think that we do. But there are many other discussions that address other topics too. I attribute this diversity of topics to the work of the Holy Spirit for the building up and maturing of the saints.
Again, Thanks for pointing that out to me.
I would have never saw it.
Most of the time I post at night it's at bedtime and I don't have time to proof read.
And yes I will be praying for you and the family.
God bless.
Trees of righteousness as sign is validated by the tree of life. The burning bush that did not consume itself overarches into eternity where we read of the tree of life. "In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."(Re.22:1-2). On either side of the river establishes the earth where nations require healing while on the opposite side we have new earth and new heaven as one. Twelve manner of fruits from the same tree of life is the Lord's doing."This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes." Christ has become the source of healing for nations that rejected him.(Ps.118:19-23). For the nations months are counted while in the holy city of God 'forever' is being leaves that do not wither. In the vision of Ezekiel we have the view from the other side. "And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine."(Ez.47:12)
God makes a difference between what is holy and what is not. Le.10:10. The nation of Israel failed to honor God. So the tree of life is a sign to them. Yet do we not hear the imposter church teach unity of the Spirit. "And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? Total sanctification means a life of separation. "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,:(2 Co.6:15-18)
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman./ Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away."
Tree as a sign was given to Moses to which we shall come anon. Jesus as the true vine and 'my Father' who purges is the one who has broken off or grafted new to the vine. It is thus we need approach St Paul. Before discussing this purging what is the role of the sign?
Validity of any sign is in terms of the everlasting covenant. Trees no less. In the matter of light and waters God separated them first. Light was different from darkness. Waters above was similarly different waters which symbolised nations. Wicked were like the troubled sea while "Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah's son" we can sense the same separation marks Israel and Jesus Christ. (Is.8:6). This covenant thus stamps waters below, quality of which is judged by God. God gathers together sea and the dry land is called the earth. The provision for trees as mentioned in the covenant has this characteristic. "Let the earth bring forth" is the divine command.(Ge.1:11). The next verse is how the Son fulfills it,"And the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good." This is under the authority of the Son. The command number in third day establishes it.
So Jesus Christ is the true Vine.
"The Song of my Beloved is all about the vineyard. (Is.5:1-4) "Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?"
Ro.11:17-20This shall throw light in this passage the relationship of the tree in relation to the root."Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee." They were broken off for their disbelief. Their fruits or lack of it proved the point. "Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever."("forever"- Matt.21:19) So the fig tree that withered away is a sign.
In the last para first line please read 'river of time' instead of river of stream.
"And death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works./ And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death./And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."(Re.20:13-15)
The book of life carries names and the Lord knows them. It is of them Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd said, "But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep./To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out./And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice." He has gone before us to prepare a place in that holy city. Let us check it out. Zion has a sure foundation. "His foundation is in the holy mountains."Ps.87:1;Is,2:2) Holy nation consists of all names written down before the worlds began."nd of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her./The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there."(Ps.87:5-6)
"And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life."
This fiery stream issued forth from the throne is similar to the river of stream flowing in the middle of the throne of God and of the Lamb. The last stop for the beast and the false prophet is the lake of fire. (Re,19:20) "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."(Re.21:8) Till such time God allows "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still."
"And God said, Let there be light: and there was light."(Ge.1:2). This light has a source that no one can duplicate. God is the father of lights, "Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto;"( 1 Ti.6:16). Jesus Christ as the visible image of God is the true light. When God separated light from darkness children of light shall have the same characteristic as that of the true light. This quality explains the burning bush that did not consume itself. Moses could not approach it. "God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I./And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground".(Ex.3:4-5). The Light that Jesus Christ radiates is holiness. "Be ye holy, for I am holy" is Person specific. In the new heaven and the new earth, a voice announces, "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."(Re.21:3). The light that the holy city of God radiated was the true Light so the city would need no sun associated with the natural world. "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof./ And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it."(21:23-24). Fire as a sign makes a distinction between saints redeemed from the earth and left behind earth, formerly called outer darkness, where nations which are saved may walk. The same demand on Moses with regards to holiness is insisted upon. Second aspect of fire as a sign we see in the night vision of Daniel.
Fire as a sign of judgment
"his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire./ A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him."
Thank you, I do not profess to know anything other than what comes from Scripture, not sure of the site you are speaking of, the Jewish teaching today may be different from what we read in the Old Testament. Every feast, every prophecy, and everything in the Old Testament points to the coming of our savior Jesus the Messiah/Christ, and the Jewish teaching today leaves that out.
What you wrote about the second chance was why I replied, some may feel they have blown it and give up. I just thought your post may give someone encouragement to repent and keep walking in faith and the Spirit.
What I have found that has helped me is to do a word search and read all the Scripture on any word like Passover, read the Scriptures before and after to take in the context, that will carry you through the entire Bible. We can do that with any word and see how that word is used in the old and the new. You can expand it to study the Hebrew word or Greek word and compare what English word was used in translation, there may be several different English words used for the same Hebrew or Greek word that also helps. It all is dependent on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
God bless,
RLW
Part 3.
Acts 1:6-8. sets our priority straight and is relevant to our topic we have been discussing over the last few days.
6) When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7) It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
We are given the Holyspirit for the purpose of being light that represents Christ to a dark world.
When we are on our mission there is unity, and our light shines and glorifies God as mentioned in Matthew 5:16.
When united as we should be we function as seen in Ephesians 4:6-14 as I mentioned in the previous thread. This Glorifies God.
John 3:17-21 also puts emphasis on the light.
For lack of time lets go to Revelation with our purpose and commission in mind.
Revelation 3:14-22.
15) I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16) So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
As you examine the text, the Laodiceans is Lukewarm and neither cold nor Hot for various reasons.
Verse 19) they are asked to be zealous and repent.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
THEY ARE ASKED TO HAVE A ZEAL.
A zeal for what?
They are not shining light on the Lord by the work that was commissioned to them.
They have grown complacent.
Verse 20 the lord is not even in their midst!
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Continuing perhaps this weekend.
God bless.
I am trying to start a new thread. Somehow part one didn't separate from my previous post.
Here is Part 2.
Matthew 5:13-15
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
(Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.)
This is a picture of the Lampstand!
Who is in the midst of the Lampstand and who does the lampstand shines light on? Our Lord.
What does the oil represent in the Lampstand? The Holyspirit.
OILED FILLED LAMPSTANDS.
John 16:7-16.
Verses 7 and 8 we see the disciples is to be impowered by the Holyspirit to carry on the work of Christ as the light in the world that reproves it of sin.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Acts 1:6-8
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
See Part 3.
While I was studying for my sermon it just hit me.
How much time was there between these 2 Chapters?
I think that these Chapters seemed to have happen on the same day, I know this may sound like a petty question, and has nothing to do with salvation, but for some reason, I can't seem to get it out of my mind.
I hope someone out there could help with this I would really appreciate it!
That looked exactly like the way you took it.
It deserved an explanation.
God bless.
Part 1.
Revelation 1:12-13.
And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks.
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
Here in Revelation, chapters 1,2, and 3 the Lord is addressing his Church.
In this thread I want to focus on the candle stick. (Which is actually a lamp stand.) "Light barer".
The Lord identifies the Lamp stand in verse 20) the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Revelation 1:20.
Also, what's important to see is Jesus's placement in the picture drawn. He is in the midst of the lampstand.
This is a picture of the Menorah.
It is to be oiled filled and never burn out.
WITH THAT IN MIND LETS GO TO THE GOSPELS.
John 9:4.
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
John 1:4-12.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
It is clear Jesus came into the world to give light to a dark world and testifies to the world that its works is evil.
John 7:7.
On to page 2.
Thanks for clarifying because, as you said, your comment could be taken two ways, and I made sure I addressed both take aways with you.
I hope you are not offended that I explained how I felt if the first take away was true. I was not so much defending myself as attempting to explain how it is good to not assume things about others that we cannot know about them and leave that knowing up to God.
And, yes, we all have pride in us. As a believer, we are to overcome the temptations and put to death the old nature at every turn. Sometimes we do and other times we find in review of our actions and motives that pride has had its way in us. We repent and ask God to help us identify this and any other sin that tries to entrap us into committing, especially those that can be hurtful to others as well as those that fester motivations within us that dishonor our Lord and the unity of the brethren, as you emphasized.
In conversations here, I tend to think that people choose to bring up certain topics or respond to posts because they genuinely wish to discuss it, to find out what a person actually means if unclear to me, to attempt to faithfully bring out what is revealed in Scripture, and to do all this out of love and concern for the one I am speaking with.
And, yes, some people do bring up some topics and phrase their ideas in a way that is an outright challenge to debate or to stir up controversy. There are some like this in every situation. But it seems to me that most people here are to trying to do this.
Some of the more blatant ones who stir up controversy have come and gone. But then there is always some to step into the void when one of these people stop posting. It is not my desire (nor that of others) here to be a catalyst for anyone leaving this forum. But some will leave because they do not like the debating because they are uncomfortable with it themselves, or don't think it reflects well on Christ. Which I understand. Talk more later.
You made me go back and re-read that post. I wasn't accusing you of anything.
However, I can see where it could have been misunderstood.
Here my that quote.
"So, if someone comes on the site for help in their walk or faith, Don't be distracted by the quarrels and take the time and help them.
Gigi, I've seen you do that!
End quote.
Gigi, I was saying you take the time and help them. I wasn't saying otherwise.
Sorry for that misunderstanding. I do see how that could go both ways.
I said they DON'T break away from their quarrels or debate to help.
I was saying, "I've see you break away from your debate or quarrels to help. Just as I do. I don't think I have never left a UNANSWERED request for help concerning their salvation.
I'm saying that is far more important than 5 people debating everyday and ignore helping someone because they have become consumed in winning their debate.
Yes, pride will make you do that.
As for Pride. We all suffer that to some degree. If we feel we haven't then that maybe a sign of pride in itself.
Now I have ignored challenges. Here is how.
When I see in a lengthy debate with people like Chris, Jesse, and others like them that hold the same view I have on a topic like Eschatology, and then later challenge me because of something I said to someone else on a separate thread, that has nothing to do with them,
I pretty much tell them they have debated this with another brother that presented his argument, and I can't improve on it.
Or I see how consumed they are on a certain doctrine, so I refuse to engage, and I ask them if they wanted to discuss soteriology we can.
I've been doing this for some time now.
It probably started with Jimbob a year ago because he said he didn't want to discuss a topic on Salvation.
As mentioned in my other post. I will be discussing this on another thread.
Thanks, and God bless.
I have prayed for your daughter and her situation.
Ad, it sounds like your son has helped to make your living space more enjoyable. It is so great to be outside and be surrounded by natural beauty. Hummingbirds are beautiful and intriguing animals.
I will pray for your brother now.
Dear Heavenly Father, this brother needs the healing that comes from You for he is so very sick right now. We know that You hear our prayers and will answer when we come to You in the name of Jesus. Sp, thank You for your tender love and care for all of us but especially for this brother today. Amen.
" Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more."(104:35)
Fire serves as a sign of disfavour. So God created angels spirits,"his ministers a flaming fire."(v.4) From the life of Prophet Elijah we have an example, "And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head." (1 Ki.19:6). Why the Spirit has set this example? Prophet is set as a double for Jesus Christ. Now we shall see how the risen Christ was helped by his angel."As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread./ Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. "( John 21:9).
The Last Adam is he who came from heaven. The Lord of heaven refers to the fire as a sign. " I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?"( Luke 12:49) It is to this Apostle Peter refers, "But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men."(2 Pe.3:7)
The Prophet foreshadows in the manner he chose to defeat the prophets of Baal. "Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench."(1 Ki.18:38)
This is according to the everlasting covenant which is the house that Wisdom built. (Pr.9:1) These have foundation which we find in Hannah's prayer. "For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and he hath set the world upon them." (1 Sa.2:8). The same truth we have in the Psalm we are discussing at present. God " Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever."(104:5) Notice the ubiquitous phrase 'forever' used here? We are discussing fire as reserved for the children of wrath. Showers of blessing for the blessed in the Son. Everlasting covenant as a sure foundation. God knows. 2 Ti.2:19-20
May the Lord bring help to you swiftly in your job situation. I know that He is working even though we cannot see it happening. How great is He!
May you be strengthened in your faith more and more and also be deepened in your knowledge of God in Jesus our Lord.
I will be standing with you in this in prayer and spirit.
Keep us posted, please.
To finish up my response.
If by saying that "Gigi, I've seen you do that!" you meant that even though I continue in a discussion were parties disagree yet still take the time to speak to others who post a request for help, then I have seen you do that, too. Thank you for doing so!
And lastly, when you speak of people here continuing in a discussion where parties strongly disagree you attribute it to pride. How can you say you know that is true? Only God really know the heart and intentions of why people do such things.
Was Paul being prideful when he addressed Peter strongly when Peter ate with the Judaizers instead of the Gentiles in fellowship meetings?
Was he being prideful when he spoke against those who spread false teaching? We cannot know for sure, but his love and zeal for the truth and right living compelled him as it does many here.
Was Jesus being prideful when he corrected or spoke harshly to the Pharisees and Sadducees, priests and leaders? Of course not!
We should all be careful to not judge others motives and the attitudes of their hearts concerning what they post here. We can certainly pray for one another and also think the best of others ( Phil. 2:3 tells us to think of others as better than ourselves). Doing so fosters respect and charity between believers. I endeavor to do just this, especially when another person says things I do not agree with or even are offended by their viewpoint. Even so, I pray for the conversation and the persons involved in it, myself and others, and I also seek not to judge another person in their intentions or in their standing with Christ.
This being said, I do think it is important that we be willing to speak the things that are hard to say, such as stating that what one speaks or promotes is erroneous or even heresy. We have an obligation to do this from Scripture as Paul and Jude m. But we do so in love even though it may not seems so to the recipient.
Steven, thanks for your response.
I prayed for you last night in my bedtime prayer time. I, too have some of the same health issues.
We are to treasure our brethren and to pray for them when when we haven't spet time with them for a while.
Thanks for reminding us of this today.
Hmmm. your comment that I have continued to quarrel on a topic when someone comes on the site for help is not a true reflection of me or my motives for continuing a conversation. But if you believe I have been this way, I can remember many times when you have continued debate on a topic in the same way even when there are people who post their requests for help. So, we should be self-reflective when we accuse another person of the same things we have done.
If you look at my history on here you will find that I respond to requests for prayer and help often. And when a topic is being discussed strongly, I try to continue in it until it seems to come to a point to cease, as I believe you and many others do here.
For me, I don't mind strong disagreement on ideas as long as we are free to respond on topic. Others may not like to engage this way. Having strong disagreement is not the same as being divisive or mean-spirited. The free exchange of ideas and view points is allowed here and has been part of the Christian conversation since the time of Jesus and the early church. Being assertive is not the same as being argumentative.
Also, what you may consider a minor topic or doctrine does not necessarily make it so. Therefore, we should not be the judge of the choice of topics on this forum.
I know that both you and I and many on here are concerned about truth being spoken concerning biblical teachings, and we should be. I understand that there are many beliefs that are in disagreement among believers here and in the church at large. But just because there is such variety does not mean that we take a Laise-fair attitude about this because truth does matter.
I do agree that we should be speaking of soteriology often on this site and I do think that we do. But there are many other discussions that address other topics too. I attribute this diversity of topics to the work of the Holy Spirit for the building up and maturing of the saints.