I am of the firm belief that a church SHOULD basically involve a scriptural framework with a Pastor associated with elders; and at least one or two deacons. Also; of course I believe that many churches tend to be one sided and while correctly taking care for the flock that no outsiders introduce false doctrine and that spiritual maturity is demonstrated by those who do teach they seem to ignore the fact that the church needs people with other gifts to sustain it.
One of the practical things which we could consider is others who have a teaching ability; whether specialized in youth ministry; women teaching younger women; or someone qualified to teach Sunday school. This coming Sunday; for example the person who normally plays piano will also teach Sunday school; since he's a teacher in a Christian school the Pastor had no problem asking him to fill in when out of town; also our Deacon will preach as he occasionally is given that role. Again; I have heard some issues that occured with a Pastor that at the time wouldn't have others under him; now he has my friend as a Deacon there after my other friend had spent some time doing some sermons as an understudy; maybe he helped to convince him that having others could be helpful. Being a Pastor doesn't guarantee teaching on an individual level is best mastered; hence for Discipling small group leaders are helpful.
In allowing people to head up other activities; some supervision is needed because at times certain mind games involving people obsessed with running the show can get in the way. This is why delegating responsibility should be something that isn't avoided but done with caution; nonetheless. It seems those gifted with wisdom who the Lord has given natural abilities that could be paid adequately to get a job done right rather than always doing the cheapest work possible or volunteer work with unskilled workmen is a choice too often made.
Oh and don't leave you are making people think and reread the Bible which I think Jesus want us all to do.
As for the different bibles versions I think you are 100% correct, yet you don't go far enough, and if I get band from here so be it, In the other so called bibles you mention they deny the deity of Jesus. There are may other examples one can find. They also change LORD to god in places. To diminish his authority as the one true GOD.
If one uses the bibles that deny the deity are they not denying Jesus and in turn loosing there salvation by breaking the commandment thou shall take no other god before me.
When you remove entire sentences and change words or remove words them meaning gets changed,
When the KJV was translated as in any translation one has to use words in that language that means the same thing as the original. The KJV is the most widely use version in the world, where ever you go in the world there is English. Jesus said go and spread my message "word" to the world, so Jesus, Holy Sprit must have know then, (GOD being the beginning and the end) that the English language would spread to every part of the world, therefore they were inspired by the Holy Spirt to wright the KJV 1611. You can find in the Bible that the Bible is pointing or leading you to this Bible.
Sorry I had to add this my characters ended on 666 so maybe you should not have read this or I shouldn't have written? Is this a sin to think like this?
To put it concisely; God's grace and His restraining influence is what is keeping the Tribulation from beginning with all its associated horrors; for as far as I can tell it doesn't have to get any worse as far as the condition of men in general in this dark hour to warrant judgment. I thought of the verse that God is patient with the wicked but is "longsuffering" not wishing anyone to perish but repent (roughly translated verse 2 Peter 3:9). My first search found Nahum 1:3 about God being slow to anger but not leaving the "guilty unpunished." Without getting tangled in Predestination; I will just remind the audience that we were all enemies of God ( Romans 5:10). In some sense whether it is our choice or response to God's calling He determines when the last person comes to Christ before the Rapture.
In some sense; with church being counterculture at this point for anywhere still adhering to the TRUE Gospel a new convert is something even more exciting than the past. Since there is nothing or almost nothing to gain from being accepted in society for becoming a believer today it takes more gumption. I have observed that many who are not involved much with formal church attendance have much discernment especially into the spiritual dimension; and often seem to love the Lord. It could be their fault but often there just isn't either a church teaching truth; or no real active DISCIPLESHIP opportunities either for them to grow OR HELP OTHERS grow. I put that in capital letters because it seems to be such an issue today. Of course for megachurches for the young; thin and attractive delivering shallow messages is no substitute for challenging study; or retreats where one can put their nose to the grindstone and iron can sharpen iron. Just as we can't accept everyone's offer of assistance; we can't dismiss those the Lord brings with their particular gifts who are eager and ready to serve. Yes, even leaders need input!
I didn't mean to offend or confuse, I read the rapture as 144,000 total and 12,000 from each church that's a very small number when there are billions of people on earth alive and almost everyone thinks they are going in the rapture. I was not thinking of the rapture that you think of when I said I pray you don't know death in this life. I believe I read that Christians are persecuted during the tribulation time which means not all are raptured. which is a different discussion. but if you could show me the verses that prove the rapture you believe I would greatly appreciate it.(maybe the Holy Sprit guided me to answer you to get me here so you could show me what you see and I don't.)
I am only reading the KJV 1611, and if its hard to understand I go to the KJV standard.
So about u-tube I am not asking strangers for advice there, I travel for my work so I have found a church that broadcast there sermons, This is a Christian minster whom went to a seminary and also has lectured at them, and is the main preacher at this church. You do not have local tv that broadcasts church services? The way he is doing it reaches far more people and I am sure the Holy Sprit inspired the man to do what he is doing.
I didn't say Jesus replace the Moral or Civil Laws or the 10 commandments (Moral Laws) just the Ceremonial
So to your question.
If you go by just the 10 commandants which I think you are implying. on 6/9 one in some peoples mind and none in my mind and if I read Paul correctly none. Romans 14:5-8
I believe every day is GODs Holy day and Thank Jesus everyday since I repented and ask his forgiveness. GOD says keep his Sabbath Day. Enter my rest (his Sabbath Day) Hebrews 4:10 but if you like start from 4:1.
Yes,certainly,as you said,GOD HIMSELF manifested himself to the Hebrews through the OT;which was written by the twenty-four elders,starting with Moses,understand?By the way,JESUS said GOD is Spirit- John 4:24-,what is the name of the invisible Spirit of GOD?Well,GOD had said in the beginning- Genesis 1:26(the beginning is JESUS,who is the LITERAL IMAGE of GOD,He is GOD)-, yes, GOD had said:"Let us make man in OUR image,after OUR likeness", then, both are One, and as we can see, since ancient times, since Genesis, GOD revealed He would be made flesh.
By the prophet Isaiah,who is one of the 24 elders,GOD again revealed He would be made flesh, and around 2000 years ago He LITERALLY fulfilled His promise- John 1:14-and what is the NAME that GOD chose for He Himself? The NAME that GOD chose for He Himself was/is JESUS - JOSHUA-. Luke 1:26-the angel GABRIEL was sent FROM GOD(the Word is GOD,GOD Himself,self-executing) unto a city of Galilee,named Nazareth,and said to Mary:behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a SON, and shalt call his NAME JESUS. He shall be great, and called the Son of the Highest: the Lord GOD(the Word is GOD, GOD Himself, self-executing) shall give unto Him the throne of His father David.
Remember: The Jews said to JESUS: John 8:41-we have one Father, even God. And JESUS said to the Devil, father of the Jews-Yahweh:It is written,Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD that proceedeth out of the MOUTH OF GOD-Mat.4:4.
Psalms 110:1combined with Hebrews 1:8(plus Matthew 25:11, James 2:1, Isaiah 49:14, Luke 20:42, 1 Corinthians 9:1) -
GOD said to the Lord JESUS:Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy Kingdom.
KJV Psalms 83:18, Isaiah 12:2, Exodus 6:3, Isaiah 26:4 LORD=JEHOVAH; ->JEHOVAH is another esoteric and kabbalistic and spiritist nickname of the father of the Jews.
Luke 16:5 lord=a King or one of authority,yes, see John 18:37.
I'm departing from that thread being that it's focus is not on the sin nature.
The sin nature is that aspect in man that makes him rebellious against God.
When we speak of the sin nature, we refer to the fact that we have a natural inclination to sin,
Not obeying that inclination doesn't mean we got rid of the inclination.
It is so abundantly there, that if you cannot detect it, you are deceived."
With the Holyspirit we can defeat the nature but that doesn't rid us of it.
Even amongst the Brothern there is always an urge to get praise and Glory and that is a sin.
What about partiality, Haughtiness, Selfishness, Greed, puffing one another up with feel good messages when it's not sincere.
You can be spot on with a message but refuse to be at the table with your Brothern.
What about refusing to show mercy.
What about refusing to forgive.
When you can't stomach the Brothern to where you alienate yourself that's a sign that you have conflicting Spirit's or atleast a very carnal driven Christian.
God Spirit is what baptizes us, and performs a union unexplained!
All of these desires or works of the flesh "or by the flesh", Not the fruit of the Spirit.
These are the laws of God that should be written in our hearts.
These are the laws of God that our laws in our flesh rejects.
You and I never had the discussion on ridding the sin nature.
You never asked me anything on the topic.
I was making mention of you being in the debate with someone else.
Then several joined!
That topic branched over into several topics.
This is why I said I am aware of your stance on this and I didn't want to re-visit it.
Besides that, my post has nothing to do with whether one can loose his or her sin "NATURE"
Momsage
When we're talking about sin we're talking about "transgression of the law of God.and this is not JUST breaking any of the commands of God,
IT'S NOT ONLY SPEAKING OF THE 10 COMMANDMENTS.
However you described Justification as I do.
Justification is freely given to us through faith in Christ, therefore we have an atonement. Sanctification Is also a work of God! Philippians 1:6
Nowhere in scripture it says Justification or Sanctification rids us of our FLESH/SIN NATURE.
They do rid us the penalty of our sins! Past, Present, and future.
And Sanctification rids ys of the love of sin.
Anything we do that is not of the spirit is sin!
Now we're perfectly justified we have the Holy Spirit that prompts us to do God's will but we have a nature that combats God's will and that nature never leaves us.
God is Holy and perfect. He doesn't has to resist any evil.
We're imperfect. We have emotional sin that we resist everyday because we have a nature in this body of sin that the Holyspirit deals with daily.
When we're talking about "SIN NATURE" this can be anything that our flesh prompts us to do something that the Spirit has not.
Winning the battle over our sin nature doesn't mean we got rid of it.
We can do something that appears to be a good deed on the outside but on the inside it's for praise, that's also caused by our sin nature.
God shares his praise and Glory with no man.
You can tell me how wonderful I am to be kind towards me, but if you don't truly feel that way then it's a lie.
determine what they are designed to develop in the human body, such as eye, hair, and skin color, body shape, the development of body systems during fetal growth, and a myriad of other things in every body that are determined by the DNA in chromosomes.
Every human has these same genes but the way they are specifically and individually expressed is determined by God according to the way He designed hereditary traits to be transmitted to offspring.
It is evident that the DNA of Adam and Eve possessed all the genetic potential for all these variations in genetics to transmit to offspring. Therefore, Noah, his wife, sons, ad daughter in laws also possessed the genetic potential for diverse genetic expression.
That said, God was in control of the genetic expression of the genes in all of the descendants of Noah. When God scattered people at Babel and they migrated outward to inhabit all parts of the world, God caused the genetic expressions of people groups to be adapted to their environment. those with pale skin inhabited the northern hemisphere from the Eurasian steppe to Europe. Those with darker skin (due to having higher melanin in their skin) inhabited the Far East and those even darker skinned inhabited sub equatorial Africa, Australia, etc.
It was God who determined the gene expressions that formed the "races" but all are similarly human and related through the sons of Noah. When people migrated to certain areas where they were more isolated from other tribes of people, they intermarried and so the gene expressions became more similar among them by God's design. For example, the red haired gene among the Celtic people of Ireland and Scotland. The blond, blue eyed people of Scandinavia, the darker skinned people of India, the distinctive features of the different tribes of North and South American native people, the very dark skinned people of Africa, some of whom were quite short and others quite tall depending on tribe. The Semitic tribes of the Middle East including the Hebrews, and the Polynesian peoples who settled the multitude of islands in the Pacific Ocean.
So we can attribute genetic expression that shows us that people are of a certain "race" to God's wise design as people migrated away from Babel in Mesopotamia after the flood. Every person of every race have the same number of chromosomes that make up the DNA that determines a multitude of genes which consistently determine, cont
My past sins were forgiven and remembered no more by God when I sincerely asked Him for forgiveness. When He forgave me I was justified in His sight because of the divine sacrifice of Jesus. I was regenerated and became spiritually born again. A new creature in Christ. Justification is through the atonement of Christ. The only part I play in becoming perfect is my obedience to God's word. Do you not want to discuss this with me anymore because you can't answer the questions and comments I made. Because you didn't. Not a single one. But I will quit discussions if you want to.
The roller table is so awesome. Whoever invented it has brought relief to millions! I miss that as I am no longer getting chiropractic care as my lower back is pretty much rehabbed. I am down to a monthly massage that seems to be working well. If was so wealthy that I didn't need to be concerned about monthly outgo I'd hire someone to give me a massage every day!
But that is not my situation so I am grateful that I can have this respite. Did about 6 hours of gardening the over Friday and Saturday, so the massage helped assuage sore muscles. But I am glad that I am sore due to being able to do something physical rather than 4 years ago when I just hurt all day while I was working fulltime as a Kindergarten teacher. The Lord has blessed me with an early retirement where I could take time to rest my back daily in a recliner and then, after a year, be able to begin doing gardening in short spurts, Now I can do about 3 hours of physical work before I get sore and need to stop. That is really good progress and I get to do it all on my terms each day, so I have a lot of control in this, reading my body cues and trying to do something physical when I can bear it. Praise the Lord!
Jesse, this site has helped to be more purposefully prayerful and I am thankful for that. I wish I could pray for every request but that often does not avail itself to me to do so. But I do read every request and hope to keep these in mind. Such as when I am praying for someone's children to be saved, I ask also for all those similar request on the site that I cannot recall specifics and I pray for my sons and daughter in laws, too. Same is true when someone wants to have a more vibrant and deep walk with the Lord. I will ray for that person and then lift up all the others who have similar needs as well, trusting that the Holy Spirit knows all the details and prays with me. Isn't it beautiful that He does that with us!
Thanks for your kind words of me. That is my aim, but do fail.
This explanation is with no doubt awesome! However, I'm still confused. What about the name "Jehovah"? This name appears in the ASV, personally I think it's also a proper name for "LORD" or "Yahweh". Thoughts?
You have always been so thoughtful and caring about others, always praying for those in need, everyone here, even praying for those of us who aren't asking for prayer. It is comforting to know that you pray for all of us. I like your "tradition."
I see a chiropractor every two weeks and after my adjustment, I get some time on the roller table. What a great time to spend praying instead of filling my mind with less important things.
Today I had my monthly massage and another "tradition" I do is spend time during the massage praying for those who are in pain and hurting since I am getting something done to me that is peaceful, healing, and helpful to my body. Since I am grateful to have this privilege, I just want to also petition for those whose lives are more difficult.
Thanks you for explaining the difference and use of the name and by whom, Now I know the difference. I don't think Bible hub will burn as I was only translating Old Testament, and the Old Testament was given in Hebrew and was given to them as there laws in Hebrew.
In KJV there are 3 different uses of the name. LORD and Lord and lord. Psalms 110:1(A Psalm of David.) The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. I think this explains it best.
KJV Psalms 83:18, Isaiah 12:2 , Exodus 6:3, Isaiah 26:4 LORD = GOD JEHOVAH, LORD GOD of Israel
KJV Psalms 110:1, Matthew 25:11, James 2:1, Isaiah 49:14, Luke 20:42, 1 Corinthians 9:1 Lord = Jesus
KJV 2 Samuel 24:3, Luke 16:5 lord = a King or one of authority
I actually found the Psalms answer on u-tube form someone studying the KJV 1611 he was proving the KJV is the true word of GOD and just so happened to answer my question at the same time. I added these verses I found because I didn't mention any books or verses in my original question because it is every translation in Old Testament I compared no matter which book or verse. And I also found this.
Yahweh is the name of Israel's God and the God who came to earth as Jesus Christ, Yahweh in the flesh. Matthew 1:21 says, "She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." The name Jesus is from the Latin form of the Greek form of Yeshua, which literally means "Yahweh saves." So Yahweh will save His people from their sins, and simultaneously Jesus will save His people from their sins. This is just one of many instances where Jesus and Yahweh are equated.
And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; 11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world has been condemned.
It is interesting that all of this verse as to the work of the Spirit seems to be in regard to Christ; and seems to be rather indirect as to the individual. Rather than defining particular sins or even the sin nature; the sin of unbelief which led to the most serious errors of the Pharisees who deliberately blinded themselves to the truth and then God no doubt hardened them further is the focus here. For righteousness is again pointing toward Christ; and the focus being perhaps at His next phase at the "Second Coming" and how He will be the righteous King. We are reminded of John 20:29 said to Thomas that blessed are those who have NOT seen yet believe. The third part of this verse is judgment; but it points to Christ again; but this time to Satan's condemnation already established; rather than our own.
Since this verse is a positive influence leading to salvation for His elect and one of condemnation for the unregenerate; we see that this by default puts us in the position to face what Satan does as he is our de-facto ruler if Jesus isn't. (see Matthew 25:41). Hell wasn't apparently created for us but if we are cursed we end up there. Our ruler the prince of the power of the air ( Eph. 2:2) is controlling the masses through his elaborate economic and spiritual world system which is coming to its full and ugly climax as we see Babylon in both forms described in Revelation 17 and 18; and in much of Jeremah in the O.T.
Isaiah 10:7 states Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few.
This shows even Antichrist doesn't know how bad he is
Further examination of John 16:8 as to righteousness
John 16:8 And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; 11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world has been condemned.
I have examined this verse in light of sin; but thought before I continue with the other two aspects of the verse in detail; I should mention that UNBELIEF is something that not only the world but all of us-in reality are in a state of before being regenerated; as that is the first role of the Holy Spirit. When Christ was present on earth; it was clear that after multitudes; presumably almost everyone in Israel knew of Christ's undeniable miracles ( John 11:47) and also of the Apostles ( Acts 4:16) that deliberate unbelief would be the precursor of blasphemy of the Holy Ghost; where Beelzebub was said to be the source of Christ's strength; or others such as the sons of Sceva and the sorcerer in Acts would attempt to gain this power in their own strength or attempt to get it through money. The end result; clearly didn't go too well for these individuals; and no forgiveness was offered for blasphemy of the Spirit ( Mark 3:29 said early in Christ's ministry). Christ said all things against Him or the Father could be forgiven ( Matt. 12:32) but not against the Holy Spirit-and that also is set for the future reign of the Lord on the earth as well. Let us all be as the man in Mark 9:24 and ask Jesus to help us with our unbelief!
Now as to righteousness. Jesus says because He goes to the Father and we no longer see Him that the Spirit testifies of righteousness. I would think this implies that all who truly know Christ now are as the result of the unseen work of the Spirit.
As odd as it seems; when Christ was here physically as to Him being God that had to be revealed from above.
"That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him."
Fulness of times is Person specific. " For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell."(Col.1:19)
From 'all things in Christ' we shall first consider what are in heaven:
The Lamb motif where death is appointed for him and the deep sleep of Adam are connected
In terms of symbolism the slain Lamb is with reference to the Word become flesh. Jesus Christ the Man component in the Father Son relationship. "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."(Re.13:8) compared with this, "And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain" Here the body as a memorial signifies the Law of the Spirit given a body. (Re.5:6). In the former we are looking at the world unseen, or the divine Will made to appear. (He.11:3)
In the fulness of time God sent him. "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman."(Gal.4:4). How does John see him? He is the Lamb of God. As word become flesh he fulfills the word according to the scripture. "He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter," (Is.53:4-8) Fulness of time is as he gives shape to the world unseen.
Adam is set as a double for Jesus Christ. We shall consider how the Holy Spirit brings the fulness of Christ in the creation of Eve. "And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept." This sleep is to be interpreted from the fulness of Christ, so Eve is a symbol for the body of Christ, the church. "In the fulness of times how do we characterise the body? It is called the Throne of God and of the Lamb.(Re.22:1) There is no temple but we have instead the holy city, "And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it."."(Re.21:22-23) Eve has become the Lamb's wife.
"And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground."
In this verse we have the everlasting covenant tied to the man who was the recipient of the blessings in his Son (the Man component). Significant is that this Man was already present since the Law of the Spirit has set him as the word become flesh, and who would be sent to the world in the fulness of time. So St Paul says,"God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ," and "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself," (Ep.1:3, 5) Do we ask the Creator why? Faith is what we require. So our works are merely to fulfill "that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." In order to be found without blame we require grace and nothing else He demands by way of works.. From the above Jesus Christ was our Intercessor and Mediator, "According as (God) he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world."
The everlasting covenant is Fellowship of God with Man. God sent rain upon the earth only after a man was found to till the ground.
So where was this Garden of Eden? In heavenly places as St Paul mentioned in the above mentioned quote? The same relationship of our being in heavenly places as we read in Col.3:1-4
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God./ Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth./ For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God./When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."
"And there were made on them, on the doors of the temple, cherubims and palm trees, like as were made upon the walls; and there were thick planks upon the face of the porch without." (v.25)
There are no loose ends in the God document. Where a motif like palm tree is introduced it shall be set in context of Jesus Christ in whom is the fulness of God. (Col.1:19). Because of its upright trunk palm tree represents righteousness. Seventy palm trees are thus to be interpreted.
The Body that God has prepared holds memorial in heaven (24 elders and four beasts) which upholds the everlasting covenant. Gospel Of God in heaven is everlasting gospel: and heaven earth and lower parts are equally under its sovereignty so four and twenty elders (8x3=24) forms one part: gospel unto salvation. The living creatures sent forth to uphold the glory of God are represented as memorial before the throne. They represent the judgment aspect of the gospel.
Two doors when opened make four leaves,- 4 is the command number for the Word. Cherub motif signifies the cloud of witnesses which in turn represent us. "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."(Matt.8:10)
At the brightness of Christ's coming these shall accompany him "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them (those who are asleep) in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:."(1 Thess.4:17)
"And there were narrow windows and palm trees on the one side and on the other side, on the sides of the porch, and upon the side chambers of the house, and thick planks."
"And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee." The ark of the testimony signifies the word of God which is Person specific. Thus instead of the tree of life we have the ark, a body in remembrance of the body God has prepared for the Son. This serves as a memorial in heaven.
In the wilderness cherumbim is positioned with their wings extended, "And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims."(25:20-21) In the Ezekiel's vision the wings are replaced by two doors each with two leaves which can be folded. . We shall compare these folding doors with wings of the Four beasts before the throne of heaven, Instead of folding we read that these had eyes, "And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy,LordGod Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."(Re.4:8). Compare them with the living creatures in Ezekiel's vision in Ez.10. They are sent to Jerusalem after the city is judged and the creatures are there to uphold the glory of God. Or rather they are the avenging cherubim. These had eyes round about and had four faces. The two door had instead four leaves. "And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle."(Ez.10:14) The cherubim signify in all these the same truth. Salvation has doors where cherubim alternating with palm trees foreshadow the single measurement with which which the holy city of God shall be measured. (Re.21:17) At Elim the wells of water and palm trees pointed to the gospel of Christ and and trees of righteousness.
"And the temple and the sanctuary had two doors./And the doors had two leaves apiece, two turning leaves; two leaves for the one door, and two leaves for the other door./ And there were made on them, on the doors of the temple, cherubims and palm trees."
The motif of palm tree is taken from Exodus 15:27 "Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees:"
Ezekiel's vision points to the holy city of God.
Doors generally indicate salvation. "Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:/ This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter." There are no doors in the holy city. " And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there."(21:25). So Ezekiel's vision anticipates the perfect.
As sojourners and pilgrims our earthly existence can be compared to the bitter waters of Marah. So what does Elim signify for us? "And they removed from Marah, and came unto Elim: and in Elim were twelve fountains of water, and threescore and ten palm trees; and they pitched there."(Nu.33:9) Door to the redemption of our bodies. Doors carry meaning than what may appear at the surface. Such is the significance of two folding doors mentioned in the vision of the temple in the Book of Ezekiel.
In the tabernacle of the wilderness, cherubim on either end of the mercy seat had a purpose. " "And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat."(Ex.25:18)" Like the cherubim God placed on the east of the garden they are like sentries to guard the holiness of God represented by the mercy seal and the ark of the testimony. "And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee." The ark of the testimony signifies the word of God which is Person specific.
I am of the firm belief that a church SHOULD basically involve a scriptural framework with a Pastor associated with elders; and at least one or two deacons. Also; of course I believe that many churches tend to be one sided and while correctly taking care for the flock that no outsiders introduce false doctrine and that spiritual maturity is demonstrated by those who do teach they seem to ignore the fact that the church needs people with other gifts to sustain it.
One of the practical things which we could consider is others who have a teaching ability; whether specialized in youth ministry; women teaching younger women; or someone qualified to teach Sunday school. This coming Sunday; for example the person who normally plays piano will also teach Sunday school; since he's a teacher in a Christian school the Pastor had no problem asking him to fill in when out of town; also our Deacon will preach as he occasionally is given that role. Again; I have heard some issues that occured with a Pastor that at the time wouldn't have others under him; now he has my friend as a Deacon there after my other friend had spent some time doing some sermons as an understudy; maybe he helped to convince him that having others could be helpful. Being a Pastor doesn't guarantee teaching on an individual level is best mastered; hence for Discipling small group leaders are helpful.
In allowing people to head up other activities; some supervision is needed because at times certain mind games involving people obsessed with running the show can get in the way. This is why delegating responsibility should be something that isn't avoided but done with caution; nonetheless. It seems those gifted with wisdom who the Lord has given natural abilities that could be paid adequately to get a job done right rather than always doing the cheapest work possible or volunteer work with unskilled workmen is a choice too often made.
as to your part 2
Oh and don't leave you are making people think and reread the Bible which I think Jesus want us all to do.
As for the different bibles versions I think you are 100% correct, yet you don't go far enough, and if I get band from here so be it, In the other so called bibles you mention they deny the deity of Jesus. There are may other examples one can find. They also change LORD to god in places. To diminish his authority as the one true GOD.
If one uses the bibles that deny the deity are they not denying Jesus and in turn loosing there salvation by breaking the commandment thou shall take no other god before me.
When you remove entire sentences and change words or remove words them meaning gets changed,
When the KJV was translated as in any translation one has to use words in that language that means the same thing as the original. The KJV is the most widely use version in the world, where ever you go in the world there is English. Jesus said go and spread my message "word" to the world, so Jesus, Holy Sprit must have know then, (GOD being the beginning and the end) that the English language would spread to every part of the world, therefore they were inspired by the Holy Spirt to wright the KJV 1611. You can find in the Bible that the Bible is pointing or leading you to this Bible.
Sorry I had to add this my characters ended on 666 so maybe you should not have read this or I shouldn't have written? Is this a sin to think like this?
To put it concisely; God's grace and His restraining influence is what is keeping the Tribulation from beginning with all its associated horrors; for as far as I can tell it doesn't have to get any worse as far as the condition of men in general in this dark hour to warrant judgment. I thought of the verse that God is patient with the wicked but is "longsuffering" not wishing anyone to perish but repent (roughly translated verse 2 Peter 3:9). My first search found Nahum 1:3 about God being slow to anger but not leaving the "guilty unpunished." Without getting tangled in Predestination; I will just remind the audience that we were all enemies of God ( Romans 5:10). In some sense whether it is our choice or response to God's calling He determines when the last person comes to Christ before the Rapture.
In some sense; with church being counterculture at this point for anywhere still adhering to the TRUE Gospel a new convert is something even more exciting than the past. Since there is nothing or almost nothing to gain from being accepted in society for becoming a believer today it takes more gumption. I have observed that many who are not involved much with formal church attendance have much discernment especially into the spiritual dimension; and often seem to love the Lord. It could be their fault but often there just isn't either a church teaching truth; or no real active DISCIPLESHIP opportunities either for them to grow OR HELP OTHERS grow. I put that in capital letters because it seems to be such an issue today. Of course for megachurches for the young; thin and attractive delivering shallow messages is no substitute for challenging study; or retreats where one can put their nose to the grindstone and iron can sharpen iron. Just as we can't accept everyone's offer of assistance; we can't dismiss those the Lord brings with their particular gifts who are eager and ready to serve. Yes, even leaders need input!
I would like to bring a little more clarity to my last post so I would call this Part 2.
In Genesis 1:28 it reads, "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth...,
Now we know God put the earth upon its axis created the sun and the moon precisely the way he intended it.
So in Genesis 1:28 when he said fill the earth the results he would get out of it was also in the making in day 1.
blessings
What we know now by science is "some" results in the make up of man.
And, what little we gather from science, and limited scripture all we truly know is how God scattered man and the results afterwards. .
When man was scattered and evolved into what he is today was a work performed on that 6th day.
Everything else is a result of that day in terms of creation.
And the God rested!
Nothing takes God by surprise and nothing exists by way of plan B.
God's creation shows his Glory because it's unexplained.
We can see and perhaps somewhat understand the results.
However, the how is done by God's omnipotence.
God can do anything he wants and is not subject to physical limitations.
The Bible describes God as omnipotent, term for this is omnipotence.
Psalm 115:3: God does whatever he is pleased to do
Isaiah 55:11: God's word is never void of power, so when he speaks, everything in creation obeys him
Genesis 18:14: Nothing is too hard for him.
God spoke and created everything out of nothing!
He shouldn't have a problem doing anything else after Genesis 1:1
God bless.
I didn't mean to offend or confuse, I read the rapture as 144,000 total and 12,000 from each church that's a very small number when there are billions of people on earth alive and almost everyone thinks they are going in the rapture. I was not thinking of the rapture that you think of when I said I pray you don't know death in this life. I believe I read that Christians are persecuted during the tribulation time which means not all are raptured. which is a different discussion. but if you could show me the verses that prove the rapture you believe I would greatly appreciate it.(maybe the Holy Sprit guided me to answer you to get me here so you could show me what you see and I don't.)
I am only reading the KJV 1611, and if its hard to understand I go to the KJV standard.
So about u-tube I am not asking strangers for advice there, I travel for my work so I have found a church that broadcast there sermons, This is a Christian minster whom went to a seminary and also has lectured at them, and is the main preacher at this church. You do not have local tv that broadcasts church services? The way he is doing it reaches far more people and I am sure the Holy Sprit inspired the man to do what he is doing.
I didn't say Jesus replace the Moral or Civil Laws or the 10 commandments (Moral Laws) just the Ceremonial
So to your question.
If you go by just the 10 commandants which I think you are implying. on 6/9 one in some peoples mind and none in my mind and if I read Paul correctly none. Romans 14:5-8
I believe every day is GODs Holy day and Thank Jesus everyday since I repented and ask his forgiveness. GOD says keep his Sabbath Day. Enter my rest (his Sabbath Day) Hebrews 4:10 but if you like start from 4:1.
Yes,certainly,as you said,GOD HIMSELF manifested himself to the Hebrews through the OT;which was written by the twenty-four elders,starting with Moses,understand?By the way,JESUS said GOD is Spirit- John 4:24-,what is the name of the invisible Spirit of GOD?Well,GOD had said in the beginning- Genesis 1:26(the beginning is JESUS,who is the LITERAL IMAGE of GOD,He is GOD)-, yes, GOD had said:"Let us make man in OUR image,after OUR likeness", then, both are One, and as we can see, since ancient times, since Genesis, GOD revealed He would be made flesh.
By the prophet Isaiah,who is one of the 24 elders,GOD again revealed He would be made flesh, and around 2000 years ago He LITERALLY fulfilled His promise- John 1:14-and what is the NAME that GOD chose for He Himself? The NAME that GOD chose for He Himself was/is JESUS - JOSHUA-. Luke 1:26-the angel GABRIEL was sent FROM GOD(the Word is GOD,GOD Himself,self-executing) unto a city of Galilee,named Nazareth,and said to Mary:behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a SON, and shalt call his NAME JESUS. He shall be great, and called the Son of the Highest: the Lord GOD(the Word is GOD, GOD Himself, self-executing) shall give unto Him the throne of His father David.
Remember: The Jews said to JESUS: John 8:41-we have one Father, even God. And JESUS said to the Devil, father of the Jews-Yahweh:It is written,Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD that proceedeth out of the MOUTH OF GOD-Mat.4:4.
Psalms 110:1combined with Hebrews 1:8(plus Matthew 25:11, James 2:1, Isaiah 49:14, Luke 20:42, 1 Corinthians 9:1) -
GOD said to the Lord JESUS:Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy Kingdom.
KJV Psalms 83:18, Isaiah 12:2, Exodus 6:3, Isaiah 26:4 LORD=JEHOVAH; ->JEHOVAH is another esoteric and kabbalistic and spiritist nickname of the father of the Jews.
Luke 16:5 lord=a King or one of authority,yes, see John 18:37.
Part 2.
I'm departing from that thread being that it's focus is not on the sin nature.
The sin nature is that aspect in man that makes him rebellious against God.
When we speak of the sin nature, we refer to the fact that we have a natural inclination to sin,
Not obeying that inclination doesn't mean we got rid of the inclination.
It is so abundantly there, that if you cannot detect it, you are deceived."
With the Holyspirit we can defeat the nature but that doesn't rid us of it.
Even amongst the Brothern there is always an urge to get praise and Glory and that is a sin.
What about partiality, Haughtiness, Selfishness, Greed, puffing one another up with feel good messages when it's not sincere.
You can be spot on with a message but refuse to be at the table with your Brothern.
What about refusing to show mercy.
What about refusing to forgive.
When you can't stomach the Brothern to where you alienate yourself that's a sign that you have conflicting Spirit's or atleast a very carnal driven Christian.
God Spirit is what baptizes us, and performs a union unexplained!
All of these desires or works of the flesh "or by the flesh", Not the fruit of the Spirit.
These are the laws of God that should be written in our hearts.
These are the laws of God that our laws in our flesh rejects.
This is what Paul is saying in Romans 7:20-23.
God bless.
Part 1
You and I never had the discussion on ridding the sin nature.
You never asked me anything on the topic.
I was making mention of you being in the debate with someone else.
Then several joined!
That topic branched over into several topics.
This is why I said I am aware of your stance on this and I didn't want to re-visit it.
Besides that, my post has nothing to do with whether one can loose his or her sin "NATURE"
Momsage
When we're talking about sin we're talking about "transgression of the law of God.and this is not JUST breaking any of the commands of God,
IT'S NOT ONLY SPEAKING OF THE 10 COMMANDMENTS.
However you described Justification as I do.
Justification is freely given to us through faith in Christ, therefore we have an atonement. Sanctification Is also a work of God! Philippians 1:6
Nowhere in scripture it says Justification or Sanctification rids us of our FLESH/SIN NATURE.
They do rid us the penalty of our sins! Past, Present, and future.
And Sanctification rids ys of the love of sin.
Anything we do that is not of the spirit is sin!
Now we're perfectly justified we have the Holy Spirit that prompts us to do God's will but we have a nature that combats God's will and that nature never leaves us.
God is Holy and perfect. He doesn't has to resist any evil.
We're imperfect. We have emotional sin that we resist everyday because we have a nature in this body of sin that the Holyspirit deals with daily.
When we're talking about "SIN NATURE" this can be anything that our flesh prompts us to do something that the Spirit has not.
Winning the battle over our sin nature doesn't mean we got rid of it.
We can do something that appears to be a good deed on the outside but on the inside it's for praise, that's also caused by our sin nature.
God shares his praise and Glory with no man.
You can tell me how wonderful I am to be kind towards me, but if you don't truly feel that way then it's a lie.
See part 2.
cont.
determine what they are designed to develop in the human body, such as eye, hair, and skin color, body shape, the development of body systems during fetal growth, and a myriad of other things in every body that are determined by the DNA in chromosomes.
Every human has these same genes but the way they are specifically and individually expressed is determined by God according to the way He designed hereditary traits to be transmitted to offspring.
It is evident that the DNA of Adam and Eve possessed all the genetic potential for all these variations in genetics to transmit to offspring. Therefore, Noah, his wife, sons, ad daughter in laws also possessed the genetic potential for diverse genetic expression.
That said, God was in control of the genetic expression of the genes in all of the descendants of Noah. When God scattered people at Babel and they migrated outward to inhabit all parts of the world, God caused the genetic expressions of people groups to be adapted to their environment. those with pale skin inhabited the northern hemisphere from the Eurasian steppe to Europe. Those with darker skin (due to having higher melanin in their skin) inhabited the Far East and those even darker skinned inhabited sub equatorial Africa, Australia, etc.
It was God who determined the gene expressions that formed the "races" but all are similarly human and related through the sons of Noah. When people migrated to certain areas where they were more isolated from other tribes of people, they intermarried and so the gene expressions became more similar among them by God's design. For example, the red haired gene among the Celtic people of Ireland and Scotland. The blond, blue eyed people of Scandinavia, the darker skinned people of India, the distinctive features of the different tribes of North and South American native people, the very dark skinned people of Africa, some of whom were quite short and others quite tall depending on tribe. The Semitic tribes of the Middle East including the Hebrews, and the Polynesian peoples who settled the multitude of islands in the Pacific Ocean.
So we can attribute genetic expression that shows us that people are of a certain "race" to God's wise design as people migrated away from Babel in Mesopotamia after the flood. Every person of every race have the same number of chromosomes that make up the DNA that determines a multitude of genes which consistently determine, cont
My past sins were forgiven and remembered no more by God when I sincerely asked Him for forgiveness. When He forgave me I was justified in His sight because of the divine sacrifice of Jesus. I was regenerated and became spiritually born again. A new creature in Christ. Justification is through the atonement of Christ. The only part I play in becoming perfect is my obedience to God's word. Do you not want to discuss this with me anymore because you can't answer the questions and comments I made. Because you didn't. Not a single one. But I will quit discussions if you want to.
God Bless :)
is to put others legitimate needs before your own
when a person puts themselves last on the list,to do
there secretly putting themselves first
The roller table is so awesome. Whoever invented it has brought relief to millions! I miss that as I am no longer getting chiropractic care as my lower back is pretty much rehabbed. I am down to a monthly massage that seems to be working well. If was so wealthy that I didn't need to be concerned about monthly outgo I'd hire someone to give me a massage every day!
But that is not my situation so I am grateful that I can have this respite. Did about 6 hours of gardening the over Friday and Saturday, so the massage helped assuage sore muscles. But I am glad that I am sore due to being able to do something physical rather than 4 years ago when I just hurt all day while I was working fulltime as a Kindergarten teacher. The Lord has blessed me with an early retirement where I could take time to rest my back daily in a recliner and then, after a year, be able to begin doing gardening in short spurts, Now I can do about 3 hours of physical work before I get sore and need to stop. That is really good progress and I get to do it all on my terms each day, so I have a lot of control in this, reading my body cues and trying to do something physical when I can bear it. Praise the Lord!
Jesse, this site has helped to be more purposefully prayerful and I am thankful for that. I wish I could pray for every request but that often does not avail itself to me to do so. But I do read every request and hope to keep these in mind. Such as when I am praying for someone's children to be saved, I ask also for all those similar request on the site that I cannot recall specifics and I pray for my sons and daughter in laws, too. Same is true when someone wants to have a more vibrant and deep walk with the Lord. I will ray for that person and then lift up all the others who have similar needs as well, trusting that the Holy Spirit knows all the details and prays with me. Isn't it beautiful that He does that with us!
Thanks for your kind words of me. That is my aim, but do fail.
"Tradition of a woman," I like it!
You have always been so thoughtful and caring about others, always praying for those in need, everyone here, even praying for those of us who aren't asking for prayer. It is comforting to know that you pray for all of us. I like your "tradition."
I see a chiropractor every two weeks and after my adjustment, I get some time on the roller table. What a great time to spend praying instead of filling my mind with less important things.
I hope you have a great week also!
Today I had my monthly massage and another "tradition" I do is spend time during the massage praying for those who are in pain and hurting since I am getting something done to me that is peaceful, healing, and helpful to my body. Since I am grateful to have this privilege, I just want to also petition for those whose lives are more difficult.
So her is another "tradition of a woman".
HOpe your week goes well, Jesse.
In KJV there are 3 different uses of the name. LORD and Lord and lord. Psalms 110:1(A Psalm of David.) The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. I think this explains it best.
KJV Psalms 83:18, Isaiah 12:2 , Exodus 6:3, Isaiah 26:4 LORD = GOD JEHOVAH, LORD GOD of Israel
KJV Psalms 110:1, Matthew 25:11, James 2:1, Isaiah 49:14, Luke 20:42, 1 Corinthians 9:1 Lord = Jesus
KJV 2 Samuel 24:3, Luke 16:5 lord = a King or one of authority
I actually found the Psalms answer on u-tube form someone studying the KJV 1611 he was proving the KJV is the true word of GOD and just so happened to answer my question at the same time. I added these verses I found because I didn't mention any books or verses in my original question because it is every translation in Old Testament I compared no matter which book or verse. And I also found this.
Yahweh is the name of Israel's God and the God who came to earth as Jesus Christ, Yahweh in the flesh. Matthew 1:21 says, "She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." The name Jesus is from the Latin form of the Greek form of Yeshua, which literally means "Yahweh saves." So Yahweh will save His people from their sins, and simultaneously Jesus will save His people from their sins. This is just one of many instances where Jesus and Yahweh are equated.
And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; 11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world has been condemned.
It is interesting that all of this verse as to the work of the Spirit seems to be in regard to Christ; and seems to be rather indirect as to the individual. Rather than defining particular sins or even the sin nature; the sin of unbelief which led to the most serious errors of the Pharisees who deliberately blinded themselves to the truth and then God no doubt hardened them further is the focus here. For righteousness is again pointing toward Christ; and the focus being perhaps at His next phase at the "Second Coming" and how He will be the righteous King. We are reminded of John 20:29 said to Thomas that blessed are those who have NOT seen yet believe. The third part of this verse is judgment; but it points to Christ again; but this time to Satan's condemnation already established; rather than our own.
Since this verse is a positive influence leading to salvation for His elect and one of condemnation for the unregenerate; we see that this by default puts us in the position to face what Satan does as he is our de-facto ruler if Jesus isn't. (see Matthew 25:41). Hell wasn't apparently created for us but if we are cursed we end up there. Our ruler the prince of the power of the air ( Eph. 2:2) is controlling the masses through his elaborate economic and spiritual world system which is coming to its full and ugly climax as we see Babylon in both forms described in Revelation 17 and 18; and in much of Jeremah in the O.T.
Isaiah 10:7 states Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few.
This shows even Antichrist doesn't know how bad he is
John 16:8 And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; 11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world has been condemned.
I have examined this verse in light of sin; but thought before I continue with the other two aspects of the verse in detail; I should mention that UNBELIEF is something that not only the world but all of us-in reality are in a state of before being regenerated; as that is the first role of the Holy Spirit. When Christ was present on earth; it was clear that after multitudes; presumably almost everyone in Israel knew of Christ's undeniable miracles ( John 11:47) and also of the Apostles ( Acts 4:16) that deliberate unbelief would be the precursor of blasphemy of the Holy Ghost; where Beelzebub was said to be the source of Christ's strength; or others such as the sons of Sceva and the sorcerer in Acts would attempt to gain this power in their own strength or attempt to get it through money. The end result; clearly didn't go too well for these individuals; and no forgiveness was offered for blasphemy of the Spirit ( Mark 3:29 said early in Christ's ministry). Christ said all things against Him or the Father could be forgiven ( Matt. 12:32) but not against the Holy Spirit-and that also is set for the future reign of the Lord on the earth as well. Let us all be as the man in Mark 9:24 and ask Jesus to help us with our unbelief!
Now as to righteousness. Jesus says because He goes to the Father and we no longer see Him that the Spirit testifies of righteousness. I would think this implies that all who truly know Christ now are as the result of the unseen work of the Spirit.
As odd as it seems; when Christ was here physically as to Him being God that had to be revealed from above.
I agree with you in pray for all these requests. May we all desire these things and receive them freely from God
"That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him."
Fulness of times is Person specific. " For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell."(Col.1:19)
From 'all things in Christ' we shall first consider what are in heaven:
The Lamb motif where death is appointed for him and the deep sleep of Adam are connected
In terms of symbolism the slain Lamb is with reference to the Word become flesh. Jesus Christ the Man component in the Father Son relationship. "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."(Re.13:8) compared with this, "And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain" Here the body as a memorial signifies the Law of the Spirit given a body. (Re.5:6). In the former we are looking at the world unseen, or the divine Will made to appear. (He.11:3)
In the fulness of time God sent him. "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman."(Gal.4:4). How does John see him? He is the Lamb of God. As word become flesh he fulfills the word according to the scripture. "He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter," (Is.53:4-8) Fulness of time is as he gives shape to the world unseen.
Adam is set as a double for Jesus Christ. We shall consider how the Holy Spirit brings the fulness of Christ in the creation of Eve. "And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept." This sleep is to be interpreted from the fulness of Christ, so Eve is a symbol for the body of Christ, the church. "In the fulness of times how do we characterise the body? It is called the Throne of God and of the Lamb.(Re.22:1) There is no temple but we have instead the holy city, "And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it."."(Re.21:22-23) Eve has become the Lamb's wife.
"And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground."
In this verse we have the everlasting covenant tied to the man who was the recipient of the blessings in his Son (the Man component). Significant is that this Man was already present since the Law of the Spirit has set him as the word become flesh, and who would be sent to the world in the fulness of time. So St Paul says,"God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ," and "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself," (Ep.1:3, 5) Do we ask the Creator why? Faith is what we require. So our works are merely to fulfill "that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." In order to be found without blame we require grace and nothing else He demands by way of works.. From the above Jesus Christ was our Intercessor and Mediator, "According as (God) he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world."
The everlasting covenant is Fellowship of God with Man. God sent rain upon the earth only after a man was found to till the ground.
So where was this Garden of Eden? In heavenly places as St Paul mentioned in the above mentioned quote? The same relationship of our being in heavenly places as we read in Col.3:1-4
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God./ Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth./ For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God./When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."
"And there were made on them, on the doors of the temple, cherubims and palm trees, like as were made upon the walls; and there were thick planks upon the face of the porch without." (v.25)
There are no loose ends in the God document. Where a motif like palm tree is introduced it shall be set in context of Jesus Christ in whom is the fulness of God. (Col.1:19). Because of its upright trunk palm tree represents righteousness. Seventy palm trees are thus to be interpreted.
The Body that God has prepared holds memorial in heaven (24 elders and four beasts) which upholds the everlasting covenant. Gospel Of God in heaven is everlasting gospel: and heaven earth and lower parts are equally under its sovereignty so four and twenty elders (8x3=24) forms one part: gospel unto salvation. The living creatures sent forth to uphold the glory of God are represented as memorial before the throne. They represent the judgment aspect of the gospel.
Two doors when opened make four leaves,- 4 is the command number for the Word. Cherub motif signifies the cloud of witnesses which in turn represent us. "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."(Matt.8:10)
At the brightness of Christ's coming these shall accompany him "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them (those who are asleep) in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:."(1 Thess.4:17)
"And there were narrow windows and palm trees on the one side and on the other side, on the sides of the porch, and upon the side chambers of the house, and thick planks."
"And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee." The ark of the testimony signifies the word of God which is Person specific. Thus instead of the tree of life we have the ark, a body in remembrance of the body God has prepared for the Son. This serves as a memorial in heaven.
In the wilderness cherumbim is positioned with their wings extended, "And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims."(25:20-21) In the Ezekiel's vision the wings are replaced by two doors each with two leaves which can be folded. . We shall compare these folding doors with wings of the Four beasts before the throne of heaven, Instead of folding we read that these had eyes, "And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy,LordGod Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."(Re.4:8). Compare them with the living creatures in Ezekiel's vision in Ez.10. They are sent to Jerusalem after the city is judged and the creatures are there to uphold the glory of God. Or rather they are the avenging cherubim. These had eyes round about and had four faces. The two door had instead four leaves. "And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle."(Ez.10:14) The cherubim signify in all these the same truth. Salvation has doors where cherubim alternating with palm trees foreshadow the single measurement with which which the holy city of God shall be measured. (Re.21:17) At Elim the wells of water and palm trees pointed to the gospel of Christ and and trees of righteousness.
"And the temple and the sanctuary had two doors./And the doors had two leaves apiece, two turning leaves; two leaves for the one door, and two leaves for the other door./ And there were made on them, on the doors of the temple, cherubims and palm trees."
The motif of palm tree is taken from Exodus 15:27 "Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees:"
Ezekiel's vision points to the holy city of God.
Doors generally indicate salvation. "Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:/ This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter." There are no doors in the holy city. " And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there."(21:25). So Ezekiel's vision anticipates the perfect.
As sojourners and pilgrims our earthly existence can be compared to the bitter waters of Marah. So what does Elim signify for us? "And they removed from Marah, and came unto Elim: and in Elim were twelve fountains of water, and threescore and ten palm trees; and they pitched there."(Nu.33:9) Door to the redemption of our bodies. Doors carry meaning than what may appear at the surface. Such is the significance of two folding doors mentioned in the vision of the temple in the Book of Ezekiel.
In the tabernacle of the wilderness, cherubim on either end of the mercy seat had a purpose. " "And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat."(Ex.25:18)" Like the cherubim God placed on the east of the garden they are like sentries to guard the holiness of God represented by the mercy seal and the ark of the testimony. "And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee." The ark of the testimony signifies the word of God which is Person specific.