People ask this question a lot. It seems they are very concerned about greeting their loved ones in heaven. Maybe we will or maybe we won't but one thing is for sure - we will know Jesus.
I need prayer for my middle Son Darius, he's struggling to fit into life and find a place for himself. He's consistently talking about ending his life. Give him to strength to deal with life and bring GOd more into his life, help him to understand he cant do it without him. And never give up.
Every believer was called and has received gifts freely so we need understand that we are growing in our lives by faith and our works we do as natural extension of His grace. God sets Ezekiel as a watchman and by giving the word in the form of a roll he is to eat it. So it is the word that has to work. "And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear." This being the case we do according to the grace given and leave the Lord to deal with the rest. At the fag end of my life I work being confident that it is God who is in charge of my life.
We live in perilous times and the signs all are out. Weird climate, flashfloods, tornadoes wildfires makes breadbaskets blighted and plagues and pestilences ravage body and mind; those who made little of truth are fed by steady dose of misinformation and for those who rejected the truth the AI is a wakeup call. The imposter churches and their congregation shall have no hiding places except they receive the word of God as intended. Literalism has shown as inadequate. Knowing these I work to present daily what is revealed to me. So I leave it at that. With joy and peace in Him,
We both claim to present the truth and most of the time we can sort it out but I believe we use different means of interpretation, so that would make it nearly impossible on this topic.
I will be sharing more of my thoughts on this later.
Yes Dear Brother , we should be able to disagree without disrespecting each other . You have touched on something significant I believe . How many times does Jesus say something along the lines of : no man can receive this saying except those to whom it is given . This is a very important phrase in the Bible . The most important thing is , our faith in the work that the Son of God accomplished , he loved his Father more than anything and then loved us more than his own ( sinless ) life . Through his willing perfect sacrifice we are forgiven our sins and reconciled to our Dear Creator , the God of all . We must be very careful how we disagree with each other , personal spiteful aggressive attacks on members of our spiritual family , are deeply hurtful to our Saviour , he sees everything and expects us to be patient and affectionate to each other even if we believe someone is in error . We shall all see everything clearly in God's good time , in the mean time we are all on the same path , just at different stages of it and our life and therefore our learning . May God bless us all with ears to hear and eyes to see and open hearts and minds so that we keep growing in Him and not stagnating because we already think that we know everything , none of us does !
Dear Brigitta, the Lord says:"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast." - Ephesians2:8,9,
Be encouraged knowing also that you're not alone, and we all have the same feelings and fight the good fight daily: " What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"
Please remember me and my daughters and families in your prayers today, please pray for my mother, please pray for a coworker who has been sick and, in the hospital, please pray for a friend's sister who is in desperate need of prayers
God blessed man who is created in 'our image and in our likeness'. This is part of the everlasting covenant. God has given the earth to man. Coming back to the key text, "The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD's: But the earth hath he given to the children of men. (Ps.115:16) Fellowship of God with Man acknowledges no nation per se but man. so salvation plan of God at one level uses Trinity where God the Father sends his only begotten Son. ( John 3;16). Second we have the Word. John's Gospel begins with it. The Word was with God. Only begotten Son in the sense that God taking on human likeness lived among the children of men. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."( John 1:14). "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one./And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one." ( 1 John 5:7-8). Whosoever believed in the Testimony of the Three were aligned in their body, soul and spirit.
Faith with works meant the testimony of blood shed by the Son worked in the believer. By baptism of water he established that he died to sin and the world. If this is the case what value one ought to attach to notions of the Gentiles or on Israel? By literalism the imposter church would legitimize Israel as a nation despite of the word of God has set down as the holy writ.
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is another and it connects God with man through the Son of man whose Ascension as promised was freely given to him.
The earth was void and empty. The Spirit works with symbols so fire water rock and wind make the earth as a whole in 'our image and our likeness. National identity of Israel or the Gentiles has no place.
My name is Brigitta Immaculata, please pray for the salvation of my soul, so that I may receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and receive eternal life. Please ask forgiveness for my atheism, for doubting Jesus as God and the existence of eternal life after death, and the immortality of the soul. Please ask the same graces for my family and loved ones. Thank you very much.
2/2 - JESUS continued prophesying and warning His people-His Church- about the signs of His coming, and END of the WORLD of Devil now, from now on, even in this current time,saying what shall happen with His people in this period of sorrows:
(1) they shall deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you;
(2) and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake;
(3) then shall many be offended;
(4) and shall betray one another;
(5) and shall hate one another.
(6) many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
(7) And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
The promise of our Lord JESUS
He that shall endure unto the END of the WORLD, the same shall be saved,
the gospel of the kingdom of GOD shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all NATIONS;
Then shall the END come; So,
when ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place-JERUSALEM-, (whoso readeth, let him understand: )
then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.- Daniel 12:1-
except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; BELIEVE NOT, - John 5:43-47-.
for there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders( John 5:43-47 combined with Revelation 13:11-14-take a look- ; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
1-JESUS came out from the Temple,the disciples came to Him and shew Him the stones of the Temple.
2-JESUS said unto them,See ye not all these things?verily I say unto you,There shall not be left here one stone upon another,that shall not be thrown down.
The testimony of JESUS is the Spirit of prophecy.What He said was LITERALLY fulfilled in the year 70AD,40 years after His ascension. There should never again be built another similar Temple,the den of the thieves never came to be rebuilt as it was.
Notice that concerning the destruction of the Temple,it has nothing to do with Mount Olives;
Mount Olives has to do only with the DESTRUCTION of the WORLD of Devil in the current time,from now on.
Israel was destroyed from 70 to 1948,1878 years of severe punishments and curses- Deuteronomy 28:15-68-the Temple there should never again be built another.The father of the Jews- John 8:44-will be cast down into the bottomless pit,that he should deceive the nations no more- Revelation 20:1-4.
-2ND EVENT-DESTRUCTION OF THE DEVIL's WORLD & SIGNS OF JESUS's COMING
3JESUS sat upon the mount of Olives.The disciples came unto Him privately,saying:Tell us,when shall these things be?
1-What shall be the sign of thy coming?
2-And of the END of the world?
4JESUS gave a list of signs,saying what AT FIRST will happen:
(1)Take heed that no man deceive you;
(2)For many shall come in my name,saying,I am Christ( John 5:43-48);and shall deceive many;
(3)And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars:see that ye be not troubled:for all these things must come to pass,but the END is not yet;
(4)For nation shall rise against nation,and kingdom against kingdom;
(5)and there shall be famines;
(6)and pestilences;
(7)and earthquakes,in divers places;
JESUS warned:All these are the beginning of sorrows.At first,all these things must come to pass,but the END is not yet.In fact,it is a PRETRIBULATIONAL PERIOD
Right to disagree is your privilege. Among brethren only truth can cement the brotherliness. If I were to please you I would not be serving truth that I understand as given to me by the grace of God. "John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven." I believe it is so. I would rather please God than please man.
The subject has been brought up as rather common knowledge that many in the world suffer much greater persecution than we do in America at least up until this point; that appears to be rapidly about to change seeing the events of the last few months in particular. Part of what I have covered is the production of spiritual fruit; and how God uses hardships and trials to do this. Whatever our external circumstances; those today who are sold out for Christ know what it is like to be rejected; as well as having the enemy put a target on them. Necessary labor of the Great Commission is still being performed by a few faithful souls today but in the Tribulation is going to be "on steroids" as it were. Acts 5:41 often seems to be in the dust or some remote place in our thoughts in regard to rejoicing to suffer for His Name's sake.
Those who suffer that we know in the Tribulation should it be soon will also rejoice. We may wish we could be here but it is to THEIR advantage for us to be removed; or else they would never grow. Once the Rapture happens; many will realize how empty their life truly was after the shock of realization of what went down. I believe that there will be prayers in heaven for those about to be martyred ( Rev. 8:3-4 is one example). The parable of the 10 virgins seems on the surface to show the 5 foolish ones are hopelessly lost. This could represent some who thought they were believers or were believers that grew cold in their faith. A lot depends whether the last statement means "I never knew you" or "I know you not" as a lack of current intimate relation; and outer darkness could be being on the earth in the Tribulation or a representation of final hell. That is something I may have already discussed but could elaborate on. It behooves us to never be presumptuous in our faith; thinking we are bona fide Christians if our hearts are far from Him. In conclusion a great final harvest is coming.
Concluding remarks on forms and function of the church
A fundamental part of the Christian church experience should encompass not only the fellowship on Sundays or other congregational meetings and activities. A believer should be able to comprehend and experience his or her own personal ministry through their home life of prayer and intimate times between a husband and wife; rearing children and of course with alone times of devotionals. The majority of the week for most is in the workplace; thus a serving attitude; not cheating our employers with our time but working hard should also be our "reasonable service". This serves when the Lord opens a door as an opportunity to share our faith when we are able; and if the Lord allows us to start a lunchtime Bible study as it did for a friend of mine I used to know in Pittsburgh with his fellow bank employees; so be it. Obviously evangelism is something we should be prepared for "in and out of season" ( 2 Tim. 4:2).
In my earlier post I discussed what could keep someone from wanting to think about the Lord's return; and how it relates to our anticipation of church activities we have grown accustomed to; and would also involve the social ties we have. It probably has annoyed many of my fellow believers hearing me say week after week saying that I'll see them again next Sunday or at the next study "if He doesn't return first". I guess I am hoping if it does happen in my lifetime it keeps me and other vigilant thinking about these things. Sadly; I have heard on at least one occasion someone saying they didn't want Him coming yet so they could see their kids get married or some other like sentiment.
Another issue; of course is our angst of those in our midst who have not yet come to faith and our concern about not being here one more day to witness to them. This; of course involves a fundamental lack of trust that God will draw all men to Himself and will use us or someone else; to reel them in.
My Brother, Odie Smith, had a heart attack and has been in the hospital for over 3 weeks. The doctor put in 4 stents, he is still have the respirator on him but he is breathing on his own, he has responded to commands but the staff will not put them on record, some doctors and nurses have been been speaking defeated talk and some doctors and nurses are speaking hope, the staff are divided. We are looking at life and the progress he has made. We ask everyone to pray with us for: His wife and children, all of us, and Complete and Fast: Recovery, Healing, Deliverance, Guidance, Encouragement, Strength, Rest, Peace, Grace, Mercy, and Positive Words to be Spoken. We ask for you all to stand in prayer with us over the Whole Hospital Staff and the patients in the Hospital. We thank you all so much for the prays in advance. God Bless and God Keep You All.
Use charcoal. It will kill infection. Get at Walmart in pharmacy section, hold in mouth and swish.. it's messy but will not hurt you. It's use a lot for when people get poisoned.
2. Building towards the final piece of the puzzle. Eventually; everyone who will come to the Lord will be completed. Once we are called up to be with the Lord; of course the earth will be almost completely destroyed before being renewed. Our old church building and our old houses and all other man made structures will be crumbled; and nature itself will be transformed with every valley being exalted (See Isaiah 40:4-5).
3. We shall enjoy fellowship with all the O.T. saints and N.T. saints after the Resurrection of the just. Thus; it will be the fruition of all of God's promises; both to the nation of Israel and all the nations; as well as of the church triumphant. It also will encompass all those who died in faith during the Tribulation; a countless multitude ( Rev. 7:9).
4. When He returns; we can enjoy true peace and safety. I would imagine we will meet often outdoors; as well as of course yearly worshipping with the King in Jerusalem; whether in our new bodies or those who are in the Millennium who survive the Tribulation. ( Zech. 14:16 to end of chapter).
There is much to be said in these last days about preaching correct doctrine; and much can be gleaned from reading what the early church fathers; and those during the Reformation as well as more modern "heroes of the faith". It must be remembered though that all of us have sinned and therefore terms such as the Westminster Divines personally I find disturbing at best. There are things that can be said about Calvin and Luther and probably others that are disheartening to say the least as to their character. This is not to say that admirable examples aren't worth emulating; I would put Whitfield up there as he spend hours praying in tears before preaching in his revivals. Ultimately the Bible should be our standard; anything else should only be useful as a guide and any practices only as a spotlight on Christ and His life within us.
It would seem strange to think that because someone wants to continue on with their weekly church service and related activities that they would be hesitant to have the Lord come back but I can't help but think this happens more than we think. Certainly those who are in a false worship where the truth of the Gospel is utterly compromised or other religions and heresies have overtaken any truth that is told could be considered as fitting into this trap. Indeed it will be as a trap and a snare when the Lord returns and "they shall not escape" ( 1 Thess. 5:3).
I am focusing; however on fellowships that more or less have correct teachings. There can be a lack of discussion on the times we are living in; and the future prophetic implications soon to come in the book of Revelation as well as many other texts of future prophecies in the Bible. Here are some bullet point items to consider.
1. Families. My friend; who painstakingly led his mother to Christ after years of visiting her in a nursing home and who was ostracized by other family members as well as outright abused by his brother told me that his true family was that of brothers and sisters in the Lord. Finding the balance between personal boundaries that need to be maintained when raising kids; and the personal commitment to time to ourselves and building ties with others in the Lord as well as other families may vary; but the bottom line as I always say is that we're going to spend eternity together so we may as well start getting along with each other now. What is truly awesome is that people of completely different personalities; talents; interests; etc can find something in common with Christ. It is a sort of multidimensional way of extending ties with our friends that hopefully grows into associations with those of other nationalities whether home or abroad with missionaries on the ground who we can pray for and fellowship with.
There are many different ways to believe in God in the world today. But where do we find the real God and our way to eternal life with Him? God is not the God of many different religions; many different beliefs, that is the devil. God is the God of one true religion; His. How do you suppose God who, loves us so ultimately and deeply, made the way for us to have eternal life in heaven? One religion criticizes the other for this or that in their beliefs but there is one source God has given us to know without having to debate or judge other's beliefs. The Bible. The God who created everything and knows everything is quite capable of preserving His Word in truth, keeping it pure. So we do have the directions, in whole, to read and understand the way to salvation? So who do you believe? Your pastor or priest or your church or your grandma or parents, etc.? Or do you study for yourself so you KNOW what the truth is. (I use the KJB only but that's me.) The important thing is to read and study diligently for yourself. You can come up with many excuses not to do this, but just "reading" it or not giving it any attention at all will not get you into heaven. That's my opinion, sure, but you might want to find out for yourself if you really do want to go to heaven. Eternal life with a wonderful, all loving, benevolent God offering unimaginable blessings for eternity or eternal damnation. One human being doesn't have the authority to tell other human beings what to believe when it comes to God. They can share what they believe, like a minister preaching, but it is totally up to each of us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.
I think one of the absolutely most vital verses to read and understand is 2 Timothy 2:15. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth." (KJB) Don't you agree? Do you believe the Word is from God for each one of us to read and study so we can understand what God is telling us? Do you believe God is telling us to study for ourselves, to know what God is wanting from us so we can have eternal life? Do you believe God has given all the scripture to us by the power of the Holy Ghost to admonishes us to know His will so we can find our way to heaven? Do you believe that once you begin to study with an open heart and mind that you will find delight in God's word? I am a child of God not a Catholic or a Protestant or a part of any kind of religion, just a child of God. God doesn't care about titles. So, what is really true when it comes to the human soul and having a promise of eternal life with God? Isn't that what matters? It's easier to just go along and accept what other's may tell you to believe but in the end it will be devastating for your soul if they are wrong. We, as God's creation, can have an assured hope of heaven if we would find the truth on our own, what God has planned for us from the very beginning. God became man in the person of Jesus Christ so His divine blood could be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. He didn't intend for it to be any other way. His death and return to heaven was all He decided was needed for us to have salvation. He gave His word for us to find our way to the true Him and how to become born again. I hope there will be those who will give, what you read here, some serious thought and take it to heart. The Holy Ghost wrote the bible, He will help you understand it. Just ask Him to.
The other day I heard about a falling out from a church I used to attend with a good friend of mine. It seems the Pastor only wanted to talk rather than hear what he had to say; and that there is a sort of mindset of exclusivity there in regard to it being the only genuine church denomination as my friend put it. The conversation is skewed by the fact that my friend tends to be very opinionated and rather vocal with an aggressive sort of personality.
I introduce this to say that a church can be increasingly legalistic; or on the contrary embrace the tidal wave of political correctness and hence be a Laodicean type church. in EITHER case I would dare say that a RELIGIOUS spirit can overtake people. There can exist the pride of performance; or the pride of the world and embracing all the damnable heresies in order to emphasize the "love" of God.
I have compared the end of the church "age" or "dispensation" with that of ancient Israel. We are reminded that God was to be worshipped in John 4:24 where the woman at the well was told that God was spirit and we must worship Him in spirit and truth.
The remnant always remains of true "Israel" (see Isaiah 10:20). There is also a confessing church and a small portion of them who are POSSESSING the Holy Spirit and thus truly children of God. It is not in a building; ordinances; catechisms and other structured parts of worship that in themselves have any meaning and indeed once we behold Him much of our current practices will be rendered as archaic and in the past. The end all of all things is heavenly treasure; and we are aliens and strangers on this earth. If we take our experience that we see with our five senses to heart without considering the unseen we are not going to progress. Yes; God uses local assemblies and our fellow believers to (hopefully) be discipled and grow together while enjoying legitimate blessings together of families and friends. But we look to the hope to come.
This section is not pointing fingers towards you are anyone in particular.
Deuteronomy 7:6-8 is a portion of scripture that has made an envious world hate the Jews and sadly some of the body of Christ has been compromised by this evil.
"For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.
The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:
But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt"
Verse 6 is what they take issue with. "For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, ABOVE ALL PEOPLE THAT ARE UPON THE FACE OF THE EARTH"
Some would like to have this said about them, so they render this to the Church.
However, be at ease the church was not in the world when this verse was given,
And the Church is never called people of the earth or earth dwellers.
However, If I'm wrong and God chooses them over the Church, he has the right to do so, it's his creation.
Deuteronomy 7:7-8 emphasizes God's elect! He didn't choose them for any particular reason. It is not the Church.
The Church was never redeemed out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
Israel is part of God's plan of salvation explained in Romans 11:11-33.
I find it amazing that the same people who say you can't be saved by the law of Moses "and rightfully so"
They acknowledge scriptures like 2 Corinthians 3:6-7Galatians 3:19-25 when defending their own imperfections but say Israel failed because they couldn't.
Hey, check out Rev 16:19, the wine of the wrath of God. Don't forget, Lazarus and the rich man is a "parable". It was told to explain that being rich was not to be misunderstood as favor from God.
Name is Rick please need prayer for mercy and protection and vindicated over bad work situation management didn't let me have my lunch but everyone else had theirs please need prayer for this please and thank you God bless you
Every believer was called and has received gifts freely so we need understand that we are growing in our lives by faith and our works we do as natural extension of His grace. God sets Ezekiel as a watchman and by giving the word in the form of a roll he is to eat it. So it is the word that has to work. "And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear." This being the case we do according to the grace given and leave the Lord to deal with the rest. At the fag end of my life I work being confident that it is God who is in charge of my life.
We live in perilous times and the signs all are out. Weird climate, flashfloods, tornadoes wildfires makes breadbaskets blighted and plagues and pestilences ravage body and mind; those who made little of truth are fed by steady dose of misinformation and for those who rejected the truth the AI is a wakeup call. The imposter churches and their congregation shall have no hiding places except they receive the word of God as intended. Literalism has shown as inadequate. Knowing these I work to present daily what is revealed to me. So I leave it at that. With joy and peace in Him,
I accidentally sent that message before I finished.
I wanted to agree with Jema, ww should be able to have these discussions peacefully, not dwell on the past and push forward.
God bless you.
We both claim to present the truth and most of the time we can sort it out but I believe we use different means of interpretation, so that would make it nearly impossible on this topic.
I will be sharing more of my thoughts on this later.
Not of works, lest any man should boast." - Ephesians2:8,9,
Be encouraged knowing also that you're not alone, and we all have the same feelings and fight the good fight daily: " What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"
Blessings, in Jesus' name,
God blessed man who is created in 'our image and in our likeness'. This is part of the everlasting covenant. God has given the earth to man. Coming back to the key text, "The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD's: But the earth hath he given to the children of men. (Ps.115:16) Fellowship of God with Man acknowledges no nation per se but man. so salvation plan of God at one level uses Trinity where God the Father sends his only begotten Son. ( John 3;16). Second we have the Word. John's Gospel begins with it. The Word was with God. Only begotten Son in the sense that God taking on human likeness lived among the children of men. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."( John 1:14). "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one./And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one." ( 1 John 5:7-8). Whosoever believed in the Testimony of the Three were aligned in their body, soul and spirit.
Faith with works meant the testimony of blood shed by the Son worked in the believer. By baptism of water he established that he died to sin and the world. If this is the case what value one ought to attach to notions of the Gentiles or on Israel? By literalism the imposter church would legitimize Israel as a nation despite of the word of God has set down as the holy writ.
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is another and it connects God with man through the Son of man whose Ascension as promised was freely given to him.
The earth was void and empty. The Spirit works with symbols so fire water rock and wind make the earth as a whole in 'our image and our likeness. National identity of Israel or the Gentiles has no place.
(1) they shall deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you;
(2) and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake;
(3) then shall many be offended;
(4) and shall betray one another;
(5) and shall hate one another.
(6) many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
(7) And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
The promise of our Lord JESUS
He that shall endure unto the END of the WORLD, the same shall be saved,
the gospel of the kingdom of GOD shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all NATIONS;
Then shall the END come; So,
when ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place-JERUSALEM-, (whoso readeth, let him understand: )
then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.- Daniel 12:1-
except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; BELIEVE NOT, - John 5:43-47-.
for there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders( John 5:43-47 combined with Revelation 13:11-14-take a look- ; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Behold, I have told you before.
Get ready
1 of 2 -JESUS described two events:
1st EVENT-DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE
1-JESUS came out from the Temple,the disciples came to Him and shew Him the stones of the Temple.
2-JESUS said unto them,See ye not all these things?verily I say unto you,There shall not be left here one stone upon another,that shall not be thrown down.
The testimony of JESUS is the Spirit of prophecy.What He said was LITERALLY fulfilled in the year 70AD,40 years after His ascension. There should never again be built another similar Temple,the den of the thieves never came to be rebuilt as it was.
Notice that concerning the destruction of the Temple,it has nothing to do with Mount Olives;
Mount Olives has to do only with the DESTRUCTION of the WORLD of Devil in the current time,from now on.
Israel was destroyed from 70 to 1948,1878 years of severe punishments and curses- Deuteronomy 28:15-68-the Temple there should never again be built another.The father of the Jews- John 8:44-will be cast down into the bottomless pit,that he should deceive the nations no more- Revelation 20:1-4.
-2ND EVENT-DESTRUCTION OF THE DEVIL's WORLD & SIGNS OF JESUS's COMING
3JESUS sat upon the mount of Olives.The disciples came unto Him privately,saying:Tell us,when shall these things be?
1-What shall be the sign of thy coming?
2-And of the END of the world?
4JESUS gave a list of signs,saying what AT FIRST will happen:
(1)Take heed that no man deceive you;
(2)For many shall come in my name,saying,I am Christ( John 5:43-48);and shall deceive many;
(3)And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars:see that ye be not troubled:for all these things must come to pass,but the END is not yet;
(4)For nation shall rise against nation,and kingdom against kingdom;
(5)and there shall be famines;
(6)and pestilences;
(7)and earthquakes,in divers places;
JESUS warned:All these are the beginning of sorrows.At first,all these things must come to pass,but the END is not yet.In fact,it is a PRETRIBULATIONAL PERIOD
1/2
Right to disagree is your privilege. Among brethren only truth can cement the brotherliness. If I were to please you I would not be serving truth that I understand as given to me by the grace of God. "John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven." I believe it is so. I would rather please God than please man.
With joy and peace in Him,
The subject has been brought up as rather common knowledge that many in the world suffer much greater persecution than we do in America at least up until this point; that appears to be rapidly about to change seeing the events of the last few months in particular. Part of what I have covered is the production of spiritual fruit; and how God uses hardships and trials to do this. Whatever our external circumstances; those today who are sold out for Christ know what it is like to be rejected; as well as having the enemy put a target on them. Necessary labor of the Great Commission is still being performed by a few faithful souls today but in the Tribulation is going to be "on steroids" as it were. Acts 5:41 often seems to be in the dust or some remote place in our thoughts in regard to rejoicing to suffer for His Name's sake.
Those who suffer that we know in the Tribulation should it be soon will also rejoice. We may wish we could be here but it is to THEIR advantage for us to be removed; or else they would never grow. Once the Rapture happens; many will realize how empty their life truly was after the shock of realization of what went down. I believe that there will be prayers in heaven for those about to be martyred ( Rev. 8:3-4 is one example). The parable of the 10 virgins seems on the surface to show the 5 foolish ones are hopelessly lost. This could represent some who thought they were believers or were believers that grew cold in their faith. A lot depends whether the last statement means "I never knew you" or "I know you not" as a lack of current intimate relation; and outer darkness could be being on the earth in the Tribulation or a representation of final hell. That is something I may have already discussed but could elaborate on. It behooves us to never be presumptuous in our faith; thinking we are bona fide Christians if our hearts are far from Him. In conclusion a great final harvest is coming.
A fundamental part of the Christian church experience should encompass not only the fellowship on Sundays or other congregational meetings and activities. A believer should be able to comprehend and experience his or her own personal ministry through their home life of prayer and intimate times between a husband and wife; rearing children and of course with alone times of devotionals. The majority of the week for most is in the workplace; thus a serving attitude; not cheating our employers with our time but working hard should also be our "reasonable service". This serves when the Lord opens a door as an opportunity to share our faith when we are able; and if the Lord allows us to start a lunchtime Bible study as it did for a friend of mine I used to know in Pittsburgh with his fellow bank employees; so be it. Obviously evangelism is something we should be prepared for "in and out of season" ( 2 Tim. 4:2).
In my earlier post I discussed what could keep someone from wanting to think about the Lord's return; and how it relates to our anticipation of church activities we have grown accustomed to; and would also involve the social ties we have. It probably has annoyed many of my fellow believers hearing me say week after week saying that I'll see them again next Sunday or at the next study "if He doesn't return first". I guess I am hoping if it does happen in my lifetime it keeps me and other vigilant thinking about these things. Sadly; I have heard on at least one occasion someone saying they didn't want Him coming yet so they could see their kids get married or some other like sentiment.
Another issue; of course is our angst of those in our midst who have not yet come to faith and our concern about not being here one more day to witness to them. This; of course involves a fundamental lack of trust that God will draw all men to Himself and will use us or someone else; to reel them in.
2. Building towards the final piece of the puzzle. Eventually; everyone who will come to the Lord will be completed. Once we are called up to be with the Lord; of course the earth will be almost completely destroyed before being renewed. Our old church building and our old houses and all other man made structures will be crumbled; and nature itself will be transformed with every valley being exalted (See Isaiah 40:4-5).
3. We shall enjoy fellowship with all the O.T. saints and N.T. saints after the Resurrection of the just. Thus; it will be the fruition of all of God's promises; both to the nation of Israel and all the nations; as well as of the church triumphant. It also will encompass all those who died in faith during the Tribulation; a countless multitude ( Rev. 7:9).
4. When He returns; we can enjoy true peace and safety. I would imagine we will meet often outdoors; as well as of course yearly worshipping with the King in Jerusalem; whether in our new bodies or those who are in the Millennium who survive the Tribulation. ( Zech. 14:16 to end of chapter).
There is much to be said in these last days about preaching correct doctrine; and much can be gleaned from reading what the early church fathers; and those during the Reformation as well as more modern "heroes of the faith". It must be remembered though that all of us have sinned and therefore terms such as the Westminster Divines personally I find disturbing at best. There are things that can be said about Calvin and Luther and probably others that are disheartening to say the least as to their character. This is not to say that admirable examples aren't worth emulating; I would put Whitfield up there as he spend hours praying in tears before preaching in his revivals. Ultimately the Bible should be our standard; anything else should only be useful as a guide and any practices only as a spotlight on Christ and His life within us.
It would seem strange to think that because someone wants to continue on with their weekly church service and related activities that they would be hesitant to have the Lord come back but I can't help but think this happens more than we think. Certainly those who are in a false worship where the truth of the Gospel is utterly compromised or other religions and heresies have overtaken any truth that is told could be considered as fitting into this trap. Indeed it will be as a trap and a snare when the Lord returns and "they shall not escape" ( 1 Thess. 5:3).
I am focusing; however on fellowships that more or less have correct teachings. There can be a lack of discussion on the times we are living in; and the future prophetic implications soon to come in the book of Revelation as well as many other texts of future prophecies in the Bible. Here are some bullet point items to consider.
1. Families. My friend; who painstakingly led his mother to Christ after years of visiting her in a nursing home and who was ostracized by other family members as well as outright abused by his brother told me that his true family was that of brothers and sisters in the Lord. Finding the balance between personal boundaries that need to be maintained when raising kids; and the personal commitment to time to ourselves and building ties with others in the Lord as well as other families may vary; but the bottom line as I always say is that we're going to spend eternity together so we may as well start getting along with each other now. What is truly awesome is that people of completely different personalities; talents; interests; etc can find something in common with Christ. It is a sort of multidimensional way of extending ties with our friends that hopefully grows into associations with those of other nationalities whether home or abroad with missionaries on the ground who we can pray for and fellowship with.
Part 1
There are many different ways to believe in God in the world today. But where do we find the real God and our way to eternal life with Him? God is not the God of many different religions; many different beliefs, that is the devil. God is the God of one true religion; His. How do you suppose God who, loves us so ultimately and deeply, made the way for us to have eternal life in heaven? One religion criticizes the other for this or that in their beliefs but there is one source God has given us to know without having to debate or judge other's beliefs. The Bible. The God who created everything and knows everything is quite capable of preserving His Word in truth, keeping it pure. So we do have the directions, in whole, to read and understand the way to salvation? So who do you believe? Your pastor or priest or your church or your grandma or parents, etc.? Or do you study for yourself so you KNOW what the truth is. (I use the KJB only but that's me.) The important thing is to read and study diligently for yourself. You can come up with many excuses not to do this, but just "reading" it or not giving it any attention at all will not get you into heaven. That's my opinion, sure, but you might want to find out for yourself if you really do want to go to heaven. Eternal life with a wonderful, all loving, benevolent God offering unimaginable blessings for eternity or eternal damnation. One human being doesn't have the authority to tell other human beings what to believe when it comes to God. They can share what they believe, like a minister preaching, but it is totally up to each of us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.
I think one of the absolutely most vital verses to read and understand is 2 Timothy 2:15. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth." (KJB) Don't you agree? Do you believe the Word is from God for each one of us to read and study so we can understand what God is telling us? Do you believe God is telling us to study for ourselves, to know what God is wanting from us so we can have eternal life? Do you believe God has given all the scripture to us by the power of the Holy Ghost to admonishes us to know His will so we can find our way to heaven? Do you believe that once you begin to study with an open heart and mind that you will find delight in God's word? I am a child of God not a Catholic or a Protestant or a part of any kind of religion, just a child of God. God doesn't care about titles. So, what is really true when it comes to the human soul and having a promise of eternal life with God? Isn't that what matters? It's easier to just go along and accept what other's may tell you to believe but in the end it will be devastating for your soul if they are wrong. We, as God's creation, can have an assured hope of heaven if we would find the truth on our own, what God has planned for us from the very beginning. God became man in the person of Jesus Christ so His divine blood could be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. He didn't intend for it to be any other way. His death and return to heaven was all He decided was needed for us to have salvation. He gave His word for us to find our way to the true Him and how to become born again. I hope there will be those who will give, what you read here, some serious thought and take it to heart. The Holy Ghost wrote the bible, He will help you understand it. Just ask Him to.
The other day I heard about a falling out from a church I used to attend with a good friend of mine. It seems the Pastor only wanted to talk rather than hear what he had to say; and that there is a sort of mindset of exclusivity there in regard to it being the only genuine church denomination as my friend put it. The conversation is skewed by the fact that my friend tends to be very opinionated and rather vocal with an aggressive sort of personality.
I introduce this to say that a church can be increasingly legalistic; or on the contrary embrace the tidal wave of political correctness and hence be a Laodicean type church. in EITHER case I would dare say that a RELIGIOUS spirit can overtake people. There can exist the pride of performance; or the pride of the world and embracing all the damnable heresies in order to emphasize the "love" of God.
I have compared the end of the church "age" or "dispensation" with that of ancient Israel. We are reminded that God was to be worshipped in John 4:24 where the woman at the well was told that God was spirit and we must worship Him in spirit and truth.
The remnant always remains of true "Israel" (see Isaiah 10:20). There is also a confessing church and a small portion of them who are POSSESSING the Holy Spirit and thus truly children of God. It is not in a building; ordinances; catechisms and other structured parts of worship that in themselves have any meaning and indeed once we behold Him much of our current practices will be rendered as archaic and in the past. The end all of all things is heavenly treasure; and we are aliens and strangers on this earth. If we take our experience that we see with our five senses to heart without considering the unseen we are not going to progress. Yes; God uses local assemblies and our fellow believers to (hopefully) be discipled and grow together while enjoying legitimate blessings together of families and friends. But we look to the hope to come.
I completely disagree with everything you sated in this section!
This is where we depart in this discussion.
Thanks, and may the Lord bless you.
Part 2.
This section is not pointing fingers towards you are anyone in particular.
Deuteronomy 7:6-8 is a portion of scripture that has made an envious world hate the Jews and sadly some of the body of Christ has been compromised by this evil.
"For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.
The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:
But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt"
Verse 6 is what they take issue with. "For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, ABOVE ALL PEOPLE THAT ARE UPON THE FACE OF THE EARTH"
Some would like to have this said about them, so they render this to the Church.
However, be at ease the church was not in the world when this verse was given,
And the Church is never called people of the earth or earth dwellers.
However, If I'm wrong and God chooses them over the Church, he has the right to do so, it's his creation.
Deuteronomy 7:7-8 emphasizes God's elect! He didn't choose them for any particular reason. It is not the Church.
The Church was never redeemed out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
Israel is part of God's plan of salvation explained in Romans 11:11-33.
I find it amazing that the same people who say you can't be saved by the law of Moses "and rightfully so"
They acknowledge scriptures like 2 Corinthians 3:6-7 Galatians 3:19-25 when defending their own imperfections but say Israel failed because they couldn't.
God bless.
It is infected again. Please help!!