David0921....I disagree with you in the spirit of love....The new heaven and new earth is simply our new hearts and new spirits....That New CREATURE....As Isaiah 66:22 says as the new heaven and the new earth shall remain so shall thy seed and name remain......The seed of the sower is gona form Christ in US.....Which is the gift of God the H.G. his NAME sake...Which is the Children of Promise....An Israel of God....My lil Children of whom i travail in birth till Christ is formed in you....Which is the H.G. the Child of PROMISE.....David there is absolutely nothing wrong with this earth or the heavens.....Its mans evil adamic nature our Spirits that is satanic....Thats y Jesus said outa of the hearts of man proceeds all manner of evil.....Thats one of the reasons Jesus died was to destroy the works of the devil....All Sin is of the devil as John said....When he the spirit of truth is come he will reprove the WORLD of sin and Judgement and righteousness....Which is the womans Child of Rev 12:5....That is gonna rule all nations....Thats y God is telling us I will give them a new heart and a new spirit....Which is that New Covenant that Jesus gave us at Calvary.....The new book of life that Jesus wrote with his own blood....Whosoever was not found written in this book of life that Jesus wrote with his own blood at Calvary was cast into the lake of fire....As our God is a consuming fire....Which is baptism of the H.G. and FIRE....That y Jesus said every sinner has to have his part in the lake of fire.....As our God is a consuming fire that is gona consume mans adamic nature the kindling.....Thats y Jesus says he came to bring fire on the earth....But the new heaven and new earth is not literal.....Its just prophetic of our new hearts and new spirit....But the Kingdom is gonna be here on this earth....As Rev.11:15 says the Kingdoms of this world have become the Kingdoms of our lord and his Christ and he shall reign for ever and ever....And we shall reign on this earth.Gb
We must always remember that any truth we may have come to is not because we are smarter or wiser than any one else. It is God Himself that must reveal truth to us from His Word, if indeed He has. And He will do that in accordance with His good pleasure on His time table, not ours.
I will say that I did not come to my beliefs regarding the nature of God's Judgment and Salvation Programs and my current understanding of end time events and what God declares about the churches and congregations of our day, solely by my own personal study while isolated somewhere in an ivory tower. But I have been blessed by faithful Bible teachers that have diligently searched the scriptures faithfully applying the principles of Bible interpretation that God has given us in the Bible itself. Some of that teaching can be found today in the ministry of SearchingHisWord and Alameda Bible Fellowship as I referenced previously.
We must also recognize that there are certain truths that could not be understood even by True Believers until we approach the time of the end as we read in Daniel 12:4
But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
And Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
So if there was ever a time when we should be "searching the scriptures to see if these things be so", it is now.
Amen AMEN ! I have to go out now but latter today I will respond a bit more to you if that's ok , I have read a lot of old posts on this site and you should know that anyone and everyone else that has said pretty much the same as you , has been lambasted until they disappeared from this site , so be prepared ! God bless you for your bravery ! Be assured , I know very many other Christians , who like myself have come to the very same conclusion as you , you are not alone . Much love to you in Christ .
I have come to believe the Bible does NOT teach that God's Judgment for our sin and rebellion against God includes conscious existence in a place called Hell where we will endure pain and suffering that continues for billions and billions of years without any end, i.e for ever and ever.
The Bible does teach I believe that the wages of sin is eternal death. That is eternal destruction, annihilation. This means of course that if we die unsaved there is no eternal inheritance for us living and reigning with Christ forever in the New Heavens and New Earth in eternal bliss that never ends. All that is lost which in itself is a terrible punishment.
The conventional understanding of God's Final Judgment for sin, of suffering and torment that has no end is inconsistent with everything in the Bible that speaks about the Mercy of God. To believe that would mean that an unsaved baby who dies at childbirth would suffer consciously without any end whatsoever. The idea of an "age of accountability" is nowhere found in the Bible and unless saved in the womb we are sinners from birth as the Bible clearly teaches.
Furthermore God is perfectly righteous which means that God has obligated Himself to follow the Laws that He sets forth, including the Law of Deuteronomy 25:1-3 that punishment for the wicked is Limited. It has an end.
So when when a person dies unsaved they will never again have conscious existence.
Now if we are unsaved and still living when Christ returns to Resurrect and Rapture All whom He has saved throughout time, and enter into the Day of Judgment there will be intense suffering and shaming. But that will come to an end when Christ destroys this sin-cursed earth and Satan and all the fallen angels by fire, and there will be no remembrance of anything related to this creation in eternity. God then creates New Heavens and a New Earth where all of those saved will live and reign with Christ throughout eternity, world without end.
True, David0921, 'stagnation' would be too subtle a word to more fully describe how the Church at large treats God's Word & deals with sin & rebuke of erring ones. Unfortunately, from my limited experience, it seems that the larger the Church (congregation), the weaker they are in some of these areas we've referred to. The smaller, & probably the more exclusive (sectarian) of them, keep a much more rigid control on behavior & adherence to the Word. Yet, saying that, often their teachings also tend to be a little off-track. A few however, I believe, have found the right balance.
Now, I have a query on what you had earlier written (& now), in discussion with Jema a few days ago: "So when we look at the nature of God's Judgment program very carefully, we find that the Final Punishment is annihilation, that is destruction". And I quote this as you also shared here, "When was the last time you heard a sermon that focused on the Judgment and Wrath of God for sin?" Obviously, I think I have misunderstood you, where it appears that you believe that the final state of man is, either he's enjoying eternal life with the Lord, or a cessation of all existence (annihilation, as you put it). And then the "Wrath of God for sin" as you now stated. Without making any further assumptions, maybe you could clarify your belief, as in my mind I'm unable to reconcile the two statements.
I believe that Matthew 10:28 was quoted as a reference to the complete destruction of soul & body, to which the Greek word does support; as it does to John 3:16 ("perish"), Romans 2:12, 1 Corinthians 8:11, 2 Peter 3:9, and many others. But reference wasn't made to Daniel 12:1,2; Matthew 18:8,9; Matthew 25:46; Jude 1:7; Revelation 20:10,14,15; & others. In the light of these other Scriptures as well as the essence of the Gospel message which requires an eternal suffering, or else we don't have any Good News of salvation to give, how should we understand your statements? Blessings.
I was not suggesting in my comment that we should not call out false teaching when we hear it. We should. And I was not criticizing your doing that with the teachings that these individuals are proclaiming.
My comment was meant more as a general attitude and mindset that I think we should have as we do this.
It was not meant as a personal rebuke to you in any way.
Just referring in general whether on this site or the world.
That's why I said the world persecutes the Gospel message.
I gave an illustration of three different views.
The one that the world hates most is the message of the cross!
The slain Lamb that took away the penalty of sin for the whole world and made an atonement for those who believe.
That's the only message that's deemed foolish to the lost.
1 Corinthians 1:18-21.
That's the partition between those who are truly saved and those who are deceived.
The law is holy as Paul says in Romans 7:12.
But it doesn't regenerate the heart!
The law is the ministration of Death as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 3.
When the law came it slew us from Adam and Eve till the end of time!
It declared man guilty!!
It painted the picture of mankind in Adam!
Now that we have the law we also have sin and the wages of sin is death.
The world is softer on you do your best and the Lord will save you by his Love apart from Christ than Christ finish work on the cross apart from the Law.
And it's emphasized in this notion you can loose your Salvation.
If you can't work to get it, you can't work to keep it.
The regeneration by the Holyspirit is a neglected doctrine today.
Our measuring instrument is Love for the Brothern.
That's also misunderstood!
We treat "this Love" as an work rather than a fruit is a big issue.
Vs. 14 tells the Levites that everything in Israel that is devoted (set apart-given over to the LORD be) is yours. All firstborn from the womb belong to the LORD, but firstborn humans are to be redeemed for a set price that is given to the Levites. The firstborn of the livestock cannot be redeemed and are to be used for sacrifices and offerings. They are to sprinkle the blood on the altar and burn their fat to the LORD. The meat can be eaten by the Levites. This meat is set aside for the all in the families of Levites as their regular share, thus bringing sustenance and a regular source of meat to these Israelites called to serve in the tabernacle.
The LORD tells Aaron that he will not have any share in the land as an inheritance because the LORD is his inheritance. This is a lovely gracious gift. The LORD is our inheritance, our portion, our satisfaction. We can have many things in this life and world, but to have the LORD as one's inheritance is the greatest thing! If we have HIm, everything else will be added to us as we need it.
The Levites are given all the tithes as their inheritance in return for their work they do serving in the Tent of Meeting.The Levites are to give Aaron and the priest a tenth of the tithe they receive and this tenth must be the best and holiest part of everything
given to them.
By living according to these regulations the Levites and priests will keep the tithes and offerings of the Israelites holy and they will not die of defiling the holy offerings given to them by the Israelites.
These ordinances ensure that the Levites and priests and their families are properly provided for. There should be no greed to have more than they truly need and to receive all tithes and offerings reverently because they are first of all given to the LORD and then the LORD gives them to the Levites.
After all the ways God brought death and judgment on the people who were rebellious and unbelieving, He should be taken seriously.
Thought I'd comment on your mention "another say we're saved by keeping the law" and ask if you are referring to discussions on this site or elsewhere?
I don't recall seeing a comment on this site claiming we're saved by keeping the law. If you are referring to this site if you can give some examples of that I'd like to read them.
I agree brother. And the unfortunate thing when confined to discussion/debate via such fora, is that we fail to hear voice intonations, facial/physical expressions, etc., which no doubt would help the reader to more correctly understand how the message is being delivered. I think that is why we need to somehow focus on the message only trying to eliminate our perceived feelings about the other person's emotional feelings, whether good or bad. This of course, is difficult, but just one of the limitations of being confined to a written discussion platform.
And I agree, where the clear Truth of the Word is given (such as the core beliefs found in the Word: of the Triune nature of God, the pure Gospel of Grace alone, of holiness of life in the Spirit, of eternal life or eternal torment that awaits all, & knowing both "the goodness and severity of God"), there should be an unflinching grasp of these Truths which are the foundations of our faith. And these should be proclaimed with all confidence & diligence. Every blessing & encouragement to you brother.
In this chapter the LORD explains parameters of serving in the priesthood (only descendants of Aaron) and tabernacle service (only Levites).
After making it clear whom God had chosen for these positions of service by having Aaron's rod bud, Through Moses, the LORD sets down the rules for serving in these positions. No one is to "cross the line", so to speak, by taking on any priestly work that is not assigned to them by the LORD under threat of death and no one, likewise, is to perform the tabernacle service of the Levites who is not a descendant of Levi, under threat of death. These servants were set apart as belonging wholly unto the LORD and therefore hallowed. People of the other tribes were to respect them, give the tithes to them, bring to the priests any and every offering, gift, or sacrifice. The general congregation was to provide for the Levites since the Levites could not possess any land or produce any means of support outside of the duties of priesthood and tabernacle. The Levites themselves were to give a tenth of what they received unto the LORD and not use it for themselves. They could only eat of the foods provided by the tithe if they were ceremonially clean. Sometimes they ate of the offering only within the tent of meeting and other offerings they could eat with non-Levites who were ceremonially clean.
The Levites were to be humble, grateful, and content with what was provided to them by the LORD through the giving of the tithe by the congregation. After all, they were to receive the best of the produce of the land, flocks, vineyards. Since they could not have an inheritance of land like the other tribes, they must have resided in or near the tent of meeting when it was set up in the promised land or lived in the cities dedicated to the Levites. They could not just live anywhere they chose. They were subject to the regulations God had placed on them as spiritual servants of God and the people.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:11-16.
When that light gets to bright we're asked to put it out.
I believe some think I take pleasure out of debating or disagreement probably because of my direct approach.
I certainly don't!
I don't engage in everything as I used to do, nor do I read every post or replies.
Believe it or not I read very little.
In this case I was giving help where I thought help was needed by way of clarity.
Even when not engaging in a debate, What I find strange is we can have one that says we're saved by grace, another say we're saved by keeping the law, and one says we're all saved no matter what.
They all rebukes one another's message.
Which of the three is most likely to be persecuted by the world?
However I don't quite know where you are coming from.
You stated; "God commands us to love our enemies. To pray for them. It is not the job of the True Believer to pass judgement on any individual. If we want to find sin we need only look in the mirror."
Let me make this clearer.
I said that that false doctrine that has been presented from this group for better than 3 years is sinister.
Then I gave the parallel with their beliefs.( All of man king becoming Gods) with the scripture on Satan/Lucifer found in Isaiah 14:14.
And I eluded to them saying over this same period of time the Gospel we preach was of man.
I say again, yes there's something sinister about that.
Where's the passing of Judgment you mentioned?
Should I agree with them for the sake of peace?
Find the recent thread where I spoke to them un truthfully that would cause Jema to react in such a personal way.
How do we show love to our enemies? Shun the Gospel that the reject?
Brother what you are describing is them condemning themselves!
I just declared there beliefs and have you noticed they haven't denied it.
I believe one of the biggest cons is the idea that some people are born with an extra proclivity to a sin and therefore automatically tied to their identity. If you dare to question their perceived identity in that sin then you are a fill-in-the-blank derogatory name and you are the problem.
So, people have used this to justify homosexuality, transsexual activity, even pedophilia. It's absolutely disgusting and I have no doubt this trend will continue if not unchallenged. We also see people of certain skin colors let off the hook for violent crimes because they assume they are disadvantaged and somehow can't help themselves. I have no doubt they will continue to push to get you to accept any additional perversion and sin they come up with, getting darker and more sinister each time. Now they're corrupting kids into their desired perversions which is hard to imagine the depth of evil.
People can have temptations in a certain area stronger than other temptations, but no one's identity is that sin. That is a lie. That is from satan. He has deceived many. Satan is not love. Upholding God's morals and values IS love, not the opposite which the world claims. Nearly everything the world says is a lie.
The LORD commanded that each tribal leader present to Moses the rod/staff of the leader with the name of the leader written or carved on it. Then these rods were laid out before the LORD in the tabernacle. The LORD said that He will cause the rod to bud of the tribe He had designated as the tribe to lead this nation. Overnight the rod of Aaron (tribe of Levi) leafed, budded, and produced almonds. All the other rods remained the same as they had been when placed before the LORD. The LORD did this to settle the matter for the nation definitively by this miracle in order to stop the grumbling against Moses and Aaron that so displeased Him and brought His judgment on so many among the people.
Moses showed the rods to the congregation, proving that Aaron's rod had indeed budded miraculously. Each tribal leader took his own rod. The LORD ordered that Aaron's rod would be set back in front of the Testimony (Ark of the Covenant) to serve as a perpetual memorial of this miracle that showed God's will for the leadership of the nation. the LORD said that this placement of the rod of Aaron as a memorial will stop the grumbling of the people against His chosen leaders, Aaron and Moses so that they will not die due to continuing to grumble.
After this the Israelites cried out that anyone who came near the tabernacle will die. They said that they were lost. They asked if they will die.
Although the LORD did not say this would happen, the people were in dread for their lives. Perhaps they felt conviction of sin. Maybe they feared the LORD at last. Surely they were concerned for themselves more than praising or honoring the LORD after such a wonderful miracle that showed forth God's grace that Aaron's rod would be a reminder, not an object for condemnation.
Notice how obedient Moses was to all that the LORD asked of him. He listened to YHWH without argument and was swift to carry out the instructions regardless of results.
You mention "stagnation" in the churches and congregations of our day. I would say it is far more serious that "stagnation".
If you go into virtually any church to day ant listen to what is being taught, how much different will that be than what you would have found in that same church or denomination 50 or 75 years ago? How much of the World would you see in that church regarding the acceptance of the mores of the World? When was the last time you heard a sermon from the Book of Jeremiah if ever? When was the last time you heard a sermon that focused on the Judgment and Wrath of God for sin?
What is the Gospel being preached in the churches? Is it a Gospel of Grace alone, where God does 100% of the "work" in saving anyone? Or is it a gospel of Grace plus "works", where Christ has done His part and now its up to us to do our part? Is there any sense at all that not every church member that may appear to be saved may in fact not have become saved and there should be a message of warning to "make our calling and election sure"? Has the gospel in the churches not become more of a social gospel or a political gospel, rather than the True Gospel that we are in terrible trouble with God and desperately need a savior? How many people in the church actually know what they need to be "saved from"?
When we take an honest look at any church today it is not "stagnation" that we see. Is it not where the Bible has lost its Absolute Authority and the authority has become the creeds and confessions developed hundreds of years ago, or worse the ideas of man and a gospel that we like and not the TRUE Gospel of the Bible? Why do you think there are so many different understandings of so many important doctrines in the various churches when that is only ONE TRUTH?
Sorry but I never supported anyone in regards to escatology , I have no clue what escatology is ! And I have no desire to know , all I know and all I want to know is the Bible , I don't do ologies . Please show me how and where I supported anyone about it . Please also make sure that you only message me in the same way that you would speak to me face to face , perhaps if you did that I would not find your attitude so offensive , and yes , you are correct , we will have to agree to disagree . I hate myself for allowing you to slightly annoy me to the extent that I have to message you in this way , well done you .
Indeed brother S. Spencer, where sin & unrighteousness was evident, the Lord never failed to call them out. Not to say, that we can take the same liberty on every matter, seeing that our understanding or motives may never meet that pure standard of the Lord in everything. But I believe that the Lord expects us to stand for the Truth & to expose falsehood where there is a clear departure from the Word. A part of the reason for the general stagnation of the Church today, is because of their feebleness & fear to be stern, lest they suffer in some way for their boldness & forthrightness. It's much easier to remain quiet & 'let the Lord take care of the matter' than for the Christian to stand for Truth & the pure Word of God.
Matthew chapter 23 is one of those great examples of the Lord's Anger vented against the religious leaders - He did not spare them, fiercely looking upon them, saying "Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?" ( Matthew 23:33). This wasn't a loving friendly talk with them. And then His Love & yearning Heart poured out in verse 37, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" Therefore, may our words & emotions behind them be Spirit-charged & not the voice of the flesh. And we need to remember that there may be many others who come to these pages to read, consider & digest the messages - are we not responsible before the Lord to expose error or at the very least, to present the Truth so that the reader may discern? Thank you for your efforts & persistence brother, as I note also with some others here. Blessings.
I'm just not comfortable in aggressive environments . Passive and veiled aggression are still aggression and I don't like being around either . When Jesus and the Apostles challenged people's beliefs they managed to do it in a totally loving way , we are supposed to be trying very hard to be like them , that means love , real love , not feigned , not just loving in speech but in true feeling for each other . When we speak to anyone but especially to a fellow believer , we must speak through the heart of Christ , not through our own sinful hearts . It's not always easy and I definately fail but I never stop trying with any and everyone and believe me I am sorely tried every day , as I'm sure most of us are . Aggression has no place in a Christian heart , even if our reason behind our aggression is , in our own eyes , justified . We must never give up trying to be as much like our Redeemer as possible and just because we fail that doesn't mean we can't start afresh every day . God's mercies are fresh every day so should our attitude be . The things that we did or said wrong yesterday are gone and forgotten , so today we wake up with a clean heart , let's see how far through the day we can get before we recognise our own sinful behaviour . We need to all remember that God hears our every word and , perhaps more importantly He knows all of our motivations for our words . Are we motivated by love ? Let's hope that we , me included , are always motivated by love and that that love is expressed in our words and behaviour towards others . God is always watching and listening .
Hi Landry. Lucifer in Hebrew is 'helel'. Howl in Hebrew is 'yalal'. Not the same word.
As for Isaiah 14 referring to Christ giving up His Glory: if Jesus has 'fallen from Heaven...is to be cut to the ground, Who weakened the nations....and that He would be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit', then I'm unsure how you developed this interpretation. What, in these verses, has inspired you to believe that these verses speak of Jesus & His incarnation, especially when this dialogue in Isaiah 14 was spoken against the King of Babylon & the evil spirit within him?
Hi Eric. I'm unsure whether you're enquiring about the 'snatching away' of true believers (otherwise referred to as the Rapture), or to the time of the Great Tribulation. I think it might be the former, to which there are three broad positions to the Rapture: pre, mid, & post Tribulation. That is, when Jesus returns for His Church, will it happen before the Great Tribulation (of seven years), in the middle of it, or at the end of the seven years? Those who hold to a specific position will have their Scriptures to support their belief. This is just a brief answer to you, as I can't ascertain the full nature of your question or what your understanding of this is.
I think, MawMaw Lady, that those specific guideline to 'offer no personal opinions', are to direct people within that study group to ensure that their views are presented with Scriptural backing. Now, some may do so yet misunderstand or misuse the Scriptures, thereby bringing in erroneous beliefs. The study leader would be trying to ensure that there isn't just a barrage of various thoughts & opinions that may be founded on personal beliefs or wishes; but that if some aspect of theology or doctrine is being considered, then to be faithful in studying it, one must, as fully as one can, refer to all the associated Scriptures that lend support to it. So one's freedom to give his/her opinion is always there, but is that opinion truthful, faithful & useful to God's Word and to those in the study group? This is why the study leader really needs to be well grounded in God's Word as also being a competent facilitator to keep the study in focus & orderly.
Even here on these pages, if you read the discussions presented, you will easily find that there are comments made that are at variance to what you believe, or even what the Bible teaches. Since we're not a study group, the Site's moderators no doubt allow us much latitude on biblical matters, yet nevertheless, understanding Truth & upholding it are what matters, when often one's opinions can actually contradict Truth. And yes, when a part of a study isn't clear to someone, then there should be occasions where questions can be asked for clarification.
Then the LORD told Moses to tell Eleazer, son of Aaron, to collect all of the censors that the 250 had used and forge them into plates to cover the altar, for since they were offered before the LORD, they were hallowed. These were to serve as a memorial to the people to remind them that no one but the seed of Aaron is to come near to offer incense to Him, exhorting them to not be like Korah and his company.
But the next day, the people began again to murmur against Moses and Aaron. (It seems they are stubborn and unteachable). They said that Moses and Aaron had killed the people of the LORD. They had not honor for the LORD, but were interested more in self-preservation. Once again the glory of the LORD appeared at the tabernacle and the LORD said to Moses and Aaron to get away from these people so He can consume them. They provoked the LORD again without fear. God sent a plague among the people and many were dying. Moses told Aaron to go and take a censor and stand in the middle of the people burning incense in the censor as an atonement for the people. He stood between those who had died and those who were alive and the plague was stayed at that point where Aaron stood. Over 14,000 people died of the plague that day because of the influence of Korah and the rebelliousness of those who questioned and murmured against Moses and Aaron.
How stiff-necked these people were. Before their very eyes they experienced God's judgment and they still were set against Him. God knows the hearts of all and He was right to decide that those people will die in the wilderness for their rebelliousness and unbelief in Him. The people were not concerned about provoking God with their sin, perhaps because they knew they were going to die in the wilderness, as God had said. They had a sense of hopelessness that caused them to not care about their future. They were bound up with sin and refused all the mercy and grace offered to them.
So, Moses set the stage for the "proving". The following day all of those rebelling with Korah were to bring censors with fire to burn incense before the LORD along with Aaron. And so they did the next day. Korah also called all of the congregation to meet with them to oppose Aaron and Moses at the door of the tabernacle
When everyone was assembled, the glory of the LORD appeared to all the congregation. He spoke to Moses and Aaron telling them to separate themselves from the congregation because He wished to consume them (destroy). But, again, Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before the LORD and interceded for the people. So the LORD told them to tell the congregation to go to the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. So Moses, Aaron, and the 70 elders went to the tents of Dathan and Abiram. Then they spoke to the congregation, telling them to depart from the tents of these wicked men, touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed by their sins.
So the people backed off from the tents of Dathan and Abiram, but surrounded the tents. Dathan and Abiram came out of their tents with their wives, sons, and children. Moses confronts them saying, "Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me tp do all of these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind." He goes on to say that if these men die in a way common to men, then they will know that the LORD had not appointed Moses. But if the LORD does something new by opening up the earth and swallowing them (a prophecy) then the people will know that these men have provoked God and are against God's choice of Moses and Aaron.
Just as he ended speaking this, the ground opened up around Dathan and Abiram and their families and all were engulfed by the hole and fell in alive and perished. All of the congregation fled from this place fearing that if they stayed they may be swallowed up, too. Then God sent out a fire from Himself and consumed the 250 men who offered incense.
Moses did not argue with them, rather, he simply said that the LORD will reveal the ones He has appointed over the congregation.
Then he prophetically explained the test that will show God's choice. Each of the 250 leaders along with Korah and his buddies were to take golden censors used to burn incense to the LORD and God will show who is the ones selected to be holy, anointed, and appointed to lead.
Then Moses chastises Korah the Levite, turning Korah's words back upon him (ye take too much upon you, ye son of Levi) and goes on to say that Korah should not deem his service in the tabernacle to be a small matter by God's choice of the Levites. Korah was not satisfied with the role chosen for him in the service to the LORD and in ministry to the people, he desired to be a priest, which he was not a son of Aaron to be so. He was questioning how God appointed priests. He coveted what was not his to have. Then Moses tells them that he and his company are gathered against the LORD and disrespect Aaron by murmuring against him. Moses, as a good leader, pointed out their sinfulness, because it was seriously wicked.
Next, Moses calls up Dathan and Abiram to present themselves before him. They refused to come to Moses. They charged that Moses had brought them out of a land of milk and honey (Egypt) to kill them min the wilderness and Moses has made himself prince over them. How they deflect away from their own sin of unbelief that sealed their judgment to die in the wilderness and not enter into the land of promise. They blame Moses instead of repenting and letting their hearts be transformed by God.
Moses was very grieved and spoke to the LORD asking Him to not accept any offering from these leaders. Moses speaks that he has not done anything to harm these men, and that was true. He had stood in the gap multiple times for the people interceding for them with the LORD. He refused to walk away from the calling God had placed upon him. ..cont.
In this chapter we read of the rebellion fostered by Korah (a Levite) and a few other associates, Dathan, Abiram, and On (from the tribe of Reuben). These men were questioning among themselves the legitimacy of Moses and Aaron as leaders of the nation. They stirred up dissent among the leaders among the tribes (250 men) to question why Aaron was the only one who could burn incense to the LORD as the High Priest. They spoke to Aaron and Moses, saying they take too much upon themselves as leaders and, since ALL of the people of Israel's congregation were holy and the Lord is amongst them, why do you (Moses and Aaron) lift themselves above all the others.
Interesting, none of these men were present when God called Moses from the burning bush or when God sent Aaron to Moses and spoke to both of them, appointing them both as leaders of the people of Israel, giving them the authority and power to lead the people out of the bondage of Egypt, go against the Pharaoh, and be the go-between between the LORD and the people.
Yet, these rebels thought that they knew better that Moses and Aaron how to run things. They did not esteem the wisdom of the LORD in choosing Moses and Aaron. These rebels were puffed up with pride and thought more of themselves than they ought to have. Moses was the meekest among men. They were unduly arrogant. They were willing to contend with Moses and Aaron, which was , in essence, contending with the LORD.
Moses' response to this incident was to fall on his face before them. He was a humble servant. He was also a prophet. In this instance he spoke to Korah and the others with him saying, "Even tomorrow the LORD will shew who are His; and who is holy;
and will cause him (the one set apart for holy service) to come near unto Him (the LORD); even him whom He hath chosen will He cause to come near to Him." Instead of arguing with the rebels or exerting any authority over them, cont. to pt. 2
If one decide to minister on this site he has the freedom to do so.
If one decide not to minister he has the freedom to do so.
If one decide to treat this community as a round table he has that freedom and if one takes the word of God to be handed serious he had that freedom.
Freedom goes on and if it's freedom you want, give it and expect it from everyone including me.
I'm not giving my opinion, I'm repeating what they have literally said out their own mouth!
If the accusation is false that's one thing but if it's true and is as easy as asking them, feel freely to do so.
In other words ask them directly and they should tell you directly that which they have said "We will be Gods and the Gospel which we preach is man made.
If it don't bother you when they say it don't let it bother you when I repeat it.
This is a King James site and what's written in it tells us to mark such a person.
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Romans 16:17.
Galatians 1:8-9.
Titus 3:10.
2 John 1:10-11.
Sometimes it's easier to know what the bible says than to do what it says.
We must always remember that any truth we may have come to is not because we are smarter or wiser than any one else. It is God Himself that must reveal truth to us from His Word, if indeed He has. And He will do that in accordance with His good pleasure on His time table, not ours.
I will say that I did not come to my beliefs regarding the nature of God's Judgment and Salvation Programs and my current understanding of end time events and what God declares about the churches and congregations of our day, solely by my own personal study while isolated somewhere in an ivory tower. But I have been blessed by faithful Bible teachers that have diligently searched the scriptures faithfully applying the principles of Bible interpretation that God has given us in the Bible itself. Some of that teaching can be found today in the ministry of SearchingHisWord and Alameda Bible Fellowship as I referenced previously.
We must also recognize that there are certain truths that could not be understood even by True Believers until we approach the time of the end as we read in Daniel 12:4
But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
And Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
So if there was ever a time when we should be "searching the scriptures to see if these things be so", it is now.
I have come to believe the Bible does NOT teach that God's Judgment for our sin and rebellion against God includes conscious existence in a place called Hell where we will endure pain and suffering that continues for billions and billions of years without any end, i.e for ever and ever.
The Bible does teach I believe that the wages of sin is eternal death. That is eternal destruction, annihilation. This means of course that if we die unsaved there is no eternal inheritance for us living and reigning with Christ forever in the New Heavens and New Earth in eternal bliss that never ends. All that is lost which in itself is a terrible punishment.
The conventional understanding of God's Final Judgment for sin, of suffering and torment that has no end is inconsistent with everything in the Bible that speaks about the Mercy of God. To believe that would mean that an unsaved baby who dies at childbirth would suffer consciously without any end whatsoever. The idea of an "age of accountability" is nowhere found in the Bible and unless saved in the womb we are sinners from birth as the Bible clearly teaches.
Furthermore God is perfectly righteous which means that God has obligated Himself to follow the Laws that He sets forth, including the Law of Deuteronomy 25:1-3 that punishment for the wicked is Limited. It has an end.
So when when a person dies unsaved they will never again have conscious existence.
Now if we are unsaved and still living when Christ returns to Resurrect and Rapture All whom He has saved throughout time, and enter into the Day of Judgment there will be intense suffering and shaming. But that will come to an end when Christ destroys this sin-cursed earth and Satan and all the fallen angels by fire, and there will be no remembrance of anything related to this creation in eternity. God then creates New Heavens and a New Earth where all of those saved will live and reign with Christ throughout eternity, world without end.
Now, I have a query on what you had earlier written (& now), in discussion with Jema a few days ago: "So when we look at the nature of God's Judgment program very carefully, we find that the Final Punishment is annihilation, that is destruction". And I quote this as you also shared here, "When was the last time you heard a sermon that focused on the Judgment and Wrath of God for sin?" Obviously, I think I have misunderstood you, where it appears that you believe that the final state of man is, either he's enjoying eternal life with the Lord, or a cessation of all existence (annihilation, as you put it). And then the "Wrath of God for sin" as you now stated. Without making any further assumptions, maybe you could clarify your belief, as in my mind I'm unable to reconcile the two statements.
I believe that Matthew 10:28 was quoted as a reference to the complete destruction of soul & body, to which the Greek word does support; as it does to John 3:16 ("perish"), Romans 2:12, 1 Corinthians 8:11, 2 Peter 3:9, and many others. But reference wasn't made to Daniel 12:1,2; Matthew 18:8,9; Matthew 25:46; Jude 1:7; Revelation 20:10,14,15; & others. In the light of these other Scriptures as well as the essence of the Gospel message which requires an eternal suffering, or else we don't have any Good News of salvation to give, how should we understand your statements? Blessings.
I was not suggesting in my comment that we should not call out false teaching when we hear it. We should. And I was not criticizing your doing that with the teachings that these individuals are proclaiming.
My comment was meant more as a general attitude and mindset that I think we should have as we do this.
It was not meant as a personal rebuke to you in any way.
Just referring in general whether on this site or the world.
That's why I said the world persecutes the Gospel message.
I gave an illustration of three different views.
The one that the world hates most is the message of the cross!
The slain Lamb that took away the penalty of sin for the whole world and made an atonement for those who believe.
That's the only message that's deemed foolish to the lost.
1 Corinthians 1:18-21.
That's the partition between those who are truly saved and those who are deceived.
The law is holy as Paul says in Romans 7:12.
But it doesn't regenerate the heart!
The law is the ministration of Death as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 3.
When the law came it slew us from Adam and Eve till the end of time!
It declared man guilty!!
It painted the picture of mankind in Adam!
Now that we have the law we also have sin and the wages of sin is death.
The world is softer on you do your best and the Lord will save you by his Love apart from Christ than Christ finish work on the cross apart from the Law.
And it's emphasized in this notion you can loose your Salvation.
If you can't work to get it, you can't work to keep it.
The regeneration by the Holyspirit is a neglected doctrine today.
Our measuring instrument is Love for the Brothern.
That's also misunderstood!
We treat "this Love" as an work rather than a fruit is a big issue.
God bless you.
Pt. 2
Vs. 14 tells the Levites that everything in Israel that is devoted (set apart-given over to the LORD be) is yours. All firstborn from the womb belong to the LORD, but firstborn humans are to be redeemed for a set price that is given to the Levites. The firstborn of the livestock cannot be redeemed and are to be used for sacrifices and offerings. They are to sprinkle the blood on the altar and burn their fat to the LORD. The meat can be eaten by the Levites. This meat is set aside for the all in the families of Levites as their regular share, thus bringing sustenance and a regular source of meat to these Israelites called to serve in the tabernacle.
The LORD tells Aaron that he will not have any share in the land as an inheritance because the LORD is his inheritance. This is a lovely gracious gift. The LORD is our inheritance, our portion, our satisfaction. We can have many things in this life and world, but to have the LORD as one's inheritance is the greatest thing! If we have HIm, everything else will be added to us as we need it.
The Levites are given all the tithes as their inheritance in return for their work they do serving in the Tent of Meeting.The Levites are to give Aaron and the priest a tenth of the tithe they receive and this tenth must be the best and holiest part of everything
given to them.
By living according to these regulations the Levites and priests will keep the tithes and offerings of the Israelites holy and they will not die of defiling the holy offerings given to them by the Israelites.
These ordinances ensure that the Levites and priests and their families are properly provided for. There should be no greed to have more than they truly need and to receive all tithes and offerings reverently because they are first of all given to the LORD and then the LORD gives them to the Levites.
After all the ways God brought death and judgment on the people who were rebellious and unbelieving, He should be taken seriously.
Thought I'd comment on your mention "another say we're saved by keeping the law" and ask if you are referring to discussions on this site or elsewhere?
I don't recall seeing a comment on this site claiming we're saved by keeping the law. If you are referring to this site if you can give some examples of that I'd like to read them.
God bless.
And I agree, where the clear Truth of the Word is given (such as the core beliefs found in the Word: of the Triune nature of God, the pure Gospel of Grace alone, of holiness of life in the Spirit, of eternal life or eternal torment that awaits all, & knowing both "the goodness and severity of God"), there should be an unflinching grasp of these Truths which are the foundations of our faith. And these should be proclaimed with all confidence & diligence. Every blessing & encouragement to you brother.
In this chapter the LORD explains parameters of serving in the priesthood (only descendants of Aaron) and tabernacle service (only Levites).
After making it clear whom God had chosen for these positions of service by having Aaron's rod bud, Through Moses, the LORD sets down the rules for serving in these positions. No one is to "cross the line", so to speak, by taking on any priestly work that is not assigned to them by the LORD under threat of death and no one, likewise, is to perform the tabernacle service of the Levites who is not a descendant of Levi, under threat of death. These servants were set apart as belonging wholly unto the LORD and therefore hallowed. People of the other tribes were to respect them, give the tithes to them, bring to the priests any and every offering, gift, or sacrifice. The general congregation was to provide for the Levites since the Levites could not possess any land or produce any means of support outside of the duties of priesthood and tabernacle. The Levites themselves were to give a tenth of what they received unto the LORD and not use it for themselves. They could only eat of the foods provided by the tithe if they were ceremonially clean. Sometimes they ate of the offering only within the tent of meeting and other offerings they could eat with non-Levites who were ceremonially clean.
The Levites were to be humble, grateful, and content with what was provided to them by the LORD through the giving of the tithe by the congregation. After all, they were to receive the best of the produce of the land, flocks, vineyards. Since they could not have an inheritance of land like the other tribes, they must have resided in or near the tent of meeting when it was set up in the promised land or lived in the cities dedicated to the Levites. They could not just live anywhere they chose. They were subject to the regulations God had placed on them as spiritual servants of God and the people.
see part 2
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:11-16.
When that light gets to bright we're asked to put it out.
God bless you.
I believe some think I take pleasure out of debating or disagreement probably because of my direct approach.
I certainly don't!
I don't engage in everything as I used to do, nor do I read every post or replies.
Believe it or not I read very little.
In this case I was giving help where I thought help was needed by way of clarity.
Even when not engaging in a debate, What I find strange is we can have one that says we're saved by grace, another say we're saved by keeping the law, and one says we're all saved no matter what.
They all rebukes one another's message.
Which of the three is most likely to be persecuted by the world?
It seems many don't like the narrow gate.
God bless you brother.
Thanks for your reply,
However I don't quite know where you are coming from.
You stated; "God commands us to love our enemies. To pray for them. It is not the job of the True Believer to pass judgement on any individual. If we want to find sin we need only look in the mirror."
Let me make this clearer.
I said that that false doctrine that has been presented from this group for better than 3 years is sinister.
Then I gave the parallel with their beliefs.( All of man king becoming Gods) with the scripture on Satan/Lucifer found in Isaiah 14:14.
And I eluded to them saying over this same period of time the Gospel we preach was of man.
I say again, yes there's something sinister about that.
Where's the passing of Judgment you mentioned?
Should I agree with them for the sake of peace?
Find the recent thread where I spoke to them un truthfully that would cause Jema to react in such a personal way.
How do we show love to our enemies? Shun the Gospel that the reject?
Brother what you are describing is them condemning themselves!
I just declared there beliefs and have you noticed they haven't denied it.
God bless
I believe one of the biggest cons is the idea that some people are born with an extra proclivity to a sin and therefore automatically tied to their identity. If you dare to question their perceived identity in that sin then you are a fill-in-the-blank derogatory name and you are the problem.
So, people have used this to justify homosexuality, transsexual activity, even pedophilia. It's absolutely disgusting and I have no doubt this trend will continue if not unchallenged. We also see people of certain skin colors let off the hook for violent crimes because they assume they are disadvantaged and somehow can't help themselves. I have no doubt they will continue to push to get you to accept any additional perversion and sin they come up with, getting darker and more sinister each time. Now they're corrupting kids into their desired perversions which is hard to imagine the depth of evil.
People can have temptations in a certain area stronger than other temptations, but no one's identity is that sin. That is a lie. That is from satan. He has deceived many. Satan is not love. Upholding God's morals and values IS love, not the opposite which the world claims. Nearly everything the world says is a lie.
The LORD commanded that each tribal leader present to Moses the rod/staff of the leader with the name of the leader written or carved on it. Then these rods were laid out before the LORD in the tabernacle. The LORD said that He will cause the rod to bud of the tribe He had designated as the tribe to lead this nation. Overnight the rod of Aaron (tribe of Levi) leafed, budded, and produced almonds. All the other rods remained the same as they had been when placed before the LORD. The LORD did this to settle the matter for the nation definitively by this miracle in order to stop the grumbling against Moses and Aaron that so displeased Him and brought His judgment on so many among the people.
Moses showed the rods to the congregation, proving that Aaron's rod had indeed budded miraculously. Each tribal leader took his own rod. The LORD ordered that Aaron's rod would be set back in front of the Testimony (Ark of the Covenant) to serve as a perpetual memorial of this miracle that showed God's will for the leadership of the nation. the LORD said that this placement of the rod of Aaron as a memorial will stop the grumbling of the people against His chosen leaders, Aaron and Moses so that they will not die due to continuing to grumble.
After this the Israelites cried out that anyone who came near the tabernacle will die. They said that they were lost. They asked if they will die.
Although the LORD did not say this would happen, the people were in dread for their lives. Perhaps they felt conviction of sin. Maybe they feared the LORD at last. Surely they were concerned for themselves more than praising or honoring the LORD after such a wonderful miracle that showed forth God's grace that Aaron's rod would be a reminder, not an object for condemnation.
Notice how obedient Moses was to all that the LORD asked of him. He listened to YHWH without argument and was swift to carry out the instructions regardless of results.
Haven't heard from you for a while. Hope you are doing great.
You mention "stagnation" in the churches and congregations of our day. I would say it is far more serious that "stagnation".
If you go into virtually any church to day ant listen to what is being taught, how much different will that be than what you would have found in that same church or denomination 50 or 75 years ago? How much of the World would you see in that church regarding the acceptance of the mores of the World? When was the last time you heard a sermon from the Book of Jeremiah if ever? When was the last time you heard a sermon that focused on the Judgment and Wrath of God for sin?
What is the Gospel being preached in the churches? Is it a Gospel of Grace alone, where God does 100% of the "work" in saving anyone? Or is it a gospel of Grace plus "works", where Christ has done His part and now its up to us to do our part? Is there any sense at all that not every church member that may appear to be saved may in fact not have become saved and there should be a message of warning to "make our calling and election sure"? Has the gospel in the churches not become more of a social gospel or a political gospel, rather than the True Gospel that we are in terrible trouble with God and desperately need a savior? How many people in the church actually know what they need to be "saved from"?
When we take an honest look at any church today it is not "stagnation" that we see. Is it not where the Bible has lost its Absolute Authority and the authority has become the creeds and confessions developed hundreds of years ago, or worse the ideas of man and a gospel that we like and not the TRUE Gospel of the Bible? Why do you think there are so many different understandings of so many important doctrines in the various churches when that is only ONE TRUTH?
1 Peter 4:17
Matthew chapter 23 is one of those great examples of the Lord's Anger vented against the religious leaders - He did not spare them, fiercely looking upon them, saying "Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?" ( Matthew 23:33). This wasn't a loving friendly talk with them. And then His Love & yearning Heart poured out in verse 37, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" Therefore, may our words & emotions behind them be Spirit-charged & not the voice of the flesh. And we need to remember that there may be many others who come to these pages to read, consider & digest the messages - are we not responsible before the Lord to expose error or at the very least, to present the Truth so that the reader may discern? Thank you for your efforts & persistence brother, as I note also with some others here. Blessings.
As for Isaiah 14 referring to Christ giving up His Glory: if Jesus has 'fallen from Heaven...is to be cut to the ground, Who weakened the nations....and that He would be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit', then I'm unsure how you developed this interpretation. What, in these verses, has inspired you to believe that these verses speak of Jesus & His incarnation, especially when this dialogue in Isaiah 14 was spoken against the King of Babylon & the evil spirit within him?
Even here on these pages, if you read the discussions presented, you will easily find that there are comments made that are at variance to what you believe, or even what the Bible teaches. Since we're not a study group, the Site's moderators no doubt allow us much latitude on biblical matters, yet nevertheless, understanding Truth & upholding it are what matters, when often one's opinions can actually contradict Truth. And yes, when a part of a study isn't clear to someone, then there should be occasions where questions can be asked for clarification.
Pt. 4
Then the LORD told Moses to tell Eleazer, son of Aaron, to collect all of the censors that the 250 had used and forge them into plates to cover the altar, for since they were offered before the LORD, they were hallowed. These were to serve as a memorial to the people to remind them that no one but the seed of Aaron is to come near to offer incense to Him, exhorting them to not be like Korah and his company.
But the next day, the people began again to murmur against Moses and Aaron. (It seems they are stubborn and unteachable). They said that Moses and Aaron had killed the people of the LORD. They had not honor for the LORD, but were interested more in self-preservation. Once again the glory of the LORD appeared at the tabernacle and the LORD said to Moses and Aaron to get away from these people so He can consume them. They provoked the LORD again without fear. God sent a plague among the people and many were dying. Moses told Aaron to go and take a censor and stand in the middle of the people burning incense in the censor as an atonement for the people. He stood between those who had died and those who were alive and the plague was stayed at that point where Aaron stood. Over 14,000 people died of the plague that day because of the influence of Korah and the rebelliousness of those who questioned and murmured against Moses and Aaron.
How stiff-necked these people were. Before their very eyes they experienced God's judgment and they still were set against Him. God knows the hearts of all and He was right to decide that those people will die in the wilderness for their rebelliousness and unbelief in Him. The people were not concerned about provoking God with their sin, perhaps because they knew they were going to die in the wilderness, as God had said. They had a sense of hopelessness that caused them to not care about their future. They were bound up with sin and refused all the mercy and grace offered to them.
Pt. 3
So, Moses set the stage for the "proving". The following day all of those rebelling with Korah were to bring censors with fire to burn incense before the LORD along with Aaron. And so they did the next day. Korah also called all of the congregation to meet with them to oppose Aaron and Moses at the door of the tabernacle
When everyone was assembled, the glory of the LORD appeared to all the congregation. He spoke to Moses and Aaron telling them to separate themselves from the congregation because He wished to consume them (destroy). But, again, Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before the LORD and interceded for the people. So the LORD told them to tell the congregation to go to the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. So Moses, Aaron, and the 70 elders went to the tents of Dathan and Abiram. Then they spoke to the congregation, telling them to depart from the tents of these wicked men, touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed by their sins.
So the people backed off from the tents of Dathan and Abiram, but surrounded the tents. Dathan and Abiram came out of their tents with their wives, sons, and children. Moses confronts them saying, "Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me tp do all of these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind." He goes on to say that if these men die in a way common to men, then they will know that the LORD had not appointed Moses. But if the LORD does something new by opening up the earth and swallowing them (a prophecy) then the people will know that these men have provoked God and are against God's choice of Moses and Aaron.
Just as he ended speaking this, the ground opened up around Dathan and Abiram and their families and all were engulfed by the hole and fell in alive and perished. All of the congregation fled from this place fearing that if they stayed they may be swallowed up, too. Then God sent out a fire from Himself and consumed the 250 men who offered incense.
cont. to pt. 4
Pt. 2
Moses did not argue with them, rather, he simply said that the LORD will reveal the ones He has appointed over the congregation.
Then he prophetically explained the test that will show God's choice. Each of the 250 leaders along with Korah and his buddies were to take golden censors used to burn incense to the LORD and God will show who is the ones selected to be holy, anointed, and appointed to lead.
Then Moses chastises Korah the Levite, turning Korah's words back upon him (ye take too much upon you, ye son of Levi) and goes on to say that Korah should not deem his service in the tabernacle to be a small matter by God's choice of the Levites. Korah was not satisfied with the role chosen for him in the service to the LORD and in ministry to the people, he desired to be a priest, which he was not a son of Aaron to be so. He was questioning how God appointed priests. He coveted what was not his to have. Then Moses tells them that he and his company are gathered against the LORD and disrespect Aaron by murmuring against him. Moses, as a good leader, pointed out their sinfulness, because it was seriously wicked.
Next, Moses calls up Dathan and Abiram to present themselves before him. They refused to come to Moses. They charged that Moses had brought them out of a land of milk and honey (Egypt) to kill them min the wilderness and Moses has made himself prince over them. How they deflect away from their own sin of unbelief that sealed their judgment to die in the wilderness and not enter into the land of promise. They blame Moses instead of repenting and letting their hearts be transformed by God.
Moses was very grieved and spoke to the LORD asking Him to not accept any offering from these leaders. Moses speaks that he has not done anything to harm these men, and that was true. He had stood in the gap multiple times for the people interceding for them with the LORD. He refused to walk away from the calling God had placed upon him. ..cont.
In this chapter we read of the rebellion fostered by Korah (a Levite) and a few other associates, Dathan, Abiram, and On (from the tribe of Reuben). These men were questioning among themselves the legitimacy of Moses and Aaron as leaders of the nation. They stirred up dissent among the leaders among the tribes (250 men) to question why Aaron was the only one who could burn incense to the LORD as the High Priest. They spoke to Aaron and Moses, saying they take too much upon themselves as leaders and, since ALL of the people of Israel's congregation were holy and the Lord is amongst them, why do you (Moses and Aaron) lift themselves above all the others.
Interesting, none of these men were present when God called Moses from the burning bush or when God sent Aaron to Moses and spoke to both of them, appointing them both as leaders of the people of Israel, giving them the authority and power to lead the people out of the bondage of Egypt, go against the Pharaoh, and be the go-between between the LORD and the people.
Yet, these rebels thought that they knew better that Moses and Aaron how to run things. They did not esteem the wisdom of the LORD in choosing Moses and Aaron. These rebels were puffed up with pride and thought more of themselves than they ought to have. Moses was the meekest among men. They were unduly arrogant. They were willing to contend with Moses and Aaron, which was , in essence, contending with the LORD.
Moses' response to this incident was to fall on his face before them. He was a humble servant. He was also a prophet. In this instance he spoke to Korah and the others with him saying, "Even tomorrow the LORD will shew who are His; and who is holy;
and will cause him (the one set apart for holy service) to come near unto Him (the LORD); even him whom He hath chosen will He cause to come near to Him." Instead of arguing with the rebels or exerting any authority over them, cont. to pt. 2
The bible teaches Satan has his ministers amongst us along with other demonic forces and scripture tells us how to discover them and to mark them.
However some blends in very well!
No where in scripture does it says defend them.
One thing they can't do is to be caused to Love the Brothern!
God night and God bless.
Yes we have freedom of speech as the world gives.
What is important to spiritual growth is truth!
That's what we earnestly seek for.
If one decide to minister on this site he has the freedom to do so.
If one decide not to minister he has the freedom to do so.
If one decide to treat this community as a round table he has that freedom and if one takes the word of God to be handed serious he had that freedom.
Freedom goes on and if it's freedom you want, give it and expect it from everyone including me.
I'm not giving my opinion, I'm repeating what they have literally said out their own mouth!
If the accusation is false that's one thing but if it's true and is as easy as asking them, feel freely to do so.
In other words ask them directly and they should tell you directly that which they have said "We will be Gods and the Gospel which we preach is man made.
If it don't bother you when they say it don't let it bother you when I repeat it.
This is a King James site and what's written in it tells us to mark such a person.
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Romans 16:17.
Galatians 1:8-9.
Titus 3:10.
2 John 1:10-11.
Sometimes it's easier to know what the bible says than to do what it says.
God bless.