Most of us would say that the way you replied sarcastically is a sin. And as believers, we are to speak to others about such sin (offenses) but do so gently with compassion.
Momsage, we are to confess our sin in such a case and we will receive forgiveness and cleansing as John says in 1 Hn. 1:9 and also, if we have sinned and we are not aware that we have sinned, we have Jesus as our Advocate interceding for us before the Father, presenting His righteousness and His shed blood and the penalty He paid for ALL of our sins as the basis for justification. This is the only way for any one to be justified and therefore not be condemned.
So, if you do not think that your sarcasm is a sin and were to go to bed and die suddenly, you will be saved because your faith for salvation is in Jesus, not in our own sinlessness or godly actions/obedience to God.
If you recognize that your sarcasm actually is sin because it is not holy speech, then I would hope that you would confess it to God and receive His mercy. If you should die before confessing an act that you know is a sin, then you are still saved because your faith for salvation is in Jesus alone. He saves us 100%, not because we are sinless, but because we were and are sinful in our fallen nature and need to be saved by Him every second of every day until we are resurrected.
Momsage, I do not mean any finger pointing at you in this matter. my intentions are for your good and to support you in your walk as a believer. So, please, take my comments as such.
The same hour is a tag set by the Spirit so comparing spiritual with spiritual we are on the right track to explain the two witnesses in terms of Jesus Christ. "And the same hour was there a great earthquake,"(Re.11:13) for instance is the duration of his ministry and the two witnesses are part of his earthly ministry. In short the work of the Son as the Word become flesh has to incorporate the divine will of the Father. One cannot be without the other since it explains the rationale of Father who revealed the testimony through an angel as in Re.1:1. It is the glorious gospel of Christ covering two worlds of the Spirit and of the body. Everlasting gospel is another name. Consequently when Jesus rejoiced as quoted from the Lucan gospel refers to the babes, they have their presence before God. Hence Jesus warns,"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."(18:10)
"And he to whom the Son will reveal him"( Luke 10:22). Jesus as the Good Shepherd came to save the lost. In delivering man who is dead in sin and trespasses he reveals the mercy of his Father. "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins/Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience." (Ep.2:1-2) What is the significance of quickening one who is dead? Everlasting life proof of which is the believer and his angel in the presence of the Father are aligned without any distortion. "the third part of the stars of heaven" being cast out is how the believers in this world have handled the truth in unrighteousness. How we walk the talk has grave consequences on the cloud of witnesses. (Re.12:4) This explains the joy in heaven over the one sheep lost and found.
"Verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray." The Spirit is referring the Son who is the Good Shepherd. He is the visible image of the invisible God so all emotions attributed to God must be seen as coming from the Son.
Similarly the Spirit refers to an hour which is with reference to the ministry of Jesus Christ. "In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight./ All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him."( Luke 10:21-22)
Jesus at the Marriage at Cana referred,"Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come."( John 2:4). By the same token he is referring to the wine which is distinctly with reference to the kingdom to come, " But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."(26:29) It is thus the Spirit has organized the Salvation Program of God giving a tag for his ministry and his Father's kingdom. When he explains his work he tells his captors, "but this is your hour, and the power of darkness." Comparing spiritual with spiritual we are on the right track to explain the two witnesses in terms of Jesus Christ. "And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand:" the same hour is the duration of his ministry and the two represents the testimony of the Son which his Father. It is same as in Re.1:1. It is the glorious gospel of Christ covering two worlds of the Spirit and of the body. Everlasting gospel is another name.
Holiness of God is a name, glory of which is invested in his testimony which is the glorious gospel entrusted to his Son. So when He sent his only begotten Son what is the Will of God? " Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish." His concern is for the glory of everlasting life that the one sheep carries. God so loved the world is to bring the glory of the cloud of witnesses match exactly with those who are in the world of the body.
"I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word."( John 17:6)
"That they may be one" is what the ministry of reconciliation yet remaining. "And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them./And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are".(vv.10-11).And when Jesus Christ says,"It is done" it is a signal that way to the tree of life is found. "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb./In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life."(Re.22:1-2)
"And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray."
Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd. God sent his Son so the lost sheep may be found. Bringing them back into one fold means reconciling both worlds of the Spirit and of the body into one sheepfold. ( John 10:1)
We shall begin with v.11" For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."(v.11).
If the sheep lost its way and have not found what it sought is it worth the effort? A sheep is not endowed with foreknowledge as man is. He is a living soul. Satan beguiled Eve through a serpent. How did man get lost even after God gave him the wherewithal? The content of His breath into his nostril sums up the Law that He upholds. It is the word of his power. It explains the Law of the Spirit. The principle of Similitude sets reality of Law of heaven with that of the earth. Thus it is two contrary laws of the Spirit warring the law of sin in our vile bodies nevertheless a matter of life and death. In this existential battle everlasting life is what God promised those who are found.
The Spirit uses symbols for both laws, the tree of life for those who found their way back as we say from the case of Adam life of sin originating from his disobedience. This search for the lost sheep began with the commandment of God who sent forth his word that shall never go back in void.(Is.55:11)
In the parable we have the sheep that is ever by the shepherd. "And the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out./And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice./And a stranger will they not follow" ( John 10:3-5). They are the 99 and are content under the Law of the Spirit to stay close "for they know not the voice of strangers." Their glory they know are in safekeeping and the bright cloud is their testimony.
"And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray." A sheep is most likely to wander away in a rugged terrain where the grass is sparse; the shepherd's task is to keep his flock in his sights and wild animals are not likely to dare show themselves while man is about. " For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."(v.11)
Satan beguiled Eve through a serpent. How did man get lost. God gave them a straight and narrow path. But when the serpent could get them out of their way and look at the way Satan had presented the alternate reality, and it can open a new vista as the word says,"And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat." It opened the way to another law."And the eyes of them both were opened,"(v.7) The way of the senses, tell a story, end of which is death as God had warned them. The tree of life was where the Law of the Spirit led to. It was a simple test of walking the straight narrow path but man failed. They let Satan to lead and they were lost.
In Adam we all are set in an alternate reality, a make-believe world, " For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."(Ro.3:23). Where law of sin like a wolf roams about we shall appreciate God's counset to Cain. "And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him."(Ge.4:6-7)
How come Cain could not take it. He was the wicked one a murderer since he let the spur of the moment direct his actions. (4:8) He had no respect for eternity. It is how the law of sin works.
You didn't explain with other scriptures why you disagree with me.
You didn't answer any of my questions.
Our thoughts on sinlessness or sinning every day are total opposites so one of us must be wrong and I don't care what you think except you are spilling it out all over this forum and I'm concerned about others. The title of sinning/christian seems to be a badge of honor these days, (anyone like me must be full of pride and haughtiness because, how dare I think I can live without grieving my Savior every day by sinning.)
I'm writing this at the end of the day. You say I must have sinned. Give me some ideas of what I must have done because I can't think of anything not even a fault. Maybe I should make something up like I use to do when I was a little Catholic girl so I would have something to confess to the priest so I could take communion.
How glad I am you've help me to not be deceived anymore, to think that God had created a beautiful way for His children to live WITHOUT sin in this wretched world. Really, I have to be realistic now, this can't possibly be true. I need to understand that what I believed was wrong because surly God isn't capable of removing the Adamic nature from our souls. I understand now that that is a bit too much for Him. Imagine being able to live with our sin-nature eradicated. I guess I'll just ignore all the scriptures that say we can like you did. I'm being sarcastic, of course. I guess this can be my one sin for the day so I'll ask God to forgive me for it. Thanks Chris you helped me be a sinning/christian. You helped me grieve my wonderful Savior today so I can claim the title of Sinning/Christian. NOT!
My heart really grieves for you and the danger you are in, especially, since you won't even address what I am saying with scriptures and/or answers to my legitimate questions. You don't because you can't. God bless :)
Pray, ask God for forgiveness and ask Him to take the desire for sin from you, tell Him you love Him so completely that you no longer want to sin, that you want to live a life fully dedicated to Him without sin. (It is the nature of Adam, the old man that we are born with that causes us to sin but sanctification can rid us of our Adamic nature, all at once completely. Be sincere and when you are sanctified you will feel a joy and peace you have never known. Then ask Him to fill you with the Holy Ghost. If it's in His will it will happen. Be worshipful and trust God. Just continue to pray and talk to God. He will begin to take over your speech and you will start to speak in an unknow tongue. This cannot be the devil, as some people may say, you are in God's hands and He is NOT going to let the devil have any power over you. Those fanatics on social media are of the devil. He is using them to keep people away from this beautiful gift form God; to malign it. Here are scriptures that I hope will help you understand that this doctrine is from God. John 5:14, Col. 3:9, Rom. 6:1-7, 2 Cor. 5:17, Rom. 12:2, John 3:1-10, Rom. 6:10-11, Rom. 8:12-13, 2 Tim. 2:15.
This reply is probably going to get a lot of comments denouncing what I have said. I have lived with the infilling of the Holy Spirit for decades and I am a true child of God who loves Him dearly and I live every day for Him without sin. I do have faults. Sins send us to hell. Faults, are minor character flaws; these do not send us to hell. People who believe in the sinning/christian doctrine refuse to see the difference. Calling someone a bad name IS a sin but if that person upsets you and you just leave while praying for them, the sinning/christian doctrine teaches that since you got upset you sinned. Jesus said darkness and light don't mix. If you have questions about my stand on the false doctrines of gradual sanctification and sinning/christian please let me know. I hope this helps you. God Bless :)
"Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish."
Speaking of the Will we have in this prayer of Jesus, the utter sorrow of our Savior Lord over Judas, "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled."( John 17:12). 'That the scripture might be fulfilled' refers to the blessings written in the covenant. (Ge.1:28) God blessed them at one lever was about Christ and the church. "Male and female created he them" applied to each believer who stood equally in direct frame of reference to the Wisdom principle (female) and also the Power principle.(Male). In the Lord's prayer we have the power and glory, in which this glory is a constant reminder of the body of Christ. "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." Forever is a tag for the Son. While we say 'Amen' we are declaring the creed of being one with the Faithful and true witness. When a believer treats like a nostrum and mumbles on auto-pilot mode it is a pointer to the imposter religion salvaged from a pagan cult of Rome has spread inroads into one's worship. Similar to the joy in heaven over one soul finding way back to the sheepfold we are witnessing Jesus with his fan ready to cast the chaff where the wind shall take where it will.
In the king's dream the ten toes tell the miry clay mixt with iron is under judgment. Like the stone cut not with hands judgment should come in series of shocks. there is an earth quake, and the tenth part of the city fell, it is what we read in Re.18:21. Seven thousand of men (7x1000) speaks it is predetermined. The hour of his judgment,- And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen," Babylon is interchangeable with Jerusalem. (Re.11:8). Loss of even one is diminishment to the glory of God.
"And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven." (v.13)
At the same hour refers to the hour Jesus spoke about at the night he was taken in. ( Luke 22:53)It is the power of darkness that caused the nation of Israel reject the true Light and the time of the Gentiles before the Son appeared in mid-air to collect. "and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory./ And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."(24:30-31)
The ministry of the two witnesses has the same duration as the day decreed for the Son. John the Baptist was sent according to the Scriptures as a voice preparing the way. "Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts./But who may abide the day of his coming? "(Mal.3:1-2) Purifiers work refers to the great tribulation. The script for the day of his coming consists of several phases which is clearly laid out in Matt.3:13. "Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
The chaff shall be cast to the winds. (the imposter church), purging his floor is the earth(*the left behind church), and it leads to the unquenchable fire. "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."(Re.20:10). * Cf the vision of the Woman Clothed with the Sun and she is sent to a place prepared for her. "(12:14)
In the wilderness the Israelites were led by pillar of cloud and of fire. They represent the two witnesses in Re.11. Baptism of water and of fire: one is John and the other 'an angel' the little one could be any saint, representing the world of the body prepared for the Son.
"Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist."
John according to Jesus Christ was the greatest among born of women, "Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." (Matt.11:11). In order to understand the two witnesses we are to focus on John as one, who also referred to the baptism of fire that awaits the church. He foretold, " He (Jesus Christ) shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:/ Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."(3:11-12)
The Baptism by Holy Ghost has been fulfilled and what awaits is baptism by fire to which Apostle Peter also referred, "For the timeis comethat judgment must begin at the house of God: and ifitfirstbeginat us, what shall the endbeof them that obey not the gospel of God?"(1 Pe.4:17). St Paul also warns and it is to the imposter church, "Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is./ If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward./If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire."(1 Co.3:13-15)
In the Ch.18 the same question of the greatest in the kingdom of heaven threw up another aspect of John. Jesus said, "He that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." The little one who ever sees the face of the Father in heaven is the second witness representing the fire. For he is an angel in the world of the Spirit. "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."(18:10)
In addition to God's laws, we are subject to laws and governors of our land, which God says he allows to be in power in Romans 13:1. Jesus said to give to Caesar was is Caesar's, showing a kind of respect for their authority. Governors and leaders duty is to protect people and if one person risks harming or killing many others, it seems logical for the government to remove that threat (sometimes by killing), to protect the many. Why should the innocents be punished further by having to pay for their room and board, entertainment, etc their whole life? The law used to be eye for an eye.
On an individual level I believe we must obey the commandment do not kill, but think God allows us to defend ourselves and others. I think it can be wrong to do nothing to stop evil. If we see someone committing a horrible act against a victim, and fail to act I believe some responsibility falls on us. There are laws against people spectating and not helping. But if we risk getting involved then it does risk bodily harm or death to ourselves or the perpetrator. But if potentially many more people could be harmed or killed, it seems the choice to do the least harm to people is to stop the perpetrator.
This somehow must be balanced with turning the other cheek. I don't know if that verse means willingly letting yourself to be killed, though. (like Jesus did)
Jesus prefaces entering into the God's rest gives the disciples a template. "Humility" is borne out of vulnerability whose faith is like an infant to be dandled upon the knees of its mother. His faith with works creates rest and it is what Jesus wants them to think about. "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."(v.4)
Jesus Christ is the head and the believers form the body. This is the rest God has willed. The members equally draw from the head so there is no question of lesser or greater. For this reason each member is a brother beloved of God. "but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked./That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another./ And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it./Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."( 2 Co.12:25-27)
"At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?/And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,"
The disciples chose this question after Jesus transfigured before them. Did the question chose them or other way about is a moot point. Each one wanted to be part of that glory that their master commanded. Lucifer saw the selfsame glory "For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God." He was the son of the morning meaning the brightness of the glory of God. Free will of the Son was expressed to bring glory to his Father; on the other hand Lucifer was all for establishing "I will" as the Law. Law of the Spirit worked in the Son so he said, "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."(Ps.40:8). It is thus free will is determined by the Spirit. "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."(2 Co.3:17)
"At the same time" with which this chapter begins is a clue as to how startling it was for his disciples to digest, and having wrestled with it the next question could have been, "Am I the one?" Surely Judas Iscariot one of the twelve would have had similar thought.
The law of sin is already in flow while the glory of the spiritual body created the vision of Zion that awaited those who were blessed in his Son. That was the sixth day. On the seventh day God rested because his faith in his Son to fulfill the Abstract of the everlasting covenant was absolute.(Ge.2:1-3)
"For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation./ This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it./I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread."(Ps.132:13-15).
"I will satisfy her poor" explains the relationship of the little ones with the bread from heaven.
"That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."
There are two worlds of the Spirit and of the body where angels signify the cloud of witnesses. Whereas the body points to the same spiritual body prepared for the Son. Glory of God makes the cloud bright and as the spiritual body,- "we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." We are called into one hope of our calling so every saint redeemed from the earth is part of this body or a building. so what do we call fellow believers headed towards the same direction? "So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." brothers here and now have their witnesses, and they are called angels.
Jesus Christ "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person" relates to us as the glory of God in the knowledge,, it is compared to a light, as in this verse, "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ". This is his glorious gospel and shown as doable. So what we bear in our vile bodies is the kind of glory that the angels in heaven get to see directly.
Jesus tells that these little ones do always behold the face of my Father. So the power of the word in us is knowledge based and our faith is not merely lip-service but faith that can move mountains.
Having said this much how do we reconcile the vv.8-9 "And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out,"? Does it put to rest the lust of eye, caused by sin, since the law of sin is what tempts the eye to sin? Jesus offers the only cure: "Without me you can do nothing."( John 15:3) Faith with works is when you rest from your own labor and self-will and fall back upon for his grace to have a perfect working in your life. Father of all mercies showed the glorious gospel of his Son as doable. Knowledge of the glory of God in holding on to grace and truth.
"Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?/ And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief."
Before we examine the second event we need see the role of faith in integrating the two worlds of the Spirit and of the body. The body is prepared for the Son to do his will. Psalmist David refers to it. When we abide in Christ who is the Word become flesh the spirit of Christ has given us insight into the truth. Jesus chose the twelve and gave them power to cast out demons. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit was yet to come. So the spirit of Christ worked in their ministry. "My Father worketh hitherto and I work" explains at one level the Spirit of the Father works at tandem with the Son of man so the twelve disciples were his associates as well. The cloud of witnesses is associated with the Father, "For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." (10:20). We are thus constituted with access to both worlds at the same time while we are in our vile bodies. Apostle John refers to it, "but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also."(1 John2:23). Faith without works is dead. Without abiding in these two worlds faith does not produce fruits an example of which we see in the failure to cast out demons from the child. Jesus reduces them to the level of their generation since their faith did not work. How apt is our generation where the churches soft pedal on issues like faith and culture wars? "O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you?(17:17)
American Right and Christian nationalism are the tares choking the good seed. The former do not take the Spirit of the Father or the word of the Spirit. "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself
Reading the Word (Part 4). Multiple layers and applications.
I have in the past had disagreements with people that insist there is only one meaning of a given scripture. This is no doubt true to one extent; that is not reading spurious meanings into a text based on proper contextualization. When there are so many different types of writings in a given book such as Psalms (impreccatory; prophetic; Thanksgiving at a bunch of others) even from Psalms we can't nail down any one type as a "stand alone." The clearest example would be what some call "Royal" Psalms or something similar about David and the prophetic implications that are both for him and the future Christ. This shows that even David didn't know what he was saying as far as all these meanings. I have argued with some of the Reformed camp that such a statement on my part is wrong and that somehow he had to understand it under Divine guidance; but clearly if that were true we wouldn't see someone like Daniel fasting and praying for 3 weeks to understand his dreams and visions ( Daniel 10:2).
Reading the Bible of course in these circles is focused on worshipping the one true God. There are clearly other benefits to reading the Word such as insights into the hydrological cycle ( Job 36:27); that of the animal kingdom ( Psalm 104:21; etal); historical genealogies (from the first parents in Genesis to those in the beginning of Matthew and Luke). The history of scripture can also be used to verify archaelogical discoveries; and have practical points about wisdom along with the spiritual (which can't really be parceled out). This may be most clearly demonstrated with the admonition to be as "wise as serpents and innocent as doves." ( Matthew 10:16).
We should also keep in mind that the Old Testament and New Testament have different methods of approaching God; but the Lord never changes. The Lord created law as well as grace; which allows us to actually love God as David's admonition in Psalm 119.
"And behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him."
The Spirit uses the expression, "behold" which is not solely addressed to the natural ear but also to the ear of faith. This is the significance of the bright cloud,- they have heard and woe to ye if you pretend not to hear it. The scribes and Pharisees were good at this hypocrisy, "Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:/All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not."(23:2) Similarly whosoever speaks of justification and have no faith in works he is a liar. "f we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." ( 1 John 1:10). His word is not in them is what Apostle John says to them. God witnessed 'Hear ye him" and the cloud of witnesses representing the world of the Spirit is in each of us witnesses the truth. Hypocrisy of the Evangelicalism is to deny the works. "Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."(John6:29)
Elisha would thus know beforehand the plan of King of Syria, and as the servant tells, "None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber." (2 Ki.6:12). This is precisely what Jesus meant, "Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops."( Luke 12:3). Psalmist David calls the cloud of witnesses as the great congregation. (Ps.40:9) This is the reason that I spare not myself to reveal what the Spirit has instructed me, despite of my age and infirmities because this shall be read and become the mainstream as and when God shall decide. So patience and faith makes my labour of love as for His glory. Amen
The fear of the Lord. With my scripture memory still lacking I will cite the verse "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" and then ask the readers to discover how many times that is mentioned and perhaps do a further study on the subject. Today's sermon was from 1 Peter specifically in verse 17 discussing how as believers we should have fear that in general isn't with terror but at times if we have sin in our lives it probably some of that should shake us up. The story of Ananias and Sapphira was examined as to the reaction of the church afterwards and the Holy fear and terror invoked ( Acts 5:1-11).
It is easy for us to sit in our comfy place and read about destruction of whole cities or the future Tribulation and not have it speak to us. Some want to symbolize some of the literal statements of judgment; but I am not focusing on that. We can look at events in the far past and future as so remote from us that we don't sense the relevance; specifically it's prompting us to get busy spreading the Gospel and keep ourselves unspotted from the world. ( James 1:27). With so many trying to predict the time the Lord is coming back and put together all the puzzle pieces can ignore the many CONDITIONAL promises which are just as true. Specific behaviors good or bad bear certain fruits as well as resulting in blessing or cursing. I have seen this true in at least one case warning a person about continuing in certain behavior (in that case I believe it was followed by a mental breakdown). We can't be sure when we will reap what we sow; it is for sure in final judgment. This seems very cut and dry; for instance verses talking about the insanity of a foolish man committing adultery. Proverbs 22:14 brings the point out that men who follow God escape these traps but the wicked are caught in their own traps that they try to ensnare others ( Psalm 141:10 also found in Proverbs and no doubt other Psalms).
Today in Sunday school someone mentioned that before prayer it is good to say "Lord I don't love you; or other people (fill in the blank). Alas some with a spiritual gift of compassion would find what I am saying repulsive. We all can apply this principle to scripture reading as well "help me with my unbelief" ( Mark 9:24); or "God be merciful to me a sinner" ( Luke 18:13).
Since we are reading the "living Word" ( John 1:1) it behooves us to focus on our Lord and Savior and how much He suffered for our benefit. It also is important that we trust the Lord and also His Word as being truth and something we can lean on. Trusting in the Lord and not our own understanding ( Proverbs 3:5-6) is something we need to discuss in more detail.
Assuming we have a legitimate faith and basic understanding that the Bible is the truth and we live on that premise we could say that we trust the Lord. That of course is easier said than done; we can suddenly find ourselves overwhelmed by circumstances and allow our emotions to dictate through either a "fight or flight" mentality. This is true if we face martyrdom or serious persecution; but as with anything else the Lord usually leads us through the valleys of everyday trials and stresses to teach us to trust Him more for those big things. We can look at scripture for these examples with the 12 Apostles and their growth through Christ's earthly ministry then after Pentacost; or look at the kings of Israel with all their sins exposed for us to see.
There are a few who don't have sins mentioned; it is noteworthy that only Moses seems to be a Prophet whose sins were mentioned and the consequence of not being able to enter the Promised Land. David technically prophesied as well about the Messiah in the Psalms in particular and his personal sins and immediate consequences out the for us to see. These; of course are examples for us all ( 1 Cor. 10:11).
Jeremiah 15:16 says: Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.
I have in a previous post discussed various methods of daily devotionals. There is pure scripture reading (for instance with a read the Bible in a year app); or "Daily Bread" or deeper things such as Oswald Chambers which I personally recommended for its depth and conviction level. When confined by a busy daily routine of work and personal responsibilities this approach of an allotted 15 minutes or so doesn't give us enough time for an exhaustive concordance analysis; or study of cross references; or examining the original Greek; Aramaic; or Hebrew; etc.
My ADHD type of mind (at least that is what I was diagnosed as about 30 years ago) tends to wander; thus making set times and planned studies more laborious than others (not overlooking my own sin and distractions). It certainly is important that we don't confine our meditation on the Word just to that allotted devotional session. I have found for myself that reading big chunks of material then later digesting it sometimes can have some benefits. First of all; once we have familiarized ourselves with scripture in general; certain passages tend to trigger once again things we have taken in that are proven; tried and true and we can relate to as aiding in our personal struggles and growth. I tend to do things backwards; in other words read a bunch of details then later see the big picture; much as I tend to start a drawing from a small spot then later on come up with a much better artist sketch than if I deliberately premeditated that I would draw a specific subject.
In open air preaching; it does help to have verses in our minds even if we have tracts as usually a formal sermon isn't the best approach in that arena with people coming and going. Having an attitude of worship and praise (part 2
"While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him."
On the seventh day with which we have Jesus transfiguring before his disciple the curtain falls on the first event. The Spirit is isolating the glory of blessings of man in his Son. So God blesses the seventh day. (Ge.2:3) Here the bright cloud serves a vital function: God the Father is ratifying the Abstract and the cloud is not simply a cloud but the glory of saints in the world of the Spirit. These are the cloud of witnesses we read in He.12:1 .
Gospel of St Matthew or any other Gospel is not to be confused with the style of narrative we are accustomed in secular literature. Evangelist Matthew is not relaying on what happens in Malachi to carry the narrative forward any more than John who is referring to 'In the beginning' to thicken the plot of Luke to keep the interest of the reader unflagging. 'The Word was God' needs to be heard. God the Father is testifying as with the bright cloud of the glory awaiting His children in his Son. This is how we approach the phrase,"After six days' in v.1.
The cloud serves as a witness. Ps.19:1 has its flip side. Mercy of God makes a way which declares the glory of God and it flows from above the firmament. "Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee."(17:27)The truth of Lam.3:22-23 owes to the waters above. It is of the Lord's mercies we are not consumed. So this fish was prepared as God had prepared one for Prophet Jonah. Water serves as witness. "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."(Matt.6:34)
"Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?/ Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free." (vv.25-26)
Before we go into the topic let us fix the context within which we are to interpret the three events mentioned here.
First event: Transfiguration of Jesus took place on the seventh day.
v.1 " And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,"
This is pendent on the last verse of the preceding chapter. "Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom." (16:28) It refers to the Son and his kingdom. Taking the two verses together the word 'apart' tells the event was a private preview.
The mountain mentioned in 5:1 is high mountain here. The adjective is placed to indicate farther in time. Jesus set forth the doctrine of his Father where the rock symbolized Zion which is founded on the stone.(Is.28:16) High mountain is to indicate the glory of the Word become flesh. Jesus is referring to the selfsame glory introduced in v.28 "There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death", indicating the outpouring of the upon all flesh." This matter was shared with the three indicating the representational nature of the Son tagged by the command number Three. The testimony of Jesus was to be made by a public event and the proof of which was in his resurrection. As the word become flesh the self same glory was freely bestowed through the Son. As the firstborn from all dead, his disciples/associates were all free born. This is what was stipulated in the everlasting Covenant. This is the point of the key verse.
On earth the kings spare their sons from the taxes of the realm. Similarly the anointing of the Spirit makes the saints freed from the law of sin. Seventh days refers Ge.2:3
But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them./Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist."
Are they the two witnesses that Jesus refers to? Firstly ask how credible are the disciples to zoom them in their crosshairs when as the following passage reveals that they were still novices,- Jesus explains,"And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief:"(v.20). Their faith was yet to be steadfast without which all their mental gyrations as to the identity of two witnesses would fall flat. One proof was in their failure to cast out the demon that afflicted the boy in vv. 14-20.
We shal examine Re.11:3-4 for clues.
" And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth./ These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth."
And I will give power" this is what the risen Jesus promised his disciples/ associates in (Matt.28:18-20). Ze.4:14 refers them as "These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth". Lo I am with you always is another promise by the risen Christ. Besides 'a thousand two hundred and threescore days' is a tag set by the Spirit to indicate two witnesses could be any two appointed by God. In short these two witnesses are chosen from both worlds of the Spirit and the body as one. Without which the interpretation falls flat.
And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.
Transfiguration took place against an high mountain, again the mountain of the Lord referred in Is.2. As with the Sermon on the Mount, here the Spirit highlight the glory of the spiritual body awaiting the saints who have received the Man sent from Above. Moses Elias in their flesh doubled for the One to come. Here we have Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today. The transfiguration was, therefore a pointer to the glory which is to come. (He.13:8). This also explains why Jesus warned his disciples to keep the matter a secret.
10 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?
11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.
12 But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.
13 Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.
Ugh. I just cut off my comment again with some stupid button on my computer. In short I am impressed by your superior wit and content with any subject; clearly it is superior to mine. I hope I'm not just enjoying the sound of my own voice; so to speak with all my commentary. I intend to make better use of my time with devoting more to evangelism and service in the future; this time I have had in my current situation is limited to have this much available for this site.
I was also starting to comment on my confusion about heaven and hell experiences. There was a supposed resurrection of an African pastor I heard about yesterday from Nov. 2001 which seemed iron clad with a picture of the mortuary statement with time of death; relateive testifying; etc. In any case this guy seems to have disappeared off the radar since 2002 when someone was supposed to have interviewed him. There are a few people like Bill Weise who at least has much scripture that is discussed corroborating with his story. When people are clinically dead the question is how long does it take for the soul to actually enter eternity? As for me; people sometimes express annoyance when anyone says the Lord has shown them something; but such things as the mark of the Beast were clearly shown to the point that the terror is so great that it used to leave me with a feeling of vertigo; beyond what I can handle. I have felt a clear calling to preach on that matter since my conversion in 1982. Spiritual discernment is my gifting as you probably are aware; but I am still mystified by the way He works. I know that obedience and disciplines help us in strength; but the times when there seems to be a particular anointing still seem unpredictable. I can think of 3 individuals in my life who have a gift of discernment out of probably hundreds I have known.
It seems God has until now closed the door for me to move out. I strongly feel that I need to continue communicating with my old roommate
We can also break this commandment using things of nature. The world we live in is really naturally beautiful and we can enjoy this beauty with a heart of gratitude and wonder before God who made it all. Getting out into nature is great, but can to some be an idol along with photographs and paintings of natural beauty.
I think the important thing is to not live a life of starkness and drabness (look up the Nicholites, for example-they are in my husband's family line in the 1600's in America). We can celebrate beauty and creativity and artistic talent without falling into idolatry. We can enjoy flowers in our gardens, not just raise vegetables. We can have pets and not just food for consumption. We can have embellishment on our furnishings and not insist on only simplicity and functionality as some sects have promoted. We can enjoy food that tastes good and looks appetizing instead of gruel and mush. Asceticism is not what we are called to, but to be thankful to God for all that He has provided for our benefit, enjoyment, and contentment.
But the focus of our life should be to worship God, bring Him glory, and be filled with gratitude to Him for all that He brings to us. This world was made to be inhabited by mankind, for us to enjoy all the ways God has manifested His beauty, abundance, glory, grace, and power. We are to live a joyful life as opposed to a somber one, and still live soberly and aware of the threat of the evil one. We are to live in trust in Jesus and in all the spiritual ways given to satisfy us even when we suffer.
So, let's praise the Lord and give Him glory because He has done great things for us and is marvelous beyond what we could ever imagine. Why would we want to confine Him to an image when He is uncontainable!
I have prayed for you along with others on this site.
God bless you.
Are you talking about the carnal
view ofChrist and the Devine view
of Christ? Am I mixed up?
Most of us would say that the way you replied sarcastically is a sin. And as believers, we are to speak to others about such sin (offenses) but do so gently with compassion.
Momsage, we are to confess our sin in such a case and we will receive forgiveness and cleansing as John says in 1 Hn. 1:9 and also, if we have sinned and we are not aware that we have sinned, we have Jesus as our Advocate interceding for us before the Father, presenting His righteousness and His shed blood and the penalty He paid for ALL of our sins as the basis for justification. This is the only way for any one to be justified and therefore not be condemned.
So, if you do not think that your sarcasm is a sin and were to go to bed and die suddenly, you will be saved because your faith for salvation is in Jesus, not in our own sinlessness or godly actions/obedience to God.
If you recognize that your sarcasm actually is sin because it is not holy speech, then I would hope that you would confess it to God and receive His mercy. If you should die before confessing an act that you know is a sin, then you are still saved because your faith for salvation is in Jesus alone. He saves us 100%, not because we are sinless, but because we were and are sinful in our fallen nature and need to be saved by Him every second of every day until we are resurrected.
Momsage, I do not mean any finger pointing at you in this matter. my intentions are for your good and to support you in your walk as a believer. So, please, take my comments as such.
The same hour is a tag set by the Spirit so comparing spiritual with spiritual we are on the right track to explain the two witnesses in terms of Jesus Christ. "And the same hour was there a great earthquake,"(Re.11:13) for instance is the duration of his ministry and the two witnesses are part of his earthly ministry. In short the work of the Son as the Word become flesh has to incorporate the divine will of the Father. One cannot be without the other since it explains the rationale of Father who revealed the testimony through an angel as in Re.1:1. It is the glorious gospel of Christ covering two worlds of the Spirit and of the body. Everlasting gospel is another name. Consequently when Jesus rejoiced as quoted from the Lucan gospel refers to the babes, they have their presence before God. Hence Jesus warns,"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."(18:10)
"And he to whom the Son will reveal him"( Luke 10:22). Jesus as the Good Shepherd came to save the lost. In delivering man who is dead in sin and trespasses he reveals the mercy of his Father. "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins/Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience." (Ep.2:1-2) What is the significance of quickening one who is dead? Everlasting life proof of which is the believer and his angel in the presence of the Father are aligned without any distortion. "the third part of the stars of heaven" being cast out is how the believers in this world have handled the truth in unrighteousness. How we walk the talk has grave consequences on the cloud of witnesses. (Re.12:4) This explains the joy in heaven over the one sheep lost and found.
"Verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray." The Spirit is referring the Son who is the Good Shepherd. He is the visible image of the invisible God so all emotions attributed to God must be seen as coming from the Son.
Similarly the Spirit refers to an hour which is with reference to the ministry of Jesus Christ. "In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight./ All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him."( Luke 10:21-22)
Jesus at the Marriage at Cana referred,"Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come."( John 2:4). By the same token he is referring to the wine which is distinctly with reference to the kingdom to come, " But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."(26:29) It is thus the Spirit has organized the Salvation Program of God giving a tag for his ministry and his Father's kingdom. When he explains his work he tells his captors, "but this is your hour, and the power of darkness." Comparing spiritual with spiritual we are on the right track to explain the two witnesses in terms of Jesus Christ. "And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand:" the same hour is the duration of his ministry and the two represents the testimony of the Son which his Father. It is same as in Re.1:1. It is the glorious gospel of Christ covering two worlds of the Spirit and of the body. Everlasting gospel is another name.
Holiness of God is a name, glory of which is invested in his testimony which is the glorious gospel entrusted to his Son. So when He sent his only begotten Son what is the Will of God? " Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish." His concern is for the glory of everlasting life that the one sheep carries. God so loved the world is to bring the glory of the cloud of witnesses match exactly with those who are in the world of the body.
"I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word."( John 17:6)
"That they may be one" is what the ministry of reconciliation yet remaining. "And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them./And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are".(vv.10-11).And when Jesus Christ says,"It is done" it is a signal that way to the tree of life is found. "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb./In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life."(Re.22:1-2)
"And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray."
Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd. God sent his Son so the lost sheep may be found. Bringing them back into one fold means reconciling both worlds of the Spirit and of the body into one sheepfold. ( John 10:1)
We shall begin with v.11" For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."(v.11).
If the sheep lost its way and have not found what it sought is it worth the effort? A sheep is not endowed with foreknowledge as man is. He is a living soul. Satan beguiled Eve through a serpent. How did man get lost even after God gave him the wherewithal? The content of His breath into his nostril sums up the Law that He upholds. It is the word of his power. It explains the Law of the Spirit. The principle of Similitude sets reality of Law of heaven with that of the earth. Thus it is two contrary laws of the Spirit warring the law of sin in our vile bodies nevertheless a matter of life and death. In this existential battle everlasting life is what God promised those who are found.
The Spirit uses symbols for both laws, the tree of life for those who found their way back as we say from the case of Adam life of sin originating from his disobedience. This search for the lost sheep began with the commandment of God who sent forth his word that shall never go back in void.(Is.55:11)
In the parable we have the sheep that is ever by the shepherd. "And the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out./And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice./And a stranger will they not follow" ( John 10:3-5). They are the 99 and are content under the Law of the Spirit to stay close "for they know not the voice of strangers." Their glory they know are in safekeeping and the bright cloud is their testimony.
"And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray." A sheep is most likely to wander away in a rugged terrain where the grass is sparse; the shepherd's task is to keep his flock in his sights and wild animals are not likely to dare show themselves while man is about. " For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."(v.11)
Satan beguiled Eve through a serpent. How did man get lost. God gave them a straight and narrow path. But when the serpent could get them out of their way and look at the way Satan had presented the alternate reality, and it can open a new vista as the word says,"And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat." It opened the way to another law."And the eyes of them both were opened,"(v.7) The way of the senses, tell a story, end of which is death as God had warned them. The tree of life was where the Law of the Spirit led to. It was a simple test of walking the straight narrow path but man failed. They let Satan to lead and they were lost.
In Adam we all are set in an alternate reality, a make-believe world, " For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."(Ro.3:23). Where law of sin like a wolf roams about we shall appreciate God's counset to Cain. "And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him."(Ge.4:6-7)
How come Cain could not take it. He was the wicked one a murderer since he let the spur of the moment direct his actions. (4:8) He had no respect for eternity. It is how the law of sin works.
You didn't answer any of my questions.
Our thoughts on sinlessness or sinning every day are total opposites so one of us must be wrong and I don't care what you think except you are spilling it out all over this forum and I'm concerned about others. The title of sinning/christian seems to be a badge of honor these days, (anyone like me must be full of pride and haughtiness because, how dare I think I can live without grieving my Savior every day by sinning.)
I'm writing this at the end of the day. You say I must have sinned. Give me some ideas of what I must have done because I can't think of anything not even a fault. Maybe I should make something up like I use to do when I was a little Catholic girl so I would have something to confess to the priest so I could take communion.
How glad I am you've help me to not be deceived anymore, to think that God had created a beautiful way for His children to live WITHOUT sin in this wretched world. Really, I have to be realistic now, this can't possibly be true. I need to understand that what I believed was wrong because surly God isn't capable of removing the Adamic nature from our souls. I understand now that that is a bit too much for Him. Imagine being able to live with our sin-nature eradicated. I guess I'll just ignore all the scriptures that say we can like you did. I'm being sarcastic, of course. I guess this can be my one sin for the day so I'll ask God to forgive me for it. Thanks Chris you helped me be a sinning/christian. You helped me grieve my wonderful Savior today so I can claim the title of Sinning/Christian. NOT!
My heart really grieves for you and the danger you are in, especially, since you won't even address what I am saying with scriptures and/or answers to my legitimate questions. You don't because you can't. God bless :)
This reply is probably going to get a lot of comments denouncing what I have said. I have lived with the infilling of the Holy Spirit for decades and I am a true child of God who loves Him dearly and I live every day for Him without sin. I do have faults. Sins send us to hell. Faults, are minor character flaws; these do not send us to hell. People who believe in the sinning/christian doctrine refuse to see the difference. Calling someone a bad name IS a sin but if that person upsets you and you just leave while praying for them, the sinning/christian doctrine teaches that since you got upset you sinned. Jesus said darkness and light don't mix. If you have questions about my stand on the false doctrines of gradual sanctification and sinning/christian please let me know. I hope this helps you. God Bless :)
"Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish."
Speaking of the Will we have in this prayer of Jesus, the utter sorrow of our Savior Lord over Judas, "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled."( John 17:12). 'That the scripture might be fulfilled' refers to the blessings written in the covenant. (Ge.1:28) God blessed them at one lever was about Christ and the church. "Male and female created he them" applied to each believer who stood equally in direct frame of reference to the Wisdom principle (female) and also the Power principle.(Male). In the Lord's prayer we have the power and glory, in which this glory is a constant reminder of the body of Christ. "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." Forever is a tag for the Son. While we say 'Amen' we are declaring the creed of being one with the Faithful and true witness. When a believer treats like a nostrum and mumbles on auto-pilot mode it is a pointer to the imposter religion salvaged from a pagan cult of Rome has spread inroads into one's worship. Similar to the joy in heaven over one soul finding way back to the sheepfold we are witnessing Jesus with his fan ready to cast the chaff where the wind shall take where it will.
In the king's dream the ten toes tell the miry clay mixt with iron is under judgment. Like the stone cut not with hands judgment should come in series of shocks. there is an earth quake, and the tenth part of the city fell, it is what we read in Re.18:21. Seven thousand of men (7x1000) speaks it is predetermined. The hour of his judgment,- And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen," Babylon is interchangeable with Jerusalem. (Re.11:8). Loss of even one is diminishment to the glory of God.
"And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven." (v.13)
At the same hour refers to the hour Jesus spoke about at the night he was taken in. ( Luke 22:53)It is the power of darkness that caused the nation of Israel reject the true Light and the time of the Gentiles before the Son appeared in mid-air to collect. "and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory./ And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."(24:30-31)
The ministry of the two witnesses has the same duration as the day decreed for the Son. John the Baptist was sent according to the Scriptures as a voice preparing the way. "Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts./But who may abide the day of his coming? "(Mal.3:1-2) Purifiers work refers to the great tribulation. The script for the day of his coming consists of several phases which is clearly laid out in Matt.3:13. "Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
The chaff shall be cast to the winds. (the imposter church), purging his floor is the earth(*the left behind church), and it leads to the unquenchable fire. "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."(Re.20:10). * Cf the vision of the Woman Clothed with the Sun and she is sent to a place prepared for her. "(12:14)
In the wilderness the Israelites were led by pillar of cloud and of fire. They represent the two witnesses in Re.11. Baptism of water and of fire: one is John and the other 'an angel' the little one could be any saint, representing the world of the body prepared for the Son.
"Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist."
John according to Jesus Christ was the greatest among born of women, "Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." (Matt.11:11). In order to understand the two witnesses we are to focus on John as one, who also referred to the baptism of fire that awaits the church. He foretold, " He (Jesus Christ) shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:/ Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."(3:11-12)
The Baptism by Holy Ghost has been fulfilled and what awaits is baptism by fire to which Apostle Peter also referred, "For the timeis comethat judgment must begin at the house of God: and ifitfirstbeginat us, what shall the endbeof them that obey not the gospel of God?"(1 Pe.4:17). St Paul also warns and it is to the imposter church, "Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is./ If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward./If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire."(1 Co.3:13-15)
In the Ch.18 the same question of the greatest in the kingdom of heaven threw up another aspect of John. Jesus said, "He that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." The little one who ever sees the face of the Father in heaven is the second witness representing the fire. For he is an angel in the world of the Spirit. "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."(18:10)
In addition to God's laws, we are subject to laws and governors of our land, which God says he allows to be in power in Romans 13:1. Jesus said to give to Caesar was is Caesar's, showing a kind of respect for their authority. Governors and leaders duty is to protect people and if one person risks harming or killing many others, it seems logical for the government to remove that threat (sometimes by killing), to protect the many. Why should the innocents be punished further by having to pay for their room and board, entertainment, etc their whole life? The law used to be eye for an eye.
On an individual level I believe we must obey the commandment do not kill, but think God allows us to defend ourselves and others. I think it can be wrong to do nothing to stop evil. If we see someone committing a horrible act against a victim, and fail to act I believe some responsibility falls on us. There are laws against people spectating and not helping. But if we risk getting involved then it does risk bodily harm or death to ourselves or the perpetrator. But if potentially many more people could be harmed or killed, it seems the choice to do the least harm to people is to stop the perpetrator.
This somehow must be balanced with turning the other cheek. I don't know if that verse means willingly letting yourself to be killed, though. (like Jesus did)
Jesus prefaces entering into the God's rest gives the disciples a template. "Humility" is borne out of vulnerability whose faith is like an infant to be dandled upon the knees of its mother. His faith with works creates rest and it is what Jesus wants them to think about. "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."(v.4)
Jesus Christ is the head and the believers form the body. This is the rest God has willed. The members equally draw from the head so there is no question of lesser or greater. For this reason each member is a brother beloved of God. "but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked./That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another./ And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it./Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."( 2 Co.12:25-27)
"At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?/And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,"
The disciples chose this question after Jesus transfigured before them. Did the question chose them or other way about is a moot point. Each one wanted to be part of that glory that their master commanded. Lucifer saw the selfsame glory "For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God." He was the son of the morning meaning the brightness of the glory of God. Free will of the Son was expressed to bring glory to his Father; on the other hand Lucifer was all for establishing "I will" as the Law. Law of the Spirit worked in the Son so he said, "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."(Ps.40:8). It is thus free will is determined by the Spirit. "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."(2 Co.3:17)
"At the same time" with which this chapter begins is a clue as to how startling it was for his disciples to digest, and having wrestled with it the next question could have been, "Am I the one?" Surely Judas Iscariot one of the twelve would have had similar thought.
The law of sin is already in flow while the glory of the spiritual body created the vision of Zion that awaited those who were blessed in his Son. That was the sixth day. On the seventh day God rested because his faith in his Son to fulfill the Abstract of the everlasting covenant was absolute.(Ge.2:1-3)
"For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation./ This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it./I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread."(Ps.132:13-15).
"I will satisfy her poor" explains the relationship of the little ones with the bread from heaven.
"That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."
There are two worlds of the Spirit and of the body where angels signify the cloud of witnesses. Whereas the body points to the same spiritual body prepared for the Son. Glory of God makes the cloud bright and as the spiritual body,- "we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." We are called into one hope of our calling so every saint redeemed from the earth is part of this body or a building. so what do we call fellow believers headed towards the same direction? "So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." brothers here and now have their witnesses, and they are called angels.
Jesus Christ "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person" relates to us as the glory of God in the knowledge,, it is compared to a light, as in this verse, "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ". This is his glorious gospel and shown as doable. So what we bear in our vile bodies is the kind of glory that the angels in heaven get to see directly.
Jesus tells that these little ones do always behold the face of my Father. So the power of the word in us is knowledge based and our faith is not merely lip-service but faith that can move mountains.
Having said this much how do we reconcile the vv.8-9 "And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out,"? Does it put to rest the lust of eye, caused by sin, since the law of sin is what tempts the eye to sin? Jesus offers the only cure: "Without me you can do nothing."( John 15:3) Faith with works is when you rest from your own labor and self-will and fall back upon for his grace to have a perfect working in your life. Father of all mercies showed the glorious gospel of his Son as doable. Knowledge of the glory of God in holding on to grace and truth.
"Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?/ And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief."
Before we examine the second event we need see the role of faith in integrating the two worlds of the Spirit and of the body. The body is prepared for the Son to do his will. Psalmist David refers to it. When we abide in Christ who is the Word become flesh the spirit of Christ has given us insight into the truth. Jesus chose the twelve and gave them power to cast out demons. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit was yet to come. So the spirit of Christ worked in their ministry. "My Father worketh hitherto and I work" explains at one level the Spirit of the Father works at tandem with the Son of man so the twelve disciples were his associates as well. The cloud of witnesses is associated with the Father, "For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." (10:20). We are thus constituted with access to both worlds at the same time while we are in our vile bodies. Apostle John refers to it, "but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also."(1 John2:23). Faith without works is dead. Without abiding in these two worlds faith does not produce fruits an example of which we see in the failure to cast out demons from the child. Jesus reduces them to the level of their generation since their faith did not work. How apt is our generation where the churches soft pedal on issues like faith and culture wars? "O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you?(17:17)
American Right and Christian nationalism are the tares choking the good seed. The former do not take the Spirit of the Father or the word of the Spirit. "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself
I have in the past had disagreements with people that insist there is only one meaning of a given scripture. This is no doubt true to one extent; that is not reading spurious meanings into a text based on proper contextualization. When there are so many different types of writings in a given book such as Psalms (impreccatory; prophetic; Thanksgiving at a bunch of others) even from Psalms we can't nail down any one type as a "stand alone." The clearest example would be what some call "Royal" Psalms or something similar about David and the prophetic implications that are both for him and the future Christ. This shows that even David didn't know what he was saying as far as all these meanings. I have argued with some of the Reformed camp that such a statement on my part is wrong and that somehow he had to understand it under Divine guidance; but clearly if that were true we wouldn't see someone like Daniel fasting and praying for 3 weeks to understand his dreams and visions ( Daniel 10:2).
Reading the Bible of course in these circles is focused on worshipping the one true God. There are clearly other benefits to reading the Word such as insights into the hydrological cycle ( Job 36:27); that of the animal kingdom ( Psalm 104:21; etal); historical genealogies (from the first parents in Genesis to those in the beginning of Matthew and Luke). The history of scripture can also be used to verify archaelogical discoveries; and have practical points about wisdom along with the spiritual (which can't really be parceled out). This may be most clearly demonstrated with the admonition to be as "wise as serpents and innocent as doves." ( Matthew 10:16).
We should also keep in mind that the Old Testament and New Testament have different methods of approaching God; but the Lord never changes. The Lord created law as well as grace; which allows us to actually love God as David's admonition in Psalm 119.
"And behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him."
The Spirit uses the expression, "behold" which is not solely addressed to the natural ear but also to the ear of faith. This is the significance of the bright cloud,- they have heard and woe to ye if you pretend not to hear it. The scribes and Pharisees were good at this hypocrisy, "Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:/All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not."(23:2) Similarly whosoever speaks of justification and have no faith in works he is a liar. "f we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." ( 1 John 1:10). His word is not in them is what Apostle John says to them. God witnessed 'Hear ye him" and the cloud of witnesses representing the world of the Spirit is in each of us witnesses the truth. Hypocrisy of the Evangelicalism is to deny the works. "Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."(John6:29)
Elisha would thus know beforehand the plan of King of Syria, and as the servant tells, "None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber." (2 Ki.6:12). This is precisely what Jesus meant, "Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops."( Luke 12:3). Psalmist David calls the cloud of witnesses as the great congregation. (Ps.40:9) This is the reason that I spare not myself to reveal what the Spirit has instructed me, despite of my age and infirmities because this shall be read and become the mainstream as and when God shall decide. So patience and faith makes my labour of love as for His glory. Amen
The fear of the Lord. With my scripture memory still lacking I will cite the verse "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" and then ask the readers to discover how many times that is mentioned and perhaps do a further study on the subject. Today's sermon was from 1 Peter specifically in verse 17 discussing how as believers we should have fear that in general isn't with terror but at times if we have sin in our lives it probably some of that should shake us up. The story of Ananias and Sapphira was examined as to the reaction of the church afterwards and the Holy fear and terror invoked ( Acts 5:1-11).
It is easy for us to sit in our comfy place and read about destruction of whole cities or the future Tribulation and not have it speak to us. Some want to symbolize some of the literal statements of judgment; but I am not focusing on that. We can look at events in the far past and future as so remote from us that we don't sense the relevance; specifically it's prompting us to get busy spreading the Gospel and keep ourselves unspotted from the world. ( James 1:27). With so many trying to predict the time the Lord is coming back and put together all the puzzle pieces can ignore the many CONDITIONAL promises which are just as true. Specific behaviors good or bad bear certain fruits as well as resulting in blessing or cursing. I have seen this true in at least one case warning a person about continuing in certain behavior (in that case I believe it was followed by a mental breakdown). We can't be sure when we will reap what we sow; it is for sure in final judgment. This seems very cut and dry; for instance verses talking about the insanity of a foolish man committing adultery. Proverbs 22:14 brings the point out that men who follow God escape these traps but the wicked are caught in their own traps that they try to ensnare others ( Psalm 141:10 also found in Proverbs and no doubt other Psalms).
More in part 4
Today in Sunday school someone mentioned that before prayer it is good to say "Lord I don't love you; or other people (fill in the blank). Alas some with a spiritual gift of compassion would find what I am saying repulsive. We all can apply this principle to scripture reading as well "help me with my unbelief" ( Mark 9:24); or "God be merciful to me a sinner" ( Luke 18:13).
Since we are reading the "living Word" ( John 1:1) it behooves us to focus on our Lord and Savior and how much He suffered for our benefit. It also is important that we trust the Lord and also His Word as being truth and something we can lean on. Trusting in the Lord and not our own understanding ( Proverbs 3:5-6) is something we need to discuss in more detail.
Assuming we have a legitimate faith and basic understanding that the Bible is the truth and we live on that premise we could say that we trust the Lord. That of course is easier said than done; we can suddenly find ourselves overwhelmed by circumstances and allow our emotions to dictate through either a "fight or flight" mentality. This is true if we face martyrdom or serious persecution; but as with anything else the Lord usually leads us through the valleys of everyday trials and stresses to teach us to trust Him more for those big things. We can look at scripture for these examples with the 12 Apostles and their growth through Christ's earthly ministry then after Pentacost; or look at the kings of Israel with all their sins exposed for us to see.
There are a few who don't have sins mentioned; it is noteworthy that only Moses seems to be a Prophet whose sins were mentioned and the consequence of not being able to enter the Promised Land. David technically prophesied as well about the Messiah in the Psalms in particular and his personal sins and immediate consequences out the for us to see. These; of course are examples for us all ( 1 Cor. 10:11).
Having a healthy fear of God (to come part 3
Jeremiah 15:16 says: Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.
I have in a previous post discussed various methods of daily devotionals. There is pure scripture reading (for instance with a read the Bible in a year app); or "Daily Bread" or deeper things such as Oswald Chambers which I personally recommended for its depth and conviction level. When confined by a busy daily routine of work and personal responsibilities this approach of an allotted 15 minutes or so doesn't give us enough time for an exhaustive concordance analysis; or study of cross references; or examining the original Greek; Aramaic; or Hebrew; etc.
My ADHD type of mind (at least that is what I was diagnosed as about 30 years ago) tends to wander; thus making set times and planned studies more laborious than others (not overlooking my own sin and distractions). It certainly is important that we don't confine our meditation on the Word just to that allotted devotional session. I have found for myself that reading big chunks of material then later digesting it sometimes can have some benefits. First of all; once we have familiarized ourselves with scripture in general; certain passages tend to trigger once again things we have taken in that are proven; tried and true and we can relate to as aiding in our personal struggles and growth. I tend to do things backwards; in other words read a bunch of details then later see the big picture; much as I tend to start a drawing from a small spot then later on come up with a much better artist sketch than if I deliberately premeditated that I would draw a specific subject.
In open air preaching; it does help to have verses in our minds even if we have tracts as usually a formal sermon isn't the best approach in that arena with people coming and going. Having an attitude of worship and praise (part 2
"While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him."
On the seventh day with which we have Jesus transfiguring before his disciple the curtain falls on the first event. The Spirit is isolating the glory of blessings of man in his Son. So God blesses the seventh day. (Ge.2:3) Here the bright cloud serves a vital function: God the Father is ratifying the Abstract and the cloud is not simply a cloud but the glory of saints in the world of the Spirit. These are the cloud of witnesses we read in He.12:1 .
Gospel of St Matthew or any other Gospel is not to be confused with the style of narrative we are accustomed in secular literature. Evangelist Matthew is not relaying on what happens in Malachi to carry the narrative forward any more than John who is referring to 'In the beginning' to thicken the plot of Luke to keep the interest of the reader unflagging. 'The Word was God' needs to be heard. God the Father is testifying as with the bright cloud of the glory awaiting His children in his Son. This is how we approach the phrase,"After six days' in v.1.
The cloud serves as a witness. Ps.19:1 has its flip side. Mercy of God makes a way which declares the glory of God and it flows from above the firmament. "Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee."(17:27)The truth of Lam.3:22-23 owes to the waters above. It is of the Lord's mercies we are not consumed. So this fish was prepared as God had prepared one for Prophet Jonah. Water serves as witness. "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."(Matt.6:34)
"Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?/ Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free." (vv.25-26)
Before we go into the topic let us fix the context within which we are to interpret the three events mentioned here.
First event: Transfiguration of Jesus took place on the seventh day.
v.1 " And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,"
This is pendent on the last verse of the preceding chapter. "Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom." (16:28) It refers to the Son and his kingdom. Taking the two verses together the word 'apart' tells the event was a private preview.
The mountain mentioned in 5:1 is high mountain here. The adjective is placed to indicate farther in time. Jesus set forth the doctrine of his Father where the rock symbolized Zion which is founded on the stone.(Is.28:16) High mountain is to indicate the glory of the Word become flesh. Jesus is referring to the selfsame glory introduced in v.28 "There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death", indicating the outpouring of the upon all flesh." This matter was shared with the three indicating the representational nature of the Son tagged by the command number Three. The testimony of Jesus was to be made by a public event and the proof of which was in his resurrection. As the word become flesh the self same glory was freely bestowed through the Son. As the firstborn from all dead, his disciples/associates were all free born. This is what was stipulated in the everlasting Covenant. This is the point of the key verse.
On earth the kings spare their sons from the taxes of the realm. Similarly the anointing of the Spirit makes the saints freed from the law of sin. Seventh days refers Ge.2:3
But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them./Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist."
Are they the two witnesses that Jesus refers to? Firstly ask how credible are the disciples to zoom them in their crosshairs when as the following passage reveals that they were still novices,- Jesus explains,"And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief:"(v.20). Their faith was yet to be steadfast without which all their mental gyrations as to the identity of two witnesses would fall flat. One proof was in their failure to cast out the demon that afflicted the boy in vv. 14-20.
We shal examine Re.11:3-4 for clues.
" And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth./ These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth."
And I will give power" this is what the risen Jesus promised his disciples/ associates in (Matt.28:18-20). Ze.4:14 refers them as "These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth". Lo I am with you always is another promise by the risen Christ. Besides 'a thousand two hundred and threescore days' is a tag set by the Spirit to indicate two witnesses could be any two appointed by God. In short these two witnesses are chosen from both worlds of the Spirit and the body as one. Without which the interpretation falls flat.
And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.
Transfiguration took place against an high mountain, again the mountain of the Lord referred in Is.2. As with the Sermon on the Mount, here the Spirit highlight the glory of the spiritual body awaiting the saints who have received the Man sent from Above. Moses Elias in their flesh doubled for the One to come. Here we have Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today. The transfiguration was, therefore a pointer to the glory which is to come. (He.13:8). This also explains why Jesus warned his disciples to keep the matter a secret.
10 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?
11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.
12 But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.
13 Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.
I was also starting to comment on my confusion about heaven and hell experiences. There was a supposed resurrection of an African pastor I heard about yesterday from Nov. 2001 which seemed iron clad with a picture of the mortuary statement with time of death; relateive testifying; etc. In any case this guy seems to have disappeared off the radar since 2002 when someone was supposed to have interviewed him. There are a few people like Bill Weise who at least has much scripture that is discussed corroborating with his story. When people are clinically dead the question is how long does it take for the soul to actually enter eternity? As for me; people sometimes express annoyance when anyone says the Lord has shown them something; but such things as the mark of the Beast were clearly shown to the point that the terror is so great that it used to leave me with a feeling of vertigo; beyond what I can handle. I have felt a clear calling to preach on that matter since my conversion in 1982. Spiritual discernment is my gifting as you probably are aware; but I am still mystified by the way He works. I know that obedience and disciplines help us in strength; but the times when there seems to be a particular anointing still seem unpredictable. I can think of 3 individuals in my life who have a gift of discernment out of probably hundreds I have known.
It seems God has until now closed the door for me to move out. I strongly feel that I need to continue communicating with my old roommate
continued..I need a little more space.
We can also break this commandment using things of nature. The world we live in is really naturally beautiful and we can enjoy this beauty with a heart of gratitude and wonder before God who made it all. Getting out into nature is great, but can to some be an idol along with photographs and paintings of natural beauty.
I think the important thing is to not live a life of starkness and drabness (look up the Nicholites, for example-they are in my husband's family line in the 1600's in America). We can celebrate beauty and creativity and artistic talent without falling into idolatry. We can enjoy flowers in our gardens, not just raise vegetables. We can have pets and not just food for consumption. We can have embellishment on our furnishings and not insist on only simplicity and functionality as some sects have promoted. We can enjoy food that tastes good and looks appetizing instead of gruel and mush. Asceticism is not what we are called to, but to be thankful to God for all that He has provided for our benefit, enjoyment, and contentment.
But the focus of our life should be to worship God, bring Him glory, and be filled with gratitude to Him for all that He brings to us. This world was made to be inhabited by mankind, for us to enjoy all the ways God has manifested His beauty, abundance, glory, grace, and power. We are to live a joyful life as opposed to a somber one, and still live soberly and aware of the threat of the evil one. We are to live in trust in Jesus and in all the spiritual ways given to satisfy us even when we suffer.
So, let's praise the Lord and give Him glory because He has done great things for us and is marvelous beyond what we could ever imagine. Why would we want to confine Him to an image when He is uncontainable!