Good Afternoon, Richard. I hope you are doing well today. I am still fighting this respiratory deal with coughing and fatigue, but getting a little better day by day, needing my nebulizer less often. Please pray for my complete recovery. I break a sweat over such little exertion. So, I'm purging closets in spurts. this has needed to be done for some time. Since my husband will retire June 1st, we definitely need to downsize a lot!
In speaking of this passage in Matthew. i am one who does think that Jesus was speaking of the generation at the time he was speaking and many things were fulfilled in 70.A.D. But i also think that these prophecies of Jesus have a double fulfillment aspect where much of them will be fulfilled at the end of times, also. We may have a repeat of the same type of prophetic event happening in the end as happened in 70 A.D., but also, some of what Jesus predicted did not happen in 70 A.D. and will be fulfilled in the end times.
The re-creation of Israel was accomplished primarily by Zionists that are very wealthy and have a great deal of power and control over world affairs.(thinking Rothchild's, etc.) Their goal is the New World Order and not necessarily to follow God's will. But as it were, Israel has become a nation again in an unexpected way. I remember the talk concerning the generation that began in 1948, (many are still alive), and then the 1967, and then the Jubilee year of 2018 (70 years after Israel was re-created. Now people are talking about the year 6000 of the Jewish calendar being the time of the fulfillment of history. There are certainly a lot of theories. But for me, I think about what Jesus said about being faithful to the end and being ready, prayerful, and alert. So I try to concentrate on being that way. I think I may have 20-25 years left since I am 66. But only God knows if Jesus will return before then or not. I live in expectation of His return but also with the mindset to be prepared to live out my life until me
In case my last posting didn't come up with my capital letters; I am basically offering an alternative to what appears to be a misunderstanding of the beginning date of the last generation since most people born in 1948 are dying off and even if a generation is 70 years it is too late now for 2028 to be the return of Christ since we are already into 2023. It seems no one is discussing this but surely we expect this will cause many to fall away.
In all due respect certainly there are immportant events that occured in 1948; and surely that would fulfill a "nation being born in a day." Some have argued; of course that secular Israel with pagan nations developing the framework; etc. may not really be something of God at all and I will leave out the disparaging comments about the Jews that some have had less than favorable opinions on in regard to conspiracy theories. There have been some who have claimed with the days of punishment turned into years May 14, 1948 can be calculated from prophecies in Ezekiel. Whether or not that is the case again; we have to look at where we are. It also has been argued that this generation can mean "race" in other words Jews will still exist. That doesn't seem to be a viable argument here either. What we have to look at in my opinion is what other possibilities exist as to what the start date could be.
My proposition is this: We may be getting close to the beginning of the final generation. And my theory is that the Psalm 83 war as indicated by the nations in the text may be just that trigger. When we look at Ezekiel 38; for instance we don't see the Palestinians and other surrounding annoyances that Israel is struggling with at present. We also see verses such as Isaiah 26:15 which says the same thing twice about enlarging the nation; and it mentions the borders being enlarged. Israel basically is back to it's original 1967 borders as of now; but soon may expand.
It has been suggested by many that either the Lord fulfilled all things in the generation that He was on earth which He referred to here (consummating in the AD 70 Roman slaughter of the Jews and destruction of Jerusalem); or more commonly that some or all things are yet to be fulfilled within the "generation" which began in 1948 when it is said that Ezekiel's prophecy of a nation born in a day ( Isaiah 66:8; see also Ezekiel 37:21 as well as verse 4 on the "valley of dry bones.") Psalm 90:10 in my mind fairly well makes it clear the extent of the normal lifetime of a man; and other scriptures seem to indicate a generation is 40 years. The case of Noah and the Ark is sometimes brought up; as to the number of days of man being 120 years ( Genesis 6:3). As to whether that means the time until the Ark was built from that statement or the lifespan of man or both may also be in question. Whatever the case; it is clear by the time of Christ people were living lives at best similar to today. It has generally been suggested therefore that a generation is 40 years and a double fulfillment would certainly make that evident when we see the time from Christ's proclamation until 70 AD as being slightly less than 40 years.
We went through the years of expectation in 1988 as to the rapture (although the prophecy mentions the "sign of the coming of the Son of Man" which would probably be when the world sees Him in the 6th Seal or later near His return by the context of the verse). At any rate; we went through the 90's and then some said it was really 1967 and the capture of Jerusalem that started off the final generation. Jump to 2008 and that clarly didn't happen; and then the 2017 events which recognized Jerusalem as the capitol and yet we are still here in 2023. Somethin' ain't right here with the logic. We would certainly expect that because things didn't happen as expected many will fall away ( 2 Peter 3:4; Matt. 24:28).
Leaven in the Bible always represents evil and corruption.
Why is ir mentioned in these particular passages?
Leviticus 23:17.
Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with LEAVEN; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD.
Matthew 13:31-33.
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:
Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto LEAVEN, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was LEAVENED.
In the OT leaven was a type of sin, evil, or corruption. When the two angels visited Lot in Sodom they were invited to eat "unleavened bread" ( Gen. 19:3). In connection with Israel's redemption from Egypt they were to eat the Passover with "unleavened bread" ( Ex. 12:8). Leaven was to be excluded from all blood offerings and sacrificial offerings made by fire.
In Leviticus 7:13 the leaven is present in the offering because sin is still present in the offerer! Leaven was permitted in the two wave loaves of Leviticus 23:17 because they represent two classes, the Jew and Gentile who are now made one in Christ. Although saved, the old nature is still present. When bread typifies Christ, it is unleavened; when bread typifies man, it is always leavened.
Jesus warned the disciples to "beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees" ( Matthew 16:6; and Luke 12:1).
Ultimately, God is the author. All scripture was inspired by God. But He did use men to write these things down. Below is a list of what you might be looking for:
Mark 16:17 says, "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;"
New tongues means new languages, known languages!
Mark 16:18 says, "They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
And then Mark 16:19-20 gives us the confirmation of the word.
And all these things in Verses 16-17 were done. But please notice these next two verses carefully ( Mark 16:19-20):
"So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen."
Hebrews 2:2 tells us that when the apostles went out and preached that there were signs that followed in order to establish the apostles preaching as the gospel of God. And that is what he is saying here.
We know that there are various signs that were worked by Jesus through the disciples in order to confirm the message they were hearing is the gospel. It doesn't say everybody, that every person that believes down through history is going to manifest all these various things, but rather for the confirmation of the establishment of the Word of God, which we have with us today.
Alex1939...Michael Lim...The very reason Jesus died was to destroy the works of the Devil, all sin is of the Devil....ALL SIN
.....1 st John 3:8...He that comittieth sin is of the Devil;...For the Devil sinneth from the beginning...For this cause was the Son of God was made manifested that he might destroy the works of the Devil.
..... 1st JOHN 3:9...Whosoever is born of God doeth not commit sin...For his seed ( the living word ) remains in him...Gods seed remains in him and he cannot sin....Not the written word but the living word which is the H.G...That Child of Promise....The letter is a killer but the living word is spirit and life...She brought forth a man child that is gonna rule all nations...The spirit of truth that is gonna be born in us...The H.G. The kingdom...No Eternal life in the scripture per se....Search the scriptures in them you think you have eternal but it is them that testify of me...The New Covenant that book that he wrote with his own blood,...The words of LIFE....But God told Daniel go thy way Daniel these words are sealed till the last days...Then the woman
will travail in birth pains...For that spirit of truth the man child..Gbu...Our new hearts and new spirits
Does someone who chooses to sin assume that satan is responsible and not themselves?
My understanding is that satan only tempts us with evil and doesn't cause us to do anything- people choose that themselves, so why would blame fall on him and not on us?
This Psalm seems to indicate illness of Asaph much like in David's Psalms (particularly in verses 9 through 10); but also discusses the works of old when Moses led his people by God's help from verse 11 through the end of the Psalm. Certainly; we could see some themes intersecting both his personal situation and the national one which reflects writings such as Lamentations which describes the horrors of God's judgment during the Babylonian invasion and subsequent captivity with the starvation of the people in particular.
The "days of old" in verse 5 also could be used in a broader sense to future time periods such as the intertestamental period. There was also the time of the Judges when generally there wasn't much organized worship and or righteous kings. Whether past reflections or future prophecy it is clear that there have been repeated patterns of deliverance and temporary obedience followed by long periods of decline and then another brief burst of repentance among the people. We could certainly find some similarity in the dispensation of the church age when things started off with a "bang"; then there were long periods of time in the Middle Ages and of course in recent years when there was great decay overall in the Body of Christ.
We can look to "righteous Lot" ( 2 Peter 2:7) as an example of a sort of half hearted righteous man who sort of was saved through the fire in a literal and figurative sense.
The fact that God uses all things for our good including the terrible judgments of the end times certainly doesn't diminsh from the suffering of God's people which is particularly intense when foreknowledge of such events makes keeping silent being like fire in his bones ( Jeremiah 20:9). God Himself is also pained as the book of Hosea states in judgment of Ephriam in chapter 11 verses 8-11. The prophets would feel this pain as the Spirit moved them. Again this shows Asaph was prophetic even though he is only found in Psalms.
I appreciate you and Gigi's thoughts on thinking more deeply on the scripture and letting God reveal himself. The Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth if we seek him diligently and have the faith to believe the scripture.
I like to ask a question please keep it simple I'm not that smart if we're saved by grace through faith in Jesus gives us free will does that mean that it's okay to not do his will in other words they say we're not saved by our works but when you're saved and you get to know Jesus how can you not want to tell people about Jesus walk with him I hope I explain that please I'm not that smart
Psalms 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Psalms 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Isaiah 66:2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
Revelation 11:1, Revelation 3:7-13, The Church of Philadelphia is interestingly encouraging to me. Philadelphia as being the Miraculous place of USA Declaration of Independence, Liberty Bell, US Mint (still printing IN GOD WE TRUST ) the faith filled prayers, sacrifice, devotion to GOD & freedom to worship GOD, documents the give & gave GOD glory, honor & reverence, started in Philadelphia USA spreading into most US State Constitutions including California & even unto many countries constitutions. In the modern age.
Notice; it says "to the angel of the church" I'm assuming it's because it's not to the people as a whole. Exodus 33:16, 1Thessalonians 5:22,
Could I ask a question that I am really confused? God told us to be forgiving. But can we forgive Satan? You may say Satan did something really bad. But people did it too. We need forgive people, why don't we forgive Satan? I know Satan is Ghost created by God, have a free will. (I am a protestant who is already been baptized.)
Thank you for the explanation. I know it is never your intention to offend. We don't agree on everything but I always feel comfortable discussing those things with you.
I do understand free-will. We all have free-will to choose whether or not to obey God.
Personally, I do believe that God can violate a believers free-will. If God wills something to happen and it involves me, and He puts it on my heart, I believe it will happen the way He wills it to happen, no matter how much of my free will I choose to exercise.
Jonah was a great example. God says you're going to Nineveh. You see, Jonah had free will. Jonah exercised his free-will and went the opposite direction, against God's will. We know what happened there. Did God violate Jonah's free-will. It would seem so to me.
Brother, I know we are not robots. As far as God wanting us to choose freely what we want to do, I'm not sure I can agree completely with that.
I think about when Jesus was calling His disciples and He said follow me. That was not an invitation. It was a command. Remember some of the responses? "Let me first" go bury my dad, or "Let me first" go say goodbye to my family.
When Jesus said "follow me," it was a command. They had no choice. It was going to happen one way or another.
God does allow me to choose. But if my choice goes against what He has willed to to happen, His will is going to override my free-will choice.
I am about out of space so I will respond in a second post to your question on Philippians 2:12, and "Why fear and trembling."
It has nothing to do with loss of salvation and I'll explain why I say this.
Hello Mary B. Just on the matter in John 3:3-5 (as you quoted), the full reading should also include verses 6-8.
In Verse 3: Jesus speaks of a re-birth; Verse 4: Nicodemus thinks of a physical birth; Verse 5: Jesus speaks of a birth that is both "of water and the Spirit" (here the Greek for 'of' is 'from or coming out of'); Verse 6: Jesus qualifies verse 5, that which is physical & that which is spiritual (i.e. water & spirit); Verse 7: re-birth is a must; Verse 8: re-birth is only by the Holy Spirit & not of man's invention or decree.
If we take only verses 3 to 5, then it appears that water (i.e. a water baptism) is necessary (with the baptizing of the Holy Spirit) to enter the Kingdom of God. But we have the problem of the word 'of' which is 'coming out of/from'. Water baptism can never give a spiritual re-birth - only by God's Spirit. The one being baptized in water cannot be said as being born again as a result - he can be immersed in it & rise up out of it, as his testimony of confession, but water is just that - water - giving no possibility of re-birth.
As well, it's interesting that there appears a correlation between verses 4, 5, & 6. Could Jesus' mentioning of 'being born out of water' equate to His qualifier in verse 6 'being born (out of) flesh', as He referred to Nicodemus' question in verse 4; even as He talks of being born from the Spirit is spirit? Water then, is the metaphor for that which of the flesh/the earthly - and carnality is suggested as well. But a Spirit baptism is altogether Holy, which gives the believer a new Spirit indwelling him, controlling him, ministering to him. Thus "that which is born of the Spirit IS spirit" and that "which is born of flesh (water) is flesh" - and this can only be flesh/living in the flesh without the indwelling Spirit of God.
Daniel 2:34 shows how the stone will crush all world empires (symbolized by the various metals in the human figure from Nebuchadnezzar's dream). This shows the stone as symbolic of Christ; THE Rock who will come back and vanquish His enemies and grind them to powder (see Malachi 4:3). Those who are stubborn will be broken suddenly; and without remedy. ( Prov. 6:15).
We are to have a broken and contrite spirit ( Psalm 51:17). That is "falling on the rock". Again; those who would not have Him rule over them will be killed ( Luke 19:27). Thence; our rebellion needs to be broken and our old selves made dead through a new heart replacing a stony one ( Ezekiel 36:26). This allows purification and refining through sanctification whereas a stone remains hardened and is thus crushed to powder. This will be the fate of an individual as well as a nation (or empire) as a whole that is left behind in the Tribulation ultimately; those "earth dwellers" used in Revelation 3:10 and apparently in 8 other verses in that book. That shows where the heart of men as well as their physical presence is if they are "not written in the Book of Life" ( Rev. 13:8) and the end result is to worship the final "Beast" who is an amalgamation of the previous 4 empires (Babylon; Greece; Persia and Rome). This also is shown in a prototype with the image in Daniel 3 which was commanded to be worshipped.
Thanks for replying. I also believe the person John is engaged with in Revelation 1 is Christ.
I also believe the Angel of the Lord is the pre incardinate Christ.
I believe this is who Paul speaks of in Acts 27:22-23. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.
For there stood by me this night "the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve",
I believe the person speaking to John in Revelation is Christ, not only by the description but by what he says.
" I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
"SAYING",
I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last;
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
I think you, yourself have to determine how & if you fast. By your faith.
Isaiah 58, Galatians 2:6, Hebrews 11:6, James 1:5-7,
The problem, you've stated you have is considered 'high blood sugar' usually less sugar intake is better for your body. Less food would be less sugar, but that means don't take the same insulin amounts. You should talk about it with the people you're trusting that diagnosed you & prescribed medicine to you, if you're taking insulin.
I guess the first act of faith in fasting for you could be, eating healthy. Cut out unnecessary sugars.
Several fellowships do a 15 day no desserts. Some turn off TV, radio etc to take time to listen to GOD. Usually all fasts reading the Bible & praying more. Turning from sin, like things that displease GOD. Like abusing someone's own body: 1Corinthians 6:9-10,11, Romans 14:22,23, Philippians 3:9,
Hebrews 11,
Interestingly the Bible mentions taking off Kingly garments & putting on sackcloth with fasting: 1Kings 21:27, Daniel 9:3, Isaiah 37:1, Jonah 3:5-10,
(this is the chapter Daniel 9, that the fellowship, takes the 'no dessert' fast from.)
Matthew 6, praying & asking Luke 11:1-13,
Then extreme fasts, for extreme situations: Books of Esther, Matthew 17:14-21,
The following are the fundamental rules of Bible study that the Bible lays down:
> Christ is the author of the whole Bible. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1,14
> the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:21
> Christ spoke in parables (earthly stories with a spiritual meaning). But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. Mark 4:34
> We compare spiritual with spiritual. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13
The historical-grammatical method of interpretation employed by the churches seeks to discover the writer's intended meaning, customs of the times, and the writer's intended audience and thus fails to recognize that God is the author and that the Bible is written for us today.
Moreover, the method of Bible interpretation employed by the churches fails to recognize that as we approach the end of the world, and the coming of the bridegroom, God is unsealing truths that have been kept sealed until the time of the end ( Daniel 12:9-10). This is spoken of in the Bible as a vision that will speak at the end and not lie ( Habakkuk 2:2-3).
God ultimately must lead us into truth as we apply these principles and pray for understanding with a view to being obedient to His Word.
In speaking of this passage in Matthew. i am one who does think that Jesus was speaking of the generation at the time he was speaking and many things were fulfilled in 70.A.D. But i also think that these prophecies of Jesus have a double fulfillment aspect where much of them will be fulfilled at the end of times, also. We may have a repeat of the same type of prophetic event happening in the end as happened in 70 A.D., but also, some of what Jesus predicted did not happen in 70 A.D. and will be fulfilled in the end times.
The re-creation of Israel was accomplished primarily by Zionists that are very wealthy and have a great deal of power and control over world affairs.(thinking Rothchild's, etc.) Their goal is the New World Order and not necessarily to follow God's will. But as it were, Israel has become a nation again in an unexpected way. I remember the talk concerning the generation that began in 1948, (many are still alive), and then the 1967, and then the Jubilee year of 2018 (70 years after Israel was re-created. Now people are talking about the year 6000 of the Jewish calendar being the time of the fulfillment of history. There are certainly a lot of theories. But for me, I think about what Jesus said about being faithful to the end and being ready, prayerful, and alert. So I try to concentrate on being that way. I think I may have 20-25 years left since I am 66. But only God knows if Jesus will return before then or not. I live in expectation of His return but also with the mindset to be prepared to live out my life until me
In case my last posting didn't come up with my capital letters; I am basically offering an alternative to what appears to be a misunderstanding of the beginning date of the last generation since most people born in 1948 are dying off and even if a generation is 70 years it is too late now for 2028 to be the return of Christ since we are already into 2023. It seems no one is discussing this but surely we expect this will cause many to fall away.
In all due respect certainly there are immportant events that occured in 1948; and surely that would fulfill a "nation being born in a day." Some have argued; of course that secular Israel with pagan nations developing the framework; etc. may not really be something of God at all and I will leave out the disparaging comments about the Jews that some have had less than favorable opinions on in regard to conspiracy theories. There have been some who have claimed with the days of punishment turned into years May 14, 1948 can be calculated from prophecies in Ezekiel. Whether or not that is the case again; we have to look at where we are. It also has been argued that this generation can mean "race" in other words Jews will still exist. That doesn't seem to be a viable argument here either. What we have to look at in my opinion is what other possibilities exist as to what the start date could be.
My proposition is this: We may be getting close to the beginning of the final generation. And my theory is that the Psalm 83 war as indicated by the nations in the text may be just that trigger. When we look at Ezekiel 38; for instance we don't see the Palestinians and other surrounding annoyances that Israel is struggling with at present. We also see verses such as Isaiah 26:15 which says the same thing twice about enlarging the nation; and it mentions the borders being enlarged. Israel basically is back to it's original 1967 borders as of now; but soon may expand.
It has been suggested by many that either the Lord fulfilled all things in the generation that He was on earth which He referred to here (consummating in the AD 70 Roman slaughter of the Jews and destruction of Jerusalem); or more commonly that some or all things are yet to be fulfilled within the "generation" which began in 1948 when it is said that Ezekiel's prophecy of a nation born in a day ( Isaiah 66:8; see also Ezekiel 37:21 as well as verse 4 on the "valley of dry bones.") Psalm 90:10 in my mind fairly well makes it clear the extent of the normal lifetime of a man; and other scriptures seem to indicate a generation is 40 years. The case of Noah and the Ark is sometimes brought up; as to the number of days of man being 120 years ( Genesis 6:3). As to whether that means the time until the Ark was built from that statement or the lifespan of man or both may also be in question. Whatever the case; it is clear by the time of Christ people were living lives at best similar to today. It has generally been suggested therefore that a generation is 40 years and a double fulfillment would certainly make that evident when we see the time from Christ's proclamation until 70 AD as being slightly less than 40 years.
We went through the years of expectation in 1988 as to the rapture (although the prophecy mentions the "sign of the coming of the Son of Man" which would probably be when the world sees Him in the 6th Seal or later near His return by the context of the verse). At any rate; we went through the 90's and then some said it was really 1967 and the capture of Jerusalem that started off the final generation. Jump to 2008 and that clarly didn't happen; and then the 2017 events which recognized Jerusalem as the capitol and yet we are still here in 2023. Somethin' ain't right here with the logic. We would certainly expect that because things didn't happen as expected many will fall away ( 2 Peter 3:4; Matt. 24:28).
Part 1.
Leviticus 23:17.
Matthew 13:31-33.
What does these scriptures have in common?
Leaven in the Bible always represents evil and corruption.
Why is ir mentioned in these particular passages?
Leviticus 23:17.
Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with LEAVEN; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD.
Matthew 13:31-33.
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:
Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto LEAVEN, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was LEAVENED.
In the OT leaven was a type of sin, evil, or corruption. When the two angels visited Lot in Sodom they were invited to eat "unleavened bread" ( Gen. 19:3). In connection with Israel's redemption from Egypt they were to eat the Passover with "unleavened bread" ( Ex. 12:8). Leaven was to be excluded from all blood offerings and sacrificial offerings made by fire.
In Leviticus 7:13 the leaven is present in the offering because sin is still present in the offerer! Leaven was permitted in the two wave loaves of Leviticus 23:17 because they represent two classes, the Jew and Gentile who are now made one in Christ. Although saved, the old nature is still present. When bread typifies Christ, it is unleavened; when bread typifies man, it is always leavened.
Jesus warned the disciples to "beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees" ( Matthew 16:6; and Luke 12:1).
See part 2.
Ultimately, God is the author. All scripture was inspired by God. But He did use men to write these things down. Below is a list of what you might be looking for:
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy - Moses
Joshua - Joshua
Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel - Samuel
2 Samuel - Samuel, or possibly Nathan
1 Kings, 2 Kings - Jeremiah
1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra - Ezra
Nehemiah - Nehemiah
Esther - Unknown but possibly Modecai
Job - Unknown, possibly Elihu
Psalms - David
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon - Solomon
Isaiah - Isaiah
Jeremiah, Lamentations - Jeremiah
Ezekiel - Ezekiel
Daniel - Daniel
Hosea - Hosea
Joel - Joel
Amos - Amos
Obadiah - Obadiah
Jonah - Jonah
Micah - Micah
Nahum - Nahum
Habakkuk - Habakkuk
Zephaniah - Zephaniah
Haggai - Haggai
Zechariah - Zechariah
Malachi - Malachi
Matthew - Matthew
Mark - Mark
Luke - Luke
John - John
Acts - Luke
Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon - Paul
Hebrews - Unknown
James - James (The Lord's brother)
1 Peter, 2 Peter - Peter
1 John, 2 John, 3 John - John
Jude - Jude (The Lord's brother)
Revelation - John
My apology. That was Hebrews 2:4, not Verse 2.
Mark 16:17 says, "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;"
New tongues means new languages, known languages!
Mark 16:18 says, "They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
And then Mark 16:19-20 gives us the confirmation of the word.
And all these things in Verses 16-17 were done. But please notice these next two verses carefully ( Mark 16:19-20):
"So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen."
Hebrews 2:2 tells us that when the apostles went out and preached that there were signs that followed in order to establish the apostles preaching as the gospel of God. And that is what he is saying here.
We know that there are various signs that were worked by Jesus through the disciples in order to confirm the message they were hearing is the gospel. It doesn't say everybody, that every person that believes down through history is going to manifest all these various things, but rather for the confirmation of the establishment of the Word of God, which we have with us today.
Hope this helps!
.....1 st John 3:8...He that comittieth sin is of the Devil;...For the Devil sinneth from the beginning...For this cause was the Son of God was made manifested that he might destroy the works of the Devil.
..... 1st JOHN 3:9...Whosoever is born of God doeth not commit sin...For his seed ( the living word ) remains in him...Gods seed remains in him and he cannot sin....Not the written word but the living word which is the H.G...That Child of Promise....The letter is a killer but the living word is spirit and life...She brought forth a man child that is gonna rule all nations...The spirit of truth that is gonna be born in us...The H.G. The kingdom...No Eternal life in the scripture per se....Search the scriptures in them you think you have eternal but it is them that testify of me...The New Covenant that book that he wrote with his own blood,...The words of LIFE....But God told Daniel go thy way Daniel these words are sealed till the last days...Then the woman
will travail in birth pains...For that spirit of truth the man child..Gbu...Our new hearts and new spirits
What makes up the soul and what makes up the spirit?
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
I would ask the question: forgive for what?
Does someone who chooses to sin assume that satan is responsible and not themselves?
My understanding is that satan only tempts us with evil and doesn't cause us to do anything- people choose that themselves, so why would blame fall on him and not on us?
This Psalm seems to indicate illness of Asaph much like in David's Psalms (particularly in verses 9 through 10); but also discusses the works of old when Moses led his people by God's help from verse 11 through the end of the Psalm. Certainly; we could see some themes intersecting both his personal situation and the national one which reflects writings such as Lamentations which describes the horrors of God's judgment during the Babylonian invasion and subsequent captivity with the starvation of the people in particular.
The "days of old" in verse 5 also could be used in a broader sense to future time periods such as the intertestamental period. There was also the time of the Judges when generally there wasn't much organized worship and or righteous kings. Whether past reflections or future prophecy it is clear that there have been repeated patterns of deliverance and temporary obedience followed by long periods of decline and then another brief burst of repentance among the people. We could certainly find some similarity in the dispensation of the church age when things started off with a "bang"; then there were long periods of time in the Middle Ages and of course in recent years when there was great decay overall in the Body of Christ.
We can look to "righteous Lot" ( 2 Peter 2:7) as an example of a sort of half hearted righteous man who sort of was saved through the fire in a literal and figurative sense.
The fact that God uses all things for our good including the terrible judgments of the end times certainly doesn't diminsh from the suffering of God's people which is particularly intense when foreknowledge of such events makes keeping silent being like fire in his bones ( Jeremiah 20:9). God Himself is also pained as the book of Hosea states in judgment of Ephriam in chapter 11 verses 8-11. The prophets would feel this pain as the Spirit moved them. Again this shows Asaph was prophetic even though he is only found in Psalms.
Psalms 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Isaiah 66:2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
Even in the cave.
Notice; it says "to the angel of the church" I'm assuming it's because it's not to the people as a whole. Exodus 33:16, 1Thessalonians 5:22,
Hopefully these are helpful in your studies
2Corinthians 13:11, Romans 10:17,
Hopefully these are helpful
Thank you for the explanation. I know it is never your intention to offend. We don't agree on everything but I always feel comfortable discussing those things with you.
I do understand free-will. We all have free-will to choose whether or not to obey God.
Personally, I do believe that God can violate a believers free-will. If God wills something to happen and it involves me, and He puts it on my heart, I believe it will happen the way He wills it to happen, no matter how much of my free will I choose to exercise.
Jonah was a great example. God says you're going to Nineveh. You see, Jonah had free will. Jonah exercised his free-will and went the opposite direction, against God's will. We know what happened there. Did God violate Jonah's free-will. It would seem so to me.
Brother, I know we are not robots. As far as God wanting us to choose freely what we want to do, I'm not sure I can agree completely with that.
I think about when Jesus was calling His disciples and He said follow me. That was not an invitation. It was a command. Remember some of the responses? "Let me first" go bury my dad, or "Let me first" go say goodbye to my family.
When Jesus said "follow me," it was a command. They had no choice. It was going to happen one way or another.
God does allow me to choose. But if my choice goes against what He has willed to to happen, His will is going to override my free-will choice.
I am about out of space so I will respond in a second post to your question on Philippians 2:12, and "Why fear and trembling."
It has nothing to do with loss of salvation and I'll explain why I say this.
In Verse 3: Jesus speaks of a re-birth; Verse 4: Nicodemus thinks of a physical birth; Verse 5: Jesus speaks of a birth that is both "of water and the Spirit" (here the Greek for 'of' is 'from or coming out of'); Verse 6: Jesus qualifies verse 5, that which is physical & that which is spiritual (i.e. water & spirit); Verse 7: re-birth is a must; Verse 8: re-birth is only by the Holy Spirit & not of man's invention or decree.
If we take only verses 3 to 5, then it appears that water (i.e. a water baptism) is necessary (with the baptizing of the Holy Spirit) to enter the Kingdom of God. But we have the problem of the word 'of' which is 'coming out of/from'. Water baptism can never give a spiritual re-birth - only by God's Spirit. The one being baptized in water cannot be said as being born again as a result - he can be immersed in it & rise up out of it, as his testimony of confession, but water is just that - water - giving no possibility of re-birth.
As well, it's interesting that there appears a correlation between verses 4, 5, & 6. Could Jesus' mentioning of 'being born out of water' equate to His qualifier in verse 6 'being born (out of) flesh', as He referred to Nicodemus' question in verse 4; even as He talks of being born from the Spirit is spirit? Water then, is the metaphor for that which of the flesh/the earthly - and carnality is suggested as well. But a Spirit baptism is altogether Holy, which gives the believer a new Spirit indwelling him, controlling him, ministering to him. Thus "that which is born of the Spirit IS spirit" and that "which is born of flesh (water) is flesh" - and this can only be flesh/living in the flesh without the indwelling Spirit of God.
We are to have a broken and contrite spirit ( Psalm 51:17). That is "falling on the rock". Again; those who would not have Him rule over them will be killed ( Luke 19:27). Thence; our rebellion needs to be broken and our old selves made dead through a new heart replacing a stony one ( Ezekiel 36:26). This allows purification and refining through sanctification whereas a stone remains hardened and is thus crushed to powder. This will be the fate of an individual as well as a nation (or empire) as a whole that is left behind in the Tribulation ultimately; those "earth dwellers" used in Revelation 3:10 and apparently in 8 other verses in that book. That shows where the heart of men as well as their physical presence is if they are "not written in the Book of Life" ( Rev. 13:8) and the end result is to worship the final "Beast" who is an amalgamation of the previous 4 empires (Babylon; Greece; Persia and Rome). This also is shown in a prototype with the image in Daniel 3 which was commanded to be worshipped.
Thanks for replying. I also believe the person John is engaged with in Revelation 1 is Christ.
I also believe the Angel of the Lord is the pre incardinate Christ.
I believe this is who Paul speaks of in Acts 27:22-23. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.
For there stood by me this night "the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve",
I believe the person speaking to John in Revelation is Christ, not only by the description but by what he says.
" I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
"SAYING",
I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last;
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
God bless.
I think you, yourself have to determine how & if you fast. By your faith.
Isaiah 58, Galatians 2:6, Hebrews 11:6, James 1:5-7,
The problem, you've stated you have is considered 'high blood sugar' usually less sugar intake is better for your body. Less food would be less sugar, but that means don't take the same insulin amounts. You should talk about it with the people you're trusting that diagnosed you & prescribed medicine to you, if you're taking insulin.
I guess the first act of faith in fasting for you could be, eating healthy. Cut out unnecessary sugars.
Several fellowships do a 15 day no desserts. Some turn off TV, radio etc to take time to listen to GOD. Usually all fasts reading the Bible & praying more. Turning from sin, like things that displease GOD. Like abusing someone's own body: 1Corinthians 6:9-10,11, Romans 14:22,23, Philippians 3:9,
Hebrews 11,
Interestingly the Bible mentions taking off Kingly garments & putting on sackcloth with fasting: 1Kings 21:27, Daniel 9:3, Isaiah 37:1, Jonah 3:5-10,
(this is the chapter Daniel 9, that the fellowship, takes the 'no dessert' fast from.)
Matthew 6, praying & asking Luke 11:1-13,
Then extreme fasts, for extreme situations: Books of Esther, Matthew 17:14-21,
Hopefully these are helpful
The following are the fundamental rules of Bible study that the Bible lays down:
> Christ is the author of the whole Bible. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1,14
> the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:21
> Christ spoke in parables (earthly stories with a spiritual meaning). But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. Mark 4:34
> We compare spiritual with spiritual. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13
The historical-grammatical method of interpretation employed by the churches seeks to discover the writer's intended meaning, customs of the times, and the writer's intended audience and thus fails to recognize that God is the author and that the Bible is written for us today.
Moreover, the method of Bible interpretation employed by the churches fails to recognize that as we approach the end of the world, and the coming of the bridegroom, God is unsealing truths that have been kept sealed until the time of the end ( Daniel 12:9-10). This is spoken of in the Bible as a vision that will speak at the end and not lie ( Habakkuk 2:2-3).
God ultimately must lead us into truth as we apply these principles and pray for understanding with a view to being obedient to His Word.