I, too, extend my condolences to you and your family. May the Lord bless your heart and touch the lives of each person in your family as you all grieve and remember your sister. I am happy to keep praying for you!
Brother Mishael, so sorry to get that news of your sister. I continue to remember you, your son & family before the One Who does all things well, even when our understanding fails to comprehend His Love & His Works. May you all know the Peace of Jesus in a special way at this time.
Speed reading is not really helpful. We learn that reading the book of Genesis. Moses was trying to do it all, and write the first 5 books of Genesis. Finally he learns to delegate duties to handle the everyday problems of all the people he led out of Egypt.
It was my testimony that got turned into something unrecognizable. It's ok. I always knew it would be hard to explain: pulled out of serving the devil, to serve the Son of God.
Jesus is alive. He's alive in The Written Word of God, in the lives of every day people. He is who we testify of.
No testimony is without some purpose for it. It belongs to Jesus for His use.
I'm not scholarly. My gift just works best on a sidewalk. I truly respect scholarly teachers. Every one of us is unique. We are His Body on earth. Rarely have I heard anyone teach about Jesus's body on earth. Maybe it's time? Jesus is the Head.
FYI my sister passed away Wednesday morning, of pancreatic cancer. She lived on prescription drugs all of her life. She lost her son in a firey 18 wheeler accident. Pray for me ok. Thank you.
Feeling the breeze that flowed across my body in the heat of the day,I suddenly remembered the words of Christ.
How He moves, and has a reason for everything He does, as He leads His flock across the land of heaven and earth!
It is as exactly as you say , that our minds are finite, not much different than the sheep that bunch up, running and looking for their shepherd. Remembering His words,when He says that He does the will of His Father, He will die for His sheep! Anyone else is a thief or robber!
These words evidence at the cross, where this Holy One died for the sins of the WORLD!
Staying in the word, reading the word, is the creation that will grow in the heart and mind of those who love Him! His creation found in Him ,The Spirit no longer a mystery, much more than the cooling touch of His hand. It now has become who you will be , FOUND IN HIM!
Living in the words opens the door of His voice. There are so many voices! Which one is true for you! Which one are you listening too!
By your precious faith, receive the Holy Spirit. Jesus introduces Nicodemas to what the Holy Spirit is like, in John 3. Like the wind but living on the throne of your heart. You will experience His presence.
I asked for everything Jesus had_and I got it. I was kind of a modern hermit. When Jesus gave me the Holy Spirit, it was like someone had turned on, all of the lights. He called me to evangelize, and taught me every day what that meant. My life changed from solitary confinement, to the most exciting life anyone could live! I've seen many people believe, right there on a sidewalk. I took them to church with me that week! Incredible. Jesus is ALIVE. He lives in His Church. People who say YES.
Don't think it to death or the moment will pass away. Satan doesn't want Jesus to win. Satans mission is to Steal your salvation, Kill your hope, and destroy your life; dreams, hopes. Give him the boot.
Ephesians 6. Satan and his evil helpers are all INVISIBLE.
Have some faith and hope for a better life with meaning, happiness indescribable. Keep coming back here. Ask anything. We love you with His love.
While there is a lot of discussion about all of this, what I think is more important than what does and doesn't make sense is that Jesus is referred to as the Lamb of God, in the Book of John it says that In the beginning, the Word was God, the Word was with God and the Word is God. And then it talks about the Messiah, which regular folk read for it to be the Christ. And after I read that many times, I finally figured it out. All we really need to know is very simple, Jesus is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the Lamb of God.
I think that too many times we try to make everything so complicated instead of dwelling on what the Bible teaches us right now. We know who God is, we know who Jesus is and we know who the Holy Spirit is. Truthfully, what more do we need to know? I know that there are those who desire to know more, but I'm not one of them. I believe every word written in the Bible exactly as it is written and to mean exactly what it says. If we try too hard to figure something out then we just end up more confused. I would love to understand all of this but my brain has a finite amount of space left. Everyone keeps wanting to change the world, now it's supposed to be flat because it's written in Samuel 11 by the Protestant Reformers. But that language is hard to read and the letters are not what we have today. We are coming into the last days maybe I will maybe I won't be alive then, all I care about is going to Heaven and seeing Jesus as I'm on my knees before Him apologizing for all my Sin. God bless you all.
Let's remember that a true Christian marriage far surpasses physical/sexual desire. Your spouse should be beside you in all battles, spiritual and worldly. You can (and should) share that all-transcending comradeship and mental/spiritual unity with your spouse.
But you see, back even in these days, marriages were very superficial, and divorce was a popular notion. There is absolutely nothing in scripture thay forbids/disables us from developing that kind of love with our spouse. And we should.
Manuel marques teixeira on 2 Samuel 1 - 3 years ago
The believer's love for the Son OF GOD Jesus Christ is hear represented, by the love of David for Jonathan, in a powerfull way, because it is written that it surpasses the love for women. I understand it, as above any other human love. It means for me having a love above all for God, because it's written. Love the Lord your God from all your heart (emotions ), your soul ( mind and autocontrol ) and your might ( will of power ) .
Better late than never. Look at the thief on the cross, he at the very end of his life chose to believe and when he died, he went to paradise. But do not wait that long. Now is the day. Repent now don't wait to the last minute.
7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the Mevaser (bringer of Good Tidings, the Evangelist), that publisheth shalom; that bringeth good tidings of tov, that publisheth Yeshuah (Salvation); that saith unto Tziyon, Thy G-d reigneth!
8 Thy tzofim (watchmen) shall lift up the kol (voice); with the kol together shall they shout for joy; for they shall see it with their own eyes, when Hashem returns to Tziyon.
9 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye ruins of Yerushalayim; for Hashem hath comforted His people, He hath redeemed Yerushalayim.
10 Hashem hath made bare His zero'a kedoshah [see Yeshayah 53:1] in the eyes of Kol HaGoyim; and all the ends of ha'aretz shall see the Yeshuat Eloheinu.
11 Depart ye, depart ye; come ye out from there; touch not tameh (unclean thing); come ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that carry the k'lei Hashem.
12 For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight; for Hashem will go before you; and Elohei Yisroel will be your rearguard. T.N. Avdi Tzemach Moshiach [Zecharyah 3:8] will be exalted; but He must do the work of a kohen [Tehillim 110:4] regarding the nations, sprinkling them (see Vayikra 4:16-17; 16:14); so yazzeh ("He [Moshiach] will sprinkle,") many goyim; note: hiphil of "naza," "splatter", meaning "sprinkle"); see Zecharyah 9:9-11 where Moshiach comes with the dahm and the Brit (Covenant)! Here in Yeshayah 52:15, the covenant dahm (blood) is sprinkled upon the nations of the world; the King of Kings shall shut the mouths of the kings of all the earth.
13 Hinei, Avdi [Moshiach, see Zecharyah 3:8] shall act wisely, he shall be raised and be lifted up, and be highly exalted.
14 As rabbim (many) were appalled at thee [Moshiach]; his appearance was so disfigured more than any man, and his form more than the bnei adam;
15 So yazzeh Goyim rabbim (he [Moshiach] will sprinkle many nations); the melachim (kings) shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which had not been told them shall they see;
shalom I just wanted to say this from a Hebraic aspect pt 1
Isaiah 52
6 Therefore My people shall know My name; therefore they shall know in that day that I am He that doth speak. Behold, it is I."
7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, "Thy God reigneth!"
8 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion.
9 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted His people, He hath redeemed Jerusalem.
10 The Lord hath made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
11 Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.
12 For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the Lord will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rearward.
13 "Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently, He shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.
14 As many as were astonished at thee-His visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men"
So, as with the Revelation given to John, which was replete with imagery, Paul doubtless also received God's special Words to His Church that aligned perfectly with what was proclaimed under the Old Covenant to Israel (of which he was well acquainted). And those words & empowered in their delivery, no doubt were especially veiled in some areas (as said above), but given full disclosure in others. And the reason for that now, must be for our learning & continual hunger to resort to the Scriptures & being cast upon His Wisdom, so that in time, we may no longer see "it all darkly (veiled & incomplete) but to await the time when all will be revealed".
I wholeheartedly agree with you Spike that things would have been a lot simpler & cause less confusion & unnecessary debate if there were clear, itemized explanations of certain doctrines or teachings. Even with the matter of the Rapture/Second Coming of Christ. We know that this is yet to happen in the future but only a clear list of events in timely progression would have alleviated all (well maybe, not all), doubts & disputes. Or, as you quoted 1 Cor 13:12 which amplifies what was written in the preceding verses: why didn't Paul clearly explain what "that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away" means, rather than leave us guessing what the "that which is perfect" is. Many have offered their opinions & all are worthy for consideration, but since it's not been made clear to us, then we will remain guessing. And I note, that you have well observed that these 'vague' expressions or verses that we find in the Word, may well be for our 'further investigation' & continual hunger & resorting to the Scriptures.
Also, I feel that Paul, in his time with the Lord in the 'deserts' of Arabia: "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus" Gal 1:15-17, indicates in such few words that the time there was a time of special intervention & ministry from the Risen Christ to the spiritually Renewed & Refreshed Paul. What he must have learned at the Feet of Jesus out there, one can hardly imagine, except what we read in his many letters to the Churches.
Chris. I thank you again for helping me understand better some of the areas of contention in the Bible. I have been thinking of these things for some time now. I remember what Paul said, who wrote a letter to the Corinthians at 13:12 he writes something a bit odd. "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. It would be so much easier if the text would just say exactly what it means and rule out any other possibility. I can only assume that God has made it this way because he wants us to investigate his word a little further, to study it better. I can also assume, now matter how well it is explained, there will always be someone who will still see something different in the text and of course we have the deceiver who will cleverly mix the words as he attempts to confuse and deceive people. You have helped me realize my gut feeling was not wrong.
Those were very interesting, thought-provoking comments that you shared there, Spike, to which I fully concur. BTW, the matter of Paul's occupation, can be found in Acts 18:1-3. I think we can have both the cheerful giver of tithes & those that give of necessity. But the point really is, should the matter of tithing that was instituted for Israel's performance, also be compelled upon believers today?
Tithing was, as said in my previous comment, a command given for the support of those who were responsible in the Tabernacle ( Lev 27:30-32; Deut 14:22-24). Then under the New Covenant, the early Church was encouraged to give generously for the support of the needy ( Acts 2:43-47; 4:32-37; 11:27-30; Gal 2:10; 1 Cor 16:1-4; 2 Cor chaps 8 & 9). No where were those believers encouraged to tithe but to offer freely & according to their ability. Today, our Churches are much bigger, accountable to the govt. & required to pay staff, rent, utilities, etc. So should the command to tithe, which was the charge to Israel, now also be upon the Church today?
In fact, if we study the 'tithes' that Israel had to give throughout the year, someone has worked it out that with everything considered, they actually ended up giving about 20 percent of their increase. And to the folk who support tithing now, I wonder whether they calculate their stock/share profit at the close of Trading on Friday & then work out their interest received on their investments & deposits, plus of course, ten percent also of their salary or wages prior to giving their tithe on Sunday? If they don't do all these calculations, would there be any guilt harboured in possibly giving a shortfall to the Lord's Work? After all, if obedience to the Law is imperative, then it should be done without error, I would think. I would rather spare myself this agony, and just give according to my desire, bearing in mind the greater need that exists in the work of the Church, Missions & the needs of others.
Yes, I agree with your observation of these very popular ministers. Worldly possessions and money drive their false teachings.
Today, I believe Jesus would tell all of these ministers exactly what he told the young man in Matthew 19:21
"Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." How many ministers do you know that would do this?
Trust Jesus here...
Matthew 7:15
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
Today, it's not only the large Mega church's, it is the majority of most church's that are NOT following accurate bible doctrine.
If the church's focus is more on tithes/money then I would run the other way.
Matthew 7:20-23
20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Follow the bible...and your heart! It will not let you down!
I do believe in tithing. It's an act of obedience and trust.
If we're living above our means, so that we are unable to give the tithe? Then it's a simple thing to cut out things that harm us; rather than edify us. I don't have to tell which ones; we know goods and services that we can live without.
Give it to the shepherd that feeds your soul on the Word of God. Skinny sheep means, they're not being fed right. Too weak to run away from wolves.
We don't get to sit on our 800.00 recliners and point fingers at tv preachers and then gossip about it. It's called, 'backbiting' in the Bible. We are to avoid that.
If we can be faithful to the things we know of; the Lord will bless us bountifully.
I'm not pointing my finger at you. I care enough to share some of the things I had to learn myself. There was times I had huge financial Need. I figured down to the penny what I needed and wrote it on a slip of paper. I prayed and asked for help. I received, down to the penny what I needed! I never tire of giving glory and praise for the faithfulness of our Lord.
To continue: Kenneth Copeland said in church that God was the biggest failure of the Bible. How can anyone say such a thing? It is hard for me to even type those words and this man has his own airport, owns several planes, lives in a giant house and in fact, looks demon possessed. Yet, people support him financially. The money just rolls in. He is an absolute quack and laughs at the ignorant people who give to him as the armored truck takes his money to the bank. Jesse Duplantis, Creflo Dollar, Joyce Meyer, etc. What good they do is just for appearances, they spread a poisonous false gospel that does nothing but make people doubt the Christ. But you know what? People really are to blame, they need to take seriously what Jesus told us, to meditate on the word, study it, absorb it and like metal being refined in a pot, the bad stuff separates from the good and you can easily spot it. The Holy Spirit within you will send out the warning in your heart and or gut and you will be able to discern. It helps when you have confirmation from other Spiritual leaders, hence asking Chris all these questions I have been asking him. Now Pastors of large churches have much to do, they can't work a full time job or even a part time job because it seems to me when you have a large congregation, you have all kinds of work to do. They need to be paid so they can take care of their bills and their families, Preachers such as the ones I mentioned above and there are many, many more care nothing about God, in fact, I think they hate him. They only care about enriching themselves by feeding on the desperation of people. LIke Jesus warned of the Pharisees, "surely they will have their reward"
Dan. I understand what you are saying. For example, Benny Hinn is a famous television preacher. He would have these healing crusades and you would see people claiming to be healed when in fact they were not. His ministry was investigated and all those that claimed to be healed of cancer have died. People who followed his crusades from city to city with real infirmities were ignored while others were healed who were not really paralyzed at all. When desperate people are searching for miracles and get a scent of or hear its happening here or there they flock to these places and dish out lots of money. Benny Hinn was raking in a lot of cash and was living like a King. I remember one television preacher was on TV. He looks at the camera and says "if you need a big miracle, you have to sew a big seed" I mean the audacity to sell healing or miracles on television. I believe these men have some explaining to do when they stand before God. As I mature as a Christian and not just read my Bible but study it, I find these people easy now to spot. They fly around in jet airplanes, say outrages things about God and I am amazed that people still sit there and listen, laugh, clap and encourage the false preacher to continue!!!!!!! But then again, the Bible tells us that in the latter days, people won't adhere to sound doctrine but will run around flocking to places that say things they want to hear. These big churches are shows, its all about feelings not substance. False miracles, etc.
I know our Lord still heals people, still raises the dead when one of his children asks him to. Not like we saw in the early church but here and there as he performs his will and answers prayers in conformity to his will. We can ask our Lord for healing, sometimes he does heal, sometimes he does not. but you don't see it like you did in the early church where Jesus and the apostles would heal all brought to him and them. I will continue on another post.
Giving. To finish what I was saying. First of all the Lord does not need our money. He can raise whatever he needs to get a job done as evident when he instructs one of his disciples to catch a fish and finding the coin in his mouth. But he wants us to give and be generous such is one of the fruits of the spirit. To be generous. A true Christian will want to give, will want to support the cause and get the gospel out there. A spiritually mature Christian is a giving Christian. Now the less spiritually mature Christian may not. This individual may still be trying to sort this out, it may take time to where they realize the importance of letting go and becoming a part of the team to finance the evangelistic efforts being conducted to fill the great commission. Realizing the word must get out, on radio, television, boots on the ground in various communities. We all know the our Lord looks at the intent of the heart and if a poor man gives a dollar because he wants to contribute and it is what he has and he knows the Lord can take that buck and make something happen because he believes! that is more respectable than the man who reluctantly walks up to the offering plate and throws in his 10 percent because he believes he HAS TO and does so because "that is what he is supposed to do" without the joyful attitude that comes with one who gives because he wants to support and contribute to the cause. I know if I was going on a mission, and I was addressing a group of people, and a dude walked up with a smile on his face and says Spike, here is twenty dollars!!!! go get them!!!! may the Lord be with you and another person walked up with a frown on his face and very reluctantly pulled some bills out of his wallet and could not look me in the eye and slowly moved his hand towards me and said, I guess I am supposed to give you this.....you know what? I would not accept it. I don't want money from someone who is reluctantly giving it.
Christ. Thank you again for your quick response! I agree with you. Paul made tents to support his way in fact, although I cannot recall which letter it is in, but he makes a comment about not asking for money when he was evangelizing in some certain city but earned his own way to pay for his evangelistic endeavors. I believe he was addressing a magistrate or something like that.
Now, one thing the gospel brought us was freedom, such as Paul said, if you want to honor a Sabbath day, do it but don't force someone else to. Likewise if you don't, don't compel or force someone to honor it. I struggled with that one for a long time until I read what Paul said. I read a lot of literature on if you go to church on Sunday you are falling in line with apostacy because Constantine is the one who changed Christian worship from Saturday or (Sabbath) day to Sunday worship for Christians. That is another subject in and of itself. I know Paul was writing a lot of letters trying to put out fires as Jews crept into the church, pagans, and other false religions trying to pervert and change the gospel. Back to tithing since I became off track. The freedom brought by the gospel seems to be simple. Sure, lets say as a believer, I make a vow to God such as Jacob did in the older Testament. To give a tithe back to God; a tenth. That seemed to be his personal vow to him. Lets say a Christian man, (such as Jacob did), prays to the Lord and promises from now on he will give 7,8,10 or 20 percent of his income, whatever he chooses to give to the Lord! I think that is the correct interpretation of giving as told in the New Testament. You give what you have decided to give, not out of compulsion, but be generous and cheerful about it. Now the hook is out of your mouth dragging you to the offering plate, instead you give on your terms! Frankly the Lord does not need your money, he has ways. I know the Lord wants us to give but he lets it be on our terms.
Looking at 2 Cor 9, Paul spoke about 'ministering to the saints' for which the Corinthians were well spoken of (v2). That which was collected was for those who laboured in the Gospel & those who were needy in the Church. It's not clearly stated but I believe the elders & helpers in the Church had their own professions & were not supported workers: similar to the Brethren Assembly setup now, so that they were not a financial burden to any. Yet, Paul does speak about both liberal giving & also giving from the heart cheerfully (vv 6,7). So there seems to be a balance of giving for someone's needs but with a mind convinced of the importance of doing so.
Tithing may be a good guide, but sometimes the Lord may lay (& enable) one to give over & above that amount & not be restrained by tithing. So I wouldn't teach tithing except to use it as God's guidance for Israel & a lead in for believers now to be sensitive to the needs of the Church & others, giving according as the Lord has prospered them. This challenge should be the motivation for giving, according to one's faith, ability & burden. I think we might find that more than 10% would be given for the support of the Church & spread of the Gospel in this way rather than by compulsion, which as you say, may be a grievous burden for some. Not everyone has that faith to overextend themselves in giving; but as they mature & prove the Lord faithful in other areas of their lives & being convinced in their hearts that others have a greater need than them, there may just be a special work of Grace in their hearts & lives.
My prayers goes out to you and the family.
May the Lord comfort you.
I also am sorry to hear this. My prayers go out to you. Please remain strong in Christ Jesus knowing that He is your strength!
I, too, extend my condolences to you and your family. May the Lord bless your heart and touch the lives of each person in your family as you all grieve and remember your sister. I am happy to keep praying for you!
It was my testimony that got turned into something unrecognizable. It's ok. I always knew it would be hard to explain: pulled out of serving the devil, to serve the Son of God.
Jesus is alive. He's alive in The Written Word of God, in the lives of every day people. He is who we testify of.
No testimony is without some purpose for it. It belongs to Jesus for His use.
I'm not scholarly. My gift just works best on a sidewalk. I truly respect scholarly teachers. Every one of us is unique. We are His Body on earth. Rarely have I heard anyone teach about Jesus's body on earth. Maybe it's time? Jesus is the Head.
FYI my sister passed away Wednesday morning, of pancreatic cancer. She lived on prescription drugs all of her life. She lost her son in a firey 18 wheeler accident. Pray for me ok. Thank you.
How He moves, and has a reason for everything He does, as He leads His flock across the land of heaven and earth!
It is as exactly as you say , that our minds are finite, not much different than the sheep that bunch up, running and looking for their shepherd. Remembering His words,when He says that He does the will of His Father, He will die for His sheep! Anyone else is a thief or robber!
These words evidence at the cross, where this Holy One died for the sins of the WORLD!
Staying in the word, reading the word, is the creation that will grow in the heart and mind of those who love Him! His creation found in Him ,The Spirit no longer a mystery, much more than the cooling touch of His hand. It now has become who you will be , FOUND IN HIM!
Living in the words opens the door of His voice. There are so many voices! Which one is true for you! Which one are you listening too!
Repent and be Baptized
I asked for everything Jesus had_and I got it. I was kind of a modern hermit. When Jesus gave me the Holy Spirit, it was like someone had turned on, all of the lights. He called me to evangelize, and taught me every day what that meant. My life changed from solitary confinement, to the most exciting life anyone could live! I've seen many people believe, right there on a sidewalk. I took them to church with me that week! Incredible. Jesus is ALIVE. He lives in His Church. People who say YES.
Don't think it to death or the moment will pass away. Satan doesn't want Jesus to win. Satans mission is to Steal your salvation, Kill your hope, and destroy your life; dreams, hopes. Give him the boot.
Ephesians 6. Satan and his evil helpers are all INVISIBLE.
Have some faith and hope for a better life with meaning, happiness indescribable. Keep coming back here. Ask anything. We love you with His love.
I think that too many times we try to make everything so complicated instead of dwelling on what the Bible teaches us right now. We know who God is, we know who Jesus is and we know who the Holy Spirit is. Truthfully, what more do we need to know? I know that there are those who desire to know more, but I'm not one of them. I believe every word written in the Bible exactly as it is written and to mean exactly what it says. If we try too hard to figure something out then we just end up more confused. I would love to understand all of this but my brain has a finite amount of space left. Everyone keeps wanting to change the world, now it's supposed to be flat because it's written in Samuel 11 by the Protestant Reformers. But that language is hard to read and the letters are not what we have today. We are coming into the last days maybe I will maybe I won't be alive then, all I care about is going to Heaven and seeing Jesus as I'm on my knees before Him apologizing for all my Sin. God bless you all.
But you see, back even in these days, marriages were very superficial, and divorce was a popular notion. There is absolutely nothing in scripture thay forbids/disables us from developing that kind of love with our spouse. And we should.
7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the Mevaser (bringer of Good Tidings, the Evangelist), that publisheth shalom; that bringeth good tidings of tov, that publisheth Yeshuah (Salvation); that saith unto Tziyon, Thy G-d reigneth!
8 Thy tzofim (watchmen) shall lift up the kol (voice); with the kol together shall they shout for joy; for they shall see it with their own eyes, when Hashem returns to Tziyon.
9 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye ruins of Yerushalayim; for Hashem hath comforted His people, He hath redeemed Yerushalayim.
10 Hashem hath made bare His zero'a kedoshah [see Yeshayah 53:1] in the eyes of Kol HaGoyim; and all the ends of ha'aretz shall see the Yeshuat Eloheinu.
11 Depart ye, depart ye; come ye out from there; touch not tameh (unclean thing); come ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that carry the k'lei Hashem.
12 For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight; for Hashem will go before you; and Elohei Yisroel will be your rearguard. T.N. Avdi Tzemach Moshiach [Zecharyah 3:8] will be exalted; but He must do the work of a kohen [Tehillim 110:4] regarding the nations, sprinkling them (see Vayikra 4:16-17; 16:14); so yazzeh ("He [Moshiach] will sprinkle,") many goyim; note: hiphil of "naza," "splatter", meaning "sprinkle"); see Zecharyah 9:9-11 where Moshiach comes with the dahm and the Brit (Covenant)! Here in Yeshayah 52:15, the covenant dahm (blood) is sprinkled upon the nations of the world; the King of Kings shall shut the mouths of the kings of all the earth.
13 Hinei, Avdi [Moshiach, see Zecharyah 3:8] shall act wisely, he shall be raised and be lifted up, and be highly exalted.
14 As rabbim (many) were appalled at thee [Moshiach]; his appearance was so disfigured more than any man, and his form more than the bnei adam;
15 So yazzeh Goyim rabbim (he [Moshiach] will sprinkle many nations); the melachim (kings) shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which had not been told them shall they see;
Isaiah 52
6 Therefore My people shall know My name; therefore they shall know in that day that I am He that doth speak. Behold, it is I."
7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, "Thy God reigneth!"
8 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion.
9 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted His people, He hath redeemed Jerusalem.
10 The Lord hath made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
11 Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.
12 For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the Lord will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rearward.
13 "Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently, He shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.
14 As many as were astonished at thee-His visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men"
So, as with the Revelation given to John, which was replete with imagery, Paul doubtless also received God's special Words to His Church that aligned perfectly with what was proclaimed under the Old Covenant to Israel (of which he was well acquainted). And those words & empowered in their delivery, no doubt were especially veiled in some areas (as said above), but given full disclosure in others. And the reason for that now, must be for our learning & continual hunger to resort to the Scriptures & being cast upon His Wisdom, so that in time, we may no longer see "it all darkly (veiled & incomplete) but to await the time when all will be revealed".
I wholeheartedly agree with you Spike that things would have been a lot simpler & cause less confusion & unnecessary debate if there were clear, itemized explanations of certain doctrines or teachings. Even with the matter of the Rapture/Second Coming of Christ. We know that this is yet to happen in the future but only a clear list of events in timely progression would have alleviated all (well maybe, not all), doubts & disputes. Or, as you quoted 1 Cor 13:12 which amplifies what was written in the preceding verses: why didn't Paul clearly explain what "that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away" means, rather than leave us guessing what the "that which is perfect" is. Many have offered their opinions & all are worthy for consideration, but since it's not been made clear to us, then we will remain guessing. And I note, that you have well observed that these 'vague' expressions or verses that we find in the Word, may well be for our 'further investigation' & continual hunger & resorting to the Scriptures.
Also, I feel that Paul, in his time with the Lord in the 'deserts' of Arabia: "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus" Gal 1:15-17, indicates in such few words that the time there was a time of special intervention & ministry from the Risen Christ to the spiritually Renewed & Refreshed Paul. What he must have learned at the Feet of Jesus out there, one can hardly imagine, except what we read in his many letters to the Churches.
Tithing was, as said in my previous comment, a command given for the support of those who were responsible in the Tabernacle ( Lev 27:30-32; Deut 14:22-24). Then under the New Covenant, the early Church was encouraged to give generously for the support of the needy ( Acts 2:43-47; 4:32-37; 11:27-30; Gal 2:10; 1 Cor 16:1-4; 2 Cor chaps 8 & 9). No where were those believers encouraged to tithe but to offer freely & according to their ability. Today, our Churches are much bigger, accountable to the govt. & required to pay staff, rent, utilities, etc. So should the command to tithe, which was the charge to Israel, now also be upon the Church today?
In fact, if we study the 'tithes' that Israel had to give throughout the year, someone has worked it out that with everything considered, they actually ended up giving about 20 percent of their increase. And to the folk who support tithing now, I wonder whether they calculate their stock/share profit at the close of Trading on Friday & then work out their interest received on their investments & deposits, plus of course, ten percent also of their salary or wages prior to giving their tithe on Sunday? If they don't do all these calculations, would there be any guilt harboured in possibly giving a shortfall to the Lord's Work? After all, if obedience to the Law is imperative, then it should be done without error, I would think. I would rather spare myself this agony, and just give according to my desire, bearing in mind the greater need that exists in the work of the Church, Missions & the needs of others.
Yes, I agree with your observation of these very popular ministers. Worldly possessions and money drive their false teachings.
Today, I believe Jesus would tell all of these ministers exactly what he told the young man in Matthew 19:21
"Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." How many ministers do you know that would do this?
Trust Jesus here...
Matthew 7:15
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
Today, it's not only the large Mega church's, it is the majority of most church's that are NOT following accurate bible doctrine.
If the church's focus is more on tithes/money then I would run the other way.
Matthew 7:20-23
20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Follow the bible...and your heart! It will not let you down!
God Bless.
If we're living above our means, so that we are unable to give the tithe? Then it's a simple thing to cut out things that harm us; rather than edify us. I don't have to tell which ones; we know goods and services that we can live without.
Give it to the shepherd that feeds your soul on the Word of God. Skinny sheep means, they're not being fed right. Too weak to run away from wolves.
We don't get to sit on our 800.00 recliners and point fingers at tv preachers and then gossip about it. It's called, 'backbiting' in the Bible. We are to avoid that.
If we can be faithful to the things we know of; the Lord will bless us bountifully.
I'm not pointing my finger at you. I care enough to share some of the things I had to learn myself. There was times I had huge financial Need. I figured down to the penny what I needed and wrote it on a slip of paper. I prayed and asked for help. I received, down to the penny what I needed! I never tire of giving glory and praise for the faithfulness of our Lord.
You will forever remember those times.
Mishael
Be saber be vigilant the adversary, the devil as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour...
Woe unto the pastors who lead my sheep astray...
I know our Lord still heals people, still raises the dead when one of his children asks him to. Not like we saw in the early church but here and there as he performs his will and answers prayers in conformity to his will. We can ask our Lord for healing, sometimes he does heal, sometimes he does not. but you don't see it like you did in the early church where Jesus and the apostles would heal all brought to him and them. I will continue on another post.
Giving. To finish what I was saying. First of all the Lord does not need our money. He can raise whatever he needs to get a job done as evident when he instructs one of his disciples to catch a fish and finding the coin in his mouth. But he wants us to give and be generous such is one of the fruits of the spirit. To be generous. A true Christian will want to give, will want to support the cause and get the gospel out there. A spiritually mature Christian is a giving Christian. Now the less spiritually mature Christian may not. This individual may still be trying to sort this out, it may take time to where they realize the importance of letting go and becoming a part of the team to finance the evangelistic efforts being conducted to fill the great commission. Realizing the word must get out, on radio, television, boots on the ground in various communities. We all know the our Lord looks at the intent of the heart and if a poor man gives a dollar because he wants to contribute and it is what he has and he knows the Lord can take that buck and make something happen because he believes! that is more respectable than the man who reluctantly walks up to the offering plate and throws in his 10 percent because he believes he HAS TO and does so because "that is what he is supposed to do" without the joyful attitude that comes with one who gives because he wants to support and contribute to the cause. I know if I was going on a mission, and I was addressing a group of people, and a dude walked up with a smile on his face and says Spike, here is twenty dollars!!!! go get them!!!! may the Lord be with you and another person walked up with a frown on his face and very reluctantly pulled some bills out of his wallet and could not look me in the eye and slowly moved his hand towards me and said, I guess I am supposed to give you this.....you know what? I would not accept it. I don't want money from someone who is reluctantly giving it.
Now, one thing the gospel brought us was freedom, such as Paul said, if you want to honor a Sabbath day, do it but don't force someone else to. Likewise if you don't, don't compel or force someone to honor it. I struggled with that one for a long time until I read what Paul said. I read a lot of literature on if you go to church on Sunday you are falling in line with apostacy because Constantine is the one who changed Christian worship from Saturday or (Sabbath) day to Sunday worship for Christians. That is another subject in and of itself. I know Paul was writing a lot of letters trying to put out fires as Jews crept into the church, pagans, and other false religions trying to pervert and change the gospel. Back to tithing since I became off track. The freedom brought by the gospel seems to be simple. Sure, lets say as a believer, I make a vow to God such as Jacob did in the older Testament. To give a tithe back to God; a tenth. That seemed to be his personal vow to him. Lets say a Christian man, (such as Jacob did), prays to the Lord and promises from now on he will give 7,8,10 or 20 percent of his income, whatever he chooses to give to the Lord! I think that is the correct interpretation of giving as told in the New Testament. You give what you have decided to give, not out of compulsion, but be generous and cheerful about it. Now the hook is out of your mouth dragging you to the offering plate, instead you give on your terms! Frankly the Lord does not need your money, he has ways. I know the Lord wants us to give but he lets it be on our terms.
Looking at 2 Cor 9, Paul spoke about 'ministering to the saints' for which the Corinthians were well spoken of (v2). That which was collected was for those who laboured in the Gospel & those who were needy in the Church. It's not clearly stated but I believe the elders & helpers in the Church had their own professions & were not supported workers: similar to the Brethren Assembly setup now, so that they were not a financial burden to any. Yet, Paul does speak about both liberal giving & also giving from the heart cheerfully (vv 6,7). So there seems to be a balance of giving for someone's needs but with a mind convinced of the importance of doing so.
Tithing may be a good guide, but sometimes the Lord may lay (& enable) one to give over & above that amount & not be restrained by tithing. So I wouldn't teach tithing except to use it as God's guidance for Israel & a lead in for believers now to be sensitive to the needs of the Church & others, giving according as the Lord has prospered them. This challenge should be the motivation for giving, according to one's faith, ability & burden. I think we might find that more than 10% would be given for the support of the Church & spread of the Gospel in this way rather than by compulsion, which as you say, may be a grievous burden for some. Not everyone has that faith to overextend themselves in giving; but as they mature & prove the Lord faithful in other areas of their lives & being convinced in their hearts that others have a greater need than them, there may just be a special work of Grace in their hearts & lives.