All Discussion PAGE 151

Asking for strong protection, peace, strength and breakthrough for us and all in need. Also for a few health concerns in the family that the Lord knows.

I have prayed for you. The Lord told us in His word (both OT and NT) to honor our father and mother. Its the fifth commandment, Paul reiterates it in Ephesians 6:2 and most importantly Jesus points to it when rebuking the Pharisees in Matthew 15:4. Maybe you can have your husband read these Scriptures again?

Please pray for my wife and I She is constantly cursing at me and raging and threatening me. I don't know what to do anymore because it seems that she is now trying to test God and see how far she can push with sinning until God does something. I keep warning her that the Lord will not allow her to continue treating me this way and she does not believe me or does not understand how powerful God is.

Matt.17:1-9 "Transfiguration"- Intro.

"And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,/And was transfigured before them"

"After six days" refers to v.28 in the preceding chapter, "Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom." This was a visual clue to the tabernacle, "an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."(2 Co.5:1) The Number Seven signifies fulfillment, entering into the rest of God. This was entirely a preview for the three representing the twelve, indicating the nature of the Son of man coming in his kingdom. This anticipates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all flesh. It is one event to which time and place of generations of man is immaterial. So you and I have been included when the prophesy of Joel was fulfilled upon those who were assembled on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem. Within the generation of Jesus Christ (1:1) generations after generations, includes indwelling Spirit of St Paul identical with that of us, and it is what faith does.

By the same token what does transfiguration of Jesus signifies for us but what St Paul refers? "For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life./Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit."(2 Co.5:1-5)

There is no division here,- and death that Jesus referred in 16:28 is with regards to dissolution of our mortality, ie., earthly tabernacle.

Notice here the mention of the holy mountain referred in the epistle of St. Peter, "And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount." (1 Pe.1:18) Visually it connects with the mount in 5:1

Matt.16 "Conclusion"

Promise of God lay in the prophesy of Joel, which covered all flesh, "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;/And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh'(Ac.2:16-17) This was a continual process and the ministry of Jesus began from the great light sprung up and lit over the people under the shadow of death. 'My Spirit upon all flesh required 'the little ones' whose childlike trust prepared them to share the kingdom building. Jesus demonstrated the kingdom of heaven coming on earth and the Spirit gives us a concrete imagery in 'keys of the kingdom' and whatsoever the disciples exercised faith and bound over as in the case of Elymas the sorcerer it was bound in heaven as well. The case of Paul and Barnabas was a proof to the significance of 'my Spirit upon all flesh'.

Without abiding in Christ and seeing the light by the true Light Simon Peter could have erred. Jesus was there to perfect the will of His Father and empower all believers as associates of Jesus Christ in kingdom-building.Simon Peter's concern arose from selfish reasons but the coming passion,-suffering and death on the cross covered all flesh. To stand athwart the predetermined will or to disobey it, was what Satan would have made a case for. Jesus calls Peter, "Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me./ For thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."

Jesus admonishes his disciple the doctrine of Christ which remained to be fulfilled in him. "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."(5:17). His death and resurrection was bound up with it.

vv.25-28 "There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death," referred to the day of Pentecost. (Ac.2)

Matt.16:19 "Keys of the Kingdom,

"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Firstly we shall examine the manner Jesus used it. "And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?"( Luke 13:18). Jesus used the passkey and it is called the finger of God. In the case of Moses it was the rod with which he stumped the magicians of Egypt who said,"Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God."(Ex.8:19). Jesus explained,"But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you." (12:28) Finger of God in the case of the Son is faith that establishes his paternity,- DNA is faith, and when Moses did as was commanded of God, his rod was a substitute as good as any. The key is merely a label for faith. Jesus set an example for his disciples. Whatever he loosed whether on the Sabbath day or any other on earth was loosed in heaven. Jesus also promised,"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."( John 14:12). The context is about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The indwelling Spirit shall entrust everyone, an associate to the Son who from the right hand of the Most High, and their faith is the keys of the kingdom. Literal interpretation of the passage gave false shepherds to wrest control over His flock, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber."(John10:1) Paul and Barnabas also could bind over Elymas, "And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. "(Ac.13:11)

please remember me in your prayers today please remember my daughter Jessica in your prayers.

Matt.16:20-25 "From that time forth"

Jesus touched upon 'the keys of the kingdom' in v.19 to his disciples in general and was not a private instruction for the ears of Simon Peter alone. He felt it was necessary to enlarge their grasp as to what the Association initiated by him implied. In Luke 18 we read the passage where Jesus confides of his coming passion and death. "Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished."(18:31). Prior to this Jesus would have talked the matter of the keys and to Peter's query, 'Lo, we have left all, and followed thee' Jesus answers it in general terms, "And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,/Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting."(vv.28-29) The conversation was private for the sole reason that the enormity of the responsibilities regarding the kingdom building with their present level of understanding would be only met with a helper in heaven. Ch.16 in the Gospel of John was concerning the outpouring of the Spirit.

"From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer," Here Matthew is setting some important aspects of Jesus' ministry in a timely fashion as we find similarly in John setting a day,"At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you."( John 14:20). Before Matthew leads us to the Transfiguration in 17:1-9 and spiritual bodies,-fulfillment of the divine Promise with such cataclysmic consequences, what does Simon Peter mean by harping on the physical aspect of saving his life,- and rightly so he was berated by Jesus for it "for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."(vv.23-25)

Thanks, Gigi. May your sleep be as sound and refreshing,

I just got out from an occult church of course not knowing it was, and I need deliverance and infilling of the Holy Spirit, Please pray for me. I want to follow Jesus with my whole heart.

Thanks

one thing, nowhere does it say the millennium is on the earth. Makes more sense to understand that the thousand years are actually in heaven. Then the New Jerusalem city comes down.

Prayer that Andrei and I can be clear, open and be ourselves with each other without miscommunication, interruption, confusion, interference, fear or avoidance so we can joke and talk about how we feel and what we want directly to each other without the need of third party intermediaries or anyone else getting in between. That we could feel safe enough to open up to each other and be friendly and playful and stop avoiding direct communication and one on one time. That we could get to know each other without any gossip slander, snooping or speculation from others. That people would stop interfering and scaring us or distracting us away from being friendly. Also asking for prayer for my Grandma S and her health.

Hello, I am seeking prayer and Guidance.. I am in a season of deep trials and temptations... It hurts and is so hard... Long story short is that my Husband does not like my family he never really has, he has made it extremely difficult for me to see them. I haven't spent a holiday with my brother's sister and mom in 10 years!! Some are unbelievers, some claim to believe. But he has used the Bible as a prop for his reason why he doesn't want to be around my family and why I shouldn't be. I can count on my hands the number of times we have been to one of my family functions on my Dad's side and that never came without constant drama, arguing and a time limit! He had me cut my Mom off a long time ago all of these things are very hard to even say, it hurts I have tremendous guilt!! It breaks my heart and kills me. Jesus did not have me to be Saved by the Grace of God to shun my family. And I have opened communication with my Mom a couple years ago, just texting sending cards, scriptures, sermons... And I have felt the Lord leading me to meet with her face to face. It is very scary to me because I have wanted to do this for so long but can't because of my husband. Every time I bring it up he completely deflects insults her because she has had a very shady life. And then threatens to kick me out, he steal the car keys on me, .my Mom texted me last night out of the blue and wants to meet with me and my husband to give us gifts and I haven't even responded because I'm stuck I need Biblical guidance. We have no Church anymore since COVID...

Have a good night's sleep Bennymkje.

Hi Gigi,

So true! Simon Peter would have haven surprised himself after he uttered it. The revelation came from the Father. I suppose it is what Jesus meant by 'launch out into the deep' ( Luke 5:5). I have felt on everyday basis in my Word ministry, as late as this morning. Only I need sit before my computer to blog my daily post and never have the Spirit let me down. Whatever I have read in the past and thought over, comes with fresh insight and it is what the Spirit does. Only I need keep faith that He shall never let me down.

OK Thomas, I will pray for you. I remember taking these in college.

Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You in the name of Jesus with Thomas asking that Your Spirit will be with him in His studies and exams helping him to study well and complete his exams with confidence and accuracy. We ask that You bring Thomas success and peace in the execution of these exams and in the waiting on his scores. Have Thomas pass all of his courses for this semester.

Amen.

Pt. 2

I have been in Pentecostal churches that exercise spiritual gifts outwardly. I love the openness to the influence of the Holy Spirit among the congregation and the sense of freedom in worship.

I have been in churches that have contemporary services with worship bands. I love the singing of songs that express our love for the Lord to Him and, more so, that exalt who He is. The sermons are usually longer than in liturgical services, so there is more teaching from the pulpit, whereas teaching in liturgical churches usually occurs in the Sunday School hour (another tradition).

Some churches observe Advent with mid-week services, some have mid-week services every week, some have small group home bible studies, some have studies at the church during the weekdays, some have special programs aimed at children such as Awana or Royal Rangers, others have Youth ministries for Jr. Hi and High School ages. All of these added traditions are adaptations incorporated into the functioning of the church in different times and places. My sister in law from Africa says that they go to church on Sunday and stay there all I with meals and services in the morning and in the evening. Many have to travel a long way on foot so it isn't practical for them to go home and come back.

I do not think that these things are evil. I think that they can be helpful to those who utilize them in the exercise of their faith, worship, and ministry to others. However, we do need to be careful not to hold these traditions as more important or binding than the Scripture nor to be unwilling to change traditions that become outmoded.

There was a time in the church where singing was only acapella without music, times where there was chanting, times where instrumentation were introduced with piano or organ accompaniment, a time when choirs became normalized, and in our generation, worship bands near or on the place of the altar platform.

We just need to be prayerful and open towards God and His work

Revelation 22:2 The tree of life

God since the time of Genesis in the garden has kept man from the tree of life; first with Cherubim guarding it ( Gen. 3:24) then it apparently being placed in heaven as it appears once again only after the Millennium and Great White Throne judgment. God; of course in His infinite wisdom has given those who are children of righteousness eternal life. In reverse order from the original fall; man gains spiritual life first; then a resurrected physical body later. Or; as some have said a believer dies once ( Heb. 9:27) and lives again; while all others live once and die twice (first physically then spiritually). The second death technically means they will live again physically but in a body to endure eternal physical punishment.

Obviously; men couldn't be allowed to eat something that allowed their original body never to die. This would preserve wicked sinners forever in theory. More importantly it would circumvent God's plan for redemption. He allows those in a glorified state only to eat of this tree from what scripture indicates; thus physical healing or preservation may be a sort of way of continuance of life in a glorified body. Christ Himself was able to eat in a glorified form; but will abstain from fruit of the vine until He returns. Some of these things are theoretical; but it is entirely possible that specifically those who survive the Millennium who do not rebel WILL be in the Book of life and be translated into the eternal Kingdom. It would seem they also would have glorified bodies; but the fresh memory at first may require healing and wiping away tears ( Rev. 21:4) from what happened at the last rebellion. Maybe it is tears of joy. In any case there will be eternal bliss from that point forward!

Another fact is that only then will all nations be able to function together with no further possibility of rebellion. That also is a form of healing promised; a world ruled with eternal peace and love

Hello again, Bennymkje,

The leaven of the Jewish leaders was all the additions to the law and regulations in conduct added that they determined was binding on themselves and the people they were leaders over. The Jewish leaders were requiring things that God never had ordained, but, since the rabbinical tradition states that rabbinical interpretation of the Scriptures is equivalent to the words of God, they felt, in their pride, that these traditions of men were on an equal standing with the other Scriptures.

I think that some traditions in any congregation can be helpful, but not stand alone from the teaching of the Word. There are many church traditions already in place in the infant church lead by the apostles. We read in the every epistle a greeting to begin and a doxology or blessing at the end. Many of Paul's epistles include a prayer for the people he is addressing the writing to and within his epistles and in the book of Acts there are things done that are a regular part of the ongoing work and worship of the infant church: offerings for the poor, deacons and deaconesses, elders, overseers, meeting on the first day of the week for fellowship and worship that included the Lord's Supper, singing of songs, hymns, and spiritual songs.

All of these things are good for the members of Christ's body, yet I don't see where Jesus taught such things in the gospels. Maybe Jesus taught much of this to Paul in Arabia. Or maybe the lead apostles in Jerusalem revised some of the practices of Judaism to better reflect the teachings of Jesus, since most of the converts in the early days of the church were Jewish.

I have been in a number of churches that have differing traditions in regards to worship. Some have been liturgical, which I love because of the amount of Scripture read by aloud and the responses of the congregation within the liturgy. The hymns are uplifting (if not sounding like a funeral durge) and the sense of reverence of the congregation.

see pt. 2

The Millennium: Conceiving of mortal man coexisting with resurrected saints.

According to Isaiah 65:20 the man who dies at 100 will be considered a youth and before 100 cursed. This shows the reason for death during the Millennium; it would seem that the lifespan will reach 1000 emulating those who lived well into their 900s according to several accounts in Genesis in the Antidiluvian world. Proof of the Millennium is also found in verses such as Zechariah 14:17 for those who would argue that once the Lord returns that is it and we go immediately into eternity; where death clearly doesn't exist anymore ( 1 Cor. 15:55-57 coming from a passage in Hosea in the O.T.)

The idea of the necessity of a temple at that time makes sense; therefore for several reasons. There would need to be a ceremonial cleansing to be in the presence of Christ and probably us in glorified bodies; not for sin but because of our still corrupted and inferior bodies for those who survive the Tribulation and come to worship there. There are subtle differences as to frequency of sacrifices and a few other details in the temple mentioned in the last few chapters of Ezekiel from the O.T. standards. The external ceremony honoring the Lord; and it fulfilling its role as a place for prayer for all nations ( Isaiah 56:7; quoted by Christ when cleansing the Temple in the N.T.) will bring together these individuals with us; the glorified saints who are given authority to rule and reign with Christ ( 2 Timothy 2:12; etal).

The Gospel; as I have stated rather often at this forum will never be the same by the sixth seal in Revelation forward. There will be no need to preach about who Christ is; or what we are supposed to do although it will be a wonderful truth to share with the natural born children at that time. The warnings about testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith; however certainly will be vital ( 2 Cor. 13:5). Many will believe but sadly ( Rev. 20:8) will rebel and be lost.

Hello Bennymkje,

I love this passage where Peter makes this declaration about who Jesus is.

I think Peter must have been pretty astounded by his proclamation here, most likely not having even thought that before that moment where the Father revealed this truth through the Spirit. Not only, perhaps, had Peter not thought of this before, but he also may have not had such working of the Spirit in himself before this moment, and therefore, most likely felt different in this moment of speaking than he had ever felt before. Jesus points out to Peter where his revelation actually came from. noting that it was not from Peter himself, but from the Father of Jesus, who is God overall.

I pray that each of us will know the difference between our own thinking and words, and the revelation of the Spirit in us concerning the understanding of the word and in what we are to say to others.

Matt.16: 13-15 "Who am I?"

"But whom say ye that I am?"An opinionated man has his opinion as a man of faith has faith which is Person specific. This faith has its origin which is hearing the word of God.("So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."-Ro.10:17) When Jesus asked,"Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?""And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophet." All these were right since God the Father had revealed it to them. All these association across passage of time and place like strands was woven to connect the Son of man. Faith is one and the Gospel is one. The Spirit lays down the Fulness of God in the Son since the word built up faith which conquers the world. ("For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."- 1 John 5:4)

We shall try to understand this from the very words of Jesus. Concerning the rejection he received from the nation of Israel he quoted from the Psalm to say, "Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner" and of himself,"And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder." (21:44-46)He was warning the 'the chief priests and Pharisees' who when they had heard, "they perceived that he spake of them." He asserted that the rock was his Person. His victory was that overcame their world and opinions that meant little.

It is in this context we need understand this verse,"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."(v.18). St Peter's claim to the keys is as that of his associate.These symbolic key is with the Son, "he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;"(Re.3:7) The Apostle never made a claim over it in his epistles.

please remember my daughter Jessica and her family today please remember me in your prayers

Matt.16:13-17 My Father worketh hitherto'

"For flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven."

In order to understand this passage we need recall the doctrine of Christ is not a lists of dos and don'ts but Person specific. Thus when Jesus chose his disciples every 'little one' like sheep has to pass under the hand of the Good Shepherd. They were to learn of him so when they returned back to the fold he exulted in spirit and said," I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."(11:25) Gospel of Luke adds to it, Jesus took delight in the success of his disciples and it validated that they were given under his care which as the Great Shepherd of souls had made a list as it were, So St Luke adds,"but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven./In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit."( Luke 10:20-21) They were associates and in their success he could take delight equally.

Gospel of God involved the Word which worked continually since sent forth; so did God the Father to which Jesus Christ affirmed,"My Father worketh hitherto, and I work."( John 5:17) Gospel of Christ required him to oversee the development of the souls his Father had entrusted under his care (11:27) Jesus tested their level of understanding "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?"(v.13)

God revealing it to Simon Peter was no different than what the prophets of old had spoken. The Spirit of Christ was at work continually which St Peter admits, "Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify,"(1 Pe.1:10-11). Such revelations are for whosoever He has called and historically Simon Peter spoke what his ear of faith heardno different than Jonah had heard. He heard the call to go to Nineveh " But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord." It requires faith to hear it right.

Matt.16:1-12 "Doctrine of Man"

"Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees."(vv.11-12)

Man has always responded to grief which in its basic form which is as natural as bursting into tears. It may go further by tearing the garments that one wears as a woman twists her kerchief in vexation. Old Jacob did what was most natural for him to do when he was told of his son's death. " And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days."(Ge.37:24). Hebraic tradition of Kriah stems from it. The Pharisees since the exile made a doctrine of his grief devising so many ways without being subjected to an iota of grief while they set about it. Is it different when some Academic reduce Christian theology into Evangelical quadrilateral? Jesus talk is not abiding in Christ so my ego the 'I' is buried in Christ. St Paul could in good conscience say,"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."(Gal.2:20). Living day in and day out through grief of loss in worldly goods, ageing and bereavement is a matter of grace which is only given a lucky few and I hope to may bear it all since my faith testifies the Lord is good. So I may say with St Paul," I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound."(Ph.4:12) Amen.

Jesus sensed hypocrisy miles away so when "The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven, " he would not be drawn into matters they have resisted every time. Similarly he would not be drawn in when the tempter came and challenged him (Ch.4) Matthew makes clear the Pharisees and the Sadducees tempted him since Jesus understood that they were moved by another spirit. The leaven of malice tempered their talk.

I have semester exams for school and I need pray that I pass

Thank you brother Spencer, God Bless you!

Thanks Carleton.

God bless you!

Matt.15:37 "Everlasting covenant"

"And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full."

Compare this with the Spirit's commentary at the earliest instance. There Five thousand were fed and "And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full."(14:20) Identical sentences, are they not except for the numbers. Jesus in his human likeness came into his own and under the law and his service the nation of Israel was in accordance with the words spoken by Isaiah, "Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness./Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David."(Is.53:2-3)

The Number 12 signifies the Gospel of God and in the determined will of God, "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law."(Gal.4:4) Similarly Number 7 denotes 'the sure mercies of David' from The Word which was with God. Thus when God blessed Abraham (Ge.12:3) it was validated in this passage,."And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God./And he blessed him." (Ge.14:18-19). He was the high priest of the Most High. ("The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek."-Ps.110:4). Sure mercies of David hang upon the Son. The everlasting covenant is between the Father and the Son so the number Seven establishes the sovereignty of the Word.

Feeding by 1000s is a covenant signifying this everlasting aspects of the sure mercies of the Father; by the same token those who have partaken the body of the Son by faith are kept by the grace of God. Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Hello again David,

I have prayed for you and your family. Be blessed.