God knows exactly how to CAUSE each of his children to return to him.
Each of us has to suffer in the flesh to LEARN obedience.
God's children have no knowledge of the Works of God, though suffering and touching hot stoves, we learn knowledge, and through knowledge we learn obedience.
Psalms 107:8 Oh that man would praise the Lord for his goodness, for his wonderful works to the children of men.
If you study God's word, God CAUSES ALL to RESIST his word and works, so when we return to him, we CANNOT say it was the works of OUR OWN HANDS.
David FELL, yet God said David was man after his own heart, Christ came through the BLOODLINE of David and Bathsheba.
The word that has gone forth does not return in vain (Is.55:11)." The Spirit in narrating the House of the Forest of Lebanon is not drawing our attention to a physical shape or form of the house as much us Jesus said of the many mansions in his Fathers house. The vital point is the Son has promised it for our use and God who spared not his own Son for our sakes shall surely make it happen.. It looks forward to the last chapter in the Book of the revelation 'And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb./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)".
Tailpiece:
The river of water of life sets the world of the Spirit and the world of the body on this side of the bank so every heart of the believer draws to the city which has foundations whose Maker and builder is God. It is also the House of prayer for all nations. The tree of life sets every believer that has dug deeper to be nourished by the water as tree of righteousness whose leaves d not wither away. Ps.1:2-3). It serves as a emblem for Christ as the last Adam. No more curse no more tears. "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty(Re.1:8).
"He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon; the length thereof was an hundred cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits, upon four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams upon the pillars.(v.2)"
The House of Solomon was called the House of the Forest of Lebanon. King Solomon had arranged with King Hiram of Tyre to bring the forest of Lebanon all cut to size ready to instal in the king's house. "My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon unto the sea: and I will convey them by sea in floats unto the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be discharged there, and thou shalt receive them: and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household./ So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire(5:9-10)".
There was a body of water to facilitate the transport such profusion of timber fabled for their quality. The same analogy we could derive in the manner God brings the trees of righteousness into the house of God to serve as pillars."Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name(Re.3:12). The body of water,- the sea is what God caused and in the creation account it has a place of origin. Heaven from which all blessings are poured down is a mighty stream. Like the sun shine invigorates the land rivers are replenished by rain so cedars of Lebanon lead us to think of a forest not merely stationary but much more than as trees. "
The voice of theLordis powerful; the voice of theLordis full of majesty./The voice of theLordbreaketh the cedars; yea, theLordbreaketh the cedars of Lebanon. /He maketh them also to skip like a calf(Ps.29:4-6)"
There are two major errors as we head towards the Tribulation. One is the increasing number of those rejecting the God of the Bible and espousing a violent revolution; the other is what I believe is the genesis of the "Mystery Babylon" end time one world religion which basically holds to a tenet that man is basically good; and they can be somehow convinced to act upon these innate desires to bring some sort of utopian peace on earth. Such will bring about the first seal with the false peace of Antichrist on a ready and willing world population. Everyone; of course will be given a chance to join that bandwagon; as surely those espousing violence are somehow disenfranchised; explaining their behavior. Thus comes the covenant with "death and hell" knowingly made at that time according to Isaiah 28:15.
One could merely read the beatitudes or other verses about "good works" in the scriptures and somehow think that by doing certain actions they are following the Gospel. Outwardly perhaps; but not inwardly in the heart as man cannot love those who hate them and despitefully use them without the Spirit's assistance ( Matt. 5:44). We cannot; as Joni Mitchell states in the 1969 song "Woodstock" go back to the garden. The exaltation of man as though he has some redeeming quality started to gain popularity in the 19th Century "enlightenment" period.
When we look at other writings outside the Bible; it is certain that certain moral themes are more or less covered in these texts which are similar to scripture. We can see the same thing; of course in pagan cultures with the theme of a virgin giving birth with Isis and Osiris. The Bible is the written Word of God; even if some earlier texts were written down beforehand. God Himself wrote the 10 commandments on stone ( Ex. 31:18). He is the source of all truth; moral and otherwise and has taken care that the revealed Word was preserved and also became flesh ( John 1:14).
Truth mixed with falsehood: further thoughts on O.T. and N.T. and on "cherry picking" scripture
When David wrote in Psalm 119 that he loved the law; it was not necessarily for the regulations itself; at least to the main theme; but it was the nature of God and His righteousness where knowing the Lord personally; such statements could be made. Isaiah 30:10 is a warning that people wanted to hear smooth things; and that reminds us that we can't selectively pick verses that seem encouraging to us. We also have to look at such texts as 1 John 4. Verse 12 shows that we must love one another; but further inspection on this and the entire book of 1 John shows what agape love is; it has to be a perfect love and goes against the flesh where people in the flesh tend to pick and choose who they love. (see 1 John 3:15-16). We could say the same thing in a subject like prosperity. God promised Abraham would become great; and blessed him greatly with possessions. Nonetheless; the cost of this was having to wander around as a nomad in what would become eventually the territory of the Promised Land.
Again; in regard to the law it is actually held to a greater standard in the New Testament as to thoughts and intentions of the heart (see Matthew 5:28). God is also still concerned about vows and covenants made such as with marriage and we cannot live as the world and expect to inherit the Kingdom of God. The lawless one is coming ( 2 Thess. 2:9-12). God has written the law in our hearts ( Rom. 2:15).
The Dominionist concept of the church taking over the world before Christ comes back is clearly in opposition to such verses as 1 Timothy 4. We aren't in a Theocracy where we can be expected to conquer as Israel did; we also can't exact restrictions more than Christ did with soldiers ( Luke 3:14); where Christ didn't try to make them lay down their arms. We can learn to wait on God as Romans 12:19 suggests. May we read and apply all scripture in a sound manner.
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever. In the will of God the Father the Word become flesh in practical terms is the accessibility of anyone to be helped where His Son serves as a mediator and an high priest. "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."(He.4:15) Trust means we are not relying our abilities but letting his grace work fully in resisting our temptations. Full armor of God gives it vividness and it is God who fights the battle for us. (Ep.6:13-17)
Faith which is one with which we make a stand so our trust is fully shown to be working best in the evil day. 'Having done all, to stand'
St Paul faced many such evil days. The only way he could have withstood it we have from his own account.
St Paul had a thorn in his flesh which he could not removed by his own strength so he placed it in the hands of Jesus Christ, "For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me./And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me./Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (2 Co.12:7-10). What is the motto of Trust? "For when I am weak, then am I strong." Thus when we take hold of Mount Zion whoever kicks at us is kicking at mount Zion. The rod of the wicked for that reason shall be broken into splinters.
"And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder."(Matt.21:44) This is what we read in the Book of Daniel, "Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces."(v.35)
They that trust in theLordshall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever./As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so theLordis round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
Mount Zion abides forever which is what characterizes the Son. " Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation." This was laid even before the worlds began. The stone that not cut with hands explains its source. "A stone was cut out without hands," which became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth" (Dan.2:34-35) This underpins the Father-Son relationship and its a clear indication of Mount Zion the church built upon Zion and it shall abide forever.
When God sent his Son to the world he was the bread of heaven.
Satan well knew the symbolism but not what Salvation entails. The spirit that said, 'I will' and 'I will be like the most High,'Could not have understood the spiritual significance of the Word becoming flesh. He tempted Jesus, "If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread."(Matt.4:3). Materialism he well knew so he would need a serpent to beguile Eve just as 'prosperity' of dollars and cents he could offer those who served his interests in our times. He knew he was the Word become flesh but he had not use for it. Trust in a literal Zion or Jerusalem was so deep that the Jews rejected the Son. He was a rock of offense to them.
Trust is not in ones own strengths but the Word which in human likeness set an example for us. Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life." Trust means we are not relying our abilities but letting his grace work fully in resisting our temptations. Full armor of God gives it vividness and it is God who fights the battle for us. (Ep.6:13-17) Truth in our inward parts we make it as our native soil. Truth, which God has written in us, works as though our loins are girt about it.
It has been said that the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed; and the New Testament the Old Testament revealed. I'm not sure who came up with that I'm sure a quick search can make that evident.
No one can follow the law perfectly; and if we transgress in one thing it is as though we broke all ( James 2:10 loosely translated). No one can be saved by the law; that is where the grace of God comes in. However; we can't dismiss the significance of the 10 commandments as it is clear that murder and adultery are still sins as seen in numerous N.T. scriptures. Of course most believers don't hold to Saturday sabbath today except for Seventh Day Adventists and Messianic Jewish congregants. There are also ceremonial laws which Peter himself was told to bypass with his vision in the Book of Acts in regard to the meeting with Cornelius; a Gentile.
When it comes to comparing both Testaments cross references and prophecies clearly link the two parts of scripture; not to mention life lessons. 2 Timothy 3:16 makes it clear that all scripture is God breathed and useful for various purposes. There are intersections with Gentiles on occasion (such as Nebuchadnezzar; Naaman the Syrian and perhaps most importantly Melchizidek. God's chosen people came from pagan nations first; then were established eventually in a homeland as Jews; with varying interludes of diaspora during times of disobedience. As I stated before there were covenants made with Abraham that are related to promises for the nation that are eternal. What did change was the Old Testament methodology of sacrifices once the Temple was destroyed in AD 70. Actually once the curtain split at the crucifixion we now are able to worship God anywhere as we have access to the "Holy of Holies" being His temple ( 1 Cor. 3:16). The New covenant promises essentially to give us a new heart which will never drift from Him again ( Jer. 31:31-34).
Good morning. That's beautiful GIGI! Grandparents! I imagine there is lots to do in making way for more in the home. Many blessings come from small beginnings! It is hard to stay on too of yards that do not have hard frost, everything keeps on growing. Out of 14 hears on this property we have only had two cold winters. Cold usually means dry and we need the rain, so we pray for more yard work I guess. We hope to have a few guest after church this morning to fill the home a little bit more. I hope you all have a wonderful day in Christ Jesus.
You said me:"I beg to differ from your view on the seven seals.You said,"And around 65 years after His ascention,JESUS broke the 7 seals of the secret book of Apocalypse".
First, you must know that GOD the Father gave to JESUS the book of Revelation-Re.1:1-decades after His ascension, it was around 95AD, the New Covenant already was established, and already there were 7 Churches in Asia.
Re.5:3 reveals:'no MAN in HEAVEN(i.e. in 3rd heaven,the next to be established,and it has nothing to do with sky), nor in EARTH,neither under the earth,was ABLE to open the(sealed)book,neither to look thereon.
You wrote,saying:""In the Revelation,it is not a secret book as you say.""
John said-Re.5:1-And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside(Ez.2:9-10,take a look),sealed with seven seals. Well,the book was with the Father-the book of Revelation,and He had kept the CONTENTS of the book still secret and closed with 7 seals until He handed the Book to His Only Begotten Son-my Lord JESUS Christ,to untie or break the 7 seals and showing to His servants the things which were written therein-Re.1:1-EXCEPT those things the seven thunders uttered,and John write them not(Re.10:4).
It is evident that having JESUS broken the seven seals(Re.6 & 8:1),the CONTENT of the Book was revealed,then after this WONDERFUL event still in the first century(AD),there was no longer any secret or CONTENT sealed within it, being the last book of the Holy Scriptures,the Word of GOD.
Unfortunately, you made an extensive you made an extensive and foolish comment(are you using AI to interpret Scriptues?), what matters and prevails is the Word of GOD, not your verbiage, beyond the detail regarding to the sealed book of GOD whose CONTENT was with GOD the Father still secret/sealed, it until He has DELIVERED it to JESUS to show its CONTENT unto His servants, and that JESUS provided calling His angel to do it, in fact, an archangel-Re.22:8-10.
Something that I know and felt very powerfully today . God is our Creator our Sustainer the Breath in our nostrils the Beat of our Heart our Dear Heavenly Father . We are His creation , His children , God is love and He adores us and wants us with Him . We are His babies and He wants us with Him in the way every good and loving Father does only much more than our punny little hearts and brains can comprehend , His love is beyond our knowledge . His love is for us .
Please pray for my son Sy Johnson, who has been out of work for a year or more. He has been looking for work but has not found a job yet. Please pray that my son would have a relationship with Christ that he also might get to know him. He has not been sleeping due to having anxiety about life and also he has started to drink. Please pray that God will turn his life around for the better. After graduating from high school he ha been going in the wrong direction. I know prayer can help him find his way.
I had a great mommy, she was my everything, she taught me everything, she had me in church and sunday school all my life till I got with one of my ex boyfriend he wasn't in church at all, everytime I was ready for church he would call or text either one saying church again I said yes I love church and of course the first few times it was ok with him but time went on and on till finally he said you can stay and talk too me or text him either way just trying too get me not go church, well as time went on I finally stopped going and I became a sinner and let me tell you when I stopped going things started looking and going so bad, I was loosing everything I mean everything, till couple months I couldn't go on I went too church with mom and I went straight too the alter and gave my heart back too Jesus, I felt so much better, few days later things started looking great again for me, I was getting everything back what I lost and I started thanking and praising God for it! Let me tell stay with God no matter what cause once you get out of his hands you will feel miserable I sure did and I never want too experience that again, now here I am still going of course we will have ups and downs but having Jesus in ours hearts makes it great, i'm blessed with amazing man of God and 3 wonderful childrens 2 boys and 1 girl so blessed, I hope this helps and touches someone, Keep serving the Lord he is so great and wonderful, Jesus loves you and so do I and God bless you all!!!!
Ezekiel 36:27 I WILL put my Spirit IN YOU and CAUSE you to walk in my statutes and keep my judgements and DO THEM.
The WORD says it is God that CAUSES you to SLIP; but, the WORD also says ALL THINGS work together, even the slips we make, for the good of THOSE who love the WORKS of God.
Read and STUDY Isaiah 10.
God runs the lives of every man, but most live in UNBELIEF and deny the WORKS of God.
He wants to just reach for something pre-packaged, which is hard to find something with low carbs and high protein. He does boil an egg at times, but I think he should do that more often. And when I make a roast of chicken, I try to cook enough for leftovers. He will reheat those. But vegetables and fruits are another thing he shies away from. I am more fruit and vegetable snacker than him. Also, with him going on motorcycle rides 2-3 days a week, he isn't home to fix a breakfast or lunch and relies on more snack foods. But he did bring his A1C done 1 whole percentage point like I did, but it is nearer to 6.0 now. A good improvement.
He has always been resistant to eat "healthy" type of foods. I embrace them. So, we are on different wavelengths in that regard. He likes to eat at fast food restaurants and I do not because I can make better food at home that is more nutritious. But wit this new diet change, we are coming closer together on what we prepare at home. I am glad for that.
I am interrupting my current postings for now as I believe that it is prudent to give a watchman's warning as to the rapidly spiraling out of control demonstrations that are breaking out in many cities across America related to this war between Israel and Hamas and no doubt other factions which has just broken the 30 day mark. This has already exceeded the length of most other recent conflicts in that nation and likely will exceed the length of all wars there from 1948 to today; perhaps even all combined together. The demonstrations here and worldwide are targeting Jews but you can be certain that the Christians are next.
Our choice now seems to be continuing with our current political party (who apparently despite supporting the Palestinians are still hated by the demonstrators); or going back to the former President who no doubt will have to have martial law and brutal crackdowns to get anything under control.
We need to seize every moment to proclaim the Gospel; and wisely prepare for what is to come. Our Lord could be returning any time now; but I don't see that happening until Israel has secured its borders; and eventually comes to some sort of more peaceful existance before the Ezekiel 38 war can commence. That is when I expect the Daniel 9:27 treaty when all the surrounding areas such as Jordan and perhaps Syria are dealt with in the Isaiah 17 prophecy. Whatever that timing is; our country has been invaded by millions and no doubt we have terrible days coming; perhaps as bad as the Civil War. Once we see tens of thousands demonstrating like this; and Jewish students having to hide in libraries we know persecution is near.
Our time of armchair spectator sport Christianity is rapidly waning. On one hand this should help to destroy the prosperity gospel and many false ministries. On the other I pray we all trust in the Spirit to give us words in that hour of trial which no doubt many will face both here and abroad.
In regard to symbolic interpretations of scripture; one of the most extreme I have seen is an interpretation of Revelation 22 as being a symbolic imagery not a literal place paved in streets of gold and all the other details of mind boggling concepts. This was one novel Post Millennial or amillennial concept for a small book that I read several years back. On the other hand, the idea that many from the Pre Millennium camp argue that we should submit to the idea that Satan has basically taken over and controls everything rather than still using God given authority until the end of the church age was a good point. It can be argued that one eschatology is better than another (I myself am a PreMillenialist) but in this case as in all others there is a deeper issue; namely that many clear factual prophetic statements will occur at the Second coming; just as it did at the first. PostMil people and even Preterists for that matter have no problem believing the historical prophecies from Christ's first coming; and the Old Testament Prophecies and writings from history being a literal fact. But often doctrinal issues preclude such ideas for future prophecies; tied into the idea that for instance the church has replaced Isreal rather than the idea that two concurrent covenants could be in effect. Some would even argue with science that corroborates prophecy such as the fault line on the Mount of Olives that explains Zechariah 14:4. They would say that it precludes faith from being belief in what we can't see if it fits in with science! We of course can make this error in reverse with evolution concepts that often are disproven at a later date when more of the fossil record is retrieved; for instance with such fossils as Archaepterix; or "Piltdown" man. Again; there is some room for different interpretations on "secondary" issues but not when primary core doctrines of truth are compromised.
That's greatness news. I can understand your husband having a harder time since he retired. I retired just over a year ago (September '22) and my diet seemed to get worse. I'll keep him in my prayers. Tell him I said stay away from the ice cream, something I'm having a hard time doing!
Hello friends, I want to give a praise report. Just got my lab report and my A1C went down from 6.8 to 5.6! So happy to see it going down from where I had been hovering. Hubby and I began some dietary changes lase may and both of us have lowered our A1C significantly. Going to continue in this diet change. I praise God that he has made it easy for me. It has been harder for my husband to change his diet. So please pray for him. He is sticking to the plan rigidly, but is hungry all the time.
He needs to discover and keep on hand foods that give him satiety but he does not really listen to me much on this. He also needs to eat at closer intervals during the day to avoid being so hungry. I am more nutritionally savvy than he is, but he has to own his own diet choices and prepare ahead as to buying what are good protein sources and actually taking the time to prepare them. He likes the quick, no cook type of food regime. I like to cook from scratch my foods and have my go to snacks that help me. He needs to be more thoughtful about what and when he will eat during the day. He is adjusting to being retired still and that is a factor for him in this diet challenge.
Yes Jema, this is the Scriptures that your post reminded me of. We are like Paul in the ways we imitate his example and one example he set is an acknowledgement of his sinfulness and need for the salvation of Jesus and the life He alone gives. He directs us to our Savior and the true way to come to Him. He stands for truth and does not desire to follow any slick leader. He here in these chapters shows us his humility by admitting to his own struggles with overcoming sin in every area of his life.
Jema, I will be praying for you in what you have shared about a few areas of your life you are desiring to nix out of your life at this time.
Thanks for being honest about your weakness, as Paul was. And I can admit that I am prone to laziness, too. I also need to do better at listening closely to what others are saying to me in conversation and not speaking too hastily in response. I have a fast mind, and that gets the better of me at times. I want to use this wisely and be a better conversationalist. So you can pray for me about these things.
Your son is not going in the wrong direction.
God knows exactly how to CAUSE each of his children to return to him.
Each of us has to suffer in the flesh to LEARN obedience.
God's children have no knowledge of the Works of God, though suffering and touching hot stoves, we learn knowledge, and through knowledge we learn obedience.
Psalms 107:8 Oh that man would praise the Lord for his goodness, for his wonderful works to the children of men.
If you study God's word, God CAUSES ALL to RESIST his word and works, so when we return to him, we CANNOT say it was the works of OUR OWN HANDS.
David FELL, yet God said David was man after his own heart, Christ came through the BLOODLINE of David and Bathsheba.
What man calls EVIL (sin), God calls GOOD.
God Bless YOU!
The word that has gone forth does not return in vain (Is.55:11)." The Spirit in narrating the House of the Forest of Lebanon is not drawing our attention to a physical shape or form of the house as much us Jesus said of the many mansions in his Fathers house. The vital point is the Son has promised it for our use and God who spared not his own Son for our sakes shall surely make it happen.. It looks forward to the last chapter in the Book of the revelation 'And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb./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)".
Tailpiece:
The river of water of life sets the world of the Spirit and the world of the body on this side of the bank so every heart of the believer draws to the city which has foundations whose Maker and builder is God. It is also the House of prayer for all nations. The tree of life sets every believer that has dug deeper to be nourished by the water as tree of righteousness whose leaves d not wither away. Ps.1:2-3). It serves as a emblem for Christ as the last Adam. No more curse no more tears. "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty(Re.1:8).
"He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon; the length thereof was an hundred cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits, upon four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams upon the pillars.(v.2)"
The House of Solomon was called the House of the Forest of Lebanon. King Solomon had arranged with King Hiram of Tyre to bring the forest of Lebanon all cut to size ready to instal in the king's house. "My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon unto the sea: and I will convey them by sea in floats unto the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be discharged there, and thou shalt receive them: and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household./ So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire(5:9-10)".
There was a body of water to facilitate the transport such profusion of timber fabled for their quality. The same analogy we could derive in the manner God brings the trees of righteousness into the house of God to serve as pillars."Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name(Re.3:12). The body of water,- the sea is what God caused and in the creation account it has a place of origin. Heaven from which all blessings are poured down is a mighty stream. Like the sun shine invigorates the land rivers are replenished by rain so cedars of Lebanon lead us to think of a forest not merely stationary but much more than as trees. "
The voice of theLordis powerful; the voice of theLordis full of majesty./The voice of theLordbreaketh the cedars; yea, theLordbreaketh the cedars of Lebanon. /He maketh them also to skip like a calf(Ps.29:4-6)"
Re. last para, I am sure you meant John while quoting Luke 3:14.
There are two major errors as we head towards the Tribulation. One is the increasing number of those rejecting the God of the Bible and espousing a violent revolution; the other is what I believe is the genesis of the "Mystery Babylon" end time one world religion which basically holds to a tenet that man is basically good; and they can be somehow convinced to act upon these innate desires to bring some sort of utopian peace on earth. Such will bring about the first seal with the false peace of Antichrist on a ready and willing world population. Everyone; of course will be given a chance to join that bandwagon; as surely those espousing violence are somehow disenfranchised; explaining their behavior. Thus comes the covenant with "death and hell" knowingly made at that time according to Isaiah 28:15.
One could merely read the beatitudes or other verses about "good works" in the scriptures and somehow think that by doing certain actions they are following the Gospel. Outwardly perhaps; but not inwardly in the heart as man cannot love those who hate them and despitefully use them without the Spirit's assistance ( Matt. 5:44). We cannot; as Joni Mitchell states in the 1969 song "Woodstock" go back to the garden. The exaltation of man as though he has some redeeming quality started to gain popularity in the 19th Century "enlightenment" period.
When we look at other writings outside the Bible; it is certain that certain moral themes are more or less covered in these texts which are similar to scripture. We can see the same thing; of course in pagan cultures with the theme of a virgin giving birth with Isis and Osiris. The Bible is the written Word of God; even if some earlier texts were written down beforehand. God Himself wrote the 10 commandments on stone ( Ex. 31:18). He is the source of all truth; moral and otherwise and has taken care that the revealed Word was preserved and also became flesh ( John 1:14).
When David wrote in Psalm 119 that he loved the law; it was not necessarily for the regulations itself; at least to the main theme; but it was the nature of God and His righteousness where knowing the Lord personally; such statements could be made. Isaiah 30:10 is a warning that people wanted to hear smooth things; and that reminds us that we can't selectively pick verses that seem encouraging to us. We also have to look at such texts as 1 John 4. Verse 12 shows that we must love one another; but further inspection on this and the entire book of 1 John shows what agape love is; it has to be a perfect love and goes against the flesh where people in the flesh tend to pick and choose who they love. (see 1 John 3:15-16). We could say the same thing in a subject like prosperity. God promised Abraham would become great; and blessed him greatly with possessions. Nonetheless; the cost of this was having to wander around as a nomad in what would become eventually the territory of the Promised Land.
Again; in regard to the law it is actually held to a greater standard in the New Testament as to thoughts and intentions of the heart (see Matthew 5:28). God is also still concerned about vows and covenants made such as with marriage and we cannot live as the world and expect to inherit the Kingdom of God. The lawless one is coming ( 2 Thess. 2:9-12). God has written the law in our hearts ( Rom. 2:15).
The Dominionist concept of the church taking over the world before Christ comes back is clearly in opposition to such verses as 1 Timothy 4. We aren't in a Theocracy where we can be expected to conquer as Israel did; we also can't exact restrictions more than Christ did with soldiers ( Luke 3:14); where Christ didn't try to make them lay down their arms. We can learn to wait on God as Romans 12:19 suggests. May we read and apply all scripture in a sound manner.
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever. In the will of God the Father the Word become flesh in practical terms is the accessibility of anyone to be helped where His Son serves as a mediator and an high priest. "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."(He.4:15) Trust means we are not relying our abilities but letting his grace work fully in resisting our temptations. Full armor of God gives it vividness and it is God who fights the battle for us. (Ep.6:13-17)
Faith which is one with which we make a stand so our trust is fully shown to be working best in the evil day. 'Having done all, to stand'
St Paul faced many such evil days. The only way he could have withstood it we have from his own account.
St Paul had a thorn in his flesh which he could not removed by his own strength so he placed it in the hands of Jesus Christ, "For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me./And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me./Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (2 Co.12:7-10). What is the motto of Trust? "For when I am weak, then am I strong." Thus when we take hold of Mount Zion whoever kicks at us is kicking at mount Zion. The rod of the wicked for that reason shall be broken into splinters.
"And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder."(Matt.21:44) This is what we read in the Book of Daniel, "Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces."(v.35)
They that trust in theLordshall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever./As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so theLordis round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
Mount Zion abides forever which is what characterizes the Son. " Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation." This was laid even before the worlds began. The stone that not cut with hands explains its source. "A stone was cut out without hands," which became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth" (Dan.2:34-35) This underpins the Father-Son relationship and its a clear indication of Mount Zion the church built upon Zion and it shall abide forever.
When God sent his Son to the world he was the bread of heaven.
Satan well knew the symbolism but not what Salvation entails. The spirit that said, 'I will' and 'I will be like the most High,'Could not have understood the spiritual significance of the Word becoming flesh. He tempted Jesus, "If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread."(Matt.4:3). Materialism he well knew so he would need a serpent to beguile Eve just as 'prosperity' of dollars and cents he could offer those who served his interests in our times. He knew he was the Word become flesh but he had not use for it. Trust in a literal Zion or Jerusalem was so deep that the Jews rejected the Son. He was a rock of offense to them.
Trust is not in ones own strengths but the Word which in human likeness set an example for us. Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life." Trust means we are not relying our abilities but letting his grace work fully in resisting our temptations. Full armor of God gives it vividness and it is God who fights the battle for us. (Ep.6:13-17) Truth in our inward parts we make it as our native soil. Truth, which God has written in us, works as though our loins are girt about it.
It has been said that the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed; and the New Testament the Old Testament revealed. I'm not sure who came up with that I'm sure a quick search can make that evident.
No one can follow the law perfectly; and if we transgress in one thing it is as though we broke all ( James 2:10 loosely translated). No one can be saved by the law; that is where the grace of God comes in. However; we can't dismiss the significance of the 10 commandments as it is clear that murder and adultery are still sins as seen in numerous N.T. scriptures. Of course most believers don't hold to Saturday sabbath today except for Seventh Day Adventists and Messianic Jewish congregants. There are also ceremonial laws which Peter himself was told to bypass with his vision in the Book of Acts in regard to the meeting with Cornelius; a Gentile.
When it comes to comparing both Testaments cross references and prophecies clearly link the two parts of scripture; not to mention life lessons. 2 Timothy 3:16 makes it clear that all scripture is God breathed and useful for various purposes. There are intersections with Gentiles on occasion (such as Nebuchadnezzar; Naaman the Syrian and perhaps most importantly Melchizidek. God's chosen people came from pagan nations first; then were established eventually in a homeland as Jews; with varying interludes of diaspora during times of disobedience. As I stated before there were covenants made with Abraham that are related to promises for the nation that are eternal. What did change was the Old Testament methodology of sacrifices once the Temple was destroyed in AD 70. Actually once the curtain split at the crucifixion we now are able to worship God anywhere as we have access to the "Holy of Holies" being His temple ( 1 Cor. 3:16). The New covenant promises essentially to give us a new heart which will never drift from Him again ( Jer. 31:31-34).
Carleton
You said me:"I beg to differ from your view on the seven seals.You said,"And around 65 years after His ascention,JESUS broke the 7 seals of the secret book of Apocalypse".
First, you must know that GOD the Father gave to JESUS the book of Revelation-Re.1:1-decades after His ascension, it was around 95AD, the New Covenant already was established, and already there were 7 Churches in Asia.
Re.5:3 reveals:'no MAN in HEAVEN(i.e. in 3rd heaven,the next to be established,and it has nothing to do with sky), nor in EARTH,neither under the earth,was ABLE to open the(sealed)book,neither to look thereon.
You wrote,saying:""In the Revelation,it is not a secret book as you say.""
John said-Re.5:1-And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside(Ez.2:9-10,take a look),sealed with seven seals. Well,the book was with the Father-the book of Revelation,and He had kept the CONTENTS of the book still secret and closed with 7 seals until He handed the Book to His Only Begotten Son-my Lord JESUS Christ,to untie or break the 7 seals and showing to His servants the things which were written therein-Re.1:1-EXCEPT those things the seven thunders uttered,and John write them not(Re.10:4).
It is evident that having JESUS broken the seven seals(Re.6 & 8:1),the CONTENT of the Book was revealed,then after this WONDERFUL event still in the first century(AD),there was no longer any secret or CONTENT sealed within it, being the last book of the Holy Scriptures,the Word of GOD.
Unfortunately, you made an extensive you made an extensive and foolish comment(are you using AI to interpret Scriptues?), what matters and prevails is the Word of GOD, not your verbiage, beyond the detail regarding to the sealed book of GOD whose CONTENT was with GOD the Father still secret/sealed, it until He has DELIVERED it to JESUS to show its CONTENT unto His servants, and that JESUS provided calling His angel to do it, in fact, an archangel-Re.22:8-10.
From Adam till the present, what is the SIN that separates man from God.
UNBELIEF
Adam didn't believe God's word.
National Israel didn't believe God's word.
Promised Israel today doesn't believe God's Word.
Paul was struggling with this same sin, UNBELIEF.
Romans 11:32 For God HATH concluded THEM ALL (including Paul) in UNBELIEF, that he may have MERCY ON ALL.
Proverbs 16:6 By MERCY and TRUTH iniquity (unbelief) is PURGED.
1 Timothy 1:13 Who (Paul) was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in UNBELIEF.
Romans 11:30 For YE in times past HAVE NOT BELIEVED GOD, yet have now obtained mercy because of their UNBELIEF.
Mark 9:24 .... Lord ....help thou my UNBELIEF .......
Matthew 17:20 ...because of your UNBELIEF .....
Every SIN is CAUSED by UNBELIEF.
God Bless YOU!
Ezekiel 36:27 I WILL put my Spirit IN YOU and CAUSE you to walk in my statutes and keep my judgements and DO THEM.
The WORD says it is God that CAUSES you to SLIP; but, the WORD also says ALL THINGS work together, even the slips we make, for the good of THOSE who love the WORKS of God.
Read and STUDY Isaiah 10.
God runs the lives of every man, but most live in UNBELIEF and deny the WORKS of God.
God Bless YOU!
He wants to just reach for something pre-packaged, which is hard to find something with low carbs and high protein. He does boil an egg at times, but I think he should do that more often. And when I make a roast of chicken, I try to cook enough for leftovers. He will reheat those. But vegetables and fruits are another thing he shies away from. I am more fruit and vegetable snacker than him. Also, with him going on motorcycle rides 2-3 days a week, he isn't home to fix a breakfast or lunch and relies on more snack foods. But he did bring his A1C done 1 whole percentage point like I did, but it is nearer to 6.0 now. A good improvement.
He has always been resistant to eat "healthy" type of foods. I embrace them. So, we are on different wavelengths in that regard. He likes to eat at fast food restaurants and I do not because I can make better food at home that is more nutritious. But wit this new diet change, we are coming closer together on what we prepare at home. I am glad for that.
I am interrupting my current postings for now as I believe that it is prudent to give a watchman's warning as to the rapidly spiraling out of control demonstrations that are breaking out in many cities across America related to this war between Israel and Hamas and no doubt other factions which has just broken the 30 day mark. This has already exceeded the length of most other recent conflicts in that nation and likely will exceed the length of all wars there from 1948 to today; perhaps even all combined together. The demonstrations here and worldwide are targeting Jews but you can be certain that the Christians are next.
Our choice now seems to be continuing with our current political party (who apparently despite supporting the Palestinians are still hated by the demonstrators); or going back to the former President who no doubt will have to have martial law and brutal crackdowns to get anything under control.
We need to seize every moment to proclaim the Gospel; and wisely prepare for what is to come. Our Lord could be returning any time now; but I don't see that happening until Israel has secured its borders; and eventually comes to some sort of more peaceful existance before the Ezekiel 38 war can commence. That is when I expect the Daniel 9:27 treaty when all the surrounding areas such as Jordan and perhaps Syria are dealt with in the Isaiah 17 prophecy. Whatever that timing is; our country has been invaded by millions and no doubt we have terrible days coming; perhaps as bad as the Civil War. Once we see tens of thousands demonstrating like this; and Jewish students having to hide in libraries we know persecution is near.
Our time of armchair spectator sport Christianity is rapidly waning. On one hand this should help to destroy the prosperity gospel and many false ministries. On the other I pray we all trust in the Spirit to give us words in that hour of trial which no doubt many will face both here and abroad.
In regard to symbolic interpretations of scripture; one of the most extreme I have seen is an interpretation of Revelation 22 as being a symbolic imagery not a literal place paved in streets of gold and all the other details of mind boggling concepts. This was one novel Post Millennial or amillennial concept for a small book that I read several years back. On the other hand, the idea that many from the Pre Millennium camp argue that we should submit to the idea that Satan has basically taken over and controls everything rather than still using God given authority until the end of the church age was a good point. It can be argued that one eschatology is better than another (I myself am a PreMillenialist) but in this case as in all others there is a deeper issue; namely that many clear factual prophetic statements will occur at the Second coming; just as it did at the first. PostMil people and even Preterists for that matter have no problem believing the historical prophecies from Christ's first coming; and the Old Testament Prophecies and writings from history being a literal fact. But often doctrinal issues preclude such ideas for future prophecies; tied into the idea that for instance the church has replaced Isreal rather than the idea that two concurrent covenants could be in effect. Some would even argue with science that corroborates prophecy such as the fault line on the Mount of Olives that explains Zechariah 14:4. They would say that it precludes faith from being belief in what we can't see if it fits in with science! We of course can make this error in reverse with evolution concepts that often are disproven at a later date when more of the fossil record is retrieved; for instance with such fossils as Archaepterix; or "Piltdown" man. Again; there is some room for different interpretations on "secondary" issues but not when primary core doctrines of truth are compromised.
One can eventually lead to the other
That's greatness news. I can understand your husband having a harder time since he retired. I retired just over a year ago (September '22) and my diet seemed to get worse. I'll keep him in my prayers. Tell him I said stay away from the ice cream, something I'm having a hard time doing!
He needs to discover and keep on hand foods that give him satiety but he does not really listen to me much on this. He also needs to eat at closer intervals during the day to avoid being so hungry. I am more nutritionally savvy than he is, but he has to own his own diet choices and prepare ahead as to buying what are good protein sources and actually taking the time to prepare them. He likes the quick, no cook type of food regime. I like to cook from scratch my foods and have my go to snacks that help me. He needs to be more thoughtful about what and when he will eat during the day. He is adjusting to being retired still and that is a factor for him in this diet challenge.
Jema, I will be praying for you in what you have shared about a few areas of your life you are desiring to nix out of your life at this time.
Thanks for being honest about your weakness, as Paul was. And I can admit that I am prone to laziness, too. I also need to do better at listening closely to what others are saying to me in conversation and not speaking too hastily in response. I have a fast mind, and that gets the better of me at times. I want to use this wisely and be a better conversationalist. So you can pray for me about these things.
Blessings to you, Jema.
Typing too fast and not proofreading. My own fault, classic example of what I am saying.