I'm happy to hear that these studies have been helpful. I have also been blessed by the things you have and continue to share with us all. Thanks again for the encouragement and for petitioning the Lord's help as I continue on with these studies. As we all know, if the Lord is not in it, our work is done in vain.
Where does Israel come in these four beasts? The little horn as signified by Antiochus IV in historical context refers to the 'Abomination of the desolation'(Mt.24.15-16) overarches to the end times. Significance of the fourth beast refers to the unholy alliance of the state religion which was first introduced in the second beast with three ribs. "and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh." (Dan.7.5) State religion and Information or the Press shall morph into the fourth beast as iron teeth. 'it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it.' (v.7) Think of all the bloodletting, religious wars followed with revolutions, For reign of terror came 200 years after the St Bartholomew's day massacre. What havoc has Information technology plays in our time and how history as written by victors have suppressed the truth?
'and it had ten horns' Everyone of them follows the law of sin and death and shall be judged accordingly. Of these the usurpation of the little horn requires another post. At this point consider this line, "and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things." The horn has become a composite body politic as hybrid as in Gen.6.1-3 where man coming to power by alternative truths and disinformation. The mouth speaking great thing can range from reneging on existing pacts and alliances to assassinate characters of opponents. These lawbreakers have come to power using very laws which is as devilishly cunning possible in the Internet Age. In this horn were eyes can mean satellites in the sky monitoring over the peoples and nations. In which ever case the Spirit introduces this son of perdition in place of the serpent, in "dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan.'(Rev.20.2) His authority comes from the dragon
"After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns./I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things."(vv.7-8)
Note that this vision is a night vision meaning the body politic represented in these four beasts was ungodly and each member was under condemnation. We are considering the will of God, an unseen world visually represented by appropriate symbols.When the rider on the white horse appears the title 'king of kings, the lord of lords' establishes the fulfilment aspect of the Son. (Rev.19.16)
"and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it"
These beasts correspond to the four parts of the image in the king's dream. "Thou art this head of gold."(Dan.2.37-38) Coupled with the lion's body with eagle wings we have a crucial clue. "and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it." It identifies with the mingling of sons of God mingling with daughters of men. "And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years."(Gen.6.1-3) Man is reckoned in terms of the gospel and not physical characteristics, colour, race or spirit. On the basis of the Word he is set in direct context of the word become flesh, the Son of man.
"and it had great iron teeth" This compares with 'His legs of iron,' (Dan.2.33) His ferocity 'dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly' gives an altogether different dimension to his destructive nature.
In this para. "How short is this short time? "And bound him a thousand years." According to the day seems a thumb rule. "be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."(2 Pet.3.8)"
is a fragment.
Please read as " How short is this short time? "And bound him a thousand years." According to the day seems a thumb rule. "be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."(2 Pet.3.8) The Ancient of days has set the day so we shall not pry into what is left to His discretion. Be that as it may The Law of the Spirit is sovereign whether one makes seven days beginning with day of salvation, day of regeneration etc., Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Heb.13.8)"
In Daniel ch.7 " I beheld till the thrones were cast down," This refers to the four beasts and it ties up with the vision of St John. "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them." Compare with what Jesus promised his disciples"in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
"and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."(20.4)
The four beasts in Daniel's vision, we are looking at the will of God set in heaven. It is a night vision so the Spirit is setting it pictorially what the Son shall do. He makes the world of Judgment to appear. (Heb.11.3) Souls of them refer to those blessed under the everlasting Covenant and the millennial reign. These martyrs for the witness of Jesus indicate great tribulation.
20.5-6 first resurrection
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection./ Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection:" Blessed and holy covers them.
20.7-8
Satan is loosed
"Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,/ And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea."
He is overthrown and cast into the lake of fire.
"and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them./ And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."(20.9-10)
Backdrop for these three verses can be found in Re.12.9 "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." Compare the verse with reference to Satan in v.2: the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years," Curious construction 'serpent, devil and Satan' touches upon the fall of man, the second with reference to his works and Satan as adversary in heaven. The tail of the dragon causes the angel lose their first state. "And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth"(Rev.12.4) The emergence of mighty men "the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown."(Gen.6.4). Here we see the emergence of the sons of perdition, the beasts in the history of ungodly nations of whom Antiochus IV is preeminent. He is an usurper, historically as well as in spiritual terms. The same 'little horn' reappears in the book of the Revelation. (Rev.11.7 and 13.1)
Revolt of angels we find mentioned in Daniel. Devil loses his place in heavens "the judgment was set, and the books were opened."(Dan.7.10)
The war in heaven has now shifted to the earth. "Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time."(Rev.12.12)
How short is this short time? "And bound him a thousand years." According to the day seems a thumb rule. "be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."(2 Pet.3.8)
Thanks brother Jesse for another very profitable explanation of those specific verses in the NT. They have certainly helped me in better understanding the words written by Paul, thus enhancing my reading. May the Lord help you for these remaining NT books. Blessings.
I am having so many problems now.i dont know what i am going to do.i have some terrible rash all over my flesh.and my mom is so weak and helpless now.i need some pleasent things to happen soon i hope and pray.i am so very discouraged right now,i keep praying and praying ,i will keep on praying ,i just hope the Lord Jesus will bless me with a really kind individual soon,who will listen to me and be compassionate to me and my mom.
please pray for america and israel and for the peace of jerusalem.pray that god would send his angels to protect our fighting men and womens from the houthis in yemen pray he send angels to protect israel from hamas also.pray for mr. trump and his family pray he protect them also. pray that i can take back every thing the devil has stolen from me. pray that god break a generational curse of my family.please pray for dr. Achankeng Afiadata he wants to treat me for prostate cancer that god has already healed me of. i think he wants my money.if so please pray that god would let him visit hell in a vision are a dream so he would know that hell is real and thats where he is headed if he donot repent and change his ways.thanks for your prayers and may god bless.
2 Timothy 4:16 - At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
He says at my first answer. That's the word APOLOGIA, which means apology or defense. No man stood with me, but all forsook me: As soon as they arrested him and brought him in for his first hearing, the brethren scattered. They didn't want to be associated with him.
We know that Onesiphorus specifically went to Rome looking for Paul and specifically wanted to find him and go be with him. There's a contrast in the brethren who were afraid and those who basically said "That's brother Paul. Let's minister to him!"
In my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me: I pray that it may not be laid to their charge. Paul says I pray that God will not hold the brethren accountable for deserting me. It was much like Jesus on the cross when He said Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.
2 Timothy 4:22 - The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
The Lord Jesus Christ (is) with your spirit. The word "be" is in italics because the translators have inserted it. In the Greek text, it's a statement of fact. It is interesting that the Lord Jesus Christ is with your spirit, not your flesh, not your material items. Christ is in your spirit, your soul.
The word thy in thy spirit is singular. He's talking to Timothy but has closed other letters by saying the same thing to everyone, that Christ is with your spirit. Grace be with you, and you is plural. Grace is with you. It's a statement of fact. The condition of all saints is that Christ is in your spirit, and God's grace is with you.
This is all I have for the letters of Timothy. There are two more books, Titus and Philemon, before we get into Hebrews. Hebrews is the first book of what is known as the Jewish literature section of the Bible. It should be a great study.
2 Timothy 4:6 - For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
A slight technical thing I would like to share here: It says for I am now ready. In the Greek text, it says I am being poured out as a drink offering. So, it's not that he's about ready to give up his life as an offering for Christ. It shows that he's been doing that this whole time. His life is being poured out as an offering. And the time of his departure is at hand.
2 Timothy 4:7 - I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
It is interesting in Verse 7, and I think I've mentioned this in an earlier post, but it's fascinating. It comes from the Coliseum games. There are three things here, and as it says in the text, it represents Perfect Tense verbs. It says, I have fought a good fight. The word fought and fight is the word agony. I have agonized the good agony. That's the word used for the Coliseum games. I have finished the course; I have kept the faith:
So, you have one phrase representing the discipline and the agony of going through training and participating, and you have the actual course itself that he has finished his course. And he has kept the faith. He has kept the rules and regulations, and trusted Christ through it all.
2 Timothy 4:15 - Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
Of whom be thou aware also; The word ware means on guard, for he has greatly withstood our words. Watch out for this guy. He resists the words of God. And as he resisted me, he's going to resist you. There are two different Alexanders mentioned in scripture. One is in Acts Chapter 19, who confronted Paul in Ephesus when he was there. And of course, in 1 Timothy 1:20, we have another Alexander that Paul mentions who is teaching false teaching. So, it's one of these two. He's telling him watch out for him. Be on guard.
2 Timothy 4:3 - For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;
We are in that time. The word sound (HUGIAINOUSES) is where we get our English word hygiene from, and it means healthy. People will not endure healthy doctrine. They want things to entertain them. But they will not endure sound doctrine. But after their own lusts shall they heap up to themselves teachers, having itching ears; The word itching means to tickle, and it's a Greek word that's associated with entertainment. They're going to go find somewhere that tickles their ears.
2 Timothy 4:5 - But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
He says, but you watch in all things. The word watch doesn't mean to look with the eyes. It means to be sober, to be alert. We're not talking about just alcoholic beverages, because he also has mentioned in his letters about being sober minded, that is, we can become drunk with the thoughts of the world. And our lives can be affected by the thoughts of the world, and it can overcome and influence us just like alcohol does. So be sober in all things. Be sober minded!
Endure afflictions, literally suffer afflictions. Do the work of an evangelist. Some people think this means to go out and preach to non-believers. But it's literally, do the work of someone proclaiming the good news. That's what evangelist means. Be a proclaimer of the good news. That includes non-believers and believers.
Then he says make full proof of your ministry. The term full proof means fully carry out. Fulfil your ministry. Don't hold back. Don't withdraw. Do the work of one who's handling the good news. Suffer afflictions. That's a command! And be sober in your thinking in all things.
2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Number 1, the command: Preach the word; Young pastors sometimes ask, "How do I start my church?" You start it and you continue it by preaching the word. Just give the word. If you preach the word and nobody gets ministered to, or nobody gets saved, sit down, you haven't been called!
We have too many that have not been called, and their ministry through the word does not minister to anyone, so they use other means to get people into their church. Preach the word! The word preach in Greek, KERUSO, means to publish, which would include both speaking and written word. Publish the word.
Be instant, or more literally, be ready. It's a military term. Be ready in season, and out of season; literally, during convenient times, and inconvenient times. Be ready all the time. Reprove is the word for convict, to present evidence for a conviction. Rebuke. Rebuke actually is to call someone out because of sin or false teaching.
And exhort. That's the word for encouragement. And you are to do all of these things with all longsuffering and doctrine. Again, longsuffering is slow in human reaction, and doctrine is the teaching of scripture. So, when he preaches, it's supposed to be with longsuffering and doctrine.
When he's ready in season and out of season, it's just longsuffering and doctrine. To convict, rebuke, and exhort, do it with longsuffering and doctrine. There isn't anything personal there. There isn't anything human there. That's how he is to minister. This is at a time in the last days. Be ready, be on guard. He's already told him to endure afflictions as a good soldier in Christ. Now he's telling him you're in the unit now, be ready!
2 Timothy 3:17 - That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
That the man of God may be perfect, and that means complete, mature, thoroughly furnished, which means totally trained for all good works. Again, the word good is the word AGATHOS, for spiritual good.
So, the scripture for doctrine, conviction, correction, and discipline in righteousness, is for maturity, and to train those to be ready for every good work. Peter says in 2 Peter 3:18, let us grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to grow, to become mature, to be thoroughly furnished to be involved in the work of God, especially in and against the great apostasy in the last days.
2 Timothy 4:1 - I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
He says I charge thee, literally I thoroughly testify, before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
I used to read this and say to myself that this doesn't make much sense because it's obvious that dead people are not quick. But this word quick means the living.
If you would pray for my health, for The LORD's protection and provision in my life, for His help through the trials I am going through, and deliverance from my enemies I would appreciate it. Thank you.
2 Timothy 3:16 - All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
All scripture is given by inspiration of God. The term inspiration of God is one Greek word that means God breathed. All scripture is God breathed, and is profitable for these four things:
For doctrine: That's the system of the Christian faith in doctrine.
For reproof: This is a legal term that means to present proof to the court to bring about a conviction. So, it means conviction. Present evidence to bring about a conviction.
For correction: It means to bring people and make them line up with the things of God. Correction is to get people back on the right path.
For instruction in righteousness: The word instruction doesn't come from anything about teaching. In fact, it comes from the word discipline. It means to discipline children.
So, the word of God, the scriptures, is profitable for disciplining people in righteousness. This is why Timothy can have confidence. Continue in the scriptures that you already have been raised on, and in your ministry, continue this confidence by using it for doctrine, for conviction, for correction, and for discipline.
We don't see it used very much in these areas because we don't want to offend anyone. But out of love, God wants us corrected if we're going down the wrong way. God through His word will bring conviction. And He will teach us the doctrines, especially of Paul, and of Christ.
2 Timothy 3:13 - But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
Evil men and seducers shall wax, literally, shall advance worse and worse. Then we have what are called Modal Participles that tell us how they're going to advance worse and worse: By deceiving, and being deceived.
The people who are deceivers. It's not that they know the truth and they are trying to deceive people by telling them a lie. People who are deceived are deceiving others in sincerity with a deception that they believe is true, deceiving continuously, and continually being deceived.
2 Timothy 3:15 - And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
The word child is BREPHOUS (infant or newborn). From an infant, you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
We saw in Chapter 1 that his mother and grandmother would read the scriptures to him since he was an infant. Through the reading and explanation of the scriptures, and when Paul came to town during his first missionary journey, Timothy received Christ.
The scriptures will make you wise unto salvation. It will tell you about salvation and the need to be saved. The NT message is that it's through faith which is in Christ Jesus. He says you been having the scriptures read to you since you were an infant, and through the knowledge of the scriptures, you have found salvation through faith in Christ Jesus, so he says remain in it. Don't leave off from it.
He experienced what Proverbs 22:6 says. His grandmother and mother were faithful and devoted Jewish women who eventually came to receive Christ, and then Timothy came to receive Christ. So, he's telling him in conduct and in condition, to follow Paul and the influence of his life. Keep following the scriptures. Keep learning. Keep reading. Remain in them!
2 Timothy 3:10 - But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
The term fully known means you have closely followed. You've been right there at my side with me. You know, number one, my doctrine. Now all of these words here in Verses 10 and 11 are marked by two things. Number one, each one has the definite article "the". And each one is marked by a personal pronoun "my." So, he has my doctrine, but all of them have "my." Paul is emphasizing the doctrine that belongs to me, the whole scope of all of my doctrine.
My manner of life. It's a Greek word that means to conduct yourself, to be led around running errands and taking care of business for the day. So, you've known my doctrine, you've known my manner of life, you know my whole purpose for living, you know my faith, you know my longsuffering.
Longsuffering, MAKROTHUMIA, means slow in human reaction towards other people. This is different than the word for patience. Patience means to remain under circumstances. Longsuffering applies to people. Sometimes it's both remain under your circumstances and be slow in reaction to other people.
The word charity is the word AGAPE, AGAPE love. You know my love. You know my patience. Here's the word for circumstances, to remain under. That's what patience means.
2 Timothy 3:12 - Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
How do you like that promise to claim? Literally, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. We live in a hostile environment. The worlds system is against those who belong to Christ. Satan, who is the god of this world, is hostile against God's people. So, we can expect that the physical world is not always going to cooperate with us.
So, concerning conduct, it is interesting that Paul wasn't just telling Timothy little bits and pieces of how to live his life. He basically used himself as an example.
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field."
Gigi: I have a monitor to check his sugar and seeing how he was just lying there and full of sweat got me fully concerned. so I grabbed my monitor and could not get any blood the first two trys then the third time I tried and discovered it to be that low. so immediately kept talking to him to see how alert he was if any but no movement, so I called the police, and they had the paramedics come and they inserted the sugar iv and brought his sugar up to 200 or more and I felt so relieved. I was crying but kept with them. kept feeding him turkey sandwich, orange juice, water as well as hugging him with a kiss on his forehead telling him, he scared me. so I cleaned him up after he started feeling better, I put him on the wheelchair and set him in the living room, so I could make the bedding and the sad part of pulling the bed apart was, a drug pipe fell out. so, I finished his bedding, hooked his phone to charge, then went to him and yelled at him. I told him, go ahead and yell at me, cuss at me, call me a b@#$, but I have devoted a lot to you, and you do this to me, why? he did not answer. he put his head down, no one single word. I told him, I told the Doctors and the nurses that his been drug free for a couple of months that I knew and now I do not know what to do? his disappointed me. I told them to allow him into my home, now I might end up losing it because of his addiction, I feel angry presently, forgetting that his almost gone in life. Gigi: now what should I do>?> the demon won this round, but God showed me, and Now I need to pray even harder, but I am losing it deeply. I guess I am not a good mom, I do not know how to give tough love. now what>
My best response to your question would be to suggest that you search online for explanations of this topic of God's eternal decree. You can look under such titles as:
God's Eternal Decree
God's Eternal Purpose
God's Eternal Covenant
There are many good articles that explain this well with biblical support.
As for now, I do not wish to get into a conversation on this topic right now but most likely will post about it in the future.
I have found over the 6+ decades of my life in Christ that unbelievers who know that I am a Christian expect me to act in a godly way even though they do not wish to be godly themselves and many will often speak of the hypocrisy of believers who act in ungodly ways on a regular basis and thus can dismiss the veracity of one's claim in Christ.
And, of course we should want to give glory to God in all we do. But doing what is right can cause some unbelievers to reconsider their unbelief or may admit that God is holy and they are not.
It is true that some who are hostile to God will revile Christians for being godly or not joining in on the sin they do openly, often to shock Christians. But I find that there are many unbelievers who are "yet to be believers" who look to how Christians they know behave as an encouragement to believe the gospel. This just shows that the Holy Spirit is at work in their lives drawing them to Christ. They may be tired of living sinfully and desire to change. When believers live godly lives before them they can see that it is possible to be changed by God through the gospel.
I am glad you asked for Scripture to support what I said. We just never know what is going on in the lives of unbelievers around us. Some may continue to be hostile to us and to Christ. But others may see how we are able to have victory over sin and realize that this could be possible for them to. Godly living can be what may cause them to ask one to tell them about one's hope in Christ, as 1 Peter 3:15 speaks about.
Matthew 5:14
14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Dear Donna, you did the best thing by calling 911.
Are you able to check his blood sugar throughout the day? Does he have a blood glucose monitor? It sounds like he may need to have it checked often during the day and perhaps at night, too.
Can you talk to his doctor about this? Does he have insulin to take at home? Does he have other diabetes medications to take to regulate his blood sugar?
When blood sugars get that low, a person will most likely go into a type of diabetic coma and it is very dangerous. So the key is to recognize symptoms of low blood sugar when it drops below 70, which is considered low. When caught at this point, giving him some form of sugar is needed, so be sure to have something to give him. His doctor can give you better recommendations than I can. So go by what the doctor says, for sure.
Also, you could check with the doctor or case worker to see if there is any sort of diabetic caregiver support group or crisis line where you speak with someone who can give accurate and helpful information to you.
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Please pray for healing in my family. Have multiple sick family members and need help. Please pray they will all get better. Pray for me also that I can find comfort and peace, and calm my worries for my family. I find myself not being able to focus all the time for worrying so much about them. I appreciate you all.
Gigi, I don't understand why you say "Such living causes unbelievers to take notice of what we profess because our lifestyle agrees with what the Scriptures". Where in the Bible does it say God's children are supposed to live their lives in a manner that causes unbelievers to take notice?
1 Peter 2:12 KJVS says:
"Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."
Based on that scripture, doesn't it seem like the purpose of living a Godly life to glorify God?
Yes, us Christian folks should judge other religions. We should judge it by the Bible, because we know and believe it to be true without a doubt. That way, we ourselves aren't deceived.
So, the folks in those other religions (JW, Catholic, Islam, etc.) have been deceived and as a Christian you have the truth. So, when you are judging these religions to be false, learn a little about why they are false. That way, if you have an opportunity to witness to a Catholic, or a JW, etc. You will be able to help explain and plant a seed for God to work. Often times those folks are born into their religion and haven't heard the truth of the gospel.
I tried to keep it short, I hope it helped. Have a good night.
Dear Lord Jesus, I am so grateful for all I have. I'm eternally grateful for Christian upbringing, parents and family. Thank you so much for my Aunt, Uncle and my Mom, all family here and now in Heaven. Please Lord protect us from the daily evil that is relentless on all of us. Please forgive me of all sins Lord and please help all on this forum seeking your grace, guidance and most important, your will to be done. Lord Jesus, the devil is constantly working so hard at creating grief and sorrow and depression. I'm feeling constantly under attack and need peace. I need to get done all the burdens on my back that need to be looked after. The demons are hard at work and I need help please from the Holy Spirit and your Angels to keep on that higher path and to feel peace. Lord please help with serious and out of control anger inside my head that is causing distress. The daily evil hits keeps coming and I'm so tired at trying to keep getting back up. The ongoing health concerns are causing severe and ongoing depression. Lord, there is so much more and I know you have the knowledge of all the burdens and concerns. Please Lord hear the cries of all your faithful flock here on earth and posting on this forum, all trying so hard to fight off the evil of the demons and Satan. I pray for all the humans, animals and mammals that are in distress and needing your help and protection of the Holy Spirit and your angels. I pray for all this and so much more and for your will that is to be done. I pray Jesus that you will supply for all the needs of every person who has posted on this forum. LORD PLEASE HELP. In Jesus precious name, AMEN
Dear lord Jehovah please keep us all safe and well. I hope you're keeping safe and well and thank you for taking the time to listen to our prayers. Amen.
I have always believed in some form of a God. Up until recent years I have prayed to 'GOD'. Now I pray to Jehovah. It just felt proper. My question is, Is prayer enough, too little, or should I be trying harder. I am 60 plus years of age and feel closer to a godly way than ever. Our world we are so lucky to have is governed by greed. If I were to be given the strength to change their outlooks on a better future. { we all exist to help each other create a utopian existence an Eden that once was. the second Eden to heal. I know these are just my thoughts and unlikely to come to fruition, however if my cherished belief in our lord will bring this to come I must at least share my idea of the future as should be. Amen.
GIGI: time-1:59pm afternoon. I just had a scary incident-Arthur's sugar was 35 and I freaked out crying my heart out as to where I could not talk. I called 911 and they came and inserted insulin it got the sugar back up to 237. oh gigi this is so scary for me; he was sweating cold sweat and non-response SCARED ME SO BAD. I wish I had someone to run to during this time such as this, gigi-what do I do? I am scared Help for him and me.
I'm happy to hear that these studies have been helpful. I have also been blessed by the things you have and continue to share with us all. Thanks again for the encouragement and for petitioning the Lord's help as I continue on with these studies. As we all know, if the Lord is not in it, our work is done in vain.
God Bless!!!
Where does Israel come in these four beasts? The little horn as signified by Antiochus IV in historical context refers to the 'Abomination of the desolation'(Mt.24.15-16) overarches to the end times. Significance of the fourth beast refers to the unholy alliance of the state religion which was first introduced in the second beast with three ribs. "and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh." (Dan.7.5) State religion and Information or the Press shall morph into the fourth beast as iron teeth. 'it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it.' (v.7) Think of all the bloodletting, religious wars followed with revolutions, For reign of terror came 200 years after the St Bartholomew's day massacre. What havoc has Information technology plays in our time and how history as written by victors have suppressed the truth?
'and it had ten horns' Everyone of them follows the law of sin and death and shall be judged accordingly. Of these the usurpation of the little horn requires another post. At this point consider this line, "and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things." The horn has become a composite body politic as hybrid as in Gen.6.1-3 where man coming to power by alternative truths and disinformation. The mouth speaking great thing can range from reneging on existing pacts and alliances to assassinate characters of opponents. These lawbreakers have come to power using very laws which is as devilishly cunning possible in the Internet Age. In this horn were eyes can mean satellites in the sky monitoring over the peoples and nations. In which ever case the Spirit introduces this son of perdition in place of the serpent, in "dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan.'(Rev.20.2) His authority comes from the dragon
"After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns./I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things."(vv.7-8)
Note that this vision is a night vision meaning the body politic represented in these four beasts was ungodly and each member was under condemnation. We are considering the will of God, an unseen world visually represented by appropriate symbols.When the rider on the white horse appears the title 'king of kings, the lord of lords' establishes the fulfilment aspect of the Son. (Rev.19.16)
"and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it"
These beasts correspond to the four parts of the image in the king's dream. "Thou art this head of gold."(Dan.2.37-38) Coupled with the lion's body with eagle wings we have a crucial clue. "and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it." It identifies with the mingling of sons of God mingling with daughters of men. "And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years."(Gen.6.1-3) Man is reckoned in terms of the gospel and not physical characteristics, colour, race or spirit. On the basis of the Word he is set in direct context of the word become flesh, the Son of man.
"and it had great iron teeth" This compares with 'His legs of iron,' (Dan.2.33) His ferocity 'dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly' gives an altogether different dimension to his destructive nature.
In this para. "How short is this short time? "And bound him a thousand years." According to the day seems a thumb rule. "be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."(2 Pet.3.8)"
is a fragment.
Please read as " How short is this short time? "And bound him a thousand years." According to the day seems a thumb rule. "be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."(2 Pet.3.8) The Ancient of days has set the day so we shall not pry into what is left to His discretion. Be that as it may The Law of the Spirit is sovereign whether one makes seven days beginning with day of salvation, day of regeneration etc., Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Heb.13.8)"
20.4 Nations are overthrown
In Daniel ch.7 " I beheld till the thrones were cast down," This refers to the four beasts and it ties up with the vision of St John. "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them." Compare with what Jesus promised his disciples"in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
"and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."(20.4)
The four beasts in Daniel's vision, we are looking at the will of God set in heaven. It is a night vision so the Spirit is setting it pictorially what the Son shall do. He makes the world of Judgment to appear. (Heb.11.3) Souls of them refer to those blessed under the everlasting Covenant and the millennial reign. These martyrs for the witness of Jesus indicate great tribulation.
20.5-6 first resurrection
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection./ Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection:" Blessed and holy covers them.
20.7-8
Satan is loosed
"Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,/ And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea."
He is overthrown and cast into the lake of fire.
"and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them./ And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."(20.9-10)
20.11-15 The Great White Throne Judgment
20.1-3 Dragon is overthrown.
Backdrop for these three verses can be found in Re.12.9 "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." Compare the verse with reference to Satan in v.2: the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years," Curious construction 'serpent, devil and Satan' touches upon the fall of man, the second with reference to his works and Satan as adversary in heaven. The tail of the dragon causes the angel lose their first state. "And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth"(Rev.12.4) The emergence of mighty men "the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown."(Gen.6.4). Here we see the emergence of the sons of perdition, the beasts in the history of ungodly nations of whom Antiochus IV is preeminent. He is an usurper, historically as well as in spiritual terms. The same 'little horn' reappears in the book of the Revelation. (Rev.11.7 and 13.1)
Revolt of angels we find mentioned in Daniel. Devil loses his place in heavens "the judgment was set, and the books were opened."(Dan.7.10)
The war in heaven has now shifted to the earth. "Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time."(Rev.12.12)
How short is this short time? "And bound him a thousand years." According to the day seems a thumb rule. "be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."(2 Pet.3.8)
2 Timothy 4:16 - At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
He says at my first answer. That's the word APOLOGIA, which means apology or defense. No man stood with me, but all forsook me: As soon as they arrested him and brought him in for his first hearing, the brethren scattered. They didn't want to be associated with him.
We know that Onesiphorus specifically went to Rome looking for Paul and specifically wanted to find him and go be with him. There's a contrast in the brethren who were afraid and those who basically said "That's brother Paul. Let's minister to him!"
In my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me: I pray that it may not be laid to their charge. Paul says I pray that God will not hold the brethren accountable for deserting me. It was much like Jesus on the cross when He said Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.
2 Timothy 4:22 - The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
The Lord Jesus Christ (is) with your spirit. The word "be" is in italics because the translators have inserted it. In the Greek text, it's a statement of fact. It is interesting that the Lord Jesus Christ is with your spirit, not your flesh, not your material items. Christ is in your spirit, your soul.
The word thy in thy spirit is singular. He's talking to Timothy but has closed other letters by saying the same thing to everyone, that Christ is with your spirit. Grace be with you, and you is plural. Grace is with you. It's a statement of fact. The condition of all saints is that Christ is in your spirit, and God's grace is with you.
This is all I have for the letters of Timothy. There are two more books, Titus and Philemon, before we get into Hebrews. Hebrews is the first book of what is known as the Jewish literature section of the Bible. It should be a great study.
May God bless and keep you all!
2 Timothy 4:6 - For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
A slight technical thing I would like to share here: It says for I am now ready. In the Greek text, it says I am being poured out as a drink offering. So, it's not that he's about ready to give up his life as an offering for Christ. It shows that he's been doing that this whole time. His life is being poured out as an offering. And the time of his departure is at hand.
2 Timothy 4:7 - I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
It is interesting in Verse 7, and I think I've mentioned this in an earlier post, but it's fascinating. It comes from the Coliseum games. There are three things here, and as it says in the text, it represents Perfect Tense verbs. It says, I have fought a good fight. The word fought and fight is the word agony. I have agonized the good agony. That's the word used for the Coliseum games. I have finished the course; I have kept the faith:
So, you have one phrase representing the discipline and the agony of going through training and participating, and you have the actual course itself that he has finished his course. And he has kept the faith. He has kept the rules and regulations, and trusted Christ through it all.
2 Timothy 4:15 - Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
Of whom be thou aware also; The word ware means on guard, for he has greatly withstood our words. Watch out for this guy. He resists the words of God. And as he resisted me, he's going to resist you. There are two different Alexanders mentioned in scripture. One is in Acts Chapter 19, who confronted Paul in Ephesus when he was there. And of course, in 1 Timothy 1:20, we have another Alexander that Paul mentions who is teaching false teaching. So, it's one of these two. He's telling him watch out for him. Be on guard.
2 Timothy 4:3 - For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;
We are in that time. The word sound (HUGIAINOUSES) is where we get our English word hygiene from, and it means healthy. People will not endure healthy doctrine. They want things to entertain them. But they will not endure sound doctrine. But after their own lusts shall they heap up to themselves teachers, having itching ears; The word itching means to tickle, and it's a Greek word that's associated with entertainment. They're going to go find somewhere that tickles their ears.
2 Timothy 4:5 - But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
He says, but you watch in all things. The word watch doesn't mean to look with the eyes. It means to be sober, to be alert. We're not talking about just alcoholic beverages, because he also has mentioned in his letters about being sober minded, that is, we can become drunk with the thoughts of the world. And our lives can be affected by the thoughts of the world, and it can overcome and influence us just like alcohol does. So be sober in all things. Be sober minded!
Endure afflictions, literally suffer afflictions. Do the work of an evangelist. Some people think this means to go out and preach to non-believers. But it's literally, do the work of someone proclaiming the good news. That's what evangelist means. Be a proclaimer of the good news. That includes non-believers and believers.
Then he says make full proof of your ministry. The term full proof means fully carry out. Fulfil your ministry. Don't hold back. Don't withdraw. Do the work of one who's handling the good news. Suffer afflictions. That's a command! And be sober in your thinking in all things.
2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Number 1, the command: Preach the word; Young pastors sometimes ask, "How do I start my church?" You start it and you continue it by preaching the word. Just give the word. If you preach the word and nobody gets ministered to, or nobody gets saved, sit down, you haven't been called!
We have too many that have not been called, and their ministry through the word does not minister to anyone, so they use other means to get people into their church. Preach the word! The word preach in Greek, KERUSO, means to publish, which would include both speaking and written word. Publish the word.
Be instant, or more literally, be ready. It's a military term. Be ready in season, and out of season; literally, during convenient times, and inconvenient times. Be ready all the time. Reprove is the word for convict, to present evidence for a conviction. Rebuke. Rebuke actually is to call someone out because of sin or false teaching.
And exhort. That's the word for encouragement. And you are to do all of these things with all longsuffering and doctrine. Again, longsuffering is slow in human reaction, and doctrine is the teaching of scripture. So, when he preaches, it's supposed to be with longsuffering and doctrine.
When he's ready in season and out of season, it's just longsuffering and doctrine. To convict, rebuke, and exhort, do it with longsuffering and doctrine. There isn't anything personal there. There isn't anything human there. That's how he is to minister. This is at a time in the last days. Be ready, be on guard. He's already told him to endure afflictions as a good soldier in Christ. Now he's telling him you're in the unit now, be ready!
2 Timothy 3:17 - That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
That the man of God may be perfect, and that means complete, mature, thoroughly furnished, which means totally trained for all good works. Again, the word good is the word AGATHOS, for spiritual good.
So, the scripture for doctrine, conviction, correction, and discipline in righteousness, is for maturity, and to train those to be ready for every good work. Peter says in 2 Peter 3:18, let us grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to grow, to become mature, to be thoroughly furnished to be involved in the work of God, especially in and against the great apostasy in the last days.
2 Timothy 4:1 - I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
He says I charge thee, literally I thoroughly testify, before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
I used to read this and say to myself that this doesn't make much sense because it's obvious that dead people are not quick. But this word quick means the living.
2 Timothy 3:16 - All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
All scripture is given by inspiration of God. The term inspiration of God is one Greek word that means God breathed. All scripture is God breathed, and is profitable for these four things:
For doctrine: That's the system of the Christian faith in doctrine.
For reproof: This is a legal term that means to present proof to the court to bring about a conviction. So, it means conviction. Present evidence to bring about a conviction.
For correction: It means to bring people and make them line up with the things of God. Correction is to get people back on the right path.
For instruction in righteousness: The word instruction doesn't come from anything about teaching. In fact, it comes from the word discipline. It means to discipline children.
So, the word of God, the scriptures, is profitable for disciplining people in righteousness. This is why Timothy can have confidence. Continue in the scriptures that you already have been raised on, and in your ministry, continue this confidence by using it for doctrine, for conviction, for correction, and for discipline.
We don't see it used very much in these areas because we don't want to offend anyone. But out of love, God wants us corrected if we're going down the wrong way. God through His word will bring conviction. And He will teach us the doctrines, especially of Paul, and of Christ.
2 Timothy 3:13 - But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
Evil men and seducers shall wax, literally, shall advance worse and worse. Then we have what are called Modal Participles that tell us how they're going to advance worse and worse: By deceiving, and being deceived.
The people who are deceivers. It's not that they know the truth and they are trying to deceive people by telling them a lie. People who are deceived are deceiving others in sincerity with a deception that they believe is true, deceiving continuously, and continually being deceived.
2 Timothy 3:15 - And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
The word child is BREPHOUS (infant or newborn). From an infant, you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
We saw in Chapter 1 that his mother and grandmother would read the scriptures to him since he was an infant. Through the reading and explanation of the scriptures, and when Paul came to town during his first missionary journey, Timothy received Christ.
The scriptures will make you wise unto salvation. It will tell you about salvation and the need to be saved. The NT message is that it's through faith which is in Christ Jesus. He says you been having the scriptures read to you since you were an infant, and through the knowledge of the scriptures, you have found salvation through faith in Christ Jesus, so he says remain in it. Don't leave off from it.
He experienced what Proverbs 22:6 says. His grandmother and mother were faithful and devoted Jewish women who eventually came to receive Christ, and then Timothy came to receive Christ. So, he's telling him in conduct and in condition, to follow Paul and the influence of his life. Keep following the scriptures. Keep learning. Keep reading. Remain in them!
2 Timothy 3:10 - But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
The term fully known means you have closely followed. You've been right there at my side with me. You know, number one, my doctrine. Now all of these words here in Verses 10 and 11 are marked by two things. Number one, each one has the definite article "the". And each one is marked by a personal pronoun "my." So, he has my doctrine, but all of them have "my." Paul is emphasizing the doctrine that belongs to me, the whole scope of all of my doctrine.
My manner of life. It's a Greek word that means to conduct yourself, to be led around running errands and taking care of business for the day. So, you've known my doctrine, you've known my manner of life, you know my whole purpose for living, you know my faith, you know my longsuffering.
Longsuffering, MAKROTHUMIA, means slow in human reaction towards other people. This is different than the word for patience. Patience means to remain under circumstances. Longsuffering applies to people. Sometimes it's both remain under your circumstances and be slow in reaction to other people.
The word charity is the word AGAPE, AGAPE love. You know my love. You know my patience. Here's the word for circumstances, to remain under. That's what patience means.
2 Timothy 3:12 - Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
How do you like that promise to claim? Literally, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. We live in a hostile environment. The worlds system is against those who belong to Christ. Satan, who is the god of this world, is hostile against God's people. So, we can expect that the physical world is not always going to cooperate with us.
So, concerning conduct, it is interesting that Paul wasn't just telling Timothy little bits and pieces of how to live his life. He basically used himself as an example.
Matthew 13:44
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field."
My best response to your question would be to suggest that you search online for explanations of this topic of God's eternal decree. You can look under such titles as:
God's Eternal Decree
God's Eternal Purpose
God's Eternal Covenant
There are many good articles that explain this well with biblical support.
As for now, I do not wish to get into a conversation on this topic right now but most likely will post about it in the future.
I was thinking of this verse in my post.
I have found over the 6+ decades of my life in Christ that unbelievers who know that I am a Christian expect me to act in a godly way even though they do not wish to be godly themselves and many will often speak of the hypocrisy of believers who act in ungodly ways on a regular basis and thus can dismiss the veracity of one's claim in Christ.
And, of course we should want to give glory to God in all we do. But doing what is right can cause some unbelievers to reconsider their unbelief or may admit that God is holy and they are not.
It is true that some who are hostile to God will revile Christians for being godly or not joining in on the sin they do openly, often to shock Christians. But I find that there are many unbelievers who are "yet to be believers" who look to how Christians they know behave as an encouragement to believe the gospel. This just shows that the Holy Spirit is at work in their lives drawing them to Christ. They may be tired of living sinfully and desire to change. When believers live godly lives before them they can see that it is possible to be changed by God through the gospel.
I am glad you asked for Scripture to support what I said. We just never know what is going on in the lives of unbelievers around us. Some may continue to be hostile to us and to Christ. But others may see how we are able to have victory over sin and realize that this could be possible for them to. Godly living can be what may cause them to ask one to tell them about one's hope in Christ, as 1 Peter 3:15 speaks about.
Matthew 5:14
14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Are you able to check his blood sugar throughout the day? Does he have a blood glucose monitor? It sounds like he may need to have it checked often during the day and perhaps at night, too.
Can you talk to his doctor about this? Does he have insulin to take at home? Does he have other diabetes medications to take to regulate his blood sugar?
When blood sugars get that low, a person will most likely go into a type of diabetic coma and it is very dangerous. So the key is to recognize symptoms of low blood sugar when it drops below 70, which is considered low. When caught at this point, giving him some form of sugar is needed, so be sure to have something to give him. His doctor can give you better recommendations than I can. So go by what the doctor says, for sure.
Also, you could check with the doctor or case worker to see if there is any sort of diabetic caregiver support group or crisis line where you speak with someone who can give accurate and helpful information to you.
I am glad you caught his low blood sugar.
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God bless!
KJBO
1 Peter 2:12 KJVS says:
"Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."
Based on that scripture, doesn't it seem like the purpose of living a Godly life to glorify God?
Yes, us Christian folks should judge other religions. We should judge it by the Bible, because we know and believe it to be true without a doubt. That way, we ourselves aren't deceived.
So, the folks in those other religions (JW, Catholic, Islam, etc.) have been deceived and as a Christian you have the truth. So, when you are judging these religions to be false, learn a little about why they are false. That way, if you have an opportunity to witness to a Catholic, or a JW, etc. You will be able to help explain and plant a seed for God to work. Often times those folks are born into their religion and haven't heard the truth of the gospel.
I tried to keep it short, I hope it helped. Have a good night.
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