God is the god of the living and Jesus explained that they are in the presence of Him who made man a living soul. So life must be understood as living two words as one. We have spiritual aspects which cannot be seen separate from our physical bodies. At the mount Jesus transfigured before his three disciples. It is a spiritual body. 2 Co.5:1. It is building of God, eternal in heavens so physical death for the living is to be in their glorified bodies. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ.(Ro.8:1).Living or dead they hear. Eye of faith and ear of faith is applied to our inner man. Lazarus heard Jesus and when the last trump is sounded all shall hear. Much of the evil we see in the churches is a lack of appreciation for godliness. Glory of money and celebrity status are all temporary. No man shall continue for long and keep them. They rewarded themselves with 'other man's riches' but shall find to their cost that nothing ever comes free. Satan tempted Jesus with this glory and he refused to take it. Foolish think only of life here and now. Life abundant is living in Christ so death is merely change of vile bodies,-formed out of ground, for spiritual bodies.
the dead know nothing at all must be read in its context." For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion./For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten." Dead and the living. For to him (Christ) that is joined to all the living there is hope. (Jesus Christ-"I am the Life") Those who have found life know there is a physical death. Hence they keep themselves pure unspotted from the world. They are like the tree planted by the river (Ps.1) and their hope is like an anchor. Jesus explained who the dead are. Luke 9:60 The dead may be workaholic, socially active, volunteers to every politically correct causes.But after soul is cast to hell there would be no remembrance and tey are blotted out of the book of life and book of the lamb. A woman who lives in pleasure is dead.
Verse 3. "This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, THAT THERE IS ONE EVENT UNTO ALL:....( There's the evil! ) .."THAT THERE IS ONE EVENT UNTO ALL" This speaks of the mindset and philosophy of man under the sun.
....yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.
Now Ecclesiastes 9:4-10 continues on with this mindset of man under the sun.
Some say Proverbs is a book of practical wisdom, while Ecclesiastes is a book of speculative wisdom.
Ecclesiastes presents us a naturalistic vision of life-one that sees life through distinctively human eyes.
Perhaps others would like to share their thoughts.
You will receive different understandings of this. This is something you will need to pray and study for your own conscience. There are some things to question. Is Luke 16:19-31 a parable or is it something that truly happened? Study chapters 15 and 17 and consider what Jesus is teaching.
One thing that influences our understanding is the Greek philosophy of the immortal soul. When we die do we sleep in death until resurrection or do we go to heaven or go to a burning hell for eternity? What does scripture support? Does scripture say we are awake in death?
My understanding is we sleep in death until we are resurrected, and the gift of immortality is not given until resurrection to those chosen and faithful. Luke 16:19-31 is a parable, and the context of this chapter is the love of money and stewardship, Jesus was addressing this to the Pharisees who loved money, "No servant can serve two masters".
Scriptures in Ecclesiastes 9:5 states that " The Dead know nothing at all" How is it that the (rich man) was able recognize Father Abraham and Lazarus being comforted within " Abraham Bosom" as well as carry on a conversation with Father Abraham to tell Lazarus dip his finger in water and touch is (the rich man's) tongue , and also ask Father Abraham to send someone from the dead to tell/warn his 5 other brother's not come to where he (the rich man) was in hell ? If the Dead know nothing
Today we covered a book (by Ryrie called Balancing the Christian Life") and the chapter about Satan. There was too much to cover in one study; indeed I could see how a half dozen studies would be needed to examine just the main avenues the enemy of our souls uses to afflict us. The scripture on him coming to steal; kill and destroy was mentioned; along with his techniques.
As the "accuser of the brethren" ( Rev. 12:10) there is no doubt that accusations have been something he has lengthy experience on as it is first observed in the book of Job. (See Job 16:2 where he calls his friends "miserable comforters"). It isn't just coincidence or happenstance that Satan pummeled Job so mercilessly. As was also brought out in the study which we should all know Satan can do nothing without God's permission. The book generally talks about people who think too little and those too obsessed with the wiles of the enemy. The fact that he could assail Paul an Apostle of God; and get into Peter's mind when our Lord had to rebuke him and say "get behind me SATAN" ( MAtt. 16:23) should be a reality check that anyone can be taken out by the enemy should God allow it.
Of course the concept of the "legal power of attorney" that Christ has based on His blood sacrifice and atonement for His children gives us assurance of salvation; but often the Lord uses the enemy to test our faith in this wicked world system.
There is danger of those having false assurance of salvation which is evidenced by bad fruit ( Matt. 7:16); however when a Christian sins the enemy will plant all sorts of terror; accusations; insecurities; etc. in our minds. Godly sorrow leads to repentance ( 2 Cor. 7:10); but if we don't go to the Lord when we first sin the enemy is given free reign more or less to mess with our minds. Thus in my experience even if I went headlong into sin knowing the torment the enemy would cast my way is strong incentive to stay away.
I may have discussed this topic in a previous post. Whether or not we consider "free will" to be a factor or not as to our immediate future; there is no doubt that things will end up with the Tribulation; the Millennium rule and final judgment followed by the eternal state. It is clear scripturally that almost all prophecy is conditional in some way; the fact that God does nothing without warning by one or more Prophets ( Amos 3:7). A prime example of this is with Israel and Judah who more often than not missed the mark whether it was the kings; prophets; priests or everyone else in society. Psalms is rife with examples of God's chastisement of the righteous ( Psalm 107 is one good example of this). We even see it with the other nations such as the Amorites and later in the book of Jonah the Ninevites who were given a lengthy respite of several generations before judgment finally came down as mentioned in the book of Nahum.
The statements in the New Testament such as the prophecy of Agabus shown in Acts 11 and 21 showed famine to come and later Paul's imprisonment. In the first case it has been brought to my attention that perhaps that famine either didn't occur or perhaps less severe because of preparations or repentance. That was what my former Pastor stated; not sure if anyone knows the history better than I do. As to the second circumstance; Paul was constrained to be obedient and bold. There wasn't a mandate it seemed for him going to Jerusalem although it seemed he was aware of it being part of God's plan. Perhaps the implication was martyrdom; after all Paul was no stranger to prison.
I tend to look at the "reap what you sow" context works as a sort of guarantee; like prophecy you can be certain that sin will bring forth punishment and trouble even in this life as the end of Proverbs 13:15 indicates. For God's children in rebellion it is only He who can bring real change but the wicked are lost.
In the Old Testament; there were 2 types of roles for a Prophet. In 1 Chronicles 21:9-13 we have Gad who is David's "seer".
He was given the task of telling David after the Satanically inspired census that there were 3 punishments that would result.
He had no need at that time apparently to mention what the punishment was for as David apparently realized the error of his ways. That is different than Nathan the Prophet at the time he took Bathsheeba as his wife and had Uriah the Hittite set up to die on the front lines in 2 Samuel 11. It would seem that Proverbs 6:34 showed Solomon's wisdom in avoiding showing feigned favor to the husband of a woman someone else is involved with; perhaps it was inspired from what happened in part with David and his mother years previous.
The second role was more of a general statement of future events covered in much of the "major prophets" such as Daniel; Jeremiah; Isaiah and Ezekiel and the minor ones (with smaller overall text) such as Zechariah; Zephaniah; etc.
I am no expert on the office of Prophet today but it seems cessationists may say a Pastor teaching from the Word is also in that type of ministry. I would also say that those who use the Word only as a warning could be in that category. The controversy is if these "signs and wonders" gifts have ceased. I would first eliminate all the pretenders who clearly make things up from their imaginations and false prophets and those who have no factual basis or vary vague statements about persons or events that are very subjective. We are also warned that should someone say something that doesn't come to pass OR that DOES but incites us to worship a false God is to be ignored and kicked out of any church if they try to do this. (See Deut. 18:22 and Deut. 13:2).
We must also avoid fear of things to come. Someone telling the truth should offer some hope even in the worst warnings. The biggest red flag is always predicting prosperity.
The other day I discussed roles of men and women; and showed the case of Miriam and good and bad things about her behavior.
This situation shows how in general how a true Prophet can have certain sins that cause a downfall. Another example is in 1 Kings 13 starting in verse 11. His disobedience in stopping anywhere to eat on his journey back from a prophetic mission cost him his life. This story shows not only his disobedience; but the obstinance of the other prophet who enticed him to eat with him. The Spirit entered him much as it did with Balaam after he accepted the offer with a true word from God (in this case about his demise). We could look at Cephus as another example in John 11:50. So we can see several situations here:
1. A TRUE Prophet that errs in obedience to God
2. A FALSE Prophet that the Lord still uses to some extent for His purposes
3. Someone not designated as a Prophet who still says something to that affect.
We could look at the third example in the case of Pontius Pilate; who put the inscription in Matthew 27:37 on being the King of the Jews. John 19:22 further expounds on this theme in Pilate's declaration that it should stand. Whether his reasonings were mocking; or an honest assesment of his innocence could be questioned-it is clear that he never came to true repentance even if his sins were less serious than those of the others who were complicit or outright demanded he be crucified and a murder (Barabbas) released.
The story of Balaam in Numbers 22 should teach us some object lessons as well. One may assume that his story was an ancient tale and not of any importance today other than looking for false prophecies in general. This isn't true because this man was hired for money and we see evidence in the last days of those looking for "filthy lucre" ( 1 Timothy 3 and a couple other places in the N.T.) To say what a megachurch Pastor wants to hear to draw multitudes occurs today.
1The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he SENT and SIGNIFIED it by His angel unto His servant John:
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Re.6:2-And I saw,and behold a white horse:and he that sat on him had a BOW;and a CROWN was given unto him(He is a Prince of GOD):and he went forth conquering,and to conquer.
Thine ARROWS are sharp in the heart of the King's enemies (enemies of JESUS,anti-JESUS,Antichrist;whereby the people fall under thee- Psalm 45:5.
Isaiah 7:22-24
22...he shall eat butter:for butter and honey shall every one eat that is left in the land(the remnant-144K) Question:The rebel Israel was banned from their land and was spread around the whole world from year 70 AD until 1948,but from now on?being ruled by a false God,a false messiah?- Revelation 13:11-18).
23 And it shall come to pass in that day(the current seventh and last Day,seventh and last millennium)that every place shall be, where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings,it shall even be for briers and thorns.(because are good for nothing)
24 With ARROWS and with BOWS shall men come thither; because all the land shall become briers and thorns.
Isaiah 45:2
2Thou art fairer than the children of men:grace is poured into thy lips:therefore GOD hath blessed thee for ever.
3Gird thy Sword upon thy thigh,O most MIGHTY, with thy glory and thy majesty.(He's a Prince of GOD)
4And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness;and thy right hand shall TEACH thee terrible things.
6Thy throne,O God(GOD the Father, GOD Son and(God of the earth- Revelation 11:4),is for ever and ever:the sceptre of thy kingdom is a RIGHT sceptre.
7Thou lovest righteousness,and hatest wickedness:therefore God(God the Father/God the Son),thy God,has ANNOINTED thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Zech.4:11-14
What are these two olive trees upon the right and left side of the candlestick?
What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?
Knowest thou not what these be?
These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth
The battle of Michael is against three unclean spirits like frogs(why frogs),that FIRST manifest by the MOUTH of the dragon,the MAN Beast like a lamb(a false lamb,a false Jewish messiah- Revelation 13:11 combined with John 5:43-47,actually the MAN of sin,son of perdition)having two horns(i.e. representing two ancient kingdoms),and this false messiah,in fact an esoteric,and kabbalistic, and spiritist messiah, knowledgeable in Torah,a FALSE prophet,and he shall oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God will be enthroned in the temple of God-the Holy City, showing himself that he is God-2Thesslonians 2:3-4 and 9-12.
The battle also is against the unclean spirit of the Beast of sea having 7 heads,10 horns,and upon his 7 heads a NAME of blaspheme.The false messiah will give to the Beast of sea his Power,and his Throne,and great Authority, hen the false messiah, the dragon-Re.13:11-shall take and link the whole structure around the world(Europe,Asia,Africa,Oceania(Australia),North America, Central America and South America) of the Roman Catholic Church to his body, i.e. the 7 heads of the Beast of sea, a Gentilic Beast,which shall sit on the throne of false messiah in Jerusalem in the FIRST half of the last week,week 70th Daniel 9:24-27.So, as JESUS prophesied, Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled- Luke 21:24.
The false messiah from the tribe of Dan- Genesis 49:17-represents the 10 horns of the dragon's body.The dragon's TAIL-Re.12:4-are all false preachers of the Word of GOD- Isaiah 9:15-16.
14For they are the spirits of devils,working miracles,which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world,to gather them to the battle of this great Day of GOD Almighty,the sevenh and last Day,or seventh and last millennium.
15Behold,I come as a thief.Blessed is he that watches,and keeps his garments,lest he walk naked,and they see his shame
Jesus going to borrow "Michael's" voice?.. nah.. the Lord himself shall descend with a shout, the voice of the archangel, the Lord himself shall (shout). Archangel means, over the angels, doesn't mean archangel is an angel.
GOD is light, and in Him is no darkness at all-1Jo.1:5.The Word is GOD from everlasting to everlasting,self-executing.
The Word of GOD is quick,and powerful,and sharper than any twoedged sword,piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,and of the joints and marrow,and is a DISCERNER of the THOUGHTS and INTENTS of the heart-the Word is GOD-, neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight:but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we must render an account-Heb.4:12-13.
By the way,Jeremiah says:The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked:who can know it?I the Lord search the heart,I try the reins,even to give every MAN according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings-Jer.17:9-10.
The Word made flesh,the Word is GOD,self-executing,He who calls Himself JESUS,He Himself said:...that which cometh out of the mouth,this defileth a man-Mt.15:11.Death and life are in the power of the tongue-Prov.18:21.
JESUS said more:Mt.15:18-19:
18But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart;and they defile the man.
19For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,false witness, murders,adulteries,fornications,thefts,blasphemies:
For meditation and testify:
Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
We could or can understand that everyone dies through the mouth.
Compare this deep mystery of the death with Romans 3:12-18, combined with James 3:1-12,mainly verses 5to8.
But what does the Word of GOD say?1Cor.15:26->The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.Now, now, the death is an ENEMY,
so we must fight against this ENEMY and be transformed, knowing that the sting of death is sin- Matthew 15:19;the strength of sin is the Law. Yes, transformed and be changed( Philippians 3:20-21),for this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality,understand?
But thanks be to GOD, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Error: In my last post I meant the second wife of MOSES. In questioning this she not only could be said to be discriminating RACIALLY; but also it involved cultural assimilation which she was stubborn about. The big point as well would be Moses and his authority which was questioned in Numbers 12. She felt that herself and Aaron should have more say; and we can remember the verse "rebellion is as witchcraft" in such actions ( 1 Samuel 15:23). It makes one wonder what went down when Aaron was honoring the golden calf when Moses was in the mountains the first 40 days and nights as to the silence of Miriam with such disgraceful condescension; again a warning to women in leadership.
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. ( Genesis 49:10)
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. ( 1 Peter 4:11)
When taking a look at scripture; there are roles women play as Prophetess; prayer; teaching children; or the "virtuous woman" summing up Proverbs 31. When it comes to the 10 Commandments and the laws of the Lord in the Old Testament; or the rules about women remaining silent in the New Testament ( 1 Corinthians 14:34-35) it seems in regard to instruction in law continues as a man's responsibility. That would have further implications in regard to teaching established DOCTRINE related to the law; or the Gospel of Grace which expounds the full meaning of what is concealed in the Old Testament but revealed fully now.
When we try to fully grasp these concepts in human understanding; of course we fall short. An example that gives us insight is in Exodus 15:20 which shows Miriam; the older sister of Moses and Aaron as the first Prophetess in scripture. We could say in some way that Moses acted as the first Prophet in the Bible; at least in predicting what would happen to Israel in the last days in Deuteronomy 4; but Deuteronomy 18 talks about the coming Prophet like Moses who must be heeded (Christ). Technically Abraham was called a Prophet; the first example in the Bible but his predictions were toward his descendants when giving the family blessings at his death.
We see with Miriam that she foolishly spoke out about the second wife of Abraham of African descent and was struck with leprosy temporarily. Her best moment was in the role of the victory song as they crossed the Red Sea.
English is not my native language,for me it's harder to speak of the theories of man-made than to speak of the Word of GOD.
To those that say age of the Earth is around 14 billions of years,we can counter argue that the number is not accurate,although to the common man it could be, the gods of this world(the common men made of the dust of the earth- Genesis 2:19)have blinded the minds of them which believe in them,believe in them which trie to plagiarize the science of the Most High and Almighty GOD, but the best of their conceptions in this field is nothing more than foolish conjectures and deceitful theories given by man-made scientific apparatus.
What we belivers must say to the atheists is that the age of the Earth is much much more than that billions of years age they claim.This assert lefts them very astonished,of course.What we must say to the atheists in the reply, is that the age pointed in their posts is the maximum limit that man-made scientific apparatus or measuring equipments of the scientists is ABLE to measure.So it has nothing to do with the age of the Earth.We could say unto them or would say that for measuring the age of the Earth the men need to invent a scientific apparatus more qualified and ABLE to measure beyond or over of what has been measured by the scientists to this date, then the false current theory of the Earth's age will be changed for a new theory.I'm sure they will never get do it first because the Universe is a GOD's secret,second because they not know that the Devil's world in which they are living will END now,even now,from now on,it has been pre-determined to start in this current decade,it with great and traggic destruction as was previously prophesied-confirmed by Revelation 11:18-,whereof GOD has given assurance unto all men in His former secret book of Apocalypse-Re.1:1-,sealed with seven seals,which were revealed to JESUS and were broken and opened by Him around 65 years after His ascension.
The Bible is not any book on our natural world. Dinosaurs ammonites all have their place. God is a Spirit and God's kingdom has its own rules as there are rules for grammar. Any one who would move in a polite society and wants to be looked up speaks as a cultured well educated person.So don'be drawn by atheists whose little knowledge is from Science that is incomplete. After Galileo they want only proof so they shall keep on driving a square block in round hole. Faith with works is simply trust in our Savior Lord and work as he would want us.
If one has the Son he has the Father as well. So understand the word of God by the indwelling Spirit and it is the only way.
Our understanding of end times is quite different, thank you for your replies I was just wondering the meaning of what you said that was important to know who comes first, Michael or Jesus.
I added Hebrews 1:8 to my verses list, thank you. These are useful when human opinion drifts away from scripture to remind what the scripture actually says.
God (including Jesus) created everything, including what we call dinosaurs. These facts are not in conflict. If you believe they are and have a question about it maybe others can help.
Often atheists who practice the sciences are motivated to make claims of an old billions of years old earth, which is based on inaccurate carbon dating. As an example there have been relatively recent events, such as the Mt. Saint Helens eruption, that when similar science has been applied it dates the lava to being over a million years old, but we know it was from 1980.
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord JESUS shall be REVEALED from heaven with His mighty angels, (for example, Michael. Daniel 12:1-3 combined with Revelation 12)
8 In FLAMING FIRE taking vengeance on them that know not GOD( Matthew 11:27), and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be PUNISHED with everlasting destruction( Revelation 11:18) from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His Power( Matthew 28:18);
10 When He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe...in this day. (The last Day, the seventh and last Day-this Day just arrived-, or seventh and last millennium)
1John 2:28 - And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
Isaiah 33:10-14
10 Now will I rise, saith the Lord; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself.
11 Ye shall conceive chaff, ye shall bring forth stubble: your breath, as fire, shall devour you.
12 And the people shall be as the burnings of lime: as thorns cut up shall they be burned in the fire.
13 Hear, ye that are far off(Gentile peoples), what I have done; and, ye that are near(Jewish people), acknowledge my might.
14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the DEVOURING FIRE? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? -> Hebrews 12:29- For our GOD is a consuming fire.
The Word is from everlasting to everlasting, the Word is GOD, self-executing, understand?
JESUS is the KING of kings - kings made by He Himself - Re.1:8 and 5:10, and LORD of the lords. Michael is a lord, a Prince of GOD. JESUS sent him to the isle of Patmos-Re.1:1. Revelation 22:8-9 clarify: 8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down TO WORSHIP before the feet of the ANGEL which shewed me these things. 9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship GOD.
JESUS is God- Hebrews 1:8, not an angel, nor Archangel. JESUS and Michael are two distincts persons. By the way, Michael the Archangel fought / contended against the Devil when he disputed about the body of Moses (by allegory we may understand Israel was the body of Moses), and now again he shall contend with the old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world, fighting/ disputing about the Body od Christ: now, even now, from now, in the time of Apocalypse, Satan now called red Dragon, he shall be cast out from this current heavenly environment- Ephesians 1:3-8- into the earth, and his messengers shall be also cast out with him.
Michael shall cast Satan into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more.
15We say unto you by the Word of the Lord,that we which are alive and remain unto the COMING of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep.
(Comment:Daniel prophesied:Dan.12:1
- At that time(END of Time) shall Michael stand up to fight against the red Dragon,whose satanic religious body has 7 heads,10 horns and a TAIL- Revelation 12:9-12;
- then there shall be a time of trouble (great tribulation), such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time( Matthew 24:21);
- and at that time(current time)thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book ( Revelation 7:1-14).
Furthermore,in this current time or now,even now,from now on,the Devil shall be cast down into the bottomless pit(Re.20:1-3).
Daniel 12:2-THERE WILL BE RESURRECTION SIMULTANEOUSLY
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake(according to the prophecy of Isaiah 26:19-21.Take a look), some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Comment: So, there also shall be resurrection in fulfillment of prophecy of Isaiah combined with 1Thessalonians 4:16, as follow:
16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout (shall descend from the 3rd heaven,we believers are still in the 2nd heaven-Ephesians1:3-8 combined with Philippians 3:20-21),with the voice of the archangel-MICHAEL- , and with the trump of GOD: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1 Thes. 4:17 - Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds( Isaiah 60:8, and 1Corinthians 15:51 combined with Philippians 3:20-21 and Revelation 5:8-14), to meet the Lord in the air(in the 3rd heavenly environment-3rd heaven-far above of the current second heaven- Luke 20:35-36 combined with Matthew 25:6): and so shall we ever be with the Lord.(Where?- Revelation 11:15-18 and Re. 5:10, and Matthew 5:5, and John 17:24. Take a look).
According to Revelation 12 the emergence of Michael the Archangel is in direct connection to the appearance of The Woman. During the course of her ministry is where you will find Michael. Jesus comes next. Hope that helps.
Mathew 18:20 says "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
A relationship with Christ Is not private, but communal, and the center of a person's relationship with Jesus is in the church. (Not necessarily the local Church but in the presence of other believers.
Read Hebrews 10:16-25.
We are to respond to his invitation and follow Jesus' example of how to live and treat others, giving him first place in your daily life.
A Desciples is someone who follows one's teachings.
In our rebirth Christ gave us his Spirit to guide us out of darkness.
Christ is faithful and said he will never leave you so your faith should be in his work on the cross not your baptism.
We pray to God for strength and wisdom and turn from the things that hinder us.
A Christian can not continue in sin!
God is love but he also is a righteous Judge.
He is rich in mercy forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty;
Our salvation hangs on God's promise once we have believed on his son, Christ Jesus!
Have you truly trusted him in his finish work on the cross?
If so we are persuaded to love his precepts the Brothern.
Thank you for your reply, I understand archangels are high-ranking angels and are called princes and Michael is the only one in the bible who is called an archangel. Like in the military, the word would be given to the general/archangel and his voice is who the angels and us would hear. Michael is at the top ranking as we see in Revelation 12. I do not see an angel name or rank that could be applied to Jesus.
My understanding of 1 Thessalonians 4:16 the announcing of Jesus coming will be the actual voice of the archangel and the last Trump, whether it is Michael, looks like it will be, but I do not know. The question I asked Oseas, he seems to say Michael will come before Jesus, not sure of the meaning of that. I hope this makes sense and thanks for your reply.
the dead know nothing at all must be read in its context." For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion./For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten." Dead and the living. For to him (Christ) that is joined to all the living there is hope. (Jesus Christ-"I am the Life") Those who have found life know there is a physical death. Hence they keep themselves pure unspotted from the world. They are like the tree planted by the river (Ps.1) and their hope is like an anchor. Jesus explained who the dead are. Luke 9:60 The dead may be workaholic, socially active, volunteers to every politically correct causes.But after soul is cast to hell there would be no remembrance and tey are blotted out of the book of life and book of the lamb. A woman who lives in pleasure is dead.
Here is what I understand on Ecclesiastes 9:5.
I will need verse 3 to get the context.
Verse 3. "This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, THAT THERE IS ONE EVENT UNTO ALL:....( There's the evil! ) .."THAT THERE IS ONE EVENT UNTO ALL" This speaks of the mindset and philosophy of man under the sun.
....yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.
Now Ecclesiastes 9:4-10 continues on with this mindset of man under the sun.
Some say Proverbs is a book of practical wisdom, while Ecclesiastes is a book of speculative wisdom.
Ecclesiastes presents us a naturalistic vision of life-one that sees life through distinctively human eyes.
Perhaps others would like to share their thoughts.
God bless.
You will receive different understandings of this. This is something you will need to pray and study for your own conscience. There are some things to question. Is Luke 16:19-31 a parable or is it something that truly happened? Study chapters 15 and 17 and consider what Jesus is teaching.
One thing that influences our understanding is the Greek philosophy of the immortal soul. When we die do we sleep in death until resurrection or do we go to heaven or go to a burning hell for eternity? What does scripture support? Does scripture say we are awake in death?
My understanding is we sleep in death until we are resurrected, and the gift of immortality is not given until resurrection to those chosen and faithful. Luke 16:19-31 is a parable, and the context of this chapter is the love of money and stewardship, Jesus was addressing this to the Pharisees who loved money, "No servant can serve two masters".
God bless,
RLW
Today we covered a book (by Ryrie called Balancing the Christian Life") and the chapter about Satan. There was too much to cover in one study; indeed I could see how a half dozen studies would be needed to examine just the main avenues the enemy of our souls uses to afflict us. The scripture on him coming to steal; kill and destroy was mentioned; along with his techniques.
As the "accuser of the brethren" ( Rev. 12:10) there is no doubt that accusations have been something he has lengthy experience on as it is first observed in the book of Job. (See Job 16:2 where he calls his friends "miserable comforters"). It isn't just coincidence or happenstance that Satan pummeled Job so mercilessly. As was also brought out in the study which we should all know Satan can do nothing without God's permission. The book generally talks about people who think too little and those too obsessed with the wiles of the enemy. The fact that he could assail Paul an Apostle of God; and get into Peter's mind when our Lord had to rebuke him and say "get behind me SATAN" ( MAtt. 16:23) should be a reality check that anyone can be taken out by the enemy should God allow it.
Of course the concept of the "legal power of attorney" that Christ has based on His blood sacrifice and atonement for His children gives us assurance of salvation; but often the Lord uses the enemy to test our faith in this wicked world system.
There is danger of those having false assurance of salvation which is evidenced by bad fruit ( Matt. 7:16); however when a Christian sins the enemy will plant all sorts of terror; accusations; insecurities; etc. in our minds. Godly sorrow leads to repentance ( 2 Cor. 7:10); but if we don't go to the Lord when we first sin the enemy is given free reign more or less to mess with our minds. Thus in my experience even if I went headlong into sin knowing the torment the enemy would cast my way is strong incentive to stay away.
I may have discussed this topic in a previous post. Whether or not we consider "free will" to be a factor or not as to our immediate future; there is no doubt that things will end up with the Tribulation; the Millennium rule and final judgment followed by the eternal state. It is clear scripturally that almost all prophecy is conditional in some way; the fact that God does nothing without warning by one or more Prophets ( Amos 3:7). A prime example of this is with Israel and Judah who more often than not missed the mark whether it was the kings; prophets; priests or everyone else in society. Psalms is rife with examples of God's chastisement of the righteous ( Psalm 107 is one good example of this). We even see it with the other nations such as the Amorites and later in the book of Jonah the Ninevites who were given a lengthy respite of several generations before judgment finally came down as mentioned in the book of Nahum.
The statements in the New Testament such as the prophecy of Agabus shown in Acts 11 and 21 showed famine to come and later Paul's imprisonment. In the first case it has been brought to my attention that perhaps that famine either didn't occur or perhaps less severe because of preparations or repentance. That was what my former Pastor stated; not sure if anyone knows the history better than I do. As to the second circumstance; Paul was constrained to be obedient and bold. There wasn't a mandate it seemed for him going to Jerusalem although it seemed he was aware of it being part of God's plan. Perhaps the implication was martyrdom; after all Paul was no stranger to prison.
I tend to look at the "reap what you sow" context works as a sort of guarantee; like prophecy you can be certain that sin will bring forth punishment and trouble even in this life as the end of Proverbs 13:15 indicates. For God's children in rebellion it is only He who can bring real change but the wicked are lost.
In the Old Testament; there were 2 types of roles for a Prophet. In 1 Chronicles 21:9-13 we have Gad who is David's "seer".
He was given the task of telling David after the Satanically inspired census that there were 3 punishments that would result.
He had no need at that time apparently to mention what the punishment was for as David apparently realized the error of his ways. That is different than Nathan the Prophet at the time he took Bathsheeba as his wife and had Uriah the Hittite set up to die on the front lines in 2 Samuel 11. It would seem that Proverbs 6:34 showed Solomon's wisdom in avoiding showing feigned favor to the husband of a woman someone else is involved with; perhaps it was inspired from what happened in part with David and his mother years previous.
The second role was more of a general statement of future events covered in much of the "major prophets" such as Daniel; Jeremiah; Isaiah and Ezekiel and the minor ones (with smaller overall text) such as Zechariah; Zephaniah; etc.
I am no expert on the office of Prophet today but it seems cessationists may say a Pastor teaching from the Word is also in that type of ministry. I would also say that those who use the Word only as a warning could be in that category. The controversy is if these "signs and wonders" gifts have ceased. I would first eliminate all the pretenders who clearly make things up from their imaginations and false prophets and those who have no factual basis or vary vague statements about persons or events that are very subjective. We are also warned that should someone say something that doesn't come to pass OR that DOES but incites us to worship a false God is to be ignored and kicked out of any church if they try to do this. (See Deut. 18:22 and Deut. 13:2).
We must also avoid fear of things to come. Someone telling the truth should offer some hope even in the worst warnings. The biggest red flag is always predicting prosperity.
The other day I discussed roles of men and women; and showed the case of Miriam and good and bad things about her behavior.
This situation shows how in general how a true Prophet can have certain sins that cause a downfall. Another example is in 1 Kings 13 starting in verse 11. His disobedience in stopping anywhere to eat on his journey back from a prophetic mission cost him his life. This story shows not only his disobedience; but the obstinance of the other prophet who enticed him to eat with him. The Spirit entered him much as it did with Balaam after he accepted the offer with a true word from God (in this case about his demise). We could look at Cephus as another example in John 11:50. So we can see several situations here:
1. A TRUE Prophet that errs in obedience to God
2. A FALSE Prophet that the Lord still uses to some extent for His purposes
3. Someone not designated as a Prophet who still says something to that affect.
We could look at the third example in the case of Pontius Pilate; who put the inscription in Matthew 27:37 on being the King of the Jews. John 19:22 further expounds on this theme in Pilate's declaration that it should stand. Whether his reasonings were mocking; or an honest assesment of his innocence could be questioned-it is clear that he never came to true repentance even if his sins were less serious than those of the others who were complicit or outright demanded he be crucified and a murder (Barabbas) released.
The story of Balaam in Numbers 22 should teach us some object lessons as well. One may assume that his story was an ancient tale and not of any importance today other than looking for false prophecies in general. This isn't true because this man was hired for money and we see evidence in the last days of those looking for "filthy lucre" ( 1 Timothy 3 and a couple other places in the N.T.) To say what a megachurch Pastor wants to hear to draw multitudes occurs today.
1The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he SENT and SIGNIFIED it by His angel unto His servant John:
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Thine ARROWS are sharp in the heart of the King's enemies (enemies of JESUS,anti-JESUS,Antichrist;whereby the people fall under thee- Psalm 45:5.
Isaiah 7:22-24
22...he shall eat butter:for butter and honey shall every one eat that is left in the land(the remnant-144K) Question:The rebel Israel was banned from their land and was spread around the whole world from year 70 AD until 1948,but from now on?being ruled by a false God,a false messiah?- Revelation 13:11-18).
23 And it shall come to pass in that day(the current seventh and last Day,seventh and last millennium)that every place shall be, where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings,it shall even be for briers and thorns.(because are good for nothing)
24 With ARROWS and with BOWS shall men come thither; because all the land shall become briers and thorns.
Isaiah 45:2
2Thou art fairer than the children of men:grace is poured into thy lips:therefore GOD hath blessed thee for ever.
3Gird thy Sword upon thy thigh,O most MIGHTY, with thy glory and thy majesty.(He's a Prince of GOD)
4And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness;and thy right hand shall TEACH thee terrible things.
6Thy throne,O God(GOD the Father, GOD Son and(God of the earth- Revelation 11:4),is for ever and ever:the sceptre of thy kingdom is a RIGHT sceptre.
7Thou lovest righteousness,and hatest wickedness:therefore God(God the Father/God the Son),thy God,has ANNOINTED thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Zech.4:11-14
What are these two olive trees upon the right and left side of the candlestick?
What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?
Knowest thou not what these be?
These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth
The battle of Michael is against three unclean spirits like frogs(why frogs),that FIRST manifest by the MOUTH of the dragon,the MAN Beast like a lamb(a false lamb,a false Jewish messiah- Revelation 13:11 combined with John 5:43-47,actually the MAN of sin,son of perdition)having two horns(i.e. representing two ancient kingdoms),and this false messiah,in fact an esoteric,and kabbalistic, and spiritist messiah, knowledgeable in Torah,a FALSE prophet,and he shall oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God will be enthroned in the temple of God-the Holy City, showing himself that he is God-2Thesslonians 2:3-4 and 9-12.
The battle also is against the unclean spirit of the Beast of sea having 7 heads,10 horns,and upon his 7 heads a NAME of blaspheme.The false messiah will give to the Beast of sea his Power,and his Throne,and great Authority, hen the false messiah, the dragon-Re.13:11-shall take and link the whole structure around the world(Europe,Asia,Africa,Oceania(Australia),North America, Central America and South America) of the Roman Catholic Church to his body, i.e. the 7 heads of the Beast of sea, a Gentilic Beast,which shall sit on the throne of false messiah in Jerusalem in the FIRST half of the last week,week 70th Daniel 9:24-27.So, as JESUS prophesied, Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled- Luke 21:24.
The false messiah from the tribe of Dan- Genesis 49:17-represents the 10 horns of the dragon's body.The dragon's TAIL-Re.12:4-are all false preachers of the Word of GOD- Isaiah 9:15-16.
14For they are the spirits of devils,working miracles,which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world,to gather them to the battle of this great Day of GOD Almighty,the sevenh and last Day,or seventh and last millennium.
15Behold,I come as a thief.Blessed is he that watches,and keeps his garments,lest he walk naked,and they see his shame
The Word of GOD is quick,and powerful,and sharper than any twoedged sword,piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,and of the joints and marrow,and is a DISCERNER of the THOUGHTS and INTENTS of the heart-the Word is GOD-, neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight:but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we must render an account-Heb.4:12-13.
By the way,Jeremiah says:The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked:who can know it?I the Lord search the heart,I try the reins,even to give every MAN according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings-Jer.17:9-10.
The Word made flesh,the Word is GOD,self-executing,He who calls Himself JESUS,He Himself said:...that which cometh out of the mouth,this defileth a man-Mt.15:11.Death and life are in the power of the tongue-Prov.18:21.
JESUS said more:Mt.15:18-19:
18But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart;and they defile the man.
19For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,false witness, murders,adulteries,fornications,thefts,blasphemies:
For meditation and testify:
Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
We could or can understand that everyone dies through the mouth.
Compare this deep mystery of the death with Romans 3:12-18, combined with James 3:1-12,mainly verses 5to8.
But what does the Word of GOD say?1Cor.15:26->The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.Now, now, the death is an ENEMY,
so we must fight against this ENEMY and be transformed, knowing that the sting of death is sin- Matthew 15:19;the strength of sin is the Law. Yes, transformed and be changed( Philippians 3:20-21),for this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality,understand?
But thanks be to GOD, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. ( Genesis 49:10)
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. ( 1 Peter 4:11)
When taking a look at scripture; there are roles women play as Prophetess; prayer; teaching children; or the "virtuous woman" summing up Proverbs 31. When it comes to the 10 Commandments and the laws of the Lord in the Old Testament; or the rules about women remaining silent in the New Testament ( 1 Corinthians 14:34-35) it seems in regard to instruction in law continues as a man's responsibility. That would have further implications in regard to teaching established DOCTRINE related to the law; or the Gospel of Grace which expounds the full meaning of what is concealed in the Old Testament but revealed fully now.
When we try to fully grasp these concepts in human understanding; of course we fall short. An example that gives us insight is in Exodus 15:20 which shows Miriam; the older sister of Moses and Aaron as the first Prophetess in scripture. We could say in some way that Moses acted as the first Prophet in the Bible; at least in predicting what would happen to Israel in the last days in Deuteronomy 4; but Deuteronomy 18 talks about the coming Prophet like Moses who must be heeded (Christ). Technically Abraham was called a Prophet; the first example in the Bible but his predictions were toward his descendants when giving the family blessings at his death.
We see with Miriam that she foolishly spoke out about the second wife of Abraham of African descent and was struck with leprosy temporarily. Her best moment was in the role of the victory song as they crossed the Red Sea.
no surprise, I already knew
English is not my native language,for me it's harder to speak of the theories of man-made than to speak of the Word of GOD.
To those that say age of the Earth is around 14 billions of years,we can counter argue that the number is not accurate,although to the common man it could be, the gods of this world(the common men made of the dust of the earth- Genesis 2:19)have blinded the minds of them which believe in them,believe in them which trie to plagiarize the science of the Most High and Almighty GOD, but the best of their conceptions in this field is nothing more than foolish conjectures and deceitful theories given by man-made scientific apparatus.
What we belivers must say to the atheists is that the age of the Earth is much much more than that billions of years age they claim.This assert lefts them very astonished,of course.What we must say to the atheists in the reply, is that the age pointed in their posts is the maximum limit that man-made scientific apparatus or measuring equipments of the scientists is ABLE to measure.So it has nothing to do with the age of the Earth.We could say unto them or would say that for measuring the age of the Earth the men need to invent a scientific apparatus more qualified and ABLE to measure beyond or over of what has been measured by the scientists to this date, then the false current theory of the Earth's age will be changed for a new theory.I'm sure they will never get do it first because the Universe is a GOD's secret,second because they not know that the Devil's world in which they are living will END now,even now,from now on,it has been pre-determined to start in this current decade,it with great and traggic destruction as was previously prophesied-confirmed by Revelation 11:18-,whereof GOD has given assurance unto all men in His former secret book of Apocalypse-Re.1:1-,sealed with seven seals,which were revealed to JESUS and were broken and opened by Him around 65 years after His ascension.
GOD bless
The Bible is not any book on our natural world. Dinosaurs ammonites all have their place. God is a Spirit and God's kingdom has its own rules as there are rules for grammar. Any one who would move in a polite society and wants to be looked up speaks as a cultured well educated person.So don'be drawn by atheists whose little knowledge is from Science that is incomplete. After Galileo they want only proof so they shall keep on driving a square block in round hole. Faith with works is simply trust in our Savior Lord and work as he would want us.
If one has the Son he has the Father as well. So understand the word of God by the indwelling Spirit and it is the only way.
Our understanding of end times is quite different, thank you for your replies I was just wondering the meaning of what you said that was important to know who comes first, Michael or Jesus.
God bless,
RLW
Often atheists who practice the sciences are motivated to make claims of an old billions of years old earth, which is based on inaccurate carbon dating. As an example there have been relatively recent events, such as the Mt. Saint Helens eruption, that when similar science has been applied it dates the lava to being over a million years old, but we know it was from 1980.
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord JESUS shall be REVEALED from heaven with His mighty angels, (for example, Michael. Daniel 12:1-3 combined with Revelation 12)
8 In FLAMING FIRE taking vengeance on them that know not GOD( Matthew 11:27), and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be PUNISHED with everlasting destruction( Revelation 11:18) from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His Power( Matthew 28:18);
10 When He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe...in this day. (The last Day, the seventh and last Day-this Day just arrived-, or seventh and last millennium)
1John 2:28 - And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
Isaiah 33:10-14
10 Now will I rise, saith the Lord; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself.
11 Ye shall conceive chaff, ye shall bring forth stubble: your breath, as fire, shall devour you.
12 And the people shall be as the burnings of lime: as thorns cut up shall they be burned in the fire.
13 Hear, ye that are far off(Gentile peoples), what I have done; and, ye that are near(Jewish people), acknowledge my might.
14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the DEVOURING FIRE? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? -> Hebrews 12:29- For our GOD is a consuming fire.
The Word is from everlasting to everlasting, the Word is GOD, self-executing, understand?
JESUS is the KING of kings - kings made by He Himself - Re.1:8 and 5:10, and LORD of the lords. Michael is a lord, a Prince of GOD. JESUS sent him to the isle of Patmos-Re.1:1. Revelation 22:8-9 clarify: 8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down TO WORSHIP before the feet of the ANGEL which shewed me these things. 9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship GOD.
JESUS is God- Hebrews 1:8, not an angel, nor Archangel. JESUS and Michael are two distincts persons. By the way, Michael the Archangel fought / contended against the Devil when he disputed about the body of Moses (by allegory we may understand Israel was the body of Moses), and now again he shall contend with the old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world, fighting/ disputing about the Body od Christ: now, even now, from now, in the time of Apocalypse, Satan now called red Dragon, he shall be cast out from this current heavenly environment- Ephesians 1:3-8- into the earth, and his messengers shall be also cast out with him.
Michael shall cast Satan into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more.
Be careful or else get ready
Paul prophesied:1Tessalonians 4:15
15We say unto you by the Word of the Lord,that we which are alive and remain unto the COMING of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep.
(Comment:Daniel prophesied:Dan.12:1
- At that time(END of Time) shall Michael stand up to fight against the red Dragon,whose satanic religious body has 7 heads,10 horns and a TAIL- Revelation 12:9-12;
- then there shall be a time of trouble (great tribulation), such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time( Matthew 24:21);
- and at that time(current time)thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book ( Revelation 7:1-14).
Furthermore,in this current time or now,even now,from now on,the Devil shall be cast down into the bottomless pit(Re.20:1-3).
Daniel 12:2-THERE WILL BE RESURRECTION SIMULTANEOUSLY
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake(according to the prophecy of Isaiah 26:19-21.Take a look), some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Comment: So, there also shall be resurrection in fulfillment of prophecy of Isaiah combined with 1Thessalonians 4:16, as follow:
16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout (shall descend from the 3rd heaven,we believers are still in the 2nd heaven-Ephesians1:3-8 combined with Philippians 3:20-21),with the voice of the archangel-MICHAEL- , and with the trump of GOD: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1 Thes. 4:17 - Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds( Isaiah 60:8, and 1Corinthians 15:51 combined with Philippians 3:20-21 and Revelation 5:8-14), to meet the Lord in the air(in the 3rd heavenly environment-3rd heaven-far above of the current second heaven- Luke 20:35-36 combined with Matthew 25:6): and so shall we ever be with the Lord.(Where?- Revelation 11:15-18 and Re. 5:10, and Matthew 5:5, and John 17:24. Take a look).
That's for your meditation
Mathew 18:20 says "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
A relationship with Christ Is not private, but communal, and the center of a person's relationship with Jesus is in the church. (Not necessarily the local Church but in the presence of other believers.
Read Hebrews 10:16-25.
We are to respond to his invitation and follow Jesus' example of how to live and treat others, giving him first place in your daily life.
A Desciples is someone who follows one's teachings.
In our rebirth Christ gave us his Spirit to guide us out of darkness.
Christ is faithful and said he will never leave you so your faith should be in his work on the cross not your baptism.
We pray to God for strength and wisdom and turn from the things that hinder us.
A Christian can not continue in sin!
God is love but he also is a righteous Judge.
He is rich in mercy forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty;
Our salvation hangs on God's promise once we have believed on his son, Christ Jesus!
Have you truly trusted him in his finish work on the cross?
If so we are persuaded to love his precepts the Brothern.
Keep reading his word and obey him.
God bless.
Thank you for your reply, I understand archangels are high-ranking angels and are called princes and Michael is the only one in the bible who is called an archangel. Like in the military, the word would be given to the general/archangel and his voice is who the angels and us would hear. Michael is at the top ranking as we see in Revelation 12. I do not see an angel name or rank that could be applied to Jesus.
My understanding of 1 Thessalonians 4:16 the announcing of Jesus coming will be the actual voice of the archangel and the last Trump, whether it is Michael, looks like it will be, but I do not know. The question I asked Oseas, he seems to say Michael will come before Jesus, not sure of the meaning of that. I hope this makes sense and thanks for your reply.
God bless,
RLW