All Discussion PAGE 156

Matt.12:38-39 Conclusion-2

Word as a sign is eternal and backed by Power of God. Jesus declared that he came to fulfill it in its entirety- "one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law," An adulterous and wicked generation instead affixes their power contradicting the divine Will "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"(Is.5:20). Rather than love the Lord with their whole heart and their might reverence of God was in their traditions. In their seeking sign without intending to change their heart they showed their disbelief. Jesus would not enter the house of Jairus until those who 'laughed him to scorn' were put out. "But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose."(9:23-25) Jesus well knew their motives before they asked to see a sign.

"All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him."(11:27). In accusing his powers coming from Beelzebub they were in danger of hell fire. He warned them not to speak blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. We need infer the context for this verse,"He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad."(12:30). Even warding off a single unclean spirit, with such a divided heart as they had, was to invite "seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there."

Matt.12:38-39 "Conclusion"-1

"Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee./ But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas."

Birth of Jesus was a sign that Prophet Isaiah had given beforehand. So were 'the little ones' whom he sent out to preach." Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion."(Is.8:18) Such a sign is what the Word signifies. It is a sound and seen both which occurred in the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, "the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear."(Ac.2:33). Without faith the nation of Israel would not profit from a sign and their entire history attested. So the sign of Jonah was an invitation to them to see their true state and be converted. Oh no they would not take it.

At the end of the chapter we read the validation of the Power of the Spirit that made the disciples his brethren determined in the will of his Father. "And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!/ For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."

"But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you."(v.28) The same power was given to his disciples because God dealt with it liberally. In His glory and power there was no point in partiality because the glory was patent in their wellbeing. "And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name."( Luke 10:17). Jesus exulted in his spirit and glorified God,"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).

please remember me and my family in your prayers today

As for the cheek kissing , I personally think it's lovely , however I can imagine that it could cause problems . Imagine how long it would take you to kiss every member of your congregation on a Sunday ! I would have to get to church an hour early ! Also , we would have to be very conscientious about making sure that we kissed everyone , otherwise this could cause hurt feelings and jealousies as we are all only very much human . It would have to be an all or none situation I think and then , would it be genuine ? If you are only kissing one person out of duty , so they don't feel left out , that's not an honest kiss of affection or respect is it ? Then the whole thing could become a duty or even a chore ! What a can of worms to open ! How complex things become when human feelings get involved :) Best keep our lips to ourselves I think , unless you are a member of a very small congregation :) .

Matt.12:31-32 "Blasphemy" (2 of 2)

Israel wasnts peace at its own terms."Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out;" (v.44)

The present resonates with the Jeremiah's time as it does with Gideon's time. The nation of Israel set up their will as Abimelech, the usurper did by killing seventy upon one stone. His conspiracy got him what he wanted but the Spirit has given us how his end was. "And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone upon Abimelech's head, and all to brake his skull."( Jud. 9:53). This resonates with the downfall of Babylon . "And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all."(Re.18:21). The reverse parable tells of Israel trying to settle its destiny without obeying God's will. What remains is the aful hour of judgment facing Israel. The Abimelech episode compares with Re.18. This is how the Spirit instructs us by comparing spiritual with spiritual so by the Power of the Spirit we may be edified. "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."

Our instruction in righteousness is by abiding in Christ who of God has become our righteousness..(1 Co.2:5, 13)

"But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:"(1 Co.3:30)

Matt.12:31-32 Blasphemy against Holy Spirit (1 of 2)

"Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men."

'Wherefore' refers to the the thoughts of the Pharisees who had decided already in their mind that Jesus did cast out the demons by the power of Beelzebub. (v.25) Ever mindful of the glory of his Father he expressed his disapproval in no uncertain terms of their reprobate mind. We shall certainly see their history falling into a familiar pattern so all their setbacks merely ratcheted up more wickedness all because they had no repect for God's ways.

In denying God's will the spirit that dictated Israel was an unclean spirit which drives the reverse parable in vv.43-45.

In the Book of Jeremiah God commanded "And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace."(Je.29:7) Instead a faction took Jeremiah as hostage to seek refuge in Egypt. "So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of theLord: thus came they even to Tahpanhes."(Je.43:3) God's indictment was swift, "So that none of the remnant of Judah, which are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall escape or remain, that they should return into the land of Judah."(44:14) The spirit that rebelled against God to follow the desires of their heart is even present in the homeland they set up in 1948. Isaiah says,"O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:"(Is.48:18).

When God restore as in the case of Job it is total and clean. He adds nothing of sorrow. This is not what we find with the modern Israel, Following Oslo Peace Accord we find the assassination of Rabin derailing it and leading to overall chaos. Israel wasnts peace at its own terms.

Hi , I asked a question about Ezekiel Ch 37 V 16 about 12 hours ago , can't find it on the site . Don't think it was controversial :) . Does anyone have an opinion on this verse please ?

I don't know what connection Revelation 21:4 has with what is being discussed. That reference is about the New heaven & Earth. And you wrote, "...except you'll be able to look down on that cursed thing that's passed away, just because your left behind loved ones want you too." I'm truly confused with your thinking.

And I'm not talking about examples of "deceased grandmothers bringing peace & comfort". I refer simply to some who holds a belief that departed souls are able to look down upon them or the affairs of the world. I think you are bringing in RC beliefs into a normal human enquiry whether the spirits of those departed to Heaven have knowledge or sight into things on Earth. What someone wants to develop on that, then leads to all manner of erroneous belief, even sin. So let's not color a simple human wonder or fascination in the after-life into something quite sinister & anti-biblical.

Oops. neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away " except you'll be able to look down on that cursed thing that's passed away, just because your left behind loved ones want you too. This is nonsense. Rev. 21:4 paraphrased. Also I have heard many times people who have testified of how their deceased "grandmother " has brought them comfort or peach of mind, etc. I read about one woman who couldn't find a will she really needed. She was stressed out about it. Then she said her deceased mother caused her to remember something that led her to finding the will. The publication was very reliable. So she gave her mother looking down on her from heaven, the credit instead of God. That is idolatry. You can shrug this off as many people do but I believe it should be discourged.

1 John 5:21 "little children keep yourselves from idols. Amen "

Why would God allow this kind of distraction away from Himself and why would anyone want to be distracted away from Him? Catholics do the same thing with Mary but there are no scriptures telling us not to worship her but we know it's wrong because it's idolatry, well so is asking "grandma May" to help me pass a test God Bless. :)

And yes, I agree with you Momsage, that there is no clear indication about this in the Bible. However, since there is evidence of angelic observance of matters on Earth (as I shared earlier: Matthew 18:10 & 1 Peter 1:10-12) as well as Revelation 6:9,10 (the martyrs plea to God against those thirsty for their blood on Earth), one can see why this belief of a general observance from Heaven's 'residents' can be easily accepted. So for me, as much as I don't subscribe to it, I can understand why some do. And if such a belief doesn't lead to any sin of idolatry, diminishing of God's Holiness & Authority, or elevation of the heavenly ones to a place of refuge for us, then it is a belief that they will have to come to terms with in the Light of the Scriptures.

The bible doesn't talk about this belief, about departed loved ones seeing us from heaven, because it is a false belief that people have fallen for and embrace it as if it's a wonderful thing from God. Common bible sense should explain it is false. When the word says "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death

I believe you've hit the 'nail on the head' brother S. Spencer. If more Fellowships gave much more teaching space to the Work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life, we would learn to be much more sensitive to Him, watching for and responding to His leading, and of course, weighing every act or thought under His all-penetrating Light of Truth & Grace.

Sometimes we can be over-sensitive to our every action, as I feel I tend to, but even in this, we can trust the Spirit of God to direct us & comfort us in every step we take. If we truly looked only to Him for everything we need for life & godliness, we would spend less time debating on matters about the currency of the given written Law or even the believer's imperative to struggle in maintaining holiness & salvation only given at the end. Even in these matters, the Holy Spirit in us will take care of it, only if we allow Him, listening earnestly to Him. He never fails - we often do, thereby missing out on God's very best for us. Blessings.

Thank you Momsage. I'm sorry, I really don't know what you are referring to or 'talking' about. What I wrote about was that some people on Earth have developed a belief that their departed loved ones in Heaven are conscious of them or observing them. To this point alone, I believe that no Scripture gives support.

However, you're referring to those on Earth who look to their loved ones in Heaven as administering some degree of help, comfort, protection or blessing to those on Earth. This belief I acknowledge is totally erroneous having no Scriptural basis, indeed, negates or dilutes the complete Work of the Spirit in a believer's life. And I don't see it as idolatry when those who simply believe that loved ones in Heaven are looking down upon them - and nothing more (and this is not confined only in RC/Orthodox circles, but many others hold to it as well); it is just that this belief is not found in Scripture. I think I understood your comment correctly; please let me know whether my response here to you is incorrect or disturbing.

Thanks, Chris.

It is good that some find them helpful.

and it doesn't matter if there are no specific scriptures saying yes or no to this issues, what matters is that to many believers see it as true and not as idolatry.

I disagree that there are no instructions in the scripture warning against this idolatry because that's exactly what it is and people need to understand that. This isn't some minor, little thing that doesn't matter. Do you trust God alone or do you believe He needs their help? They may not have graven images of their departed loved one but acknowledging them in any way that belongs to God is idolatry. Catholics say they don't worship statues and that is true, they worship the dead person the statue represents. The devil has lulled those who don't accept the doctrine of the Catholic Church of worshiping idols to do it in a more subtle way. They may not have graven images of their departed loved one but acknowledging them in any way that belongs to God is idolatry. Exodus 20: 1-4 and Dueteronomy 5:6-9, clearly command us to not worship anyone or anything but God. When a person is trusting their departed loved ones to help them or comfort them or protect them in some way, isnt that idolatry? Isn't that looking to a false God? Isn't that loving (worshiping) them more by wanting their help rather then God's help? It is diminishing their faith in God by asking a dead person for whatever instead of God. This is a serious mistake and, I believe, should be taught against. We need to witness to them with a gentle spirit to help them see how this is damaging their soul. If you dont agree this is idolatry, or is a serious soul matter, then please explain what it is and why it doesn't matter. Also see 1 Corinthians 10:14, Exodus 23:13, Isaiah 42:8a, Exodus 34:14. God Bless :)

Adam,

You are very welcome! I agree. They were defrauding each other, and Paul admonished them for it. Church today is run so much different than it was in Paul's day. Today, it seems as though church fellowships do not want "stir the pot" and are more concerned about losing members than following instruction set forth in scripture.

The believers in Corinth were taking each other to court before a non-believing judge to judge matters that should have been handled between themselves. Paul corrected them for that.

Should we "turn the other cheek" in all situations? I think that's something we would have to settle in our own hearts, consulting with the Lord of course!

Personally, I would not sue another believer. I know it's easier said than done, but I don't believe that is something I would do. But I agree with you completely that there is a lack of church involvement in such matters.

I wonder also about the precepts of sin against a brother that is given to us in Matthew 18:15-20. How many church fellowships today follow that model?

As for the kissing on the cheek as Paul told them to do, that was their normal way of greeting each other at that time. In fact, they still greet each other that way in the Middle East. If you ever watch news clips of dignitaries greeting each other in the Middle East, they still kiss on each cheek. I don't think there would be anything wrong with us doing the same. We might get some funny looks (or slapped), but that's the way they greet each other in the Middle East and did so in Paul's day. It would be equivalent to our handshake or hug when we greet someone.

God Bless!!!

That was a great read Brother Chris!

I believe there's a lack of study in the work of the Holyspirit.

Thanks for sharing!

God bless

Amen Brother Chris.

We must not shun the truth no matter who delivers it

We should try to use that common ground to minister to them.

God bless.

Hi Adam , if you don't mind me giving my opinion ? I think we are to suffer the wrongdoing in silence , 1st Corinthians Ch 6 V 7 seems pretty clear to me . Matthew Ch 5 V 38-48 also gives guidance , also Mark Ch 12 V 17-22 , Luke Ch 6 V 20-38 , Luke Ch 12 V 1-34 especially V 13-15 . Paul gives us much good advice in practical matters in his letters but , more important is the spiritual guidance that Christ gives us , especially concerning our attitude towards worldly possessions . We are not to put too much importance on worldly things . In my mind I own absolutely nothing , if someone were to ask me for anything I have in my home I would give it to them without question . I've even given things to people who haven't even asked but I've known they have lacked something , a winter coat , a piece of furniture etc . I think it's really important for Christians to get this kind of thing right , it's a fundamental attitude that needs to be in our hearts 100 per cent , the things of this life are nothing to us , anything that we value more than the Truth is in fact an idol in our hearts . Obviously if a brother or sister defrauds us or steals from us then for their sake , not for ours , they must be warned that they have sinned and need to repent , but we ourselves should let the incident go , along with whatever has been taken from us , whatever it was it wasn't really ours in the first place was it ? Freely ye have received , freely give . I think this should be our attitude in all matters .

Other thoughts on Deut. 9

I find it interesting how God tells the Israelites that He was going to have the nations in the land conquered gradually vs. 22 "little by little" in order to preserve the land from being overtaken by wild animals and briars and brambles. God wished to preserve the land for habitation by the Israelites so that they can live in safety from wild beasts and find the soil ready to be cultivated to bring forth food for them readily. But God did promise to destroy the peoples utterly, but this did depend on if the Israelites obeyed and did not make any contracts or treaties (covenants) with the peoples or leave any alive or leave any idolatrous items remaining in the land.

Verses 6-9 explains why God has loved and chosen the Israelite nation above any other as a holy and special people for Himself.

It was not because of any redeeming qualities in the Israelites nor that they were so large in numbers compared to other nations. Rather, It was according to His plan for history that He chose the Israelites. It was for His own glory. It was for the love of the world that He sent His Son through the Israelite nation for redemption from sin and salvation leading to eternal life. God chose the Israelites out of faithfulness to the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, of whom they descend. God's purposes will come to pass even if the Israelite nation is as it is said, fewest in number among the nations.

God can do great things through small things and humble persons. He can accomplish His will with a "remnant of faithful believers". As believers, we should not be so caught up in "numbers" saved as much as in discipling those who God brings into our fellowships to help them grow into mature believers. A whole congregation of nominal Christians will not produce as great amount of spiritual fruit towards God as a small congregation of devoted, selfless believers who take God at His Word.

Matt.12:30 "Son of man"

"He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad."

Jesus as Son of man came eating and drinking and he raised the hackles up of the Pharisees. "For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil./The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children."(11:18-19)

Jesus was clear what he was there for. "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me./And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.(John6:38-40) "He was the firstborn for every believer and which was not after the will of the flesh and blood. As in the case of Ezekiel he had a mandate to fulfill. So the chapter ends with the declaration, " For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."(v.50)

The nation of Israel learned nothing from their Babylonian captivity. God set Ezekiel to teach them by certain sets of actions, "This shall be a sign to the house of Israel./Lie thou also upon thy left side, and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel upon it: according to the number of the days that thou shalt lie upon it thou shalt bear their iniquity."(Ez,4:3-4). In the Ch.12 Jesus tells them a parable which serves as a preface to the Ch.13. "Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand./And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias," This helps us understand the vv.43-45. This parable is specific with regards to Israel. In their present predicament they are totally lost unable to break free, "and the last state of that man is worse than the first."(12:45)

Thank you for your analysis, Jesse, and Bible references.

It sounds like the context of Paul's writing was people defrauding each other, which seems fairly serious to me.

This only prompted from reading and noticing the suggestion to let the church settle a dispute and why I've never heard of churches announcing that they offer this.

But the lack of church involvement seems to leave most people wronged with the only option to settle disputes with possible non-Christians if they seek legal justice. (or are we to turn the other cheek in all situations?)

In a country like the USA most identify as Christian, but no one really knows how much they actually practice that- ranging from not at all your whole life to being a lead church pastor. It seems in a general courtroom setting of strangers I don't see it automatically being a negative to Christianity, because I don't think its even legal to ask someone's religion in court due to anti-discrimination laws, and the judge and people there (if in the USA) are more likely to be Christian than non-Christian, and its not talked about anyway. Wondering if the difference of context in Paul's time vs today in some places makes a difference in how we should follow what is written.

People also don't kiss each other on the cheek like Paul says to do, so is that sin or cultural difference we need to apply to all of the Word?

(part 2):

And so he says isn't there any wise men among you that can decide what's right and what's wrong, and make those kinds of decisions?



So I think that it is interesting that Paul says to set somebody up, and it doesn't have to be somebody that's educated. He says to take the person that is least esteemed in the church because the right and the wrong is pretty simple!



So he says you're at fault. You're a failure there in your dealings. First of all you are defrauding one another, and if your brother does defraud you, you think you got to take him to court because nobody's going to do anything about it.



Just let it go, because we are talking about a Christian with another Christian coming in front of non-believers and letting non-believers judge between God's people. They don't even have the Spirit of God!

Hope this helps?

God bless!!!

Hello, Adam,

I can share a little on this. Chapter 6 deals with the morality of the gospel. The first four verses are probably the ones in question.

Verses 1-3 deal with the prosecution of believers. Paul also gives an admonition.

1 Corinthians 6:4 is the instruction. He says, If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.



This Greek word Exoutheneo has to do with the same word that we see in Romans 14:1 about let the older brother not despise the younger, or make light of.



This is a person that people don't take too seriously. And I think it's interesting that Paul is saying this on purpose because it's not a matter of picking out people in your midst who have all the education and experience, and to judge these matters because obviously they can't do it impartially. Take the person that God can use!



So he says to take the person that's least esteemed in the church. Of course that might not glorify you if someone comes up to you and says "that's you!"

We see the condition in Verse 7. Now therefore there is utterly a fault, and this is literally the word failure, among you, because you go to law one with another. Why do you not rather take the wrong? Why do you not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?

And then in Verse 8, it says no, but you do the wrong, and you defraud, and that to your brothers.



He's talking about Christians doing this to each other, not from the outside, but to each other. Christians are doing wrong in justice. They are defrauding. They're cheating their brother.



And so the brother who is wronged, he files a legal action against his brother. With all the educated and all the well to do people in the congregation, everybody has their sides you see. You can't find too many people that are impartial.

I need a part 2.

Matt.12:28 "A Parable"

"But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you."

Evangelist John speaks of the Advent of Jesus Christ thus, "He came unto his own, and his own received him not." (John1:11) The nation of Israel rejected him. At every turn they checked him and now they were accusing him of his miracles were nothing short of the power of Beelzebub. "They said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils./And Jesus knew their thoughts."(v.24-25) The nation judged as in the case of John, by their own standard which were the tradition of their fathers. They were deluded to think their holier-than-thou was anything genuine.

John says, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."Conversely in rejecting him they denied the will of God. concerning them. When a nation repudiates the power of God what could come in its place ? In the light of the key verse we may infer that they remained outside the pale of his grace. "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh."(v.34)

The Spirit gives us a reverse parable in vv.43-45.

v.43 "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none." The Roman occupation of Israel and the destruction of the city refers to the unclean spirit going elsewhere. Before the Balfour Declaration in 1917 there was an idea mooted by the powers and shakers to settle the wandering Jews in Uganda. In the end it was back to Palestine. "Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation."

It is history of Israel then and now.

Matt.11:28-29 "Finger of God"

"But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you./ Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house."

Uniquely Jesus here lays open the Power of God that equipped the 12 disciples as they were to go out there preach and come out with success. The same power from heaven that made Elijah and Elias perform healing. Referring to them he compares John who did no miracles, and in his lack of faith he asserts,"Notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." Jesus intended for comparison the little one of the twelve who he had sent to preach, 'the kingdom of God is at hand.' He was greater than he since he was connected to the Son and the Power of God from heaven. Even his speech was prepared from above.("But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak./For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you."10:19-20). The twelve were his associates.

Referring to John what he said in 11:9-15 serves a fitting explanation for the key text. Faith was what required to accomplish their mission. This dd not begin with the sending of John as the Messenger. Power of the Word was in operation so examples of heroes of faith gives us where their victory came from. "Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions./ Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens."(He.11:32-34) Heaven suffers violence and it is no matter their names are written in heaven.

"But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you."( Luke 11:20)

please remember me and my family in your prayers

Of the churches I've attended they never had a court or an official structure to settle disputes within the church body, but after reading 1 Cor 6 I wonder if that's what it means. Paul emphasizes how we should be separate from the world's way of doing things, that believers will even judge angels so surely we can handle our own petty disputes.

Disputes I've had in the past haven't been with members of my specific church, however, so I wonder if it implies some kind of inter-church cooperative dispute resolution service or if it just means within one church location. Does anyone have any thoughts on this topic?

Amen, great reminder, GiGi.