Hello Chowell2 , that's a good question ! I will answer it with a question , why do you believe that Jesus is God ? Is it because someone told you ? Or is your belief based on overwhelming Biblical evidence ? If your belief is based on overwhelming Biblical evidence , then that's the way to go , show them why you believe what you do . The Bible should be every Christians authority regarding their beliefs . There are very very many people who do not believe that Jesus is God , you could ask them why they believe this and ask them to back up their beliefs from the Bible . Always look to the Bible when it comes to your beliefs , if you are not familiar with the Bible , then someone who is , is going to run rings around you in a debate :) . You can't rely on what someone has told you , you must know your subject if you hope to convince anyone of anything .
Joseph and Mary where traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem When they where in Bethlehem and when the time comes for Mary to have her child she gives birth to a son. She layd Him to sleep in a manger, because there are no rooms for them to stay in.
A angel appears to shepherds guarding their sheep telling that a savior has been born that night. And then the sheperds went to see the baby.
Then they find Mary, Joseph and the baby inside and they tell everyone what the angel had said to them. The baby is named Jesus, as said by the angel before. Mary and Joseph took him to Jerusalem to God and to offer the sacrifice.
Simeon was promised by the Holy Spirit that he will see the savior before he dies, then he went inside the temple recognizes Jesus as the savior sent by God. Simeon holds the baby in his arms and blesses God and said that he is happy to die now that he has seen the promised savior. He blesses Mary and Joseph.
Right, they are definitely blessed by the Lord.! Did you know he waited 3 years before he even kissed his wife, on their Wedding day? Look it us if you haven't already, it's awesome.! I used to think a few of their videos were a bit much yet knowing it's all for God I have grown to love them. Their songs are very touching & deep.! Love & Pray for all especially our enemies for.."God only knows" what He has planned for them. Look what He did with Paul..!!!
The Star comes from Jacob, the Sceptre, comes from Israel. Balaam saw Christ in a vision, but said He is not to come now. He beholds Him, but His coming is not nigh. The Messiah will smite Moab and destroy the children of Sheth. He shall possess Edom and Seir and Israel shall do valiantly (overcome them). The Messiah will dominion and destroy those who still remain (at His second coming)
Balaam prophesies concerning Amalekites and the Kenites (Midianites). They both will perish and be wasted. He speaks of Chittam (Cypress or Greece) coming against Asshur (Assyria) and Eber (I don't know who Eber is as a nation nor Sheth of vs. 17)
After completing his prophecy, Balaam left Balak and returned home. Balak went home, too.
It is really awesome to see in this account how God MADE Balaam speak what He willed and Balaam could not do otherwise!
God's power is overwhelmingly great and able to accomplish whatever God wills. No one can stay His hand, nor truly oppose Him without being judged to enter the lake of fire in the end. Some may think that they can outsmart or overpower God's will, but they are wrong and deceived to think so. This chapter names nations that the Messiah will judge and waste, But I think this is a way of speaking that those who oppose God will be wasted as these nations were wasted.
The rebellious who dig in and resist God's will to the end of their life or at the second coming will be spending eternity in the lake of fire experiencing unending torment. So, we must pray for those without Christ to be saved and speak to them what God's Spirit tells us to say to them. We who have come to faith and taste of the goodness of God and His grace towards us have a responsibility to share how we came to be blessed with salvation and forgiveness of sins. We need to explain what happens at the final judgment to encourage those who believe and prompt those who don't to turn to Christ to be saved from our sins, death, and the lake of fire.
Fist, Balaam speaks about his eyes being opened. Since he was not blind, I think he is referring to a spiritual "seeing' or acquisition of knowledge of God he did not previously possess. Then he speaks of his vision. Then his words turn to Israel, speaking of the goodness of Israel's dwelling place-tabernacles, tents. I think he is speaking of Israels place of favor and blessing with God, not the physical tents. ballam speaks admirable words about Israel (vs. 5-7) prophesying that Israel will be great-exalted int the land.
Vs. 8-9 Balaam speaks of the strength given to Israel by YHWH and how Israel will defeat their enemies thoroughly. ballam proclaims: Blessed is he that blesses Israel and cursed is he that curses Israel. God had promised this to Israel in Genesis 12:3 and Genesis 49:9
Balak was furious and took Balaam to task about how he had hired Balaam to curse Israel but blessed them instead once again, this third time Balak tells Balaam to flee from him to his home. Perhaps this was a threat that he may be harmed if he does not leave Balak right away. Balak mentions how he wanted to promote Balaam to greater honor but blames YHWH for preventing it. Balaam answers that Balak's honor and treasures could not make him go against the of YHWH. Balaam say he could not do either good or bad in his mind, but only what the LORD saith, he must speak. God compelled Balaam to do this. If Balaam could have done bad he would have, but the LORD costrained his mind to only obey YHWH's command to bless Israel with the word God gives him and the power of the Holy Spirit makes him carry out God's will.
Balaam then tells Balak to listen while he advertises (announces) what Israel will do to Balak's people (Moabites) in latter days.
Then Balaam again speaks of his vision, opening of his eyes spiritually and the knowledge he acquired from the Spirit.
In vs. 17 YHWH gives a magnificent prophecy through Balaam concerning the coming of Jesus...cont..
In this chapter Balaam again is instructed by Balak to curse Israel. Balaam, however, realizes that the LORD wills that Israel be blessed. Balaam at least realizes that the LORD's will cannot be resisted in this situation and that he will only be able to bless Israel. Since in previous times, Balaam resorted to divination, using types of enchantment to discern what he is to prophesy or what the future may hold. These actions are not what God wants people to do, but Balaam did not have the law as Israel now had. Although he was a prophet of YHWH, Balaam was syncretic in his approach to prophecy, thinking he needed to do certain sacrifices, rituals, and sorceries to be allowed to hear from God. In this situation, God works through Balaam despite his wickedness.
Balaam decides to go into the wilderness instead of offering sacrifices on a mountain top "high place" where Baal is worshipped.
The wilderness he went into overlooked the camp of Israel. Whereas before God told Balaam what to say and Balaam obeyed, this time God bestows Balaam with the Spirit being put upon him like God did for the Old Testament prophets of Israel and Judah. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, Balaam begins his parable to bless Israel.
In verse 4, Balaam speaks of hearing God's voice, and gained knowledge from God, and had an eyes open vision of God Almighty. It doesn't say his reaction to this vision, but in other instances of prophets having visions of God (Isaiah and Ezekiel come to mind) they were forcibly laid prostrate before the LORD as though dead until the LORD lifted them up. They realized their sinfulness as they experienced the holiness of God. But Balaam does not speak of any of these things. But I imagine he was humbled and knew that He could do either good or bad from his own mind, but only what the LORD says he must speak )(Vs.13)
When Balaam beheld the camp of Israel, the Spirit came upon him and he begins his parable (blessing and prophecy).
As a genetic people, the descendants of Esau are lost to history.
Their DNA lives on in some sense, but they are so intermixed with other peoples that there is no definable group of Edomites today.
When Isaiah or other prophets mention Edom in connection with future judgment such as in Isaiah 34 or 63), they are mentioned because they represent the nations that hate Israel and Israel's God, it's sort of a back hand.
Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the LORD.
For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth.
( They have been scattered amongst all the nations.
In the latter days God will raise up the tabernacle of David and gather them from all nations.)
AMOS 9:11.
In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:
AMOS 9:14-15.
And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.
And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.
Thank you so much for replying to me and "clearing the air" so I can understand you better.
There are some here like you, who do not wish to enter into rigorous discussions, and there are some, like me, who do, not for the cause of being argumentative or to debate, but to engage in deep thoughts on topics that come up. Both approaches are fine and worthy of this forum. I, like you, love to give helpful answers to peoples' questions, to pray for those who request prayer (so glad for your good report from your doctor!) and for those who do not ask but I feel led to pray for, and hear and speak to lift people up. So, I think we have a lot in common, and we have some differences in personality, too, which is so normal. I always appreciate your postings and am glad that you, like me, have had a long time with the Lord and His words in Scripture.
Jema, I really do appreciate your response. Going forward will be much more comfortable for both of us!
We read in (Hebrews, 4:12) "For the word of God is "quick" and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart".
The word "quick" is #2198; it means to live, (a-) live.
The Word of God is Alive!
Do we have the Word of God that's Alive today? If its only the original autographs then how could God use those to judge us?
How could we be judged (righteously) with what we have no way of reading, or studying? ( 2 Tim. 2:15) We are told to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth". How do we study the original autographs? The word of truth is the KJB!
If we read ( Jn. 12:47-50) In v48 Jesus said "the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day".
If we are judged in the last day by the words that Jesus spoke do you think God would provide those words for us in a (perfect) translation? I think so too!
That means those words would have to be in a book, or in a Bible today. Right?
If we read ( Rev. 22:18-19) v18 "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy ((OF THIS BOOK)) If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written ((IN THIS BOOK)).
v19 "And if any man shall take away from the words ((OF (THE BOOK) OF THIS PROPHECY)) God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written ((IN THIS BOOK)).
God cannot lie!
Changing the words? ( Jer. 23:36) "for ye have "perverted" the words of the living God" "perverted" #2015; it means to change.
( Ps. 12:6-7) Is God's promise to preserve His Words for all generations, FOR EVER.
If God preserved His Word for this generation through the translation of the KJB then where are we told how He did that in the Bible?
Thank you for responding. And I do want to speak as directly as I possibly can to this question.
Other than perhaps the nature of salvation itself, there is no more important doctrine in my view than the nature of the Bible, the Word of God.
I'm not interested in getting into a discussion about the mechanics of how God used the human authors to write the Bible. Whether he dictated it to them or so work in their minds so that they actually wrote exactly the words that God wanted them to write, down to the very word itself.
But I believe, with every fiber of my being, is that in the original autographs, every single word in the Bible, is God's word. It is exactly the word God chose to use.
And God Himself is the only one that can actually open our understanding of the Bible as we apply the principles God declares in the Bible that we are to use in interpreting His Word.
And I believe that any other view of what the Bible is, would be a faulty view.
And, quite frankly, that is one of the primary Snares that virtually every church has fallen into, to one degree or another, and may be the primary reason God's judgment is upon the churches in our day.
I understand that is a difficult statement to accept for those that are in the churches today. And that is very sad Situation. But as are all things, this too is totally under God's control.
But if you go into any church today and compare it to what was being preached and taught and practiced within that church relative to 50 to 75 years ago, you might hardly recognize it, I am sorry to say.
Gigi , thanks for your post to me . I don't really enjoy getting into big debates with others on here , not specifically you :) . I usually just like to try and answer questions as best as I can , so I'm not ignoring you or anyone I promise . It's just that I mostly prefer to keep out of debates and just want to try help anyone who has a Biblical question , so no hard feelings towards you or anyone on here . If I'm interested in what someone has to say then I might reply to them to let them know I enjoyed or agreed with their post . My silence to you or anyone just means that I have nothing to add to your / their post that's all :) . I only have a small amount of time to spend on here so I have to prioritise , would like to thank everyone for their prayers , found out today that I don't have skin cancer :) .
I am so glad you explained you belief to Chris here. That explains your statement Adam and I were seeking clarification from you. How you explained it here to Chris is clear to me now. I wish you would have said it this way to us when we asked for clarification, but I will accept that you clarified it to Chris instead of directly to Adam and to me.
So, in light of this explanation to Chris, I would say that we are in agreement that the words in Scripture are the words God willed to be written.
Thank you for explaining this to Chris so Adam and I can know your belief aligns with what we believe, too. Thank you for this communication to Chris.
The Bible alone and in its entirety is the very word of God Himself .
My reply to you is , do you not believe that the Bible is entirely
the Word of God ?
Then you said to me :
This seems very close to
The Bible alone and in its entirety is ( God Himself ) .
My answer to you is no , it does not seem very close to that or anything else . It may seem very close to that in your mind but that's the only place that it seems very close to that .
I'm guessing everyone else who read that statement took it for what it was and didn't read anything else into it .
None of us can possibly be responsible , when we post something , for what someone else might think that it's seems very close to in their mind .
What David said and what you think it seems very close to , are two very different things . I'm not sure why you can't see that .
I hope you don't mind if I respond to you. I do not think that Adam nor myself were twisting what David had posted. We were seeking clarity and for David to correct our misunderstanding of his statement.
I understand what you said about feeling that some people on here are not safe to interact with. Perhaps you feel that way about me or about Adam. I hope not, but if so, I ask that you give us grace and hopefully we can work together to improve our mutual regard for one another. I certainly never intend to misrepresent anyone on here, but may misunderstand what others present.
I do notice that you rarely respond to me, so I thought that I may be one of those you don't feel is safe to interact with. If so, I am sorry for that. I respect you and your ideas, just like I do for anyone else. Yet, there are times where we all feel the need to bring forward how we disagree with another's posting and speak what we believe to be true. And sometimes we do need to address obviously false beliefs. I don't think that David falls in this category often, so I did want to explore his thinking on this topic with him in hopes of gaining a better understanding of what he really wished to convey.
Jema, I would love to hear from you, but understand if you wish to refrain. Let's work towards peace and unity.
I do wish you had spoken to my request of which of the two beliefs I asked you about. But I take it from you directing me back to the Scriptures that you believe that the Scriptures in their original autographs are strictly God's words, not those of men.
So, then, if this is true of your belief, then I gather that you believe that God dictated the words to the men to be written. Is this true?
2 Peter 1:21 "For the prophecy came not in old times by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."
2 Timothy3:16 "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
I believe what these verses declare, as I perceive that you do, too. I think there are two different stances on this topic. These are: whether God dictated His words in and through the Scripture writers or whether God guided these men through the Holy Spirit to write only what is true and sound words that accurately reflect what God wished to communicate to humanity through the writings of these men.
David, if you wish to respond back to this post, I would be happy for it. If you wish to let it lie, then that is fine, too.
Again, If you go back and read all of the comments that I posted in the conversation with Gigi, you will hopefully understand what I meant regarding your questions.
You are not correct when you say that I do not believe that the Bible is the Word of God. I believe that every single word in the Bible, in the original autographs, are God's words. They are exactly the words that God chose to use. I don't know how to be any more clear than that.
If you are really interested in understanding what I was attempting to communicate, you would do well to read all of the comments that I posted in the discussion with Gigi. Rather than singling out and apparently misunderstanding, one specific statement, which I Believe is absolutely true.
"The Bible alone and in its entirety IS THE VERY WORD OF GOD HIMSELF"
This seems very close to:
"The Bible alone and in its entirety IS [GOD HIMSELF]"
So we asked him about it, but I felt pretty sure that's what he meant so I brought up many questions. I'm actually relieved he says he apparently doesn't believe that, but I still don't know what he believes nor do I understand any motives behind it.
If you were accusing some of us of "twisting" words just look at his words above as this is a valid question of someone posting such things on this website. I hope 2 Timothy 4:3-4 does not apply in this case, but we should be on guard against such teachings and defend the truth.
I appreciate your chiming in on this subject and yes we have gone down this road in some of our past discussions regarding Biblical Hermeneutics and the nature of the Bible.
I fully acknowledge that when we attempt to articulate our understanding of any Biblical truth in our own words there exists the possibility of misunderstanding by the reader what we are trying to communicate. And perhaps that is the case here.
I certainly was not saying that "the Bible IS God, Himself". And if anyone believes that I was, they have misunderstood my meaning.
I am saying, as I have said many times was before, that every word, every verse, every passage, every chapter, every book, i.e. the entire Bible, is from the Mouth of God Himself in the original autographs, without getting into the mechanics of how God worked this out. And that the Bible does not merely "contain" God's Word in the words of its human writers.
As far as Bible translations, I'm convinced that the KJV is the most faithful word for word translation available in the English language. And, while not 100% error free, those instances are so few and far between that we can have confidence that we are reading the Words of God Himself. And God has also given us the tools to check out the KJV translation. This however was not the focus of my discussion with GiGi.
So I maintain that The Bible Alone and in its Entirety is the Word of God. And is the Ultimate Authority for doctrine and practice in our life.
Wow thank you.! Yes, I have dreams, that come true. What a blessing it has been as Im sure yur wife is as thankful. It helps to be persistant in spreading His word Tho at times I speak more from exsperience then from His word, I definitly mean well. Yet, for my own visions, Im not always sure who & never prepared for when it is put into motion. It took me years to understand judging & still learning so thank so much for yur help along w/the others. As humans we all do in some form or nother & thats why it is SO important for us to know & understand the true meaning of Christ DBR so we eventually, prayerfully, learn to let go & let God.! Nothing we can do about any happenings (even w/visions) for what is His will can not be changed by a human fretting for even a second. Lately, its a quick thought then my repenting starts. If she has tips on how to channel visions I'd be very interested to hear. As Im sure many ppl would. It could be her calling. Thanks to you both, blessings.!
With regards to the Word of God , I have always believed that the Word of God is also signified by the sword . It's an interesting study if you fancy it , that sharp two edged sword that will judge the nation's , the sword of the Lord and of Gideon , if you have a concordance you might want to look at the occasion's when the sword is mentioned , especially in Revelation and Ezekiel . Don't forget that sword that was placed at the gate of Eden . I believe that the Word is symbolised more than one thing , the obvious one being the Word made flesh which is of course Christ , I also believe that the sword often represents the Word of the Lord . Can anyone think of anything else in the Bible that might signify the Word of God ?
Hi David0921. I can see where that statement from you ("the Bible is the very WORD OF GOD HIMSELF") can be misleading. Some could read it as 'the Bible, which is truly God's Word, is God'. I read (by paraphrasing), ' the Bible is truly God's Word, spoken/authored by Him and given to us by Him (or Himself)'.
Maybe your strict emphasis on the words within the KJV being wholly God's Word (the exact Words spoken by God) rather than just a very good translation work into English, may color folks' understanding of your statement. We've discussed this aspect with the KJV before, & we find that our differences lie there, but to state that from our discussions & your other input, I believe that I've understood your statement in question, as you've intended.
n angel visits the priest Zacharias in a temple. Zacharias is married to an infertile woman named Elizabeth. The angel proclaims that Zacharias and his wife will bear a child who they shall name John. Zacharias explains to the angel that he is an elderly man. In response the angel simply says Zacharias will be unable to speak prior to the birth of his son.
Gabriel, yet another angel, appears to Mary who is wed to Joseph. Mary is told she too will bear a son who shall be called Jesus. This child will also become known as "The Son of the Highest". Mary decides to visit Elizabeth and when she does the unborn John moves within his mother's womb. Gabriel assures Mary that the Holy Spirit will pay her a visit. Mary sings great praises of the Lord.
Zacharias and Elizabeth are urged by many to name their new son after his father. They follow through with the original declaration and call him John. As promised, Zacharias is once again able to speak. In doing so he predicts that his son will bear the title of "The Prophet of the Highest."
I believe those verses and others that I quoted in the totality of my discussion with GiGi on this subject are consistent with and support what I have said about the Bible, the WORD of God and its relationship to our worship of the LORD Jesus Christ, eternal God Himself.
I think I explained exactly what I meant in my response to you and Adam. And if you go back and read the entirety of my comments to you in our discussion, I quoted numerous verses that I believe support exactly what I said and what I meant.
I am disappointed in your characterization of what I said. But I stand by what I said.
And like you suggested, I am now going to leave it there.
You quoted my words and then stated what "I meant". And what you said "I meant" is a distortion of what I said and what I meant.
But I said what I meant and believe that is what the Bible declares. And I quoted many scriptures in the totality of my discussion with GiGi, which I believe support what I said.
If I am incorrect in anything I say about what I believe the Bible is teaching, I welcome correction.
It is exceptionally serious business to say "thus says the LORD" when the LORD has not said.
A angel appears to shepherds guarding their sheep telling that a savior has been born that night. And then the sheperds went to see the baby.
Then they find Mary, Joseph and the baby inside and they tell everyone what the angel had said to them. The baby is named Jesus, as said by the angel before. Mary and Joseph took him to Jerusalem to God and to offer the sacrifice.
Simeon was promised by the Holy Spirit that he will see the savior before he dies, then he went inside the temple recognizes Jesus as the savior sent by God. Simeon holds the baby in his arms and blesses God and said that he is happy to die now that he has seen the promised savior. He blesses Mary and Joseph.
I used to know a GiGi in fort Polk Louisiana & Vincent! Back in 1982
Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Thanks again for your blessing
AMEN
cont.
The Star comes from Jacob, the Sceptre, comes from Israel. Balaam saw Christ in a vision, but said He is not to come now. He beholds Him, but His coming is not nigh. The Messiah will smite Moab and destroy the children of Sheth. He shall possess Edom and Seir and Israel shall do valiantly (overcome them). The Messiah will dominion and destroy those who still remain (at His second coming)
Balaam prophesies concerning Amalekites and the Kenites (Midianites). They both will perish and be wasted. He speaks of Chittam (Cypress or Greece) coming against Asshur (Assyria) and Eber (I don't know who Eber is as a nation nor Sheth of vs. 17)
After completing his prophecy, Balaam left Balak and returned home. Balak went home, too.
It is really awesome to see in this account how God MADE Balaam speak what He willed and Balaam could not do otherwise!
God's power is overwhelmingly great and able to accomplish whatever God wills. No one can stay His hand, nor truly oppose Him without being judged to enter the lake of fire in the end. Some may think that they can outsmart or overpower God's will, but they are wrong and deceived to think so. This chapter names nations that the Messiah will judge and waste, But I think this is a way of speaking that those who oppose God will be wasted as these nations were wasted.
The rebellious who dig in and resist God's will to the end of their life or at the second coming will be spending eternity in the lake of fire experiencing unending torment. So, we must pray for those without Christ to be saved and speak to them what God's Spirit tells us to say to them. We who have come to faith and taste of the goodness of God and His grace towards us have a responsibility to share how we came to be blessed with salvation and forgiveness of sins. We need to explain what happens at the final judgment to encourage those who believe and prompt those who don't to turn to Christ to be saved from our sins, death, and the lake of fire.
Fist, Balaam speaks about his eyes being opened. Since he was not blind, I think he is referring to a spiritual "seeing' or acquisition of knowledge of God he did not previously possess. Then he speaks of his vision. Then his words turn to Israel, speaking of the goodness of Israel's dwelling place-tabernacles, tents. I think he is speaking of Israels place of favor and blessing with God, not the physical tents. ballam speaks admirable words about Israel (vs. 5-7) prophesying that Israel will be great-exalted int the land.
Vs. 8-9 Balaam speaks of the strength given to Israel by YHWH and how Israel will defeat their enemies thoroughly. ballam proclaims: Blessed is he that blesses Israel and cursed is he that curses Israel. God had promised this to Israel in Genesis 12:3 and Genesis 49:9
Balak was furious and took Balaam to task about how he had hired Balaam to curse Israel but blessed them instead once again, this third time Balak tells Balaam to flee from him to his home. Perhaps this was a threat that he may be harmed if he does not leave Balak right away. Balak mentions how he wanted to promote Balaam to greater honor but blames YHWH for preventing it. Balaam answers that Balak's honor and treasures could not make him go against the of YHWH. Balaam say he could not do either good or bad in his mind, but only what the LORD saith, he must speak. God compelled Balaam to do this. If Balaam could have done bad he would have, but the LORD costrained his mind to only obey YHWH's command to bless Israel with the word God gives him and the power of the Holy Spirit makes him carry out God's will.
Balaam then tells Balak to listen while he advertises (announces) what Israel will do to Balak's people (Moabites) in latter days.
Then Balaam again speaks of his vision, opening of his eyes spiritually and the knowledge he acquired from the Spirit.
In vs. 17 YHWH gives a magnificent prophecy through Balaam concerning the coming of Jesus...cont..
Balaam decides to go into the wilderness instead of offering sacrifices on a mountain top "high place" where Baal is worshipped.
The wilderness he went into overlooked the camp of Israel. Whereas before God told Balaam what to say and Balaam obeyed, this time God bestows Balaam with the Spirit being put upon him like God did for the Old Testament prophets of Israel and Judah. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, Balaam begins his parable to bless Israel.
In verse 4, Balaam speaks of hearing God's voice, and gained knowledge from God, and had an eyes open vision of God Almighty. It doesn't say his reaction to this vision, but in other instances of prophets having visions of God (Isaiah and Ezekiel come to mind) they were forcibly laid prostrate before the LORD as though dead until the LORD lifted them up. They realized their sinfulness as they experienced the holiness of God. But Balaam does not speak of any of these things. But I imagine he was humbled and knew that He could do either good or bad from his own mind, but only what the LORD says he must speak )(Vs.13)
When Balaam beheld the camp of Israel, the Spirit came upon him and he begins his parable (blessing and prophecy).
...cont.
Their DNA lives on in some sense, but they are so intermixed with other peoples that there is no definable group of Edomites today.
When Isaiah or other prophets mention Edom in connection with future judgment such as in Isaiah 34 or 63), they are mentioned because they represent the nations that hate Israel and Israel's God, it's sort of a back hand.
They were wiped out as a people.
See Obadiah 1:8-18.
Hopefully this helps.
God bless.
Amos 9:8-9.
Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the LORD.
For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth.
( They have been scattered amongst all the nations.
In the latter days God will raise up the tabernacle of David and gather them from all nations.)
AMOS 9:11.
In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:
AMOS 9:14-15.
And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.
And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.
James quotes this in Acts 15:15-16.
I hope this helps.
God bless.
Thank you so much for replying to me and "clearing the air" so I can understand you better.
There are some here like you, who do not wish to enter into rigorous discussions, and there are some, like me, who do, not for the cause of being argumentative or to debate, but to engage in deep thoughts on topics that come up. Both approaches are fine and worthy of this forum. I, like you, love to give helpful answers to peoples' questions, to pray for those who request prayer (so glad for your good report from your doctor!) and for those who do not ask but I feel led to pray for, and hear and speak to lift people up. So, I think we have a lot in common, and we have some differences in personality, too, which is so normal. I always appreciate your postings and am glad that you, like me, have had a long time with the Lord and His words in Scripture.
Jema, I really do appreciate your response. Going forward will be much more comfortable for both of us!
We read in (Hebrews, 4:12) "For the word of God is "quick" and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart".
The word "quick" is #2198; it means to live, (a-) live.
The Word of God is Alive!
Do we have the Word of God that's Alive today? If its only the original autographs then how could God use those to judge us?
How could we be judged (righteously) with what we have no way of reading, or studying? ( 2 Tim. 2:15) We are told to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth". How do we study the original autographs? The word of truth is the KJB!
If we read ( Jn. 12:47-50) In v48 Jesus said "the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day".
If we are judged in the last day by the words that Jesus spoke do you think God would provide those words for us in a (perfect) translation? I think so too!
That means those words would have to be in a book, or in a Bible today. Right?
If we read ( Rev. 22:18-19) v18 "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy ((OF THIS BOOK)) If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written ((IN THIS BOOK)).
v19 "And if any man shall take away from the words ((OF (THE BOOK) OF THIS PROPHECY)) God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written ((IN THIS BOOK)).
God cannot lie!
Changing the words? ( Jer. 23:36) "for ye have "perverted" the words of the living God" "perverted" #2015; it means to change.
( Ps. 12:6-7) Is God's promise to preserve His Words for all generations, FOR EVER.
If God preserved His Word for this generation through the translation of the KJB then where are we told how He did that in the Bible?
( 2 Pet. 1:19-21)
Truth matters!
Thank you for responding. And I do want to speak as directly as I possibly can to this question.
Other than perhaps the nature of salvation itself, there is no more important doctrine in my view than the nature of the Bible, the Word of God.
I'm not interested in getting into a discussion about the mechanics of how God used the human authors to write the Bible. Whether he dictated it to them or so work in their minds so that they actually wrote exactly the words that God wanted them to write, down to the very word itself.
But I believe, with every fiber of my being, is that in the original autographs, every single word in the Bible, is God's word. It is exactly the word God chose to use.
And God Himself is the only one that can actually open our understanding of the Bible as we apply the principles God declares in the Bible that we are to use in interpreting His Word.
And I believe that any other view of what the Bible is, would be a faulty view.
And, quite frankly, that is one of the primary Snares that virtually every church has fallen into, to one degree or another, and may be the primary reason God's judgment is upon the churches in our day.
I understand that is a difficult statement to accept for those that are in the churches today. And that is very sad Situation. But as are all things, this too is totally under God's control.
But if you go into any church today and compare it to what was being preached and taught and practiced within that church relative to 50 to 75 years ago, you might hardly recognize it, I am sorry to say.
I am so glad you explained you belief to Chris here. That explains your statement Adam and I were seeking clarification from you. How you explained it here to Chris is clear to me now. I wish you would have said it this way to us when we asked for clarification, but I will accept that you clarified it to Chris instead of directly to Adam and to me.
So, in light of this explanation to Chris, I would say that we are in agreement that the words in Scripture are the words God willed to be written.
Thank you for explaining this to Chris so Adam and I can know your belief aligns with what we believe, too. Thank you for this communication to Chris.
What David posted was
The Bible alone and in its entirety is the very word of God Himself .
My reply to you is , do you not believe that the Bible is entirely
the Word of God ?
Then you said to me :
This seems very close to
The Bible alone and in its entirety is ( God Himself ) .
My answer to you is no , it does not seem very close to that or anything else . It may seem very close to that in your mind but that's the only place that it seems very close to that .
I'm guessing everyone else who read that statement took it for what it was and didn't read anything else into it .
None of us can possibly be responsible , when we post something , for what someone else might think that it's seems very close to in their mind .
What David said and what you think it seems very close to , are two very different things . I'm not sure why you can't see that .
I hope you don't mind if I respond to you. I do not think that Adam nor myself were twisting what David had posted. We were seeking clarity and for David to correct our misunderstanding of his statement.
I understand what you said about feeling that some people on here are not safe to interact with. Perhaps you feel that way about me or about Adam. I hope not, but if so, I ask that you give us grace and hopefully we can work together to improve our mutual regard for one another. I certainly never intend to misrepresent anyone on here, but may misunderstand what others present.
I do notice that you rarely respond to me, so I thought that I may be one of those you don't feel is safe to interact with. If so, I am sorry for that. I respect you and your ideas, just like I do for anyone else. Yet, there are times where we all feel the need to bring forward how we disagree with another's posting and speak what we believe to be true. And sometimes we do need to address obviously false beliefs. I don't think that David falls in this category often, so I did want to explore his thinking on this topic with him in hopes of gaining a better understanding of what he really wished to convey.
Jema, I would love to hear from you, but understand if you wish to refrain. Let's work towards peace and unity.
I do wish you had spoken to my request of which of the two beliefs I asked you about. But I take it from you directing me back to the Scriptures that you believe that the Scriptures in their original autographs are strictly God's words, not those of men.
So, then, if this is true of your belief, then I gather that you believe that God dictated the words to the men to be written. Is this true?
2 Peter 1:21 "For the prophecy came not in old times by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."
2 Timothy3:16 "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
I believe what these verses declare, as I perceive that you do, too. I think there are two different stances on this topic. These are: whether God dictated His words in and through the Scripture writers or whether God guided these men through the Holy Spirit to write only what is true and sound words that accurately reflect what God wished to communicate to humanity through the writings of these men.
David, if you wish to respond back to this post, I would be happy for it. If you wish to let it lie, then that is fine, too.
Again, If you go back and read all of the comments that I posted in the conversation with Gigi, you will hopefully understand what I meant regarding your questions.
You are not correct when you say that I do not believe that the Bible is the Word of God. I believe that every single word in the Bible, in the original autographs, are God's words. They are exactly the words that God chose to use. I don't know how to be any more clear than that.
If you are really interested in understanding what I was attempting to communicate, you would do well to read all of the comments that I posted in the discussion with Gigi. Rather than singling out and apparently misunderstanding, one specific statement, which I Believe is absolutely true.
David092: "But we cannot separate the worship of God from the Word of God."
The Bible is the Word of God, so this reads like: 'we cannot separate the worship of God from the [Bible]".
We now understand you don't consider the "Word of God" to mean the Bible, so what do you mean by this and what are scripture sources?
What David posted was:
"The Bible alone and in its entirety IS THE VERY WORD OF GOD HIMSELF"
This seems very close to:
"The Bible alone and in its entirety IS [GOD HIMSELF]"
So we asked him about it, but I felt pretty sure that's what he meant so I brought up many questions. I'm actually relieved he says he apparently doesn't believe that, but I still don't know what he believes nor do I understand any motives behind it.
If you were accusing some of us of "twisting" words just look at his words above as this is a valid question of someone posting such things on this website. I hope 2 Timothy 4:3-4 does not apply in this case, but we should be on guard against such teachings and defend the truth.
I appreciate your chiming in on this subject and yes we have gone down this road in some of our past discussions regarding Biblical Hermeneutics and the nature of the Bible.
I fully acknowledge that when we attempt to articulate our understanding of any Biblical truth in our own words there exists the possibility of misunderstanding by the reader what we are trying to communicate. And perhaps that is the case here.
I certainly was not saying that "the Bible IS God, Himself". And if anyone believes that I was, they have misunderstood my meaning.
I am saying, as I have said many times was before, that every word, every verse, every passage, every chapter, every book, i.e. the entire Bible, is from the Mouth of God Himself in the original autographs, without getting into the mechanics of how God worked this out. And that the Bible does not merely "contain" God's Word in the words of its human writers.
As far as Bible translations, I'm convinced that the KJV is the most faithful word for word translation available in the English language. And, while not 100% error free, those instances are so few and far between that we can have confidence that we are reading the Words of God Himself. And God has also given us the tools to check out the KJV translation. This however was not the focus of my discussion with GiGi.
So I maintain that The Bible Alone and in its Entirety is the Word of God. And is the Ultimate Authority for doctrine and practice in our life.
Maybe your strict emphasis on the words within the KJV being wholly God's Word (the exact Words spoken by God) rather than just a very good translation work into English, may color folks' understanding of your statement. We've discussed this aspect with the KJV before, & we find that our differences lie there, but to state that from our discussions & your other input, I believe that I've understood your statement in question, as you've intended.
Gabriel, yet another angel, appears to Mary who is wed to Joseph. Mary is told she too will bear a son who shall be called Jesus. This child will also become known as "The Son of the Highest". Mary decides to visit Elizabeth and when she does the unborn John moves within his mother's womb. Gabriel assures Mary that the Holy Spirit will pay her a visit. Mary sings great praises of the Lord.
Zacharias and Elizabeth are urged by many to name their new son after his father. They follow through with the original declaration and call him John. As promised, Zacharias is once again able to speak. In doing so he predicts that his son will bear the title of "The Prophet of the Highest."
I believe those verses and others that I quoted in the totality of my discussion with GiGi on this subject are consistent with and support what I have said about the Bible, the WORD of God and its relationship to our worship of the LORD Jesus Christ, eternal God Himself.
I think I explained exactly what I meant in my response to you and Adam. And if you go back and read the entirety of my comments to you in our discussion, I quoted numerous verses that I believe support exactly what I said and what I meant.
I am disappointed in your characterization of what I said. But I stand by what I said.
And like you suggested, I am now going to leave it there.
May God richly bless you.
You quoted my words and then stated what "I meant". And what you said "I meant" is a distortion of what I said and what I meant.
But I said what I meant and believe that is what the Bible declares. And I quoted many scriptures in the totality of my discussion with GiGi, which I believe support what I said.
If I am incorrect in anything I say about what I believe the Bible is teaching, I welcome correction.
It is exceptionally serious business to say "thus says the LORD" when the LORD has not said.